PUBLIC HEARING in the matter of the Expansion ... - Suffolk REMSCO

MEETING SUMMARY
March 13, 2012 - SCEMS Offices
Hauppauge, New York 11788
NOTE: This summary is a draft summary until approved at the May 8, 2012 meeting.
Present: See attendance list, provided as attachment 1.
Meeting opened at 7:03 pm with a quorum present and webcasting in progress. Chairman Gardiner welcomed all
in attendance and led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence for those departed,
in defense of our country, and in our service. As is customary, all REMSCO members and guests introduced
themselves. The Chair noted that a stenographer was present due to several agenda items for the REMSCO’s
consideration.
The Chair called for a motion to modify membership by moving Dr. Lincoln Cox from the Medical Control seat
to the REMAC seat, and to move Kevin Pesce from the Medical Control Alternate seat to the representative seat.
The Chair stated this was consistent with our by-laws, and recongizes the contributions of Dr. Cox as the REMAC
Vice/Chair and Mr. Pesce as the Medical Control Supervisor. Motion was approved.
Motion approved to accept the January 2012 Meeting Summary as distributed.
Mr. Gardiner moved the agenda to accommodate two items of business before the council, and called upon Mr.
Blower as Chair of the Resource Needs Committee. Mr. Blower read the following into the record:
PUBLIC HEARING in the matter of the Expansion of Operating Authority Application submitted by the Saltaire
Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.
February 17, 2012
H. Lee Dennison Bldg. EMS Program Agency Offices
Members Present:
Hearing Officer - Bruce Blower,
Committee Robert Delagi, Tom Lateulere, Jay Gardiner, Joel Vetter
On behalf of the applicants: Village Administrator Mario Posicillo; Fire Chief Kevin Gillespi
Proceedings recorded by Five Star Reporting
Hearing was opened at 3:05 PM
Mr. Blower convened the Public Hearing by noting the nature of the application, reading the attached
narrative into the record, and asking if any parties wished to make comments.
On behalf of the applicant, Mr. Posillico commented in the nature of, and reasons for, the application.
Mr. Delagi, in capacity as staff to the REMSCO stated that he reviewed the application, and originally deemed
the application complete. However, in working with the State DOH, an inconsistency in the Application, in
terms of listed corporate officers (owner) and those representing the fire company (operator) with the
accompanying Affirmation of Fitness and Competency forms needed to be addressed. Mr. Delagi stated that he
was working with Mr. Posillico and the revised forms, in proper format, were forthcoming. The proceedings are
continuing in anticipation of quick resolution in time for the March 13 th meeting as anticipated.
Mr. Delagi, in his capacity as the County EMS Coordinator commented in support of the application.
Continued.

MEETING SUMMARY
March 13, 2012 - SCEMS Offices
Hauppauge, New York 11788 – Page 2.
Seeing no members of the public in attendance, and hearing no responses for additional comments, Mr. Blower
ordered a recess of the committee, with an understanding that the committee would reconvene if members of the
public arrive, or at closing time
The hearing was reconvened at 4:38 PM, with no additional members of the public in attendance.
Mr. Delagi stated that in review of the application, documentation showing the applicant sent letters to required
stakeholders per NY State Policy Statement 06-06, asking for support, or comment in opposition of the
application. The only response letter received to date was a letter of support from himself as County EMS
Coordinator, there were no voices of opposition.
Mr. Gardiner spoke in favor of the application and motioned that the Committee recommend approval of the
application, pending receipt of documents and a favorable finding of fitness and competence of the owner /
operator. Seconded by Mr. Lateulere. Motion passed.
Seeing no members of the public present and haring no response to calls for comment, Mr. Blower closed the
hearing at 4:40 PM, noting that any members of the public who may arrive before 5:00 PM would be allowed
to submit written comments. No additional comments were received.
SALTAIRE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY, INC.
EXPANSION OF OPERATING AUTHORITY
NARRATIVE
January 24, 2012, the Suffolk Regional Emergency Medical Services Council (REMSCO) received an Application for
Expansion of EMS Operating Territory from the Saltaire Volunteer Fire Company, Inc, (SVFC). The SVFC’s current
documented EMS operating territory, as authorized by the NY State Department of Health (DOH), includes the
Incorporated Village of Saltaire.
