Posted on October 19, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Safety Officials in Starke County are prepared to perform various life-saving techniques for pets and police K9s thanks to a training course held on Wednesday.
The class was taught by Dr. Lisa Booth from the Vale Park Animal Hospital and it was attended by members from local fire departments, the Starke County EMS as well as officers from the Knox, North Judson and Starke County K9 Units.
The group was taught some basic life support care techniques for animals that are saved from a fire. All Starke County ambulances are equipped with small, medium and large oxygen masks for that purpose.
Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary mentioned that Dr. Booth actually helped steer the EMS department toward a grant from Invisible Fence that was utilized to purchase those masks.
Safety officials also learned some advanced life support and paramedic care techniques. Those skills included how to decompress a collapsed lung, check for brain damage, insert a tube, start IV’s and supply life-saving medications.
Clary specified that those techniques cannot be used on all animals.
He said, “If we pull a dog out of a house fire, we can provide them oxygen but we can’t do all these other things like start IVs and give fluids and stuff. We can only do that to a certified police K9 dog.”
Clary said if a situation calls for it, EMS officials are able to accompany K9 units to the closest emergency vet clinic. All the ambulances contain K9 protocol cards that list the certified police dogs and updated weights so emergency personnel will know how much medication to administer if the need arises.
In addition to coming away from the course with some helpful skills, all the K9 handlers were given special kits that had various safety supplies such bandages, needles and medications as well as signs and symptoms to look out for.
Clary mentioned Dr. Booth also provides NARCAN to the handlers in case the police dogs accidentally ingest narcotics in the line of duty.
Director Clary noted that this was a refresher course, as local officials also attended a similar class held by Dr. Booth about three years ago. He added that the collaboration during this class emphasized the fact that local emergency officials are all working together on one team.
Showing posts with label Starke County EMS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Starke County EMS. Show all posts
Friday, October 19, 2018
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Additional Starke County EMS Full-Time Staff Proposed
Posted on August 9, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary and Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie are proposing more full-time paramedics and EMTs to the staff roster in 2019.
Clary said it could save in overtime costs.
“Part-time just sometimes doesn’t work especially during the summer months,” said Clary. “You’ve got people who work a full-time job and they want to go out on the boat or to the beach. So, it’s difficult to fill our schedule. If you look at the cost savings, it’s about $35,588.24 and it’s a savings on personnel with putting on three more EMTs and three more paramedics full-time.”
Clary clarified that some of the current part-time staff members, if qualified, could move into these full-time positions, or they could place outside applicants into these positions.
Ritchie will look closer at the numbers with Auditor Kay Chaffins to include in their projections in terms of insurance costs, PERF and other benefits. Despite these costs, Ritchie believes it will end up saving the overtime line item in the budget.
“That would take care of 960 hours with 24 part-time for EMTs and 24 paramedic part-time hours and that’s all we would need per week,” explained Ritchie. “I’m sure we could fill that and our overtime would just be cut.”
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary and Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie are proposing more full-time paramedics and EMTs to the staff roster in 2019.
Clary said it could save in overtime costs.
“Part-time just sometimes doesn’t work especially during the summer months,” said Clary. “You’ve got people who work a full-time job and they want to go out on the boat or to the beach. So, it’s difficult to fill our schedule. If you look at the cost savings, it’s about $35,588.24 and it’s a savings on personnel with putting on three more EMTs and three more paramedics full-time.”
Clary clarified that some of the current part-time staff members, if qualified, could move into these full-time positions, or they could place outside applicants into these positions.
Ritchie will look closer at the numbers with Auditor Kay Chaffins to include in their projections in terms of insurance costs, PERF and other benefits. Despite these costs, Ritchie believes it will end up saving the overtime line item in the budget.
“That would take care of 960 hours with 24 part-time for EMTs and 24 paramedic part-time hours and that’s all we would need per week,” explained Ritchie. “I’m sure we could fill that and our overtime would just be cut.”
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Starke County Officials to Consider Ambulance Purchase, Transfer Unit
Posted on August 8, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Starke County government officials will decide on the purchase of a new ambulance and a possible transfer unit in the next few weeks.
Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary told the commissioners Monday night that he received all of the quotes he’s been looking for to purchase an ambulance. Four quotes were received: Medwerks/Crossroads Ambulance at just under $122,000, Osage Ambulance at nearly $127,000, Demers Ambulance at $131,600 and Hoosier Fire Equipment/Lifeline Ambulance at $158,500.
Commissioner Kathy Norem noted that a couple of Starke County Council members have specific thoughts about a new ambulance so it was suggested that Clary and EMS Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie appear before the county council members on Aug. 20 to present the information for their approval. The commissioners agreed that the money to pay for the ambulance will come out of the Cumulative Capital Development Fund. Any additional equipment that may need to be purchased such as a cot, radios, a monitor, and decals will come out of the same fund.
In a parallel conversation, Clary noted that the Porter Regional ambulance that was stationed at Starke Hospital is no longer there and Starke County EMS has seen an uptick in transfers which will help gain revenue for the department. Clary suggested securing a transfer unit to gather more funds for the department. The transfer unit could take hospital transfers outside of the EMS jurisdiction which is limited to a 50-mile radius.
Clary stressed that there is one ambulance designated for local transfers only within the 50-mile radius so there could be two rigs available and that would generate funds. Ambulances will be available as they always are for 9-1-1 emergencies as that is the department’s priority.
Clary and Starke County Commissioner Charlie Chesak will set up a meeting with Starke Hospital officials to discuss the proposal and a possible memorandum of understanding before any decision is made.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Starke County government officials will decide on the purchase of a new ambulance and a possible transfer unit in the next few weeks.
Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary told the commissioners Monday night that he received all of the quotes he’s been looking for to purchase an ambulance. Four quotes were received: Medwerks/Crossroads Ambulance at just under $122,000, Osage Ambulance at nearly $127,000, Demers Ambulance at $131,600 and Hoosier Fire Equipment/Lifeline Ambulance at $158,500.
Commissioner Kathy Norem noted that a couple of Starke County Council members have specific thoughts about a new ambulance so it was suggested that Clary and EMS Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie appear before the county council members on Aug. 20 to present the information for their approval. The commissioners agreed that the money to pay for the ambulance will come out of the Cumulative Capital Development Fund. Any additional equipment that may need to be purchased such as a cot, radios, a monitor, and decals will come out of the same fund.
In a parallel conversation, Clary noted that the Porter Regional ambulance that was stationed at Starke Hospital is no longer there and Starke County EMS has seen an uptick in transfers which will help gain revenue for the department. Clary suggested securing a transfer unit to gather more funds for the department. The transfer unit could take hospital transfers outside of the EMS jurisdiction which is limited to a 50-mile radius.
Clary stressed that there is one ambulance designated for local transfers only within the 50-mile radius so there could be two rigs available and that would generate funds. Ambulances will be available as they always are for 9-1-1 emergencies as that is the department’s priority.
Clary and Starke County Commissioner Charlie Chesak will set up a meeting with Starke Hospital officials to discuss the proposal and a possible memorandum of understanding before any decision is made.
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Starke County Commissioners to Consider Replacing Older Ambulance
Posted on June 5, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary will be looking into quotes for a new ambulance to replace an older truck on the fleet.
Clary told the Starke County Commissioners Monday night that a 2011 Chevy ambulance was recently out of service for two months to repair the DEF system and the turbo on the unit that is primarily used at the North Judson base. Clary said that the ambulance continues to be a strain on the ambulance maintenance budget.
He added that Commissioner Kathy Norem asked about a rotation system for the ambulances and to contact the insurance company to discuss that possibility.
“They do not have a set standard for our insurance standards,” said Clary. “We did contact Bliss McKnight as well and they recommended a two-year rotation, but again there’s no set policy. They said in order for a truck to be replaced it needs to have 150,000 to 225,000 miles or be four to seven years old.
The 2011 Chevy ambulance has 190,000 miles so it fits the perimeters for replacement.
The commissioners encouraged Clary to start seeking at least three quotes for a new ambulance. The commissioners have discussed the purchase in previous meetings so funding requests for the truck will be presented to the county council once quotes are obtained and approved.
Clary explained that it will take about 200 to 250 days to complete an ambulance purchase. He anticipates looking at an ambulance with a gas chassis rather than a diesel and a truck with the standard equipment.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary will be looking into quotes for a new ambulance to replace an older truck on the fleet.
