AMR Alert News for AMR San Diego Team Members Volume 1, Issue 1 March 2007

A New Year, A New Way of Business

AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE SAN DIEGO

January 1, 2007 marked not only the start of a new year, but the start of American Medical Response’s (AMR) new corporate structure. Though sometimes corporate restructuring seems to have little bearing on how businesses are run, AMR’s new configuration is already making a positive difference in the San Diego office. The new structure of AMR includes the elimination of the regional structure and focuses much more decision making at the local level. This allows for a faster turnaround on approvals, orders, and planning activities. In addition to increased efficiency, this allows for the people most familiar and more experienced with a local operation to make educated decisions, which will help

each local office and the overall corporation move forward positively. In San Diego, the restructure has brought Mike Murphy, formerly Director of Operations, the new title of General Manager. As has been the case, Mike is responsible for the overall management of the operation. He now has additional ability to oversee and approve items that were administered regionally in the past. You might be interested to know that Kurt Williams’ role has changed to Divisional Chief Operating Officer for the Southwest and Hawaii. The elimination of the regional structure has changed additional roles in San Diego as well. Liz Salerno is now the part-time critical

care transport nurse supervisor and is working out of the Supervisors’ Office. She also continues to work in the field. Director of Administration Pat Peltier is now overseeing clinical/continuing education, quality assurance/quality improvement, and human resources. The local team is excited about these changes and has been pleased with the implementation thus far. As with any major change, there is a potential for confusion and challenges with new systems and processes. If you experience any difficulty or notice any process not functioning smoothly, please discuss your concern with your supervisor or a member of the management team.

Liz Salerno Awarded 2007 Star of Life AMR San Diego Critical Care Transport Nurse Liz Salerno was recently named a Star of Life for 2007 for her outstanding work in the emergency medical services field. Each year, the American Ambulance Association recognizes significant achievement by members of the EMS community by designating them Stars of Life. Liz will join her fellow Stars in Washington, D.C. in May

and will meet with legislators. She will also help represent AMR during EMS Week locally. Liz has worked for AMR and its predecessor companies for 25 years as an EMT, Paramedic, and CCT Nurse. She is currently also the Out of Class Assigned CCT Nurse Supervisor. Throughout her tenure with AMR, Liz has been a

standout not just for her performance in the field, but for her exemplary leadership and positive attitude. In addition to her work at AMR, she is an active volunteer. Liz’s current volunteer efforts are focused on serving as an active member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Continued on page 6.

Inside this issue: Who’s New? Welcome New Employees

2

Passport to Success

2

Clinical Education

3

Fleet Update

3

CSA-17 Contract Bid

4

Community Education

4

Dottie’s Dish and Ordinary Desserts

5

Contact Information

6

This newsletter needs a name! Have a brilliant idea of what to call it? If we choose your idea, you’ll be handsomely rewarded. Submit your ideas to Katie Keach at x23542 or [email protected]

Who’s New? Welcome New Employees

Michelle Howard (EMT)

Nick Angelillo (Paramedic)

Jeffrey Peters (Paramedic)

Brandon Dougherty (EMT)

Kent Draper (Paramedic)

Danielle Davis (VST)

Ryan Roufs (Paramedic)

C.J. Malcolm (Paramedic)

Ken Kaufmann (Paramedic)

Scott McClellan (Paramedic)

Lance Candelaria (Paramedic)

Kyle Menzies (Paramedic)

John Lorah (EMT)

Jason Liu (EMT)

AMR San Diego is proud to introduce our newest employees! The team members shown here completed their orientation in January and February. Please make a point of introducing yourself to them as Rudolfo Martinez Jr. you see them! (Shuttle Driver)

Jacob Murrell (Paramedic)

Adam Shaffer (EMT)

Daniel McCarthy Mario Moreno Elleesa Chavez Victor Jones IV Greg Jakeway (EMT) (EMT) (Transportation Coordinator) (VST) (Paramedic)

Our next New Hire Orientation begins on March 12. Stop in and say hello and wish them luck as they join AMR San Diego.

