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This Week:

Incentive Shifts 2

Medic Store Clearance

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Medical

Director Letter 4

Training Schedule 6

Medic Calendar 6

On Thursday, August 6, the Paramedic Academy headed out to the US National Whitewater Center to participate in a swift water rescue training. However, before the students hit the rapids, they spent the morning at the Fire Training Academy learning how to safely remove a patient from the ragging waters without endangering themselves.

The Fire Training Academy, headed by Chief Tim Rogers, instructed the Paramedic Students on how to safely rescue a patient from the rapids without jeopardizing their safety. The students spent the morning learning techniques, hand signals and how to make sure they didn’t become the victim.

The students then headed to the US National Whitewater Center to test their skills and the material that had just learned in class. The students had to come dressed to the center as if they were responding to a call. They all wore pants, t-shirts and shoes, so they obviously weren’t dressed like the everyone else who was visiting the Whitewater Center on Thursday.

The students then went through some last minute instructions and reviews with the Fire Training Academy instructors, before hitting the rapids. News 14 was there to catch all the action and a few interviews. Be sure to check our Medic website - In The News - for updated clips, including this one. In addition, footage will also be seen on the next edition of The Pulse, so you can see what these students really went through.

For those who are interested - The Whitewater Center is open daily to the public. Activities at the center including rock climbing, trail hiking, high ropes course, flat water canoeing, a zip line and of course whitewater rafting! Visit www.usnwc.org for prices and hours.

Paramedic Students: Swift Water Rescue Training

News From The Front Line August 3 - 7, 2009

The MEDIC Dispatch

Make up In-Service will be held on both Tuesday, August 11 and Thursday, August 13 from 1800 - 2200 in the Auditorium.

If you did not attend a July In-Service session, please sign up in the ambulance bay immediately or contact the Education Coordinator.

If you have any questions about In-Service please contact the Education Coordinator (6143).

Mecklenburg EMS

Agency

Dates to Remember:

August 11th Make Up In-service

August 13th Make Up In-service

August 21st Final Heart Walk

Team Needed

‘Make Up’ In-Service Dates Announced

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Don’t Forget to Visit Medic’s New Website!

www.medic911.com - Click on Medic Employees

Video News Coverage Update Weekly - Current Edition of The Pulse - Dispatch and Injections Archives

Are you still in interested in joining the Medic Heart Walk team? Well there are still open slots. Just log on to www.startcharlottenc.org and help Medic fight Heart Disease and Stroke!

Medic has teamed up with Mecklenburg County to help fight heart disease and stroke by participating in the 2009 Start! Charlotte Heart Walk. The Heart Walk will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 9 am with a 3 mile walk through

Uptown. The goal for Charlotte is set at $1,700,000 and Medic, along with the County, are looking to help the Charlotte American Heart Association reach their goal!

For more information on the Heart Walk - please contact Kristin Young in the Public Relations Department (kristiny@medic911.com or 6165).

ALL Interested employees should log on to the 2009 Start! Charlotte Heart Walk website to learn more about the walk itself and joining Medic’s team (www.startcharlottenc.org). Registration ENDS on August 22nd!!!

Be a par t of the Medic Heart Walk Team!

New Shift Bid

There is a new shift bid currently in pro-

gress. The Scheduling Department has placed sign-up forms in both employee breakrooms

and in the Operations Assistant’s office.

All interested employ-ees must pick up a

form and submit their request to the scheduling office no later than 12 noon on Tuesday, August 11.

If you have any questions or concerns, please con-

tact the Schedule Department (6234).

Thank you!

MEDIC STORE

Do you need to purchase an item from the Medic Store?

Please contact Kristin in the Public Relations Depart-ment (kristiny@medic911.com or 6165)

or stop by her office during the hours of 8 am - 5 pm

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Announcements?

Stories from the Field?

Reminders?

Protocol Updates?

If you would like (or need) an article published in the Medic Dispatch, please

feel free to contact Jeff Keith (jeffk@medic911.com) and Kristin Young

(kristiny@medic911.com).

All articles/information must be received by 12 noon each Wednesday

before publication.

FINAL ITEMS: Medic Store Inventory Clearance

The Medic store needs to make room for new Fall merchandise. The PR department is holding a clearance sale for the remaining items which are listed below. If you are interested in purchasing an item, please contact Kristin Young in the Public Relations department (kristiny@medic911.com, 6165).

Please keep in mind that the store always has Medic t-shirts (navy, white, gray - $7.00) and Medic hats (adjustable - $10 and fitted - $12) for purchase at their regular prices. In addition, we will be ordering more of the Medic stylus pens field employees like to use - employees will be notified when they are in stock.