Clary told the Starke County Commissioners Monday night that a 2011 Chevy ambulance was recently out of service for two months to repair the DEF system and the turbo on the unit that is primarily used at the North Judson base. Clary said that the ambulance continues to be a strain on the ambulance maintenance budget.
He added that Commissioner Kathy Norem asked about a rotation system for the ambulances and to contact the insurance company to discuss that possibility.
“They do not have a set standard for our insurance standards,” said Clary. “We did contact Bliss McKnight as well and they recommended a two-year rotation, but again there’s no set policy. They said in order for a truck to be replaced it needs to have 150,000 to 225,000 miles or be four to seven years old.
The 2011 Chevy ambulance has 190,000 miles so it fits the perimeters for replacement.
The commissioners encouraged Clary to start seeking at least three quotes for a new ambulance. The commissioners have discussed the purchase in previous meetings so funding requests for the truck will be presented to the county council once quotes are obtained and approved.
Clary explained that it will take about 200 to 250 days to complete an ambulance purchase. He anticipates looking at an ambulance with a gas chassis rather than a diesel and a truck with the standard equipment.
Friday, March 23, 2018
Starke County Council Approves Job Description for Paramedic Shift Captain
Posted on March 23, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary presented the Starke County Council members this week with a job description for a paramedic shift captain.
Clary explained that there isn’t an assistant EMS director so there is no supervisor backup if he goes on vacation or has to attend a meeting and is unavailable to the staff.
According to the job description, the paramedic shift captain will operate with limited supervision through the department’s Standard Operating Procedure. The captain will also maintain facilities and equipment, plus promote health and safety of the department and the community through education.
The extra money Clary proposed for the position is out of the EMS budget. There would be one paramedic supervisor for each shift and there are four shifts.
The council members unanimously approved a motion to create the position of a paramedic shift captain with a pay increase of $.50 an hour, which will be about $5,400 gross a year. The position will be posted and the salary ordinance will need to be amended.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary presented the Starke County Council members this week with a job description for a paramedic shift captain.
Clary explained that there isn’t an assistant EMS director so there is no supervisor backup if he goes on vacation or has to attend a meeting and is unavailable to the staff.
According to the job description, the paramedic shift captain will operate with limited supervision through the department’s Standard Operating Procedure. The captain will also maintain facilities and equipment, plus promote health and safety of the department and the community through education.
The extra money Clary proposed for the position is out of the EMS budget. There would be one paramedic supervisor for each shift and there are four shifts.
The council members unanimously approved a motion to create the position of a paramedic shift captain with a pay increase of $.50 an hour, which will be about $5,400 gross a year. The position will be posted and the salary ordinance will need to be amended.
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Starke County Commissioners Approve Emergency Purchase for EMS
Posted on March 6, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners approved the emergency purchase of two cardiac monitors for two of the county’s ambulances.
Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary explained that two monitors went down in the past couple of weeks and left the county with no backup devices. He mentioned the monitors that no longer work are approximately 30 years old and were recently checked for service and passed. Since the county provides paramedic service, cardiac monitors are required to be equipped on each ambulance.
The commissioners approved the emergency purchase of two Lifepak 15 cardiac monitors at a cost of $42,531.25 which includes a trade-in cost. Clary said he will discuss warranty and service agreements when he makes the call to purchase the devices today.
The county council members will have to decide how to fund the purchase. There is a zero percent financing option for five years or the commissioners recommend the purchase coming from the Rainy Day Fund.
The new monitors come with the basic user needs. The paramedics won’t need much training as they are in line with the previous cardiac monitors. One spare device can be used as needed.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners approved the emergency purchase of two cardiac monitors for two of the county’s ambulances.
Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary explained that two monitors went down in the past couple of weeks and left the county with no backup devices. He mentioned the monitors that no longer work are approximately 30 years old and were recently checked for service and passed. Since the county provides paramedic service, cardiac monitors are required to be equipped on each ambulance.
The commissioners approved the emergency purchase of two Lifepak 15 cardiac monitors at a cost of $42,531.25 which includes a trade-in cost. Clary said he will discuss warranty and service agreements when he makes the call to purchase the devices today.