Passport to Success AMR recently unveiled Passport to Success, the company’s new national career development program developed to help employees turn a job at AMR into a long-term career. Locally administered by AMR San Diego’s Human Resources Generalist and Recruiter, Jodonn Diaz, Passport to Success is a retention and mentorship program that includes career mapping and education about various careers within the company. A lasting career with AMR can result in many benefits. A comprehensive and flexible benefits plan and merit wage increases offer personal stability. Professional growth is also a focus for the company. AMR employees have significant opportunities to participate in company-sponsored continuing education classes and, through Passport to Success, employees can look at positions in departments other Page 2

than their current placement. Though some field crew members may plan on moving up the vertical career ladder to progress from EMT to Paramedic to Field Supervisor, others may be more interested in pursuing positions in Communications or Business Development.

www.amrlearning.com/passport

ments or areas that most closely match an employee’s interest and level of training and contact with the heads of those departments. At that point, an employee would be given the Passport, a folder with the job description and career path being pursued. The Passport outlines the knowledge and skills one needs to be proficient in the desired position. A mentor who is knowledgeable about the career path will be chosen to support the employee and offer direction, advice, and resources to help make the employee successful.

To determine careers that might be good fits for your personality and strengths, Passport to Success begins with a self-assessment. It continues with some research into depart-

This is an exciting new program that can improve upward mobility of all AMR employees. Please contact Jodonn Diaz for more information and to get started on your Passport to Success, 858-492-3540 or [email protected].

Interested in learning more about Passport to Success? Check out

AMR ALERT

Clinical and Continuing Education The Clinical Education Department has a new team member. American Medical Response San Diego has added Paramedic Mark Neill as a Development and Training Specialist. He is sharing this position with Dannie Myers. Both Mark and Dannie will continue their shifts as paramedics and work on CES matters on days off.

In March, CES is hosting two courses at the end of the month. On March 29th, a three hour class will be presented and will include a discussion on the proper use of the Bougie and the related study being undertaken by AMR. The course will also include an introduction to SimMan, and AMR’s Medical Director, Dr. Brad Schwartz, will give a lecture

on MRSA. The course will be repeated on March 30 for those individuals who were unable to attend the first session. The class is open to all AMR employees, and Mark and Dannie highly encourage Field Training Officers to attend. Each month, CES will offer a different course. Look for next month’s newsletter for more information.

It’s a Boy! SimMan Arrives for Training Duty AMR San Diego is excited to announce the arrival of SimMan, a revolutionary new training tool. AMR San Diego constantly seeks new and innovative training opportunities. Made by Laerdal, SimMan is a computerized mannequin that presents the most realistic scenarios that a field provider might encounter. Our research determined SimMan to be the most advanced, high-fidelity, computerized emergency patient simulator available. It interacts with the provider and its condition changes according to the applied treatment. Since SimMan’s condition can deteriorate if an inappropriate or poorly executed therapeutic intervention is delivered, training is more powerful than pretending with a co-worker or a static mannequin. SimMan includes a library of cardiac rhythms, heart and lung sounds, as well as the ability to speak to the provider.

Further, SimMan will be integrated in AMR’s Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement program. When difficult field cases are identified, SimMan can be programmed to produce the same varying clinical representations as occurred in the field. We can then expose Paramedics and EMTs to the elements involved, monitor their care following the additional education and practice, and improve care and patient outcomes.

AMR San Diego will begin offering SimMan training to field employees by the end of March and will offer training to our First Responder partners as well.

While AMR is not the only EMS provider offering the SimMan technology, we are the first in San Diego County to deploy this valuable training tool in a real-world setting. Other training agencies have chosen to use SimMan in a controlled classroom environment, but we believe that using this equipment in a fully functional ambulance in the field provides the most realistic and productive training experience.

What should our new team member be called? Send your suggestions for SimMan’s name to Mark Neill or Dannie Myers using the contact information on page 6.

