Photo: Amanda and Ryan bring the fist patient to ProMedica Hickman
2020
UPDATE
S E P T E M B E R
Emergent
Photo: JCA Paramedic Ryan Chadderton
ProMedica Hickman Hospital Move
INSIDE THIS EDITION
Thursday, September 24th, Lenawee County's newest hospital opened its doors. The ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital in Adrian replaces both ProMedica Bixby and ProMedica Herrick hospitals. EHP employees from several regions took six ambulances to move 15 patients from Bixby and Herrick into the new facility. JCA Paramedics Amanda Ondrovick and Ryan Chadderton had the honor of bringing in the hospital's very first patient. PRO QA IMPLEMENTATION
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RECRUITING VIDEO
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JAN. EDU. CLASS SIGN UP
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OPEN ENROLLMENT
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MERIT AWARDS
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HOLDOVER TIME REDUCTION INITIATIVE
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Critical care and post-surgery patients were among those requiring transfer, as well as a mom and her new baby. The move took a little less than four hours, wrapping up much earlier than planned. ProMedica Hickman staff were very complimentary of our crews' work during the move and said everyone's coordination made the new hospital's opening day go smoothly. Thank you to everyone who pitched in on this important day! Read more about the move here. >>
HURON VALLEY AMBULANCE | JACKSON COMMUNITY AMBULANCE | LIFECARE AMBULANCE | MONROE COMMUNITY AMBULANCE | LENAWEE COMMUNITY AMBULANCE | ALBION COMMUNITY AMBULANCE
ProQA Communications Center Initiative The EHP Communications Centers take a step toward accreditation
The EHP Communication Centers are working on a large-scale project to improve the quality of our EMS and Fire-dispatch while also and bringing us a step closer to ACE Accreditation (Accredited Center of Excellence). Last month kicked off the implementation of ProQA, a call taking software that will help save time and improve accuracy during 911 calls that come straight to our center (e.g., Washtenaw, Jackson, Alliance). We are excited about this project. It will be a change to our current process but with an outcome that is good for us and those we serve. The tentative go-live is January 2021. Why are we migrating to ProQA now? EHP is focused on quality. ProQA will follow the same protocols we have today but with more efficiency during the process. The software streamlines the questions for dispatchers to get to the determinate codes faster. Additionally, this new process will ensure the information taken during call taking becomes more consistent, meaning more consistent notes for crews. How does this help call takers and crews? The set of questions asked and answered during a 911 call will be tabulated and included with the notes in Logis for crews. The question set will ultimately lead to more consistent data from the caller during an emergency. Additionally, two essential groups are being established to review a subset of calls every month. These groups will help with knowledge-sharing and will make sure we continually improve our processes and operations. • The Dispatch Review Committee (DRC) will be made up of road and dispatch employees. This committee's purpose will be reviewing calls and making recommendations for operational changes. • The Dispatch Steering Committee (DSC) will be comprised of executive leadership and the chairperson from the EMS and Fire DRC. Their objective is to ensure goals and contracts are being met. How does this help toward ACE accreditation? Only 5% of National Academies of Emergency Dispatch agencies are accredited by ACE, and our goal is to earn this accreditation status. To achieve this goal, we must have three consecutive months of compliant calls, and ProQA is a step in the process.
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Recruiting Video: We need your help! The school year's return means it's time for us to ramp up our high school recruitment visits. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, many of our EMS Education and recruitment presentations will now be held virtually. To make for engaging virtual presentations, the Marketing Department is working on a short video highlighting the important work of EMS and its career benefits. The video will also be used on digital platforms to promote EMS as a career. We are looking for a few licensed employees to help out with this video. We need employees to perform skills demonstrations (intubations, using the cardiac monitor, etc.), and employees who would be willing to give a short testimonial about working in EMS. It's an important time to keep our EMS Education classes full in the future. Our high school recruitment visits are a big part of spreading awareness about EMS as a career and our Education Center. We would love to have representation from all of our regions for this video, if possible. Employees participating in the video will be paid for their time and receive a $50 gift card. If you are interested in taking part, please email Recruiter Coordinator Alex Piche, apiche@emergenthealth.org >>
Photo: LCA Paramedic Heath Borton
EMERGENT UPDATE
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ICYMI:merit: RECENT UPDATES certs ptNEWS satisfaction scores Futures for Frontliners
In September, the Michigan government enacted the Futures for Frontliners scholarship program, which allows frontline workers who served during the COVID-19 pandemic to earn a tuition-free degree at select community colleges across the state. Learn more >>
New Crew Lines
As part of the move to new 911 software, the Ann Arbor Dispatch Center's crew line phone numbers have changed as of Tuesday, 9/22. Please save these numbers; they are also available in the "Logis Phone." Central and Eastern Regions: 734-477-6356 | South Central Region: 517-841-4843 | Southwest Region: 269-565-4100 Alliance: 734-477-6354
Branded Employee Face Masks
Branded employee face masks have been ordered for employees to wear while at work while NOT on a call. When with patients, please follow the current policies. Full-time employees receive three masks; part-time employees receive two masks, see your supervisor to receive yours.
