October 13, 2011
Medical control changes - See Recent Events page for details.
June 30, 2011
During recent QA meetings I have noticed some really bad mistakes made by paramedics. Virtually all of those resulted from knowledge decay. We've had to put several medics on probation because of this. Please make sure that you keep your knowledge current. Review the protocols periodically. One way to do that is to quiz your coworkers from time to time and have them do the same with you. You have to keep your knowledge current in order to remain competent. Have pride in what you do and make sure that your performance reflects well on you and your coworkers.
The updated protocols have now been approved by the BEMS. We will begin orientation after July 1, 2011. Every paramedic will have to complete an orientation session before thenew protocols are implemented.
The statewide STEMI plan will go to the Board of Health at its next meeting. The plan will not become mandatory until such time as 80% of ambulances in Mississippi have 12 lead capability. At this point roughly 70% have that capability and several services have orders in for new monitors. If your service does not have 12 lead capability at this time, you should begin making plans to upgrade as soon as possible.
The new protocols have now been implemented. I have had several questions but, no complaints. QA Officers will be responsible for orienting new paramedics when they are hired. We will resume the weekly QA meetings in the second week of October. The QA and meeting schedule for the remainder of this year and all of 2010 has now been posted on the calendar.
The goal of the CMEMSD is to provide medical oversight and those support services necessary to allow ambulance services operating in member counties to be able to provide the highest quality prehospital medical care. Patient care is our top priority.
Suggestions for improvement are always welcome. A number of protocol changes have resulted from suggestions from our practicing paramedics. The Confidential Feedback page allows you to send confidential comments, concerns, etc. You can submit suggestions for additions or modifications to the protocols via this page. You may also contact me directly by phone 601 984-5585 or email cdeschamp@umc.edu.
Also, feel free to contact me if you have questions or concerns regarding medical care, medical communications, policies and procedures or relations with hospitals or physicians.
New protocols will be put into effect as soon as they have been approved by the Bureau of EMS. These will allow paramedics more decision making freedom - and more responsibility for patient care. As a result the quality assurance process will become much more important. We expect all paramedics to learn these protocols and to review as necessary to keep current. Since much more will be done based on standing orders, the quality assurance process will become more important.
Clyde Deschamp, Ph.D, NREMTP, Executive Director
