Dispatch 121514

LEADERSHIP TOUR, FISDAP, THE ABC’S OF EMT AND MORE...

If you run a call that you would feel is interesting, potentially educational or that you would like highlighted in a future In-Service or M and M, please forward that call number to davidg@medic911.com.

Any topic would be appreciated, especially with the next potential M and M being on ‘Geriatrics’.

The calls are confidential. So your names will not be attached, unless you would like to be known.

If you have any questions, please contact David Garber at davidg@medic911.com or 704-943-6026.

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As previously noted, the latest Performance Pay Tracking Period began on July 1st. We are striving to meet the Patient Satisfaction goal of a ≥ 68% rating (experience as “Excellent”).

In order to create a comfortable margin of performance, while continuing to improve the patient experience, we would like to share some feedback from recent patient focus groups.

The two areas that patients value the most are: 1. Communication from the treating crew: “Explain treatment options and procedures” “Provide reassurance and compassionate communication with patient” 2. Setting clear expectations: “Set transport length expectation” “Set a triage level expectation before arriving at the hospital”

SEPTEMBER 2014

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TO:

All MEDIC and Mint Hill VFD EMS Operations Personnel

FROM:

Melissa Garifo, Clinical Education Manager

DATE:

December 1, 2014

SUBJECT:

Continuing Education and Simulation Center Rotation

The next simulation center rotation will begin on January 8, 2015. All EMT and paramedic-certified personnel with MEDIC and paramedic-certified members affiliated with Mint Hill Fire Department are required to complete this simulation rotation. Again, the simulation scenarios are written to meet the North Carolina Office of EMS objectives, U.S. DOT curriculum objectives, and Mecklenburg EMS Patient Care Protocols and do provide continuing education credit toward recertification.

In order to make the experience in the simulation center as realistic as possible, it will be necessary for full-time employees of both Medic and Mint Hill to schedule an appointment to go through the simulation center with their partner (if one is currently assigned). If you are a new employee riding in a third-person status, you should plan to go through the rotation with your current crew. Part-time employees of Medic and/or Mint Hill may schedule themselves to go through the simulator with another part-time employee or can schedule to fill an existing simulation center appointment vacancy.

EMT personnel with Mint Hill Fire Department are welcome to accompany a Mint Hill Paramedic through his/her simulation rotation.

All certified personnel with Medic and full-time certified personnel with Mint Hill Fire Department must contact a member of Medical Services to schedule an appointment. The deadline to schedule an appointment is Monday January 5, 2015.

Again, attending the simulation rotation is mandatory and provides (10) hours of continuing education toward your recertification. In addition, please keep the following in mind:  Do not sign up within two (2) hours of your 10-42 time.  Operations will follow the disciplinary process for a no call/no show to your scheduled simulation appointment.  If you cannot attend the time slot that you signed up for, it is your responsibility to do a switch and a find a replacement for your time slot.  A simulation center rotation schedule will be posted in Operations and on the extranet. Please be sure to remember the date and time that you sign up for as we will not be sending out appointment reminders.  Be dressed in your Medic/Mint Hill Fire Department uniform for your simulation.

Please contact a member of Medical Services if you have any questions.

Tom Porcelli - ext. 6024 Brian Shimberg - ext. 6142 Sam Barnes - ext. 6143 Jim Lockard - ext. 6144 David Garber - ext. 6026 Trevor Taylor - ext. 6025

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Mecklenburg EMS Agency

4525 Statesville Road Charlotte, North Carolina 28269 Phone: 704.943.6000/Fax: 704.943.6001 www.medic911.com

Memo To:

Paramedics and EMTs

From:

Medical Services

Date:

December 3, 2014

Re:

2015 FISDAP and Simulation

Beginning January of 2015 and running through March, Medical Services will be hosting the annual FISDAP test and the winter simulation rotation for all certified EMT and Paramedic employees of Mecklenburg EMS Agency. Based on prior feedback, we have scheduled the offerings to run consecutively. This will allow same day scheduling and prevent multiple trips to Medic. While we wish to make this process as seamless as possible, they will require a separate sign-up.

The FISDAP test takes approximately 3 hours and can be scheduled anytime between 0830 and 1830. This is an individual sign-up and does not require partners to schedule together. This registration may be completed by following the attached instructions and utilizing your Outlook Calendar. Scheduling requests should be sent to Education and Quality Specialist David Garber at davidg@medic911.com. You will receive a confirmation email in return.

Simulation rotations are scheduled two times daily and last approximately 2 hours. Each offering will facilitate 2-3 person crews, or 6 crew members. Part-time employees and employees without partners may sign up for any vacant position. This sign-up should be done in conjunction with the partner you will have as of January 6, 2015. If you are not currently with this partner, it is our recommendation you make contact with your new partner to coordinate a date and time. Medic provides an internal e-mail service for your convenience.