January 2021 EMS Education Course Registration Dates for the January 2021 EMT and Paramedic courses are still being finalized. If you are interested in taking a licensure course in the winter, please fill out the EMS Course Benefit iForm as soon as possible. Dates and instructions for class registration will be available the week of October 12th.
Reminder! EHP Education course registration has moved from Eventbrite to hvaedu.org. The employee code is still Employee2020. If you are registering for an EMT, AEMT, Paramedic, or Community Paramedic course please fill out the EMS Course Benefit iForm before registering.
UPCOMING EMS EDUCATION COURSES October 5: AHA ACL & BLS CPR Hands-On Skill
October 15: PEPP Hybrid Course - Plymouth
Review Session - Bedford
October 16: ACLS Recertification Course - Ann Arbor
October 9: PHTLS Initial Hybrid Course - Ann Arbor October 26: Pediatric Medication Administration October 13: BLS Healthcare Provider CPR -
Jackson
Plymouth
October 28: AHA ACLS & BLS CPR Hands-On Skills
October 14: AHA ACLS & BLS Hands-On Skills
Review Session - Plymouth
Review Session - Ann Arbor
Full course schedule and registration can be found at hvaedu.org >> 4
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OPEN ENROLLMENT: GET READY! OCTOBER 19 - 30 Open Enrollment is the period to enroll in or make changes to your benefits for 2021. A mailed letter with more details will be sent to your home address on October 12th, so keep an eye out for this information. Now is the time to check VAIRKKO and iCON to be sure your home address is accurate. Open Enrollment is the time to make changes for 2021 benefits, including adding/removing dependents. Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account contributions are also set up during this time. The timeline to make your elections is October 19-30. Eligible employees should review their medical/dental/vision elections during this time. Part-time eligible employees can enroll in voluntary benefits. Eligible employees will also receive a separate letter from UNUM regarding enrolling for voluntary life insurance and long-term care insurance.
2021 Enhanced Benefits Make sure you are on track to qualify for Enhanced Benefits in 2021. Enhanced Benefits offer several advantages over the Standard Benefits. For 2021, the only requirement to qualify for Enhanced Benefits is completing an online health assessment through EHP's HealthyLife Well-Being Portal. If you and your spouse are enrolled in EHP's medical benefits plan, you will each need to complete your own health assessment. Click here for tips on completing the health assessment >> Employees and enrolled spouses must complete their online health assessment before November 15, 2020, to qualify.
EMERGENT UPDATE
ADVANTAGES OF THE ENHANCED BENEFITS PLAN • Lower out of paycheck deductions • Lower out of pocket deductible and maximum to meet for you and your family • Larger amount of money deposited into your HSA by EHP compared to the Standard Benefits
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EMERGENT HEALTH IN THE NEWS See all of our latest media coverage and press releases on our website >>
"Boy honored for rescuing mom during dog attack" MCA honored 7-year-old Monroe Township resident, Wyatt Musulin, after his quick thinking led to a swift response from MCA after a dog attacked his mom. "Firefighters [and HVA] help deliver baby over Labor Day Weekend" HVA paramedics Greg Eberlein and Jeff Ellsworth responded to a mother who had just delivered a baby in her car. Greg and Jeff responded along with Lyon Township to this call and transported mom and new baby to the hospital. Lyon Township Firefighter/ EMT Alan Hamilton credits all the firefighters on scene and HVA for making everything run smoothly. Read more >>
"New Fellowship Provides Handson Training in Emergency Medical Services" “Over the year-long program, the fellows will have training in the breadth of EMS medicine, including ground EMS, aeromedical EMS, disaster medicine, special operations rescue medicine, research, administrative EMS, wilderness EMS and event medicine� Read more >> 6
Thank you to MCA paramedics Carrie Boulton and Will Stabnau for presenting Wyatt with his award and to HVA paramedic Lynn Higelmire for Wyatt's nomination! Article in the Monroe News >> Segment on 13abc 6:00 News >>
"Returning adult students earn AAUW scholarships to pursue their dreams" EHP Call Specialist, Heather Rossi, was awarded a scholarship to Henry Ford College from the Wyandotte-Downriver Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW.) Heather is attending HFC to pursue a degree in Social Work. After a career of almost 20 years as a first responder, Heather wants to increase her ability to give back and help others. "I have been in emergency services for 18 years. I love the field. However, as I get older, I am able to see the deep need for more extensive social services in our community and those in crisis. I want to be a part of helping and supporting people beyond their original emergency." Read more >> Congratulations, Heather!