The county council members will have to decide how to fund the purchase. There is a zero percent financing option for five years or the commissioners recommend the purchase coming from the Rainy Day Fund.
The new monitors come with the basic user needs. The paramedics won’t need much training as they are in line with the previous cardiac monitors. One spare device can be used as needed.
Monday, February 12, 2018
Starke County EMS Trying New Dispatch Program, Researching Grants
Posted on February 12, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County EMS staff is trying out a new program that acts as a live radio streaming device, according to EMS Director Travis Clary.
“Basically, this turns your smartphone or any other thing into a live radio streaming device,” said Clary. “It’s great for off-duty members, especially with a size like ours with mainly part-time people. They can hear the call live. It’s pretty neat and again it’s just a trial thing. We’re just seeing how it works with our IT Department.”
In addition, Clary said he’s been working with Starke County EMA Director Jean Nier on obtaining grants for some equipment.
“We submitted a large grant for 800 MHz radios last week. We spent many hours looking for further grants for equipment for our service such as cardiac monitors and cots that come at a higher price.”
Clary will update the commissioners on the status of those grants in upcoming meetings.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County EMS staff is trying out a new program that acts as a live radio streaming device, according to EMS Director Travis Clary.
“Basically, this turns your smartphone or any other thing into a live radio streaming device,” said Clary. “It’s great for off-duty members, especially with a size like ours with mainly part-time people. They can hear the call live. It’s pretty neat and again it’s just a trial thing. We’re just seeing how it works with our IT Department.”
In addition, Clary said he’s been working with Starke County EMA Director Jean Nier on obtaining grants for some equipment.
“We submitted a large grant for 800 MHz radios last week. We spent many hours looking for further grants for equipment for our service such as cardiac monitors and cots that come at a higher price.”
Clary will update the commissioners on the status of those grants in upcoming meetings.
Thursday, December 7, 2017
Ambulance Transfers Gain in Numbers
Posted on December 7, 2017
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Starke County EMS Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie informed the commissioners Monday night that the number of ambulance transfers is increasing.
She said the number of transfers in November was at 16 percent which is up from seven percent the month before, but not where they were earlier this year. Basic Life Service transfers from the area nursing homes have increased where the EMS department had not been getting those calls.
EMS Director Travis Clary noted that open communication with the hospital and all involved has helped the numbers increase.
Transfers create revenue for Starke County EMS and with the reduction in transfers, the county hasn’t gotten the revenue as expected. However, Ritchie indicated that the revenue is still up from this time last year.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Starke County EMS Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie informed the commissioners Monday night that the number of ambulance transfers is increasing.
She said the number of transfers in November was at 16 percent which is up from seven percent the month before, but not where they were earlier this year. Basic Life Service transfers from the area nursing homes have increased where the EMS department had not been getting those calls.
EMS Director Travis Clary noted that open communication with the hospital and all involved has helped the numbers increase.
Transfers create revenue for Starke County EMS and with the reduction in transfers, the county hasn’t gotten the revenue as expected. However, Ritchie indicated that the revenue is still up from this time last year.
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Starke County Council Addresses Loss in Ambulance Transfers
Posted on October 19, 2017
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Starke County EMS is losing ambulance transfers to another ambulance service which has caused a reduction in revenue for the county.
EMS Director Travis Clary mentioned the issue to the commissioners earlier this month in his report to the board and the Starke County Council discussed it this week.
Council Vice President David Pearman said county officials met with Starke Hospital personnel recently and they said they would work with the county to assist the EMS service. The fact that a Porter Regional ambulance is at Starke Hospital is still bothering some county officials.
Pearman added that another reason for the change is that the EMS service is not equipped with particular breathing equipment.
“One of the things that had been discussed before was that they would help us fund and train us but also help us fund the piece of equipment,” said Pearman. It’s not super expensive but supposedly that’s why they’ve been sending so many. My point is our patient mix could not have changed that much in three months where all of a sudden we’re not qualified to do our own transfers. They’re saying we don’t have the required equipment and training.”