Fleet Update by Joe McKay, Fleet Manager In the past few weeks we have experienced an unusually high number of preventable vehicle failures. Remember that your ambulance or wheelchair van is one of the most important tools that you have. You can be the best EMT or Medic with the latest and greatest in lifesaving drugs or procedures, but if you can’t get to your patient, none of that matters. In an attempt to prevent these failures, I will highlight the most common problems and provide a few tips on ways to avoid them in this and future newsletter articles.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

Problem: Unable to start the rig due to dead batteries. •

If the engine is not running, the batteries need to be off. No exceptions.

•

If it is nighttime and you need to clean up and restock, that is understandable. Move the rig to a location where you can run it without being a nuisance to others. Leaving the batteries on with the back doors open and all the dome and scene lights on is a sure way to kill the batteries in a very short time.

•

Utilize the five minute timer. The two fluorescent lights use much less battery power than eight halogen dome and two scene lights.

•

Stop relying on that Emergency Start Button to bail you out!

If you find that you have done everything correctly and are still having a hard time starting the ambulance, call the garage ASAP. Do not wait until you find yourself at a critical scene at 3 a.m. to let us know you have been using the Emergency Start Button all day.

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AMR Bids for North County 9-1-1 Contract On March 1, AMR San Diego submitted our proposal to provide Advanced Life Support 9-1-1 emergency medical services to County Service Area-17 (CSA-17) The County released a Request for Proposals (RFP) in early December, and local AMR staff have worked diligently to develop a strong, workable proposal to serve the CSA-17 communities of Del Mar, Elfin Forest, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach, and 4S

Ranch. Service is currently provided by San Diego Medical Services Enterprise. AMR is confident that our proposal is strong and has offered an inventive deployment plan which allows for needed flexibility during peak demands of commute hours, special events, and seasonal tourism. Further, AMR is offering a fleet of new ambulances, extensive community education programming in partnership with the local fire

agencies, and much-needed timely reporting to system partners to make certain we are exceeding contract requirements and public expectations. We expect County officials to announce their decision sometime in April. In the meantime, we will keep aiming for new opportunities while continuing our solid ALS and BLS service throughout San Diego County.

Community Education Update by Merideth Cooper, Community Education Coordinator Hello everyone! We have some great community education events coming up for the next month: National City Child Link and Exercise the Dream. I am always looking for people to help staff these and other community education activities. These two are fun and easy overtime opportunities. For those of you who are not yet familiar, Child Link is a collaborative school visit that takes place in Chula Vista on Wednesdays and

in National City on Tuesdays. We partner with other law enforcement and public safety groups to present safety information to students from kindergarten to fourth grade and show off our ambulance after the assembly. We have openings for our National City presentations, and the shift runs from 12:30 - 13:30. Exercise the Dream is a program that brings sixth graders to the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista to partake in a sport and skills

clinic. Should you staff the event, your lunch will be provided and you will get to be around some of the top athletes in the world. Shifts start at 08:15 and should clear by 13:30. If this sounds like your idea of a fun day or if you have any questions about these or other opportunities listed on page 4, call me at extension 23580. Thanks!

AMR Jumps Through Hoops for Heart Health American Medical Response (AMR) joined students at the Rhoades School in Encinitas for their 8th Jump Rope and Hoops for Heart Day event on Friday, February 16, 2007. AMR was on hand to help teach children the benefits of living a heart-healthy lifestyle, provide ambulance orientation tours, and partner with parents on blood pressure checks on the students.

blood pressure checked, talking to AMR’s paramedic and emergency medical technician and seeing inside the on-site ambulance.

Upcoming Community Education Events March 13 National City ChildLink 12:30-15:30 at Palmer Way Elementary 2900 Palmer Street, National City 91950

“American Medical Response is excited to partner with the youth of Encinitas and the American Heart Association to help improve heart health in the fun atmosphere of Jump Rope and Hoops for Heart Day,” said Michael Murphy, General Manager of AMR San Diego. Jump Rope and Hoops for Heart Day was cosponsored by the American Heart Association and had a goal of raising money to support lifesaving research into heart and blood vessel diseases, a perfect way to honor National Heart Month. Approximately 330 students, ranging in age from 5 to 13, jumped rope and shot baskets throughout the two-hour event. During breaks, they enjoyed getting their

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ambulance in a relaxed setting can help lessen anxiety and fear in potential emergency situations.”