The schedule is available on the extranet and multiple locations around the agency.

Simulation scheduling may be completed by any Education and Quality Specialist. If no one is available when you call, leave a voicemail or send an e-mail and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Tom Porcelli - ext. 6024 Sam Barnes - ext. 6143 David Garber - ext. 6026 Scheduling for both events closes January 5th.

Brian Shimberg - ext. 6142 Jim Lockard - ext. 6144 Trevor Taylor - ext. 6025

SEPTEMBER 2014

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Training sessions is up to 4 hours.

• Attendees will be paid for the total time spent in Ben Astrike, Kariena Bernesser, Jacob Brod, Esequiel class.

Cipriano, John Crunk, Daniel Geis, Derek Gray, An• Each employee, with an Annual Performance Regela Hightshoe, Brad Howell, Jason Jeffares, Sam view within that same month, MUST attend one Jones, Christine Kraetz, Jacklyn Manley, Sarah Morris, of the available Compliance Training Sessions.

Eric Morrison, Alexis Perkel, Tara Ragan, Brian Smith, • Compliance sessions are held next to the Medic Drew Smith, Gene Starnes, Christopher Stephens, Fitness Center.

Mike Stratton, Nicole Tyson, Melaine Varnadore and Pamela Wykle For more information on Corporate Compliance Class PLEASE NOTE: If your Annual Performance Review or if you need directions, please contact Amy Broughwas in October and you did not attend the October ton at amyb@medic911.com.

REQUIRED ATTENDANCE

class, you must contact Amy Broughton to attend a November class.

INFORMATION UPDATES • Please register for your Corporate Compliance Training session through LMS. • The duration of the Medic Safety & Compliance 6

2014 TRAINING SCHEDULE

Some simple tactics can help reduce the holiday stress and allow you to enjoy the season more, like letting go of past family arguments and making time for yourself, whether it be to get some extra sleep or go to yoga.

DECEMBER CORPORATE COMPLIANCE TRAINING

DECEMBER MANDATORY IN - SERVICE SESSIONS

Tue, Dec 16 Sat, Dec 20

NO IN-SERVICE IN DECEMBER

1300 - 1700 1600 - 2000

3. Thinking up the perfect present for everyone on your list. A gift certificate for a massage may not be the most personal choice, but she’ll like it, we promise.

7. Staging elaborate scenes with the Elf On The Shelf. Who has the time?

8. A homemade pie crust. No one will notice.

4. Giving the same gift to multiple 9. A last-minute addition to the guest people. Unless they live under the list. They won’t expect an elaborate, personal gift; they’ll just be glad to 1. Spending big bucks on the best same roof, they’ll never know! have your company and hospitality. presents. A homemade gift can be worth much more.

5. If one of your giftees wants to return your gift. Don’t take it person- 10. A real Christmas tree.

2. Crafting. On the other hand, if you ally!

For all 25 tactics, visit the Huffington just don’t have the time, no need to stress over homemade gifts, either.

6. Cooking everything yourself. It’s Post okay to delegate!

SEPTEMBER 2014

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Business Health Services

SM

Solutions for a Healthier Workplace

SM

Beat the Holiday Blues How to Combat Holiday Stress and Depression

For many, the winter holiday season is a fun time filled with festivities, celebrations and social gatherings with family and friends.

Yet for many Americans, the anticipation and excitement surrounding the holidays often turn into feelings of sadness, loneliness, anxiety and depression – a state of mind commonly called the “holiday blues”.

The demands of the holiday season are many: shopping, cooking, traveling, hosting guests, attending family get-togethers and office parties and coping with extra financial burden. It is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by the multiple pressures of the season. Increased feelings of anxiety, stress and depression are also normal.

Fortunately, there are ways to effectively handle the many challenges of the holiday season. By managing expectations and keeping things in perspective, it is possible to stave off the holiday blues and experience all the joy the holiday season has to offer.

Be Realistic.

Nobody’s holiday celebration is perfect. The reality of many people’s holidays includes too much to do and not enough time, too much to purchase and not enough money, or too much to eat and not enough willpower. Trying to conquer reality will only lead to disappointment. Be kind to yourself instead: laugh at yourself every so often and try to view any slip-ups as opportunities to build flexibility and resilience.

Share Your Load.

Between all the cooking, cleaning and tending to guests, the putting on of a holiday get together can leave hosts feeling too run down to enjoy the party.

Avoid missing out on the fun by sharing some of the work. Not only will your day be less stressful, but you can enjoy quality time with the friends and family members who pitch in.