The SVFC, is a 501 (C)(3) Not-for-Profit Company, formed under the incorporation laws of the State of NY. This
company has historically been providing ambulance service outside its territory to the community of Kismet, an adjacent
Fire District on the barrier beach of Fire Island, with no ambulance service of its own. This response has been provided
through a humanatarian effort to render emergency medical care in this underserved and remote area, and more recently,
under a mutual aid agreement with the Suffolk County Police Department’ Marine Bureau (SCPD-MB), a NY Stateauthorized
Advanced Life Support First Response (ALS-FR) Service that provides limited emergency medical response in
Kismet.
During on-going global discussions about emergency medical response on the barrier beach of Fire Island, it was
determined that the SVFC was providing regular and routine ambulance response to the Kismet Fire District (KFD).
Since this regular and routine response consistently allowed for ambulance response outside the legally recognized area
of operating authority, the REMSCO, working with the Regional EMS Program Agency, the NY State Department of
Health’s Bureau of EMS (NYSDOH-BEMS) and the SVFC sought to remedy the situation by legitimizing the operation
with a formal expansion of operating territory, per the requirements of NY State DOH in Policy Statement 06-06.
Continued.

MEETING SUMMARY
March 13, 2012 - SCEMS Offices
Hauppauge, New York 11788 – Page 3.
The Suffolk County DHS, Division of EMS, acting in its role as Regional EMS Program Agency, and capacity as staff to
the REMSCO, reviewed the application, and is currently awaiting final products to deem the application complete and
work with the NYSDOH-BEMS to review the Fitness & Competency of the SVFC governing and operating boards. The
application narrative contains the definition of Public Need as the
DEMONSTRATED ABSENCE, REDUCED AVAILABILITY OR AN
INADEQUATE LEVEL OF CARE IN AMBULANCE OR
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE AVAILABLE TO A
GEOGRAPHICAL AREA WHICH IS NOT READILY
CORRECTABLE THROUGH THE REALLOCATION OR
IMPROVEMENT OF EXISTING RESOURCES.
The SVFC seeks to legitimize its long-standing and customary response to these areas, see that the reallocation of existing
resources does indeed meet the definition of public need in enhancing emergency medical care in this underserved portion
of the region. The SVFC plans on continuing all aspects of response, medical direction, and quality improvement and
does not believe the modest increase in annual calls will place an undue burden on the company. Likewise, financial
support from the KFD will offset any increased operating costs.
Mr. Blower asked Mr. Delagi if there was any new information to report since the Public Hearing. Mr.
Delagi responded that he had received final items submitted by the Fire Company, and forwarded said
items to the DOH, as necessary to complete the application and request the fitness and competency
review. As of this date, the DOH had not yet responded, and stated that the timetable was adjusted due
to the difficulties in obtaining information from fire company officials that were off-Island this time of
year.
Mr. Blower brought forth a seconded motion from the committee that the application be approved
pending the finding of no barriers to the fitness and competency of the owners (Fire Company) and
oprators (Fire Department)
As the representative to Fire Island, Mr. Levine provided real world insight into the Saltaire-Kismet
relationship and spoke in favor of the application.
No further discussion and the motion unanamously passed by roll call vote with 27 afirmative votes.
The Chair then turned the meeting over to Mr. Zukosky, as Chair of the Education & Training
Committee to address the second agenda item.
Mr. Zukosky stated that the REMSCO received a BLS Course Sponsor Application from the Port
Jefferson Ambulance EMS Academy, and that the Education & Training Committee met on March 8 th ,
again prior to this meeting. He summarized the issues and addressed the salient points of the
committee’s difficult deliberations, including the following:
o Each existing Course Sponsor Administrator agreed that there was no unmet need in the county;
based on course volume and location and class size data offered by each institution;
o REMSCO needs to consider if the anticipated volume is enough to sustain the applicant’s
operation over the long term to keep their program healthy;
o Concern over setting a precedent for other ambulance services or fire departments to make
application to do their own training;
o having enough clinical hour/sites available in the county to suatain another program; and
o Not enough need based on their student body projections, significant concern that their operation
was not sustainable, and that quality education would be affected by providing so few courses.
Continued.

