Laserfiche WebLink
national certification contains a requirement that the fire -medic is currently performing paramedic <br />skills or he has to request inactive status. <br />Commissioner Ginn expressed her concerns about fire -medics having rusty skills and <br />lowering the standard of care. <br />Mr. Anderson noted that uncertified paramedic students are now riding in the County's <br />ambulances. <br />Lieutenant Johnston stated that they are not asking the Board to allow them to practice <br />paramedic skills solo but to assist paramedics on the ambulances. <br />Commissioner Ginn believed that this is an ongoing move toward dual certification and felt <br />she could not support the request. <br />Chairman Macht understood that timing is critical but felt that a more fulsome and bipartisan <br />explanation will occur at the Emergency Services District Advisory Committee (ESDAC) meeting <br />on Thursday of this week. That committee will report back to the Board on March 11, 2003. <br />Mr. Anderson stated that, if the request were not allowed, he would have to petition <br />surrounding jurisdictions in order for the County's dual certified firefighters to continue their <br />training. This issue is vitally important due to the current threat of terrorism and the County's <br />system of training is outdated. <br />Chairman Macht stated that Emergency Services Director John King feels that action by <br />March 11, 2003 will be sufficient time for the recertifications. <br />Lieutenant Johnston, in response to questioning from Commissioner Neuberger, <br />emphasized that in order to retain the national registration certification he must be actively <br />performing his paramedic skills. <br />Commissioner Ginn commented that she hoped Mr. Anderson had been misquoted in the <br />Press Journal article indicating that the County had been left with only 1 ambulance during a recent <br />emergency. The article also implied that the firefighters could only wait for the paramedics to arrive <br />and could not administer any assistance until then. <br />Mr. Anderson noted that they are limited as to what they can do until the paramedics arrive <br />and they are not trying to scare the public, but to protect them. <br />CONSENSUS was reached to wait for ESDAC's recommendations at the March 11, 2003 <br />meeting before taking any action. <br />MARCH 4, 2003 19 <br />