March 17 Bike Helmet Safety Fair

AMR EMT Ruben Rivera talks to students about the ambulance.

10:00-13:00 at the First Baptist Church 5055 Governor Drive, San Diego 92122 Sponsored by County Supervisor Ron Roberts, AMR, and the San Diego Foundation

March 21 Exercise the Dream 08:15-13:30 at the Olympic Training Center 2800 Olympic Pkwy, Chula Vista 91915

“Decreasing the need for our emergency medical services through injury and illness prevention is an integral part of AMR’s commitment to community health,” said Murphy. “Giving kids the opportunity to meet our caregivers and see inside an

March 23 Preschool Fingerprinting* 09:15-1300 at Palmer Way Elementary 2900 Palmer Street, National City 91950 *Spanish speaking crews desired.

AMR ALERT

Dottie’s Dish

by Dorothy VanBuskirk

Lemon Pistachio Chicken Salad This is a perfect salad any time of the year. It is fast and easy to make with a hint of sweetness. I found this recipe in the Cooking Light magazine, March 1999 issue.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

¾ cup cornflakes

1.

Combine cornflakes, pistachios, lemon rind, ¼ teaspoon pepper and ¼ teaspoon salt in a food processor; pulse until coarsely ground. Place crumb mixture in a shallow dish.

2.

Place each chicken breast half between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap. Flatten to ¼ inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Brush the chicken with honey. Dredge the chicken in crumb mixture.

3.

Heat a large nonstick skillet coasted with cooking spray over medium heat. Add chicken, and sauté 5 minutes on each side or until done. (I had to add about 1 Tablespoon of olive oil). Cut chicken into ½ inch strips; set aside.

4.

Place salad greens in a large bowl. In a small mixing bowl, combine ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, lemon juice and oil and stir. Drizzle over salad greens and toss gently to coat.

5.

Divide the salad greens and chicken evenly among 4 plates. Garnish with lemon wedges, if desired, and serve.

2 Tablespoons pistachios, toasted 1 teaspoon lemon rind, grated ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided ½ teaspoon salt, divided 4 (4-ounce) skinned, boned chicken breast halves 1 Tablespoon honey Cooking spray 6 cups gourmet salad greens 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon olive oil

Ordinary Desserts

by Katie Keach

Snickers Brownies This is a creation of my own and is in no way inspired by Cooking Light magazine. Enjoy! Ingredients:

Instructions:

1 box brownie mix (13”x9” pan size)

1.

Cooking oil and water as called for on the box of mix. 3 eggs 14 oz. bag of chewy caramels

2.

3. 4.

14 oz. can of condensed milk Salted peanuts

5.

Chocolate chips

6. 7. 8.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

Heat oven to 350°. Spray 13”x9” pan with non-stick spray. In a large bowl, combine brownie mix, oil, water and eggs. Mix with a whisk or with an electric mixer. Spread half of the brownie batter in the prepared pan. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until set. Meanwhile, place unwrapped caramels and condensed milk in a saucepan on the stove over low heat. Stir frequently until caramels are melted and smooth. This may take several minutes. Spread the caramel mixture over the warm brownie base. Sprinkle generously with peanuts. Add the remaining brownie batter on top in spoonfuls and carefully spread to cover. Bake at 350° for another 15-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted toward the center comes out clean and the brownies are starting to pull away from the sides of the pan. Turn off the oven. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and return the pan to the over for 2-3 minutes. Spread softened chocolate chips over the top and let cool on a wire rack.