Starke Hospital Interim CEO Jeff Fites told WKVI News, “In a recent meeting with county commission and EMS officials, we discussed ambulance transfers from Starke Hospital. It’s important to note that transfers overall at the hospital have been down for the time period that the county indicated they’ve seen a decrease. Our number one priority at Starke Hospital is our patients, some of whom have a higher acuity than Starke County EMS can accommodate, and some of whom must travel farther than the Starke County EMS service area.
We will continue to work with various ambulance services in addition to Starke County EMS for transfers from Starke Hospital so our patients can receive the timely and medically-necessary transfer services they need. We intend to continue collaborating with Starke County EMS, including offering them additional training if they would like it. We value our relationship with Starke County EMS and feel confident we can work together to offer excellent ambulance transfer care to our communities.”
It is also bothering residents in Starke County who are waiting on transfer service as Starke County EMS is not being called to perform transfers as often. Residents reportedly often wait hours for the alternate service to complete the transfer request.
EMS Director Travis Clary reported to the commissioners on Oct. 2 that the percentage of transfers dropped from 35 or 25 percent to 10 percent last month.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Starke County EMS is losing ambulance transfers to another ambulance service which has caused a reduction in revenue for the county.
EMS Director Travis Clary mentioned the issue to the commissioners earlier this month in his report to the board and the Starke County Council discussed it this week.
Council Vice President David Pearman said county officials met with Starke Hospital personnel recently and they said they would work with the county to assist the EMS service. The fact that a Porter Regional ambulance is at Starke Hospital is still bothering some county officials.
Pearman added that another reason for the change is that the EMS service is not equipped with particular breathing equipment.
“One of the things that had been discussed before was that they would help us fund and train us but also help us fund the piece of equipment,” said Pearman. It’s not super expensive but supposedly that’s why they’ve been sending so many. My point is our patient mix could not have changed that much in three months where all of a sudden we’re not qualified to do our own transfers. They’re saying we don’t have the required equipment and training.”
Starke Hospital Interim CEO Jeff Fites told WKVI News, “In a recent meeting with county commission and EMS officials, we discussed ambulance transfers from Starke Hospital. It’s important to note that transfers overall at the hospital have been down for the time period that the county indicated they’ve seen a decrease. Our number one priority at Starke Hospital is our patients, some of whom have a higher acuity than Starke County EMS can accommodate, and some of whom must travel farther than the Starke County EMS service area.
We will continue to work with various ambulance services in addition to Starke County EMS for transfers from Starke Hospital so our patients can receive the timely and medically-necessary transfer services they need. We intend to continue collaborating with Starke County EMS, including offering them additional training if they would like it. We value our relationship with Starke County EMS and feel confident we can work together to offer excellent ambulance transfer care to our communities.”
It is also bothering residents in Starke County who are waiting on transfer service as Starke County EMS is not being called to perform transfers as often. Residents reportedly often wait hours for the alternate service to complete the transfer request.
EMS Director Travis Clary reported to the commissioners on Oct. 2 that the percentage of transfers dropped from 35 or 25 percent to 10 percent last month.
Saturday, September 9, 2017
Starke County EMS Director Hires New Part-Time Paramedics, Gives Ambulance Maintenance Report
Posted on September 9, 2017
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary told the county commissioners this week that five part-time paramedics were recently hired and they are completing orientation. He hopes this will help cut down on overtime hours.
Clary also reported that no major mechanical issues occurred to the county ambulances in August. Previously, ambulances had experienced several issues and one was always in out of service for repair. The repairs have taken a toll on the EMS budget. Clary and Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie have brought budget issues before the county council and the commissioners as repairs have caused a funding shortage.
Clary also mentioned that he plans on researching a keyless entry system to better secure the ambulance buildings.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary told the county commissioners this week that five part-time paramedics were recently hired and they are completing orientation. He hopes this will help cut down on overtime hours.
Clary also reported that no major mechanical issues occurred to the county ambulances in August. Previously, ambulances had experienced several issues and one was always in out of service for repair. The repairs have taken a toll on the EMS budget. Clary and Clerk Mary Lynn Ritchie have brought budget issues before the county council and the commissioners as repairs have caused a funding shortage.
Clary also mentioned that he plans on researching a keyless entry system to better secure the ambulance buildings.
Friday, August 11, 2017
New Basic EMTs, Paramedic Hired (8/11)
Posted on August 11, 2017
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County EMS personnel roster is getting a facelift.
Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary informed the commissioners on Monday night that he recently hired three basic EMTs and a paramedic. Clary was promoted to director in July which left his paramedic job open. Clary conducted other interviews this week to fill other part-time paramedic positions within the department.
Following a CPR training class at the highway department, Clary mentioned that he and Rik Ritzler discussed Automated External Defibrillators. Ritlzer expressed interest in purchasing one for his department, but Clary said he had one that he gave Ritzler to satisfy the request. It’s an older model but is in working order. Three others are available for departments who may want them.
Clary added the ambulance repair issues continue to plague the EMS staff. The newest ambulance is experiencing an issue with a system to that is required on diesel vehicles for cleaner air.
“We continue to have ambulance repairs,” said Clary. “Ambulances continue to be in and out of service. Last week we were down to no spare ambulances again. The newest truck is out right now. It had to be sent to Chevy. That one has about 30,000 miles on it. We’re being told that it could cost quite a bit but we’re hoping everything’s under warranty.”
The county council will review the EMS budget when they meet later this month.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County EMS personnel roster is getting a facelift.
Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary informed the commissioners on Monday night that he recently hired three basic EMTs and a paramedic. Clary was promoted to director in July which left his paramedic job open. Clary conducted other interviews this week to fill other part-time paramedic positions within the department.
Following a CPR training class at the highway department, Clary mentioned that he and Rik Ritzler discussed Automated External Defibrillators. Ritlzer expressed interest in purchasing one for his department, but Clary said he had one that he gave Ritzler to satisfy the request. It’s an older model but is in working order. Three others are available for departments who may want them.
Clary added the ambulance repair issues continue to plague the EMS staff. The newest ambulance is experiencing an issue with a system to that is required on diesel vehicles for cleaner air.
“We continue to have ambulance repairs,” said Clary. “Ambulances continue to be in and out of service. Last week we were down to no spare ambulances again. The newest truck is out right now. It had to be sent to Chevy. That one has about 30,000 miles on it. We’re being told that it could cost quite a bit but we’re hoping everything’s under warranty.”
The county council will review the EMS budget when they meet later this month.
Monday, May 8, 2017
Starke County EMS Seeks Part-Time Paramedics, EMTs
Posted on May 8, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Starke County EMS Director Keith Emigh is still looking to hire part-time EMTs and paramedics. He told the county commissioners last week he only received one application for part-time work last month.
Emigh adds he’s constantly in need of part-time help to cover round-the-clock shifts at all three of Starke County’s EMS bases. Many EMTs and paramedics pick up shifts with several ambulance services, which presents scheduling challenges.
Contact Emigh via email at kemigh@co.starke.in.us.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Starke County EMS Director Keith Emigh is still looking to hire part-time EMTs and paramedics. He told the county commissioners last week he only received one application for part-time work last month.
Emigh adds he’s constantly in need of part-time help to cover round-the-clock shifts at all three of Starke County’s EMS bases. Many EMTs and paramedics pick up shifts with several ambulance services, which presents scheduling challenges.
Contact Emigh via email at kemigh@co.starke.in.us.
Monday, June 13, 2016
North Judson Fire Department to Add New Defibrillator
A technology upgrade may help the North Judson-Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department save more lives.
Fire Chief Joe Leszek asked the North Judson Town Council Monday to approve the purchase of a new Automated External Defibrillator, but he says they still plan to keep the one they already have. “Our current defibrillator isn’t going to be supported by Starke County EMS anymore,” he said. “And with the pads we have acquired, our plans it to take that defibrillator and put it on Truck 1, and then the new defibrillator with the pads that will be supported by the Starke County EMS, so we don’t have to purchase those anymore, will be on our Tahoe, which is our first truck out for medicals. So with the approval of this, we’ll have two trucks outfitted with defibrillators, that we could roll simultaneously.”
He says that would be especially useful during larger-scale emergencies, like car accidents and structure fires. Defibrillators are used to restart a proper heart rhythm in people suffering cardiac arrest.
The North Judson Town Council unanimously approved the purchase of the Lifepak AED for a cost of $1,625.