Below are the remaining items left to purchase in the Medic Store (as of Thursday, July 30th):

Are you Looking for Medic Movie Tickets??

Contact either Miki (michellep@medic911.com) or

Pat (patriciav@medic911.com) -

or stop by the front desk during the hours of 8 am - 5 pm

Check out the Newest Episode of The Pulse!

The NEW Carowinds Episode of The Pulse is now airing on MEDtv and on Medic911.com

Watch as the Carowinds First Aid team takes The Pulse on a behind the scenes tour of the park and their operations!

Men's

Description Sizes

Blue Stripped Polo S (2)

Tan Stripped Polo S

Red Stripped Polo S (2), M

Black Stripped Polo S, M

Tan Polo S

Deep Blue Oxford S

Gray Oxford S

Light Blue Oxford S, XXL

White Oxford S, M, XXL

Women's

Description Sizes

Light Blue Polo S, M

Red Stripped Polo S

Bright Orange Polo XL

Black Stripped Polo M

Pink Polo XL

Purple Polo XL

White Polo XL

Lavender Polo XL

Light Green Polo XXL

Pink Oxford 3XL (2)

White Oxford M, 3XL (2)

Lavender Oxford L, 3XL (2)

Celery Mist Oxford M, 3XL (2)

Light Blue Oxford 3XL

Deep Blue Oxford 3XL (2)

Description Size

Women’s

Clearance Pricing - 50% Off

Polo Shirts: $7.50

Oxfords: $7.50

*Note: There is only ONE of each item listed above - only available in the ONE size listed. If there is more than one item or more than one size, it is listed as well. If you have any questions, please contact Kristin Young in the PR Department (6165). Items will be sold on a first come, first served basis.

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Medical Director Monthly Update 1. Please remember the indications and contraindications for using CPAP, especially related to the patient’s mental status. In order to be tolerated, that

patient has to be awake and alert. We have noted several patients with a low GCS (one whose GCS was 3) getting this applied.

2. There have been several cases and questions regarding Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders. Such orders are in place so that resuscitative efforts will not be performed if the patient’s heart stops and/or respirations cease. Such orders do not mean to withhold efforts if the patient is in a critical condition, is hemodynamically unstable, is obtunded, or near death. DNR orders simply mean that if vital signs are lost, resuscitation should not be attempted or continued. Don’t forget about the Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST) or pink form, which stipulates exactly which therapeutic measures healthcare providers should or should not perform.

3. CFD has completed the training of all firefighters in the Focused Cardiac Arrest protocol. The protocol implementation will occur within the next week or so. When the announcement is made, remember that the following will begin:

Upon Medic arrival, the paramedic will immediately go to the patient while the EMT or other paramedic works with the Engineer to bring in the stretcher and equipment.

Paramedic responds directly to patient with jump bag (IO equipment and medications).

• Initiates intraosseous line.

• Administers ALS (defibrillation and medications).

• Defibrillates when indicated.

EMT or 2nd paramedic

• Brings in stretcher and equipment with Engineer.

• Attaches cardiac monitor.

• Relieves compressions and rotates with the FF-1.

• Operates ambulance.

The expectation is that this protocol be observed and followed as close as possible. This focused cardiac arrest algorithm is protocol and deviations from this without reason will not be tolerated. First responders and Medic staff will work together as a team to provide the maximum potential for successful resuscitation and survival benefit. Negative interactions or problems will be reported to me directly. CFD issues will be reported directly to Chief Hannan.

Thank you in advance for your observance and adherence to this protocol, and thanks to each of you for the quality patient care you provide to our community each and every day. - Dr. Blackwell

a. Once arrival on-scene, the Captain and the FF-1 and FF-2 will immediately go to the patient. The Engineer will wait on Medic to assist. Once at the patient’s side, the following shall occur.

b. FF-1: i. Will immediately check for consciousness and pulses. ii. If absent, will initiate chest compressions (immediate and

sustained) iii. Defibrillates when indicated (after the Captain places and

deploys the device) iv. Accompany Medic to the hospital.

c. FF-2: i. Open airway and perform suction if required ii. Insert King LT-D and orogastric tube, connecting this

to suction. iii. Ventilate with bag-valve device and oxygen. iv. Control and limit ventilation rate. v. Accompany Medic to the hospital.

d. Captain Responsibilities i. While compressions are occurring, apply AED defibrillator

pads. ii. Connect cables. iii. Place AED directly next to FF-2 to deploy if shock advised. iv. Observing compressions.