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FIELD DELIVERIES
Crews that aided a mother in labor or responded immediately after the birth of a baby. September 2, 2020: EHP Systems Controller Stacey Mattson received a 9/11 call from a mother in active labor. Stacey was able to walk the mother through the baby's delivery, keeping her safe and calm while also providing emotional support. HVA paramedics Kyle Freeman and Derek Griggs arrived on scene with Ypsilanti Township Fire after the baby's birth. After assessing the mom and baby, Kyle and Derek transported the new family to the ED. September 6, 2020: HVA paramedics Greg Eberlein and Jeff Ellsworth responded to a mother who had delivered her baby in her car's passenger seat. While her husband was driving her to the hospital, the mother realized her baby was not going to wait any longer; she asked her husband to pull over to the side of the road, and he aided her in delivering the baby. Greg and Jeff arrived on scene along with Lyon Township Fire and, after assessing mom and baby, took the new family to the hospital. (This delivery was covered by several local news outlets. Check it out in the 'EHP in the News' section of the newsletter!) September 29, 2020: LifeCare EMT Nancy Walton and Paramedic Kevin Swank responded to a mother who delivered her baby while on the way to the hospital. Her delivery was aided by a deputy from St. Joseph County Sheriff Department. The crew clamped and cut the umbilical cord and then transported mom and her new baby to L&D.
CARDIAC ARREST SAVES
Cardiac arrest response that resulted in patient hospital discharge with good to moderate neurological status. March 28, 2020; Coldwater: LifeCare Paramedic Jenny Kane, EMT Ronald Sprowls, Dispatcher Joni Whitford June 14, 2020; Brooklyn: LCA Paramedic Caitlin VanSteenis, AEMT Jeremy Sharp, Calltaker Ashleigh Kolski July 17, 2020; Ann Arbor: HVA Paramedics Philip Jordon and Amanda Cox, Calltaker Kelsey Armstrong July 23, 2020; Sturgis: LifeCare Paramedic Pam Gohn, EMT Robert Bordley, Dispatcher Joni Whitford August 1, 2020; Jackson: JCA Paramedic Alisa Diemond, EMT Tyson Fetter, Calltaker Stephanie Sandstrom August 6, 2020; Augusta: LifeCare Paramedic Taylor Graham, EMT Kacey Barkowski, Dispatcher Knox August 7, Salem Twp: HVA Paramedics Kristan Lightbody and Nick Skinner, Calltaker Sarah Krumm August 8, 2020; Frenchtown Twp: MCA Paramedics Jacob Battles and Jason Price, Calltaker Chelsea Polydoras August 9, 2020; Van Buren Twp: HVA Paramedics Heidi Cunningham and Lindsay Passino, Calltaker Sarah Gerlach
EMERGENT UPDATE
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SEPTEMBER PROMOTIONS & TRANSFERS PROMOTIONS JACKSON • Chauncy Evers - EMT • Nick De Ceuninck Paramedic II
September Merit Awards: The following employees received Merit Awards for going above and beyond their duties and providing excellent patient care. LifeCare Paramedic Gabe Ruple: Nominated by Bronson ED staff for providing compassionate care during a psych transfer. LifeCare EMT Andrew Cummins: Nominated by Bronson ED staff for providing
• Poom Boonsin - EMT
compassionate care during a psych transfer.
LIFECARE
LifeCare Paramedic Kati Brunner: Nominated by Lt. Faith Smith from Delton
• Sarah Brignall - Paramedic II
Fire for arranging victims-advocate services for the wife of a patient who could
• Hanna Woodard Paramedic II
not be left alone when they transported her husband.
