Valley News and Views

Construction began late last fall on the edge of the W.K.M H.C parking lot, and the building was completed approximately three months later, allowing the guys to move in shortly after Christmas. The Grand Opening Celebration was held at the base on May 10, and some dignitaries from EHS, EMC and WKM were present for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

There was an excellent turn out and many special guests including the Bearamedic and the local Volunteer Fire Department were present. The event was organized by Paramedic Steve Menzies who received lots of help from his fellow co-workers. There were extra ambulances and gear on hand for display and demonstration purposes.

The Bearamedic participated in both parades and unit # 493, the Mobile Command Unit, was driven by Paul Cullen. The bear was busy passing out goodies to the little ones watching the parade.

Two additional ambulances were staffed in Kentville for the day. Kevin Davison and future paramedic Jody Porter volunteered for Bike Patrol. Randy Graham and S5 were in the area all weekend long. All paramedic participants were invited to Kentville base after the parades for a BBQ courtesy of Randy Graham.

Thanks to all those who helped out and made the events run smoothly.

Session I was held at the Kentville Fire station on April 07, 2003 and the topic of the night was Life Flight Landing Zone Training. This session has hosted by Life Flight Medic Dale Traer. There were over 200 people in attendance and all that were present received a certificate from Life Flight and the Medics also received 1.0 CEU for their participation. Refreshments and munchies were compliments of Earl Russell.

Session II “Introduction to the Ambulance and Comm Center” was held at the Waterville & District Fire Hall on May 14, 2003. Neil Mooy, Paramedic and Comm Supervisor, presented a informative talk about the Comm Center and how the 9-1-1 system works as well as introducing the S.E.N.D. card to the First Responders. John Krulick reviewed a power point presentation on Pt. Assessment and establishing basic vitals signs. First Responders from Middleton to Windsor were represented, and 4 Fire Fighters from Chester Basin with approximately 60 people in attendance. Shortly after the two presentations, everyone was invited to participate in skills stations. Extra ambulances were available for orientation. A certificate of attendance will be presented to all that took part, and 0.5 CEU credits for the medics.

Session III will take place on June 17, 2003 at 1900hrs at the Greenwich Fire Hall. The topic will be “Bugs in the Street”. All are welcome to attend and it will count as an M&M for the medics. If you are interested in getting involved with this project, please contact: Bruce Cruickshank @ Kentville Base 678-3686.

Paramedicine has grown leaps and bounds over the past 10 years, but not as fast as it has been growing on Long and Brier Islands.

What we have is a community based Paramedic program that utilizes the Paramedics during their down time. The Medics on the Islands have extended protocols, giving them a broader scope of practice. The Freeport base doubles as the Islands Medical Clinic. The Clinic is operated both by the Medics and by the Nurse Practitioner. By being associated with the clinic, the Medics now have more patient contacts per day than many other bases. The Paramedics on the Islands are now responsible for such things as:

Acute Non-Scheduled Care: Hypoglycemia, Minor Wound Care, Eye Irrigation.

Acute Scheduled Care: Follow-up evaluation of skin infections.

Non-Acute Scheduled Care: Wound evaluation/care, CHF evaluations, Medication Compliance, BP checks, BG checks, Urinalysis, Home evaluation for the elderly.

Specific Procedures: Tetanus immunizations, Blood work clinics, Flu shots, B12 injections.

The extended scope for the Paramedics of Freeport is part of a community development program currently being designed by Debbee Misner. Debbee is currently awaiting approval for suture removal and IV antibiotic protocols for the Medics.

The Paramedics of Long and Brier Island are always getting involved in community events. The Medics were recently found helping the locals demonstrate a “Mock ATV Accident”. The areas First Responders along with the Fire Department, assisted with assessing scene safety, patient care, immobilization and transport. The day was a great learning exercise for all, and there were lots of bystanders to witness the event

Wolfville Paramedics Lisa Shea and Brian Bunch recently participated in a mock car accident at Horton High School in Greenwich. The event was sponsored by MADD Canada as part of the schools Safe Grad activities. Firefighters from Wolfville and Greenwich worked along side the medics demonstrating vehicle extrication to the Senior High students. Jim Wile also of Wolfville base provided make up for the victims in the mock accident.