MEETING SUMMARY
March 13, 2012 - SCEMS Offices
Hauppauge, New York 11788 – Page 4.
Mr. Zukosky complimented the applicant was well represented and well organized, and a strength of the
application was the postulated positive effect on their membership and recruitment of new members, and
that the agency seeks to be a “good neighbor”, not a “competitor” with existing sponsors. However, the
agency did did not make a great case for justifying the need for the CS, particularly in the area of the
CAAS Accreditation, where current educational requirements are met with existing CME
classes/courses.
Mr. Zukosky acknowledged that the committee was split evenly on this issue and were unable to reach
consensus, therefore, there is no recommendation out of committee.
To open discussion, Mr. Gardiner made a motion to approve the application, seconded and discussion
followed.
Chief Jason Lazerus offered the company’s perspective, needs and desires, and spoke favorably for the
motion, highlighting their need to recruit and retain EMTs, and their desire to provide a customizable
service to their own members.
Dr. Goodman, in his capacity as the PJVAC Medical Director, spoke in favor of the application, reading
the preamble to the CAAS Accredition into the record, the high standards that an agency is held to so be
accredited, and their desire to raise the bar in their community. One of the requirements is to have two
(2) in attendance with the patient on every call, and the agency has about one (1) year to get members
appropriately trained. Dr. Goodman also stated that he did not see the cascade effect as an impediment
to this application.
Mr. LaFerrera expressed his concern that the committee was divided, and believed that was a clear
indication there were many unanswered questions.
Mr. Cronogue asked if the instructors would be compensated or volunteer, and what is the plan to pay
them, if compensated. Chief Lazerus stated that the instructors would be compensated, and the money
would first come from the VAC’s operating budget, until NY State reimbursement could be established.
Dr. Coyne asked how many agencies in Suffolk are currently CAAS accredited, Mr. Delagi responded
that none in the EMS System, and only North Shore-LIJ in this region were. Dr. Coyne agreed with Dr.
Goodman that this is a laudible goal, and asked if there was any quantifiable data to suggest there would
be a significant impact on existing Course Sponsors. That led to a question by Mr. Cronogue to Mr.
Lateulere, asking how many students does SCEMS train a year. Mr. Lateulere stated that at the EMT-B
original level, it’s about twenty (20) course / five hundred (500) students, and their operation would pull
students from SCEMS courses, affecting SCEMS reimbursement.
Dr. Goodman stated that the intent is not to open an EMS Academy to compete with any other sponsor,
but rather to be “good neighbors” and feed their own operation.
Mr. Levine asked what is the difference between what PJVAC is trying to do and simply reaching out to
the county to have them put classes in Port Jefferson? Dr. Goodman responded that there was no
prohibition in doing that, but county courses sometimes are offered at dates/times/locations that don’t
quite meet the needs of the members, and their intent was to be flexible, within State DOH requirements,
to accommodate their own members. He added it was important that thr agency be able to offer in-house
training” as an incentive.
Mr. Stapleton commented that an option was to approve with a contingency of only training PJVAC
members, to which Mr. Laferrara responded that his concern would be that his agency, or any agency
agency in the county could then claim they need to be a Course Sponsor and offer in house training.
Continued.

MEETING SUMMARY
March 13, 2012 - SCEMS Offices
Hauppauge, New York 11788 – Page 5.
Chief Lazarus asked about other ambulance agencies in the past that may have been Course Sponsors?
Mr. Gardiner responded that Hunter EMS became a Course Sponsor, limited to teaching courses for
their own employees, in the commercial sector. Mr. Delagi responded that some years ago, Shirley
Ambulance was a Course Sponsor, but was unable to sustain their operation, and voluntarily elected to
not renew.
Mr. Cronogue asked if the PJVAC facility was large enough to use as a training facility? Chief Lazarus
responded yes, it was.
(inaudible voice) asked about the length of “approval”?, and Ed Boyd responded that it was for a two (2)
year period.
Dr. Cox was unclear on the need, and asked how many EMTs were needed to meet the staffing
standard? Chief Lazarus responded that he would need forty (40) EMTs to be trained.
