On a recent EMS in Wisconsin Podcast, LuAnn Slater & Heidi Romansheck joined to share information about the change from social security numbers (SSN) to the new alpha-numeric Medicare Beneficiary Numbers.  Distribution for Wisconsin residents is completed, but here are some resources you might find helpful. 

• NGS (National Government Services). our Medicare Administrative Contractor
  
• MLN – Medicare Learning Network PDF covering the transition
  
• New MBI Poster
  
• Resources for patients who did not receive their cards.
  

Congratulations to Nick Romenesko of Gold Cross Ambulance and Jon Cohn of Greenfield Fire! Today, Nick and Jon were appointed to the vacant PAAW board seats. We look forward to working even more closely with these two, and thank them for their support and participation.

Today, ambulance services from across the state will receive an email survey from the Wisconsin Office of Rural Health. Service directors, please be on the lookout for an email from pdblack@qualtrics-survey.com!

From the Wisconsin Department of Public Health:

Responding to an emergency situation can be both rewarding and taxing on individuals. First responders coming back from a prolonged deployment may face challenges adjusting to their normal routine. People may display symptoms and reactions such as:

• Emotional symptoms such as irritability or excessive sadness.
• Cognitive dysfunction such as difficulty making decisions or following directions.
• Physical symptoms such as headache, stomach pain, or difficulty breathing.
• Behavioral reactions such as consuming more alcohol or interpersonal conflict.
• Failure to adhere to needed physical or psychiatric medication needs.

Self-Care Pocket Reference Guide for Emergency Response Deployment P-01435 (PDF, 256 KB) - A guide for volunteer responders that includes pre- and post- deployment checklists and self-reflection activities. This resource was originally created for the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Health, and reprinted with their permission.

VIDEO RELEASE EVENT: Fentanyl: The Real Deal

The video is designed for roll call training and reinforces key messages from Fentanyl Safety Recommendations for First Responders.

Join us for the launch of the video on livestream August 30 at 2:00 pm ET

Speakers

Senior Federal Officials

• U.S. Department of Justice, Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein
  
• Office of Justice Programs, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Laura L. Rogers
  
• Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, Director Jon Adler
  
• Office of National Drug Control Policy, Deputy Director James W. Carroll
  
• U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Assistant Administrator John Martin
  

Representatives from National Law Enforcement, Fire, and EMS Associations

• Fraternal Order of Police, National Vice President, Jay McDonald
  
• National Sheriffs’ Association, Executive Director, Jonathan Thompson
  

• International Association of Chiefs of Police, Member of the Board of Directors and Chief of Police, Norwood, Massachusetts, William Brooks III
• International Association of Fire Fighters, General President, Harold Schaitberger
  
• National Volunteer Fire Council, Director-at-large for EMS/Rescue Section Executive Committee and Lieutenant, Princeton Junction Fire Department, Brian Foley
  
• National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, President, Dennis Rowe
  
• National Association of EMS Physicians, President, Dr. Brent Myers

By Samantha Hilker

“It was the most humbling and exciting experience of my life…”

Dave Mike was selected as the Professional Ambulance Association’s Star of Stars at the 2017 Wisconsin Star of Life Awards.  Dave was selected from 29 of his peers who were also honored at the event held in conjunction with the Paramedic Systems of Wisconsin Conference in Green Bay.  Although all 30 stars had amazing stories, something about Dave stood out.  22 somethings, actually…

About 14 years ago Dave and his wife decided to give foster care a try, and in early 2004 they took in their first foster child.  Since then, they have fostered 22 children.  TWENTY TWO.  They also lead and facilitate a foster and adoptive parent support group through their church in Whitefish Bay. 

As the Star of Stars, Dave was able to attend the American Ambulance Association’s Stars of Life event this past June in Washington D.C. which included Capitol Hill visits with elected officials, a luncheon at the National Press Club, and sightseeing with his wife and two of his daughters.  “Being selected as the Wisconsin Star of Stars was the most humbling and exciting experience of my life.  I cannot thank Paratech, PAAW, and the American Ambulance Association enough for the experience” shared Dave. 

As a 45-year veteran in EMS, Dave has seen a lot of changes to our profession.  His smile is contagious and his attitude inspiring; he offered some advice for those just starting out, or wondering if a long and successful EMS career is really in the cards for them…

“You have to be in it for the people.  If you care about the people you are taking care of, you will be happy.  I tell foster families the same thing – you have to be in it for the people.  You also need to find something away from work (EMS) that makes you happy.  You need that time away from all of the stress and terrible things we see to rest and recharge.”

A big part of the Stars event is learning about how government relations and advocacy effects EMS, and how important it is to get out there on a local, state, regional and national level to share our story with elected officials.  Dave would love to see all of us in EMS getting more involved as a “newbie” or a veteran of the profession and suggests city council meetings as a great place to start.

PAAW appreciates all EMS providers in the State of Wisconsin and across the nation.  The Stars events are a great opportunity to recognize and honor the amazing work you do on a daily basis, and we look forward to another Wisconsin banquet in 2019!

From the Wisconsin Emergency Medical Services Section:

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Riccardo Colella has been named State Emergency Medical Services Medical Director, effective immediately. Dr. Colella succeeds Dr. Susan Martens whose term ended June 30, 2018.

Register Now! Wisconsin EMS

WARDS Elite Training Courses

The Wisconsin EMS Section is happy to announce multiple opportunities to participate in the WARDS Elite Training Course. The purpose of the course is to educate users on the function and options of the WARDS Elite program with emphasis on the CQI and Report Writer modules.  Successful completion of this course will provide eight hours of continuing education for attending both nights.

The classes will run for from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with registration starting at 5:30 p.m.

The courses dates and locations are as follows:

Please register for Course #1049572 through WI Train. Specific location information will be provided when registered for one of the sessions.

Over the next several months, the PAAW board of directors will appoint a new director to fill a vacancy in the MUNICIPAL SERVICE (ex: municipal, county owned, etc) category. Please submit nominations of self or others via our convenient online form.

SUBMIT A NOMINATION>

Thank you for your support and participation.

Happy 4th of July from PAAW!