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Starke County EMS Searching for Paramedics
Starke County EMS Director Keith Emigh is still looking for paramedics to cover shifts at the county’s three bases. His goal is to have paramedics on staff around the clock, seven days a week. Doing so allows the county to provide Advance Life Support service.
Paramedics can provide higher levels of care to patients than EMT’s can. If adequate ALS coverage is available, Starke County EMS can transfer patients between medical facilities. Doing so generates money for the county.
Paramedics interested in applying for jobs with Starke County EMS can contact Emigh at 574-772-9140.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Starke EMS Prepared to Treat K-9s
Starke County EMS ambulances are now equipped to help the county’s four-legged law enforcement officers as well as civilian animals. The county ambulance service recently got a grant from Invisible Fence for free pet oxygen masks.
EMS Director Keith Emigh, Assistant Director Travis Clary and Starke County K-9 Officers Rob Olejniczak and Adam Gray have been working together to help EMT’s and paramedics become more prepared for an incident involving the police dogs.
Paramedics recently volunteered their time to take a class from Dr. Lisa Booth of Vale Park Animal Hospital in Valparaiso. She runs the nonprofit organization “Kits for K-9’s” and provides special first aid medical kits to local K-9 officers. Booth donated kits to both the Starke County Sheriff’s Office and North Judson Police Department.
Starke County EMS officials also made individual cards for each county K-9 officer that will be placed in each ambulance in case of emergency. Each lists the dog’s weight and life-saving medications that can be administered. Clary says Starke County EMS also learned they can transport a wounded K-9 in an emergency situation to the nearest 24-hour emergency vet at Purdue North Central in Westville.
Legal restrictions prohibit the transportation of non-law enforcement pets. However, the pet oxygen masks on the ambulances can be used to provide supplemental oxygen to civilian animals in need after, for instance, being rescued from a house fire. Each truck is equipped with small, medium and large masks.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Starke County Commissioners Reaffirm Support for EMS Policies
Published:
Pre-hospital emergency care remains the first priority for Starke County EMS, but it is not their only charge. The Starke County Commissioners reaffirmed that mission statement during their meeting Monday night. A recent Facebook posting about a lack of available county ambulance service due to transfers between facilities prompted the discussion.
Commissioner Kathy Norem says the service has contractual guidelines with IU Health Starke Hospital.
“We don’t do out of the county non-emergent transfers. We do emergent transfers out of the county. Emergency is defined by the physician. They’re the captain of the ship, and they’re the ones that say ‘this is an emergency transfer’.”
President of the Commissioners Kent Danford oversees EMS. He says they have always provided emergency transfers, and the revenue generated from doing so sustains the service without placing an undue burden on the county.
Starke County has EMS bases in North Judson, Knox and Grovertown. Director Keith Emigh says there have been a few occasions when more than one ambulance has been out of the county at a time on a transfer. For instance, if Medic 5, which is based in Grovertown, is coming back from Plymouth, and the county is called on for an emergency transfer to another facility, two trucks may briefly be out of the county. As of Monday, Emigh says Medic 3, which is stationed in Knox, has run 33 life-and-death transfers. He adds it’s possible to have two rigs on calls at any given time due to any type of emergency call, leaving only one truck for county-wide coverage.
Emigh and the commissioners note all of the township volunteer fire departments have first responders with various levels of advanced medical training. That program was set up to provide a more immediate medical response until an ambulance can arrive and EMTS and paramedics can take over care as necessary. Emigh adds the statewide average response time for EMS is 18 minutes. The Facebook message thread claimed a response time of 15 minutes due to an ambulance being out of the county and a truck having to come from another base. Emigh says first responders were there within four minutes of being notified.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Starke County EMS Still Hiring EMTs and Paramedics
Published:
Starke County EMS is still looking for EMTs and paramedics. Director Keith Emigh told the county commissioners this week his goal is to have all three bases adequately staffed in order to offer county-wide Advance Life Support Service around the clock, seven days a week.
ALS personnel are certified to provide more services, including the administration of some medications. Having ALS trucks available throughout the county also allows Starke County EMS to transport patients from IU Health Starke Hospital and local nursing homesto other medical facilities as needed for treatment while ensuring the county is covered in case of an emergency.