Mr. Delagi acknowledged the laudible efforts of the VAC in seeking CAAS accredidation, and for
raising the bar on ambulance service operations that should serve as a catalyst for other ambulance
agencies to aspire to, but was concerned about the cascade effect on EMS education in the region. He
continued by stating that the impact was something real to consider, but was in conflict with the
agency’s need to recruit and retain certified providers, and deffered to the Chair to modify the motion on
the table. Hearing no objections, Mr. Delagi motioned to approve the application, with the contingency
that they only train members of the PJVAC, or parties interested in joining the PJVAC. The motion was
seconded.
Mr. Blower, stated that as the representative of the public-at-large, this approval, under these
circumstances, was in the best interest of the public.
Mr. LaFerrera expressed his concern that the county spends a significant amount of money on
countywide recruitment and retention that is applicable to all agencies, and questioned why this approval
was necessary for this single agency to recruit and retain.
Mr. Gardiner asked if any council members had conflicts of interest:
Mr. Zukosky – percieved conflict as a Course Sponsor Administrator under the SCCC;
Mr. Lateulere – percieved conflict as a Course Sponsor Administrator under the Department of
Health Services– will recuse himself from vote;
Mr. Delagi - percieved conflict as affiliated with the Course Sponsor under the Department of
Health Services;
Dr. Russo – percieved conflict as the Medical Director for the Course Sponsor under the
Department of Health Services;
Dr. Coyne – percieved conflict as affiliated with the Course Sponsor under the SCPD; and
Mr. Ryan – percieved conflict as an Ex-Chief and Life member of PJVAC.
There were no conflicts identified, and no challenges to any of the aforementioned member’s right to
vote, the Chair called the motion, asked Mr. Delagi to conduct the roll call vote. Motion passed with 23
votes yes, 2 votes no, 1 recusal, and 1 abstention.
The Chair released the stenographer with the council’s thanks.
Continued.

MEETING SUMMARY
March 13, 2012 - SCEMS Offices
Hauppauge, New York 11788 – Page 6.
Correspondence – Mr. Delagi
Correspondence list was distributed, there were no questions.
Incoming – date; from whom; subject
1/9/12; copy of letter from A. LaFerrera, FRES Commission to R. Delagi, SCEMS; Concerns regarding North
Shore-LIJ ambulance response in Suffolk County.
1/12/12; St. Gerard printing; invoice for business cards for Chair and Vice-Chair.
1/17/21; email from J. Gardiner; transmitting invoice from St. Gerard Printing for business cards for Chair and
Vice Chair.
1/14/12; copy of letter from P. DiPrima, PJVAC to A. Johnson, NYSDOH, Transmitting Course Sponsor
Application.
1/19/12; Duffy & Posicillo; Commercial Crime Policy (bonding of council officers).
1/20/12; copy of letter from R. Delagi, SCEMS to A. LaFerrera, FRES Commission; response to letter
regarding North Shore-LIJ ambulance response in Suffolk County.
1/25/12; SCPD Course Sponsor; copies of course applications for CRF Original 5/9-6/21/12, and EMT-B
originals 3/5-5/17/12; 4/2 – 5/17/12; 4/30-6/21/12; and 5/28-8/16/12.
1/30/12; NYSDOH; Notice of Enforcement Action against Anthony Helferty.
2/1/12; Infrastructure Solutions; Invoice for website management.
2/1/12; Chase Bank; January 2012 bank statement.
2/4/12; All American Awards; invoice for Custom lapel Pins
2/5/12; Newsday; Invoice for Legal Notice (Saltaire VFCo Expansion Application).
2/8/12; Newsday; Affidavit attenting to printing of Legal Notice (Saltaire VFCo Expansion Application).
2/12/12; T. Sarc; letter to REMSCO requesting waiver from EMT training tuition.
2/20/12; Email from M. Mirrsa; finance business.
2/21/12; NYSDOH; Notice of Enforcement Action against Albert Morelli.
2/21/12; NYSDOH; Notice of Enforcement Action against William Efinger.
2/24/12; NYSDOH; check for $6,058.71 for 3 rd quarter spending reimbursement (Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2011).
2/28/12; Emergency Training Associates; Price Quote on EMS Safety Manuals.
2/28/12; Primera Technologies; Invoice for payment for ink cartridges for CD Burner.
2/27/12; email from R. Delagi to J. Gardiner; Executive Committee business.
