CPAS
We have suspicion that the Phillips monitors maybe showing a different rhythm on the screen as is showing in the HIC file. As a result, we are asking your help in troubleshooting. We are implementing the steps of charge, print, analyze, shock (CPAS) for our cardiac arrests. You should be reviewing the printout to make a decision on the rhythm. Upon completion of the call, please put the printouts in my mailbox. –F. Manzo
Annual Health Updates for All CHS Members
It is that time of year again for our Annual Physicals. If you were hired BEFORE February 2018 you will need your annual physical. If you were hired AFTER February 1st 2018 you do not need an annual physical this year. Northern Star will be on site on both April 3rd & May 1st. These dates are designed to center around our Training and Staff meeting. We have time slots listed on the signup sheet that will be placed in dispatch for you to plug in your name where the time is most... read more
New CPAP Device
A new CPAP device will begin appearing on the ambulances this month. It will be trickling out as the old FlowSafe II devices are used, due to the cost of replacing them. So there will be instances where you may find the current device (FlowSafe II) which requires liter-flow moderated PEEP, and the new devices, which have a steady oxygen flow (10 pm) and manual PEEP setting. A sample of the new device will be in the Comm Center at Henrietta and in the common area at Chili. Please see the... read more
BLS Supply Update
BLS and ALS supply chain management have been consolidated. Captain Philippy is now the lead for consumable supplies. Any questions or issues relating to consumable supplies should be directed to Captain Philippy.
Promotion
We are pleased to announce the promotion of Laura Cook to Billing Manager. Laura has been with the CHS family since 2016. Laura will oversee billing department operations & staff. Please join us in congratulating Laura on her promotion.
ALS and CS Supply
First and foremost, a change in Controlled Substances agents: John Lents is now the primary controlled substances agent, with Mark Philippy and Adrielle Watkins secondary agents. • Please direct any CS matters to John first, then if he is not available, Mark or Adrielle, and as always, include your shift supervisor. • Please remember too, that Captains Hoskins and Murtaugh can reseal kits that have at least 300 mcg of Fentanyl, 10 mg of Versed, and 500 mg of Ketamine. This is a bit of a... read more
Flu Precautions – General Order 2017-01
In an effort to help prevent the spread of flu to our patients, caregivers, and our families, we will be requiring all persons who do not have a 2017 – 2018 flu vaccination wear a surgical mask anytime you have patient contact, including when the patient is in the ambulance and while inside any hospital for any reason. A list is attached, if your name is not on the list, CHS does not have a record of you having a recent flu vaccination. If you get your flu vaccination before 12/27/2017 or... read more
Equipment Changes
As you may recall, the Equipment Standardization Committee withheld from making changes over the past 6+ months so as to reduce confusion and frustration with frequent changes. A number of new changes have been recommended and approved for change on January 1st – bag check day (Woo!). There are a number of relatively small changes but also some new pieces of equipment. Please see a duty officer to put hands on any of these items. A summary of changes is below: • Add 1 adult nebulizer mask... read more
Trunked Radio Change Effective Next Week
Next week, on or about December 28 the ECD will be transitioning 295 to allow only trunked radios on the system. What does this mean? If you are not transmitting on 295 with a trunked radio (our Harris radios) ECD will not hear the transmission, nor will anyone else on the trunked system. This is a good thing as it will prevent folks using VHF mobiles or portables from interrupting transmissions on 295. Our base station radio is not on the trunked system, so all communication with ECD in... read more