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AMR San Diego Contact Information Station One ▪ 8808 Balboa Ave., Ste. 150 ▪ San Diego, CA 92123 ▪ Phone: 858-492-3500 ▪ http://www.amr-sandiego.com Laurie Brashier Account Executive 858-492-3588

Chad Henry Operations Field Supervisor-B Division 858-492-3564

Patricia McBride Manager of Business Development 858-492-3516

Pat Peltier Director of Administration 858-492-3524

Merideth Cooper Community Education Coordinator 858-492-3580

Jennifer Hernandez Administrative Assistant II 858-492-3518

Joe McKay Fleet and Support Services Supervisor 858-492-3600

Mike Pfeifer GIS Specialist 858-492-3548

Kurt Curtright Account Executive 858-492-3520

Todd Hombs Operations Field Supervisor-A Division 858-492-3566

William Meixner Communications Manager 858-492-3676

Victor Plazola Accounts Payable 858-492-3546

Jodonn Diaz Human Resources Generalist 858-492-3540

Katie Keach Government Affairs Manager 858-492-3542

Kevin Mercer Operations Field Supervisor-C Division 858-492-3554

Mike Rice Administrative Operations Supervisor 858-492-3556

Melody Dotson Base Hospital Nurse Coordinator 858-492-3748

Travis Kusman Manager of Operations 858-492-3528

Mike Miller Communications Supervisor 858-492-3678

Liz Salerno CCT Nurse Supervisor 858-492-3534

Jay Farnes Systems Administrator 858-492-3536

Jan Limneos Deployment Specialist 858-492-3544

Michael Murphy General Manager 858-492-3514

Dorothy VanBuskirk Manager of Administration 858-492-3526

Steve Haubrick Support Services Coordinator 858-492-3592

Brian MacKay Scheduler 858-492-3532

Dannie Myers Development and Training Specialist 858-492-3622

Jessica Zuniga Administrative Assistant 858-492-3503

Mary McAdams Account Executive 858-492-3578

Mark Neill Development and Training Specialist 858-492-3602

Have something to share? Participated in a great save? Submit your articles, ideas, and stories for this newsletter or offer your suggestions to Katie Keach. [email protected] or 858-492-3542

Stars of Life (Continued from page 1.) which she joined with her oldest son in 2005. Though her son is now a student at the Coast Guard Academy, Liz remains committed to the organization, regularly providing emergency preparedness training, conducting vessel safety exams and participating in scheduled homeland security patrols in San Diego Harbor and Mission Bay. Her record of volunteer service extends back through her entire career. She has served as a member of the volunteer Laguna Mountain rescue team, a collaborative group of public safety personnel providing cliff and mountain rescue for the eastern portion of San Diego County. She was also involved as a member of the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department Helicopter Rescue Squad. This position necessitated not only exceptional physical conditioning and the development of advanced rescue and paramedical skills, but also required Liz to become a reserve peace officer. Liz also somehow found time to become the first female

STAR member in San Diego County and was trained as an integral member of the SWAT team to provide emergency medical services inside the perimeter of SWAT operations and other medical/rescue scenarios requiring the team’s specialized training. Thankfully, though not surprisingly, Liz is eager to share her expertise and experience with others, and she continues to be an outstanding mentor for her AMR peers and coworkers. Throughout her 25 year tenure with the organization, Liz has actively recruited for AMR both informally and as part of college career fairs. Liz is part of every AMR New Hire Orientation program, teaching about the importance of the Critical Care Transport element in the provision of EMS and ensuring the delivery of high quality service through well integrated efforts of ALS and BLS providers. She also is responsible for training new nurses as they join the AMR team. Arguably the most important mentoring Liz per-

forms is the ongoing education and instruction she provides to her partner EMTs during critical care transports. Her personable demeanor combines well with her extensive experience, exceptional skills and well developed knowledge base to provide effective and valuable advice and training in the field. Of all of her remarkable traits, Liz’s positive attitude most distinguishes her as a Star of Life. Providing outstanding pre-hospital care infrequently generates much deserved thanks or recognition. She honestly loves her job of helping people; she seeks new methods to improve training and patient care; she continually steps up to any challenges that arise, and she does it all with enthusiasm. We should all be tremendously proud of Liz and what she has accomplished over her quarter century of service to AMR. Please congratulate Liz as a 2007 National Star of Life!