3/1/12; Primera Technology; packing slip/shipping receipt for ink cartridges for CD Burner.
3/6/12; University Hospital Course Sponsor; copies of course applications for two (2) EMT-B Originals 6/29-
8/16/12.
3/7/12; Emergency Training Associates; packing slip for receipt of EMS Safety Manuals.
3/12/12; Chase Bank; February 2012 bank statement.
3/12/12; Five Star Reporting; invoice and transcripts for Saltaire Expansion Application Public Hearing.
3/13/12; Assemb. R. Sweeney; bcc to the Chair on a letter to Assembly Speaker Silver re Article 30 proposed
changes.
3/13/12; SCCC Course Sponsor; copy of course application for Rapid EMT-B original 6/1-7/1/12.
Continued.

MEETING SUMMARY
March 13, 2012 - SCEMS Offices
Hauppauge, New York 11788 – Page 7.
Outgoing – date; to whom; subject
1/10/12; Duffy & Posillico; payment for annual bonding of council officers.
1/11/12; D. Baumrind; new member letter, meeting schedule and by-laws.
1/11/12; J. Vetter; new member letter, meeting schedule and by-laws.
1/11/12; J. Lehrfeld; new member letter, meeting schedule and by-laws.
1/12/12; M. Kanciruk; thank-you letter for service to the REMSCO.
1/12/12; D. Barrett; thank-you letter for service to the REMSCO.
1/12/12; J. Searing; thank-you letter for service to the REMSCO.
1/14/12; All American Awards; payment for Past-Chairman’s Plaque.
1/18/12; email to M. Mirras; finance business.
1/24/12; email to Infrastructure Solutions; 3 year renewal on website domain name (www.suffolkremsco.com)
1/27/12; K. Megenhoffen (NYSDOH); congtarulations on retirement from state service as Director of Education
& Training.
1/27/12; M. Henry, MD; (SEMAC); congratulations on distingished service as Chair of the NYSEMAC.
2/1/12; S. Sonder (NYSDOH); transmittal of PAD organization information.
2/10/12; email to M. Mirras; finance business.
2/14/12; Primera technology; ST-199 and ST-119.1 tax exempt forms for future purchase.
2/21/12; email from R. Delagi to Education & Training Committee members and Course Sponsor
Administrators; committee meeting announcement for 3/8 meeting.
2/24/12; S.Sonder NYSDOH; PAD Business.
2/29/12; T. Sarc; response to his 2/12 letter requesting REMSCO waiver from EMT tuition.
2/29/12; EMS System; Message from J. Gardiner regarding proposed Article 30 changes.
3/1/12; Check 687 with invoice for purchase of EMS Safety manuals from Emergency Training Associates.
3/6/12; email to REMSCO Members; Article 30 proposal information / discussion points for legislators.
3/7/12; email to REMSCO Members; March Meeting reminder.
3/11/12; email to REMSCO Members; Article 30 changes – appeal to contact local legislators.
Officer’s Reports
Chairperson – J. Gardiner
Citing the recent activity regarding the proposed changes to PHL Article 30 in the Governor’s Budget
Proposal, Mr. Gardiner read the following prepared position statement into the record:
The Suffolk County EMS System, like many of the systems Statewide, was built on the backs of volunteers and staff from
Fire Departments, Ambulance Corps, Hospitals, and County Agencies, each of which had a vested interest in the success
and growth of the regional systems. Suffolk County REMSCO, REMAC, RTAC, and similar statutory agencies have
played a major role throughout this time in providing oversight through development of new ideas, processes, and
protocols that have allowed our county to be recognized as one of the best EMS Systems in NY State.
We had leaders from all sides like Drs. Joe Sciamarella and Jeanne Alicandro who brought to the role of Medical
Director a passion for excellence and devotion to the region that was honed on our streets and in our hospitals. We have
had great volunteer leadership, from Bruce Blower, through Ed Boyd, and many of our past chairs are still members of
the Council such as Ed Stapleton and Mitch Savino.
Continued.

MEETING SUMMARY
March 13, 2012 - SCEMS Offices
Hauppauge, New York 11788 – Page 8.