• Uninterrupted as much as possible • Downstroke and upstroke • Observe for signs of fatigue

v. Observing ventilations. • < normal rate • No hyperventilation

vi. Documentation • Paper medical record. • Repeating orders by the paramedic.

vii. Provides family care and clean-up. • Works with the Engineer to clean up medi-

cal supplies. • Provides family care and clean-up.

e. Engineer Responsibilities i. Remains outside and directs Medic to the scene. ii. Retrieves chilled saline from refrigerator. iii. Assists the EMT in bringing equipment and stretcher to the

patient. iv. Prepares chilled saline for IO infusion. Spikes the bag and flushes tubing. v. Prepares cot for patient transport. vi. Along with the Captain, provides clean-up and family care.

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Ten Questions for…Leigh Taibe, HRIS/Benefits Administrator

3.How long have you been at Medic/ in EMS?

Since April 2009

4.Who has been an inspiration to you?

My father

5.What is your favorite movie?

Better off Dead (from the 80’s – “I want my 2 dollars!”) 6.What is your hidden talent?

I can drive a boat pretty well

1.Where are you from?

Charlotte

2.Where did you go to school?

UNC Charlotte

7.What do you like to do when you’re not at work?

Play with my family

8. If you could meet one per-son, dead or alive, who would it be?

My grandmother

9. What is the last book you’ve read?

Harry Potter

10.What are 5 things you can’t live without?

Jesus, Family, Friends, Pizza and Laughter

Want to be featured in ‘Ten Questions’? Email your answers to Kristin Young at

kristiny@medic911.com

UPDATE: Responding Locations for Mecklenburg County Jail - Central

In the event MEDIC is needed at MCJ-Central, the following protocol will be used. If there are any questions and/or concerns, please contact your Supervisor immediately.

• Master Control will be notified to call 911 immediately. • Master Control will advise the 911 Operator the appropriate responding location,

i.e Sallyport entrance/Staff entrance. • If the call for MEDIC is for an Inmate, Master Control will always advise MEDIC to respond to the Basement Sal-

lyport area/Law Enforcement Entrance/McDowell Street. • Master Control will notify Arrest Processing Basement Control (ext. 3.0182) to expect the arrival of MEDIC at

the Law Enforcement Entrance Sallyport Door. • Once MEDIC arrives in the Basement Sallyport, an Officer will be waiting to provide escort to the affected loca-

tion.

• The 2nd Floor Sergeant will determine who will provide transport, if any, to the Hospital. • In the event the Inmate will be transported, the Armed Officer will standby in the Basement Sallyport until the

Inmate is brought downstairs. • If the call for MEDIC is for MCJ-Central Staff, Master Control will advise MEDIC to respond to the Trade Street

entrance into the Jail (Staff Entrance).

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2009 Training Schedule

AHA Refresher Classes at Medic CLASS TIME: 1300-1700 - **except where otherwise noted LOCATION: MEDIC AUDITORIUM CPR OCT 9, 12, 16, 19, OCT 22 & 29 = 1800-2200 PALS AUG 7, 10, 14, 17, AUG 20 & 27 = 1800-2200 NOV 6, 9, 13, 16 ACLS SEPT 4, 7, 11, 14, SEPT 17 & 24 = 1800-2200 DEC 4, 7, 11, 14

NC Scope of Practice Recertification Testing

EXP DATES OCT – DEC 2009

SEPT 18, 19, 21, 25, 26

EXP DATES JAN – MAR 2010

DEC 11, 12, 18, 19, 21

If you have any questions or to register for a class PLEASE contact the Education Coordinator at extension 6143.

Visit Us on the Web! www.medic911.com

MEDIC Mecklenburg EMS Agency

4525 Statesville Road Charlotte, NC 28269

Tel: 704-943-6000 Fax: 704-943-6001

August 2009 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 A

2 A 3 B 4 B 5 A 6 A 7 B

PALS Refresher

1300 - 1700

8 B

9 B 10 A

PALS Refresher

1300 - 1700

11 A

Make Up

In-Service

1800-2200

12 B 13 B

Make Up

In-Service

1800-2200

14 A

PALS Refresher

1300 - 1700

15 A

16 A 17 B

PALS Refresher

1300 - 1700

18 B

19 A 20 A

PALS Refresher

1800 - 2200

21 B

Heart Walk Final

Team Needed

22 B

23 B

30 A

24 A

31 B

25 A 26 B

27 B

PALS Refresher

1800 - 2200

28 A 29 A

In-Service Blue

Training Red

Medic Events Green

Holidays Purple

Medic Calendar

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL CLASSES ALL CLASSES HELD IN MEDIC AUDITORIUM