VTEMSD#3 Training Committee Minutes for – October 12, 2000

Greg Thweatt called the meeting to order at 1835 hours. Those in attendance were:

• Kevin Williams, Burlington Fire Department
• Ray Walker, Charlotte Rescue
• Tara Pacy, Colchester Rescue
• Kathy Mumma, Essex Rescue
• Peter Weimersheimer, FAHC Medical Direction
• Gill Helmken, FAHC Emergency Department
• Deb Baron, Grand Isle Rescue
• Chris Putnam, Hinesburg Fire Department
• Eric Golec, Richmond Rescue
• Karen Poulin, Shelburne Rescue
• Jeff Curren, Shelburne Rescue (A)
• Rick Bellows, So. Hero Rescue
• Kay Holland, UVM Rescue
• Bill Clark, Vergennes Rescue
• Kevin Wood, Williston First Response
• Sandy Ladd, Colchester Fire Department (guest)

Introductions:

Sandy Ladd represented Colchester Center Fire Department and advised that he was visiting the meeting.

Review Agenda

Approval of Minutes: September 14, 2000. Bill, Kevin – no discussion. Motion approved.

Announcements - includes any reports

Next Meeting: November 9, 1830 hours

Gill announced that on Oct 16th ,11:00 - 3:30 pm, there will be a presentation regarding substance abuse speaker with an emphasis on methadone. The presentation is open to EMS providers at no cost. The location is will be at the Sheraton. For registration or questions contact Leslie or Gill at FAHC-ED.

Recert Dates in October (19 & 26). Greg advised that EMT’s attending these dates must submit a Request for Exam form to the state prior to the date of the exam. CE forms can be submitted to the state representative at the time of the exam, however, if the CE form is not submitted at that time the state will not process the exam results until they receive the CE form. Greg als o asked for help on either date, please contact Greg with names of evaluators and patient models.

Greg announced an EMT-I Refresher Course to be conducted at Stowe Rescue on Nov 18th from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. To register or with questions please contact Judy Aronow, wonora@juno.com or call Stowe Rescue at 253-9060 or contact Gill Helmken at the FAHC-ED.

Approved Courses:

1. EMT-B: Greg advised that the courses are approximately half through.

2. EMT-I: Greg advised that the course is approximately half through. Students have begun venipuncture practice.

3. Refresher Course : Greg advised that the course conducted by Kate Soon just finished with 18 participants. The overall feedback was positive.

4. First Responder Course: Tara advised that the district course being conducted in Hinesburg was going well. Per Chris McCarthy there are 17 students in the course. Brian Welnitz and Christy Champaigne are presently being mentored by Chris in this course.

Bill advised that there are 5 slots remaining for the district approved course being conducted in Vergennes that starts on October 23.  Tara commented that we should focus on referring to First Responder courses as district courses held at certain locations.

Old Business:

1. First Responder/ECA Instruction (checklist for future instructors, modules):

Bill distributed the second draft of the First Responder Instructor Checklist. Based on feedback sense the last meeting he has made spelling corrections and one modification that changed the requirement of attendance by the instructor candidate from 50% to 80%. Kevin wanted to reinforce the need for instructor development in addition to the checklist. He suggested that there be a presentation by the instructor candidate to some committee before being allowed to become an instructor. Mo agreed with Kevin. Deb saw this as an opportunity for remediation if problems occurred. Tara would like to see feedback from those who are mentoring with Chris McCarthy regarding these issues. Deb suggested having a section on the checklist for the instructor mentor to provide feedback. Kevin motioned to accept the checklist, Mo seconded, motion approved. Kevin suggested having a larger training program for trainers beyond First Responder Instruction. Greg asked folks to think about a peer-review process suggestion for next meeting. Kevin believes that there are existing curricula that could be used for instructor development.

Bill has taken an initial shot at the first module in pulling together the learning objectives. He will continue working on developing lesson plans for the first module. Bill is concerned with the motivation of the modules by services and that the focus of the modules be towards those who for some reason can not attend a traditional EMT-Basic course. Sandy asked to clarify who can coordinate a district-approved course? He also asked why the first responder courses were not being taught at the district level. Bill explained that the first responder course is not being taught by IC’s where the modules require a state approved IC.  Becca thought that having first responder courses taught at the local level afforded smaller courses. Tara advised that courses are being approved at the district level.

Greg also raised the issue of logistics at the operational level of using ECA’s at multiple levels. Kevin would not want to see the district micro-manage services’ operations decisions. Greg responded that the question has been raised by two services to be addressed by the district. Bill suggested that we need to identify the needs of the population of those who are not able to attend a traditional EMT-Basic course. Greg will also provide a survey before the next meeting asking for feedback on these issues.

2. New EMT-I Curriculum Feedback

Greg advised that we should expect some feedback from the state over the next 30 days from the first round of surveys to the district Medical Directors.

New Business:

No new business.

Bill motioned to adjourn at 1930 hours, Gill seconded, motion approved.

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gthweatt@shelburne.k12.vt.us
Last updated: October 21, 2000