Our White Paper is evidence of the ability of this Council to marshal the collective talents of its members and develop
strategy that will lead us into the future. We all are aware of the need of government to streamline its processes in the
wake of the current financial crises in NY State, as well as Nassau and Suffolk County. No one can turn a deaf ear to that
situation, as it is critical to the survival of the structure.
However we can voice our serious concern when a budgetary process is used to remove checks and balances on our
system under the guise of cost reduction. We can voice our concern, when the local coordination and home rule which has
allowed our region to thrive is being compromised without any true understanding of the details, and without adequate
representation from those who are affected. Now you all know why the last several weeks have been exhausting for the
members of this Councils Executive Board, and many of your who have helped work this issue.
We have met with or spoken to many members of the NYS Legislature including Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos,
Assemblyman Steve Englebright, Senator Kemp Hannon, and others who are seriously concerned about this issue. We
have met and spoken with Nassau and NYC REMSCO leadership who echo our sentiments, and are conducting their own
campaign to get these changes removed from the budget. We cannot understand any rationale for this change that will
improve the system.
We cannot understand any rationale for the burying of these issues inside a budget, as these issues when separated are
revenue neutral in comparison to the budget numbers. We can understand, however, when several individuals who call
themselves a Coalition and claim to represent all of us basically accepted these changes as given and refused to allow the
memberships of the organizations they lead to have any adequate time to either discuss or reject these proposals.
We have talked to these individuals, thanks to a informational session chaired by Bob Delagi, and have learned that they
have little or no answers to our questions, but are willing to wait until after the legislation is passed to work the details.
This again is not acceptable in a democratic society.
During this time, I have had the opportunity to speak to many of you who voiced concerns, and have been lucky to have
individuals like Bruce Blower, Jane Mc Cormack, Ed Boyd, and Ed Stapleton to help in this endeavor. We have made our
position simple - We have asked for the removal of the changes to Article 30 of the PHL from the budget proposal until
such a time when all parties can sit together and look at the current system, design improvements where necessary, and
drive to bridge the gaps in a well thought out design with buy-in from all parties. That is what makes things work.
When I accepted the position of Chair of this organization, I started making plans for new directions – A Drive for Citizen
CPR, Data Collection for validation of the Response Protocol Success, and the appointment of a Full time EMS Medical
Director with Emergency Medicine credentials. There was a singular purpose for these strategies – moving our region
forward in its ability to provide emergency medical care to its citizens.
Unfortunately, both myself and your Executive Committee have had to work in a different mode in the past several weeks
to ensure that this Council will have a say in the future of EMS in Suffolk County. I do not know how this will play out, but
we will endeavor to do the best we can with a singular purpose. We all have a vested interest in this 1.5 million-person
community, and we will not let it go.
That is my report. Thank you
Continued.

MEETING SUMMARY
March 13, 2012 - SCEMS Offices
Hauppauge, New York 11788 – Page 9.
Vice-Chairperson – Jane Mccormack, RN
Making reference to Mr. Gardiner’s prepared statement, Mrs. McCormack appreciates the valued work
of the REMSCO and stated that it was a privilege to serve with Mr. Gardiner to address issues that affect
EMS, and to see the effects of a grass roots movement.
Treasurer –
In Mr. Mirras’ absence, Mr. Delagi read the Treasurer’s Report into the record, stating that all invoices
were paid up-to-date, that the balance of the account is $20,414.53, and that the REMSCO’s final
quarter of this contract year comes to an end on March 31, 2012. He stated that there was unencumbered
money from our alotment of $25,000.00 and asked the Chair for guidance on preparing a
budget modification/obtain DOH approval to reallocate unspent funds before the end of the reporting
quarter.
EMS Division Staff Report – R. Delagi, T. Lateulere, D. Russo, MD
Staff report was distributed, as attachment 2.
Mr. Delagi highlighted and discussed several salient points:
o VHF Narrowbanding project is on schedule, hardware being received, and install sites across the
county (west, central, north fork, south fork) being established). Agencies should be hearing
from the Division soon and we anticipate installing equipment from April 1 – October 31, in
anticipation of a test period, prior to the December 31, 2012 FCC deadline.
o Welcomes back Marty Matuza to the Division in his role as an EMS Instructor.
o Reminded all that the 2011 NY State EMS Awards Applications and Sample Writing Guidance
Document were sent out to the system and posted on the website in January. The deadline for
submission to the REMSCO is before April 20, 2012.
