EMS care for residents a priority for director

For the past four years I have had the privilege of providing cardiology care for Bonner County residents. As of Jan. 1, 2009, I have additionally accepted the role of medical director for Bonner County Emergency Medical Services. I want to share with you my charge and an invitation for public input.

I am responsible for overall medical supervision, training, skill proficiency and competency assessments of our EMS personnel. I will maintain continuous quality assessment and improvement with a penchant for education and training rather than punitive actions when deficiency is found. It is my responsibility to review all emergency medical dispatch 911 protocols, and all EMS medical triage and treatment protocols so that they remain current, allow us to work seamlessly with surrounding agencies, and to meet the unique needs of North Idaho.

It is my challenge and intention to unify Bonner County agencies, fire districts, and ambulance districts under a single set of medical protocols and QA/QI programs, with a goal of a more coordinated and thoughtful effort in circumstances of major trauma, particularly when multiple agency responders are dispatched. Clear on-scene leadership, efficient competent assessment, and stabilization with compassionate care are all crucial to successful outcomes.

We are always looking for means of earlier diagnosis and crucial decision making. In the case of heart attack, paramedics currently take EKGs in the field, make a presumptive diagnosis, and transport to the nearest emergency room where plans are made for further cardiac care. The national standard is now to perform direct angioplasty, where available, within 90 minutes of EMS contact, a daunting task in Bonner County. By modifying existing equipment, paramedics may transmit EKGs to emergency room physicians who may, when appropriate, either dispatch a helicopter immediately, or authorize direct ambulance transport to a regional heart center. Patients can then be greeted by informed cardiac teams ready to perform necessary interventions. Those extra minutes saved during heart attacks may allow a loved one to survive.

I am impressed by a caring and positive group of emergency medical technicians and paramedic personnel who seem truly interested in quality and providing state-of-the-art care. I look forward to serving Bonner County as its medical director. Comments, criticism and suggestions from the public are welcome. Please help me keep Bonner County EMS an agency of which we can be proud.

RONALD D. JENKINS, M.D.

Sandpoint