Be Financially Responsible.

Drink in Moderation.

Overspending during the holidays will not only increase your stress right now, but will leave you feeling anxious for months afterwards as you struggle to pay the bills. If your holiday expenses outweigh your budget, scale back and try to remind yourself that store-bought presents, elaborate decorations or gourmet food are just the icing on the cake – family is what truly makes a holiday celebration great.

Alcohol and holiday celebrations often go hand in hand; it can be easy to drink too much during the holidays. Contrary to popular belief, alcohol is actually a depressant. Overindulgence combined with holiday blues can lead to even deeper feelings of depression. To avoid this, try alternating a glass of water in between each alcoholic beverage, which will help maintain a moderate rate of consumption and prevent dehydration.

Honor Loved Ones.

Take a Break.

This time of year can be especially hard on those who are missing a loved one. Find a way to honor that person, whether it’s burning a candle, looking at pictures, playing special music or telling stories by the fire. This will create new holiday rituals that bring everyone closer while keeping the memory of your loved ones alive.

Family can be the greatest source of joy or the greatest source of misery, and often both at the same time. Don’t feel guilty for wanting some time to yourself. Chances are your family members need some space, too. Go for a walk to get some fresh air or volunteer to run to the store for last minute supplies. Anything that provides some breathing room will help decrease heightened levels of family-induced stress.

Help Others.

Banish self-pity and put things into perspective by lending a helping hand to those in need. If you find yourself in a rut, volunteer to help someone who is struggling more than you are. A few ideas for volunteer opportunities are: •

Serve holiday dinner at a soup kitchen or shelter.

•

Get involved with groups that help under privileged or hospitalized children.

•

Participate in a giving tree or an adopt-afamily program.

Know When to Seek Professional Help.

It is normal to feel occasional stress and sadness during the holidays. Having a strong support network and talking about holiday-related anxiety with friends and family can often help. If you or someone you care about continues to feel overwhelmed, or if you notice severe depression, crying spells, insomnia, feelings of guilt or thoughts of death and/or suicide that last longer than two weeks, seek medical care from a qualified mental health professional.

Please Note: The information provided in this document is intended for educational purposes only. Readers with questions or a need for further assistance are strongly encouraged to contact Business Health Services at the phone number and website listed below.

Like Us

8 800.327.2251

NEED ASSISTANCE? Here’s Medic’s EAP 800 number. www.bhsonline.com

Solutions for a Healthier Workplace

SM

Benjamin Astrike, Samantha Baber (2), Jeff Bailey, Lester Bailey (2), Samuel Barnes, Amber Barrera (2), Kristi Beaver, Eric Bitler, Robert Bivens (2), Thomas Brake (3), BreedenAlvarez (2), Nickolas Bringolf, Allison Brinzey (2), Landrel Brown (2), Amanda Burdette, James Cail (2), Michael Campbell (2), Ronisha Carr, Anthony Carriker (3), Anne Carter (2), Danielle Cassevah (3), Stephen Church, Esequiel Cipriano, Heather Clay (2), Chelsea Cline, William Coble (2), Cory Colvin, Michael Conklin (2), Curtis Cooper, Katherine Cornelius (4), Patrick Crane, Jason Crump, Janine Curlee, Waldy DeArmas, Kennedy Deese, Laura Dellinger, Chelsea Dewell, Gabriel Donaldson, Patricia Dowbiggin, Robert Dowbiggin, Michael Dudkowski (2), Ashley Duncan, Mariann Earwood-Hackert (5), Alan Elam, John Fisher, Miguel Flechas, Kelly Flynn (2), Jenna Galanti (2), Elijah Gamble, Daniel Geis, David Gerig, William Gibson (2), Jennifer Gilmore (3), Noah Godbey,

Matthew Godec, Rogelio Gomez, Jose Gonzalez, Julio Gonzalez, Mali Green, Michael Grisanti, Eric Hall, Bryan Hancock, Russell Harrell (2), Benjamin Harris (2), Rebekah Hart-O’Sullivan (2), Stephen Hayes, Matthew Hestwood (2), David Hewitt, David Hodnett, Charles Horne, Eddie Howard (3), Audrey Hunt, Brendan Hutson, Andrew (2), Christy Iyoob, Pamela Jackson (2), Matthew Johnson (4), Tiffany Johnson, Samuel Jones, Casey Jordan (3), Chad Kennedy, Elizabeth Kennedy, Shawn Kersey (2), Kristin King (2), Scott King (2), Jonathan Konecny, Robin Lamb, Erin Lee, Amy Leirmoe, Bobbi Lindsey (3), Nicholas Lommerse, Matthew Losh (2), Danielle Louis, Michael Macho, Jacklyn Manley (2), Ronald Martin, Anna McCarley, Gabriel McGaha, Michael Miller (4), Erin Mitchell (3), Hunter Mitchell, Corey Montgomery (2), Eric Morrison, Thomas Muhammad, Brian Murphy (4), Jeremy Murphy (3), Kenneth Murray (2), Edmund Naumann, Tyler