MTS - Plymouth
arranging victims-advocate services for the wife of a patient who could not be
• Anika Lawrence - MTS Tech II
LifeCare EMT Gavin Wheeler: Nominated by Lt. Faith Smith from Delton Fire for left alone when they transported her husband.
• Spencer Morgan - MTS Tech II
HVA AEMT Dave Maryanski: Nominated by Paramedic Supervisor Sam Forche
DEPARTMENT TRANSFERS CENTRAL • Dennis Dooley Community Paramedic
pediatric choking call.
JACKSON • Chauncy Evers - EMT • Poom Boonsin - EMT NEW P/T COMMUNITY PARAMEDICS CENTRAL • Jenna Bowman • Marcus Gatt • Joni Holmquest • Eric Marshall
for working extra shifts during low staffing and providing exellent care during a
Nominate your peers Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond the call of duty? You can nominate them for a Merit Award to show your appreciation. To nominate someone for a Merit Award: • Go to 'iForms' in the Tools section of VAIRKKO • Go to 'Human Resources Forms' and choose 'Certificate of Merit Nomination' • Fill out and submit the nomination form, which will be reviewed by the nominee's VP Photo: South Central VP Karl Rock
JACKSON • Joseph Lutz
CONGRATULATIONS!
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Thank You Letters For LCA Paramedic Gary Truitt and EMT Travis English from the grandson of a patient: "I want to thank you guys for helping my grandpa when he fell. You are amazing people. They did a great job and were very quick." For HVA Paramedics Adam Tyler and Abbra Puvalowski from a past patient: "I wiped out on my bike at Gallup Park. HVA arrived and got me and my broken wrist safely to UM Hospital. I've been meaning to thank the team, Abbra and Adam, ever since. Please pass on my appreciation for their care, humor, and compassion! I had surgery a week later and am recovering well." For HVA Paramedics Dee Jenkins and Minor Rodriguez from a past patient: "HVA transported me from Chelsea Hospital to Ann Arbor St. Joe. While medical emergencies are never fun, Dee and Minor were terrific. Their professionalism, good humor, and great driving made the trip much easier to bear. I sincerely thank them and highly commend your company for hiring such outstanding and professional employees. Please pass on my most sincere thanks to these terrific guys!" For HVA Paramedics Bradley Goralski and Kevin Sites from the wife of a late patient: "To all first responders, Thank you for getting to our home quickly and helping my husband after he had a heart attack. Sadly he passed shortly after, but you gave him a chance to recover. Finding and returning his ring was a very happy moment for me. My husband wore it every day; now, it is with me. It means a lot to have the ring. Thank you so much." For HVA Paramedic Philip Jordon and AEMT Mo Evans from a patient's son: My father was discharged from U of M, and Mo and Phil brought him home. My father has terminal cancer and has mobility issues. The crew was amazing and helped my mom out so much, and treated my father great. I just wanted to let you know how awesome they did and how much my family and I appreciate them." For LifeCare Paramedic Gabe Ruple and EMT Andrew Cummins from an ED Tech at Bronson Battle Creek: "This week, LifeCare took my 14-year-old psych patient to another facility. Gabe pleasantly explained to the patient's grandmother what steps they needed to take; he was polite and made the reasons clear. His grandmother appreciated knowing WHY she needed to take those steps. Then, Gabe spoke to the patient. He quietly explained where they were going. He offered low lights for relaxation. He explained the ride in detail. The patient knew Gabe would be riding in the back and keeping him company. I could go on and on about how kind and compassionate Gabe was toward my patient. I mentioned it to him at the time, but I doubt he understands how protective I am of my psych patients. I felt good about turning this young man over to Gabe. I am sorry this is long, but I cannot say enough how much I appreciate Gabe. What a great public face for LifeCare!" For LifeCare Paramedic Katy Brunner and EMT Gavin Wheeler from Lt. Faith Smith at Delton Fire: "During a call for an elderly patient Katy and Gavin realized his wife could not be left alone. Before transporting the patient, they contacted victim advocate services to stay with the patient's wife until family could be with her. Due to their observations, homecare has been ordered for both the husband and wife by their physician. The extended time on scene was well worth the outcome; everyone remained safe, and the patient was transported. Katy and Gavin were both exceptionally professional." For HVA Paramedics Zachary Robertson and Jordan Geyer from a patient's wife: "I called 911, and this awesome team arrived 6 minutes later. Zach was very calm the whole ride to St. Joe's. My husband said he was very professional, continuously asking him how he was doing. Zach and Jordan are our angels, and we love 'em! "
EMERGENT UPDATE
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EHP Community Outreach Honor Guard Thanks
The Emergent Health Honor Guard attended the funeral of LifeCare Paramedic Spencer Hofbauer on August 31st. LifeCare VP Steve Frisbie shared his thanks for their service, "Honor Guard members, Thank you very much for a job well done during the visitation and funeral of Spencer Hofbauer on Monday. Spencer's mother was very grateful as well. She didn't quite know what to expect going into the day. Your professionalism and obvious passion for the role helped her through the hard day. Thank you for representing EHP and LifeCare Ambulance!"
