EMS dept. reports progress with book work
Good news was delivered Monday to Marion County Commission from the county's emergency medical services personnel.
Scot Loyd, county auditor with Swindoll, Janzen, Hawk & Loyd, said he was "very pleased with what's happening" in the department.
The accounting firm was hired by the county to assist with the operation of the ambulance department in completing billing statements and other necessary department paperwork.
Employee Woody Crawshaw reported all of the department's receipts were completed Oct. 28, ahead of the scheduled time.
Loyd reported the department's books for 2003 were reconciled with no discrepancies being reported.
Crawshaw said the department will continue to use manual receipts per the auditor's recommendation. The new software allows receipt information to be changed. The software company was contacted and Crawshaw was told the program could be changed for a fee.
A temporary part-time employee, Jamie Shirley, has been hired to assist with the completion of reports and necessary paperwork.
Loyd said the next step will be the filing of run sheets and completion of certification documents.
Crawshaw and employee Deana Olsen will attend training Monday and Tuesday in Indianapolis.
Department director Darryl Thiesen also presented an October report for the EMS department.
There were 65 calls, 30 in Marion, 20 in Hillsboro, eight in Tampa, and seven in Peabody.
Of those calls, there were 24 no transports, 11 transfers, nine medical emergencies, seven cardiac, seven home accidents or falls, three vehicle accidents, and one standby. The rescue truck responded to two calls.
Seven first responder calls were noted — four in Goessel and three in Lincolnville.
Thiesen reported continuing education units for ambulance crews were continuing with completion anticipated before the required deadline of Dec. 31.
Three CPR classes have been provided to county employees. Thiesen plans to provide two more classes.
Training is continuing for advanced initiatives for EMT-B level technicians.
Advanced life support drug boxes have been placed on two ambulances with "cutting edge meds," Thiesen said.
A weekly ambulance supply checklist has been implemented by Thiesen to assure all equipment is in working order.
Proposed projects are the same placement of basic life support drug boxes in all ambulances, the placement of a defibrillator in Peabody ambulance, and Thiesen will provide first aid training for transportation drivers at Marion Senior Center and USD 410.