North (2), Timothy O ’ C o n n e l l (2), Ryan O’Donnell, Ethan Parker (6), Macon Parker (2), Mark Peck (3), Albert Pendlay, Anne Pentland (2), Alexis Perkel, David Phillips, Hillary Ramsey (10), Helen Reed, Kenneth Richardson (2), Brandis Ridenhour (6), Bradley Rowland (5), Robin Roy, Megan Ruane (3), Johnny Sampson, Ryan Schott, Amanda Scoggin, Benjamin Shaw (2), Kyle Sheehan (2), Michael Sherriff, Jacob Shope (2), Thomas Slack (2), Andrew Smith (2), Brian Smith, Heather Smith, Ian Starkey, Gene Starnes, Christina Stauber (4), Matthew Stegall, Tory Stokes, Michael Stratton (2), John Stroup (2), Jeffrey Thompson, David Toney, Gregory Truesdell (2), Nichole Washington, Matthew West, James Wilkinson, Alfred Wilson (2), Lisa Wilson, Michelle Wise (2), Jess Wolfram (2), Andrew Wooten (2), Marie Wrinkle, Pamela Wykle, Rebecca Zamagni-Mander and Christopher Zornow (2)

SEPTEMBER 2014

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On behalf of the Agency, Professional Development would like to congratulate the graduates of the Inaugural 2014 Leadership Development Academy (LDA). LDA participants completed a rigorous and highly competitive assessment process for entry, followed by 12 months of training. Graduates completed training in leadership, communications, conflict resolution, business strategies, operational tactics and much more. We are extremely proud of the hard work and dedication displayed by all the graduates. We look forward to what the future holds for each of you, as you go forward in your careers at Medic.

Daniel Geis Shane Anaya Siobhan Klass Brian Smith Lester Bailey Hillary Ramsey Adamo Riascos Megan Ruane Christy Iyoob Drew Smith 10

Stacen Smith Matt Stegall Ryan Lowe Michael Grisanti Michael Stratton Helen Reed Malcolm Leirmoe Jay Black Scottie Carriker

Professional Development would like to formally recognize and congratulate those selected for the 2015 Leadership Development Academy (LDA). Applicants went through a comprehensive evaluation process including; letters of recommendation, two essay assignments and a competency based, behavioral style interview. Members of the 2015 LDA will receive training in many areas such as; leadership styles, communication, conflict resolution, business strategies, process management and more!

We’d like thank everyone who participated and/or supported us in the selection process, as we look forward to the year ahead!

Brent Cail Luis Barrera Matthew Lewis Andrew Wooten Gabe McGaha Ryan Schott Christy Parker Audrey Hunt Alan Elam David Barbato

Elizabeth Kennedy Jeff Williams Brandis Ridenhour Richard Steinbroner Jose Gonzalez Tory Stokes Allison Kerley Scott King Nicolas Howard John Stroup

BER SEPTEM

Back by popular demand...

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MEDIC DISPATCH IS NOW WEEKLY!...

The Medic Minute will be replaced with a weekly Dispatch, starting in January. Due to your enthusiasm, we had to make it a weekly publication. Look for new content and other interactive features!

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If you have any questions please feel free to contact Tiffany at tiffanya@ medic911.com or 704-943-6178 or Lester at lestero@medic911.com or 704-516-0650.

17, 2014

SEPTEMBER 2014 WITH TH

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One last ‘not so good for you” recipe, my Medic family. But it is the holidays... We’ll start the ever-so-tasty American Heart Association recipes in January... Until then, enjoy a unique spin on sliders.

For more info, please visit plainchicken.com

1 can Grands Jr Butter Tasting Biscuits (10 count) 1/2 lb deli ham, shaved 1 cup shredded swiss cheese 1/4 cup honey mustard dressing 1 Tbsp butter, melted 2 Tbsp honey Preheat oven to 400. Lightly spray a 9-inch pan with cooking spray. Set aside.

Separate each biscuits into two layers.

Spread each layer with honey mustard and top with swiss cheese. Place half of the biscuits, cheese side up, in the bottom of prepared pan. Top with ham. Top ham with remaining biscuits, cheese side down. Brush biscuit tops with melted butter.

Bake 12-15 minutes, until golden brown. Heat honey in microwave for 20 seconds. Brush biscuit tops with warm honey.