Emigh hired six part-time paramedics and four part-time EMTs last month and says he will continue hiring until the service is staffed at adequate levels.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Starke County EMS Still Searching for Paramedics
Published: March 5, 2015
By: Mary Perren, WKVI
Starke County EMS Director Keith Emigh is still trying to hire enough paramedics to staff all three bases around the clock. He told the Starke County Commissioners Monday many paramedics pick up shifts at departments all over the northern third of the state. As a result he says coordinating schedules is challenging.
Right now he’s got one full-time opening and is always looking for part-time help. Emigh says the Knox EMS base is always staffed with paramedics, and they work in North Judson and Grovertown as schedules allow.
By: Mary Perren, WKVI
Starke County EMS Director Keith Emigh is still trying to hire enough paramedics to staff all three bases around the clock. He told the Starke County Commissioners Monday many paramedics pick up shifts at departments all over the northern third of the state. As a result he says coordinating schedules is challenging.
Right now he’s got one full-time opening and is always looking for part-time help. Emigh says the Knox EMS base is always staffed with paramedics, and they work in North Judson and Grovertown as schedules allow.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Starke County Commissioners Approve Ambulance Service Expansion
By: Mary Perren, WKVI
Published: August 5th, 2014
The Starke County EMS base in North Judson will soon have a paramedic on duty around the clock. The county commissioners approved the expansion of Advanced Life Support, or ALS, service to that base immediately and to Grovertown starting Jan. 1. Knox already has 24-hour ALS coverage. Having extra paramedics available will allow Starke County EMS to transfer patients from the hospital and nursing homes to other facilities and bill Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance for reimbursement. Commissioner Kathy Norem made it clear she does not want a memorandum of understanding with IU Health to take transfers from their facility.
“I don’t want taxpayers to fund the Greyhound Bus to LaPorte,” Norem said during yesterday’s meeting.
Starke County Council President Dave Pearman has worked closely with Starke County EMS officials on the proposed ALS expansion. He said a memorandum of understanding is irrelevant because the county will have adequate coverage should a transfer be necessary.
Norem stressed that sending patients out of the county for routine care is bad for business. “Every time we send a service to LaPorte hospital instead of keeping them here at Starke for things that we could do, somebody here doesn’t work. Somebody in Starke County does not collect a paycheck,” she said. “It is an economic problem when you don’t support your own hospital and you just allow the services to continue to dwindle to nothing. You’re not going to be able to recruit any more factories. That’s one of the things they look for. It’s a huge economic problem to not support our own hospital.”
She added it also creates a hardship for the families of patients to have to drive long distances to visit them in the hospital.
“I know for a fact that they are taking things up there that could be done here and should be done here, and if we let our hospital go, as elected officials, then we all ought to be shot at sunrise,” Norem said.
Published: August 5th, 2014
The Starke County EMS base in North Judson will soon have a paramedic on duty around the clock. The county commissioners approved the expansion of Advanced Life Support, or ALS, service to that base immediately and to Grovertown starting Jan. 1. Knox already has 24-hour ALS coverage. Having extra paramedics available will allow Starke County EMS to transfer patients from the hospital and nursing homes to other facilities and bill Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance for reimbursement. Commissioner Kathy Norem made it clear she does not want a memorandum of understanding with IU Health to take transfers from their facility.
“I don’t want taxpayers to fund the Greyhound Bus to LaPorte,” Norem said during yesterday’s meeting.
Starke County Council President Dave Pearman has worked closely with Starke County EMS officials on the proposed ALS expansion. He said a memorandum of understanding is irrelevant because the county will have adequate coverage should a transfer be necessary.
Norem stressed that sending patients out of the county for routine care is bad for business. “Every time we send a service to LaPorte hospital instead of keeping them here at Starke for things that we could do, somebody here doesn’t work. Somebody in Starke County does not collect a paycheck,” she said. “It is an economic problem when you don’t support your own hospital and you just allow the services to continue to dwindle to nothing. You’re not going to be able to recruit any more factories. That’s one of the things they look for. It’s a huge economic problem to not support our own hospital.”
She added it also creates a hardship for the families of patients to have to drive long distances to visit them in the hospital.
“I know for a fact that they are taking things up there that could be done here and should be done here, and if we let our hospital go, as elected officials, then we all ought to be shot at sunrise,” Norem said.
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