Honor Guard at funeral for Capt. Joe Liedel On August 31, the EHP Honor Guard attended the funeral of Monroe Township Fire Department Captain Joe Liedel, who lost his life a month after suffering a medical emergency while on duty. MCA crews also participated in the funeral procession for Captain Liedel; a video of the procession can be viewed here >>
First Responder Recognition On September 11, Plymouth Independence Village recognized Plymouth first responders, including HVA Eastern crews, during a 9/11 remembrance event. The residents of the facility made the first responders patriotic wall-hangings as a thank you for their service.
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Community Outreach cont. #JuliannaStrong Twin Pines Eatery in Tecumseh held a fundraiser for Tecumseh Middle School 8th grader Julianna, who was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer in June. Both on and off-duty LCA employees participated in the Cones for a Cause event, which raised over $4,000 to put toward Julianna's medical costs. We love seeing our communities and our employees rally around the people we serve. Photo: LCA Paramedic Brian Miller
"I wanna go fast!" While working a standby shift at an MIS event, JCA Paramedics Caden Simpson and Jenna Isaac had the opportunity to ride in a Ferarri traveling at 155 MPH!
EMERGENT UPDATE
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Holdover Time Reduction Initiative certs merit: pt satisfaction scores Based on employee feedback and concerns, leadership has been focusing some of their efforts on tracking ambulance holdover times and decreasing the amount of time that ambulance crews are held over past the end of their shifts. Some operational strategies and features were employed within LOGIS to help reduce holdover time throughout the organization. Since this initiative's start, crew holdover hours have been cut almost in half across the organization. By the nature of EMS, we can't reduce holdover time to zero, but we will continue to monitor holdover hours worked and make improvements when possible. The chart below shows holdover hours worked by pay period from July 2019 to September 2020.
Holdover Hours Worked
Holdover Time by Pay Period
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ANNIVERSARIES Employees who have worked at EHP 5+ years as of September 2020 Bobby Ackley - 24 years
Shane Odean - 13 years
Heidi Cunningham - 7 years
Lori Phillips - 22 years
Jennifer Belknap - 12 years
Nahshon Robbins - 7 years
Dawn Richards - 20 years
Anna Kilanski - 12 years
Gavin Wheeler - 7 years
Eric Marshall - 20 years
Andrew Ragain - 11 years
Nicholas Diggs - 6 years
Nancy Walton - 19 years
Edward Kalkun - 10 years
Jessica Green - 6 years
Mark Ellis - 14 years
Jerry Lawson - 10 years
Geoffrey Hill - 6 years
Shaun Pochik - 14 years
Elizabeth Sherman - 10 years
Bret Taylor - 6 years
Kevin VanDaele - 14 years
Justin Smith - 10 years
Sally Ward - 6 years
Angela Endicott - 13 years
Carri Clark - 8 years
Travis English - 5 years
Leah Harvey - 13 years
Max Larson - 8 years
Jordyn Hall - 5 years
Courtney Hazzard-Suydam - 13
Alicia Barnes - 7 years
Ilea Gottman - 5 years
years
Emily Batdorff - 7 years
Richard Knox - 5 years
New Babies! On September 23, HVA Paramedic Laura Pierce and her husband welcomed baby Wyatt Leonard Pierce.
On September 24, LifeCare Paramedic Brian Mack and his wife welcomed baby Jonah Wesley Mack.
On September 28, HVA Paramedic Brad Goralski and his family welcomed baby Hunter James Goralski.
On September 18, EHP Recruiter Coordinator Alex PIchĂŠ and his wife welcomed baby Theodore! On April 23, HVA PACE Coordinator Alexa Grech and her family welcomed baby Dominic!
Newsletter Contacts Leslie Kiesel - VP Public Affairs & Marketing- lkiesel@emergenthealth.org Sandra Butler - Writer & Copy Editor - sbutler@emergenthealth.org