Central Kings Rural High School in Cambridge, Kings Co., has been offering a Medical Technology course as a high school credit for over 4 years now. The course is similar to the Red Cross MFR course, but has been adapted to the classroom.

The program is taught by Jim Lindh, a veteran ski patroller and Red Cross instructor, and the program is the only one of its kind in the province.

As part of the program, students are required to participate in an ambulance orientation. Paramedics Jack Galley and Jon Akin recently did an ambulance tour for the students in the MFR class.

The Bearamedic program was started to help ease the anxiety that kids may experience when they are faced with an ambulance trip. Across the Western region, approximately 30 bears were distributed per month.

Recently the Annapolis Valley First Nations presented EHS with a check for $2,000. First Nations Chief Brian Toney hopes their donation will supply the Western Region with enough Bearamedics for one year.

The presentation took place on May 16, 2003 at the Fleet Center in Kentville.

As many of you are already aware, Bobby Brown has returned to the Valley as Western Regional Manager. Bobby is returning to the Western Region after a 2-year stay as Manager of the Comm Center. Bobby is replacing Wayne LeMoine, who has moved into a new position with EHS as “Program Administration Officer”. Wayne is now responsible for the community Paramedicine programs and the provincial MFR coordinator. Welcome back Bobby!

It’s summer! There are no M & M’s or Mega Codes until September. In September the first M&M will deal with caring for patients with trachs. Best wishes for a fun summer! Debbee

Paramedics around the province are constantly jumping positions; here are the medics that are currently “ON THE MOVE.”

Albert Bahri Wolfville to Windsor

Jennifer Powell Windsor Term to Wolfville Full time

James Keats Paternity Leave

Joanna Marshall Casual Tantallon to Wolfville Term

Jay Marshall Middleton to Bridgetown

Julia Coleman Windsor Term to Kentville Term

Pat Armstrong Bridgetown Term to Kentville Term

Doug Allen Digby to Middleton

Gerry Parfitt Windsor to Comm Center/M.S.O.P

Scott Clements Guysborough to Windsor

Gary Galley Kentville to Bridgewater Supervisor

Rob Merchant Kentville to 6-month SOP position Kentville

Sabine Bouter Kentville Term to Antigonish Full Time

· Best wishes to Jon Akin and his future wife Tanya Levy. The two are set to tie the knot July 25, 2003 at the Old Orchard Inn in Greenwich.

· Good luck to Craig Cairns on his recent engagement to Meagan Squarebriggs. Their wedding is set for September 20, 2003 at Camp Aldershot.

· Best wishes are also extended to Darlene Boehner at Western Fleet, and Allan Workman on their engagement this past March. Darlene and Allan are planning a wedding for August 28, 2004.

· Congratulations to Bruce and Pam Langille on the arrival of their son, Joshua Bruce on March 22, 2003. Joshua was born at Valley Regional weighing 9lbs 1oz.

· Congratulations to Ken and Sandra White on the arrival of their second child. Abigail Victoria was born on April 11, 2003 at Valley Regional weighing 8lbs 2oz.

· Congratulations to Jason Stevens and his wife Melanie who recently added a new member to their family! Noah Grant Stevens was born May 5, 2003 at Valley Regional Hospital and weighed 9lbs 4oz. Little Noah is welcomed to the family bi Big Brother Lucus.

News and views is targeted as a Quarterly Publication, however during the summer it will be published monthly.

My Favorite Web sites

Emergency Health Services
EMS Inc.
Holland College
MADD Canada
Town of Kentville
Village of New Minas
Town of Wolfville
Town of Windsor
Town of Berwick
City of Halifax