Mr. Lateulere reported that the Division was holding a NY State EMS Instructor Update on April 20 and
April 27, 2012, attendance required for instrustor re-certification.
Committee Reports
Response – B. Blower
Mr. Blower reported that an article appeared in Monday’s Newsday highlighting the agreement reached
between the Village of Hempstead and North Shore-LIJ for ambulance service, which will begin as a
trial period at no cost, and if successful lead to a more permanent relationship that included billing
patient’s insurance for ambulance calls.
Mr. Delagi reported that since the last meeting, he and Mr. Lateulere held their second meeting with
North Shore-LIJ regarding EMS response in Suffolk County, and in response to the concerns raised by
the council at the last meeting, an in Mr. Laferrera’s letter as Chair of the FRES Commission. Division
staff were joined by FRES Communications Supervisors (G. Miniutti and M. Postel) and crafted a
Communications Pathway by supplying North Shore-LIJ Communications with a county 800 MHz
radio, to facilitate comms center-to-comms center, and ambulance-to-ambulance communications,
acceptance of each others EMD determinant codes to facilitate call taking, and direct telephone access to
coordinate resources. FRES Supervisors and NSU-LIJ Supervisors wre working together on CQI of the
EMD System. Mr. Delagi also stated that ambulance services across NY State have been legally billing
insurance carriers for EMS runs for years, something that for many reasons, never caught on here. In this
economic climate, all aspects of EMS System financing must be looked at to preserve our operations.
Continued.

MEETING SUMMARY
March 13, 2012 - SCEMS Offices
Hauppauge, New York 11788 – Page 10.
REMAC – L. Cox, MD
Dr. Cox reported that the REMAC was working on several protecjs of interest, including updating ALS
protocols, innovative ways to employ Therapeutic Hypothermia (TH), with a focus on cardiac arrest
survival.
Communications – T. Lateulere
Mr. Lateulere reported that the EMS Division was hosting a two (2)-day NY State Instructor Update on
April 20 and April 27, 2012. A motion was approved to spend up to $500.00 to support the update.
PIO – E. Komosinski
Mrs. Komosinski reported that as of this date, REMSCO has only received three (3) awards
applications. Mr. Gardiner took the opportunity to remind members to carry the message back to their
constituencies that we must take the time to honor our own.
Disaster Planning – R. Delagi
Mr. Delagi reported that disaster preparedness activity is ongoing and documented in the EMS Division
Staff report (see attachment 2). He highlighted the item regarding the NYSDOH Exercise NY Fury, and
the roles played by the RRC, Health Department, Nassau/Suffolk Hospitals Countil, Intercounty
Healthcare Alliance, FRES/Emergency Management, several hospitals and several ambulance services
in this exercise, revolving around a tornado scenario.
Education & Training – M. Zukosky
Mr. Zuksosky stated nothing new to report, current business addressed previously.
Legislative – E. Boyd
Mr. Boyd reported that with the exception of the Article 30 issues, it was exceptionally quiet on the
legislative front.
Budget –
No report.
Resource Needs – B. Blower
Mr. Blower stated nothing new to report, current business addressed previously.
Nominations – H. Rosenblum
No report.
Continued.

MEETING SUMMARY
March 13, 2012 - SCEMS Offices
Hauppauge, New York 11788 – Page 11.
Ad Hoc Committee on Citizen CPR – E. Stapleton
Mr. Stapleton stated that now that committee assignments are complete, he’ll be surveying the
committee members and will hold an organizational meeting within the next two (2) weeks.
NYS EMS Council Delegate – T. Lateulere
Old Business
None
Report distributed (Attachment 3). Mr. Lateulere again stated that he was still waiting to be vetted and
formally appointed, and that he and Mr. Delagi work together on SEMSCO and SEMAC initiatives on
behalf of the REMSCO. Mr. Delagi referred to the report, as distributed, and clarified his role as one that
brings back information from the SEMSCO, SEMAC, and associated committee meetings, as reported,
and as presented in Albany. He stated that his involvement with the proposed Article 30 changes were
simply as a conduit of information and sentiment, and that at no time, has he expressed his own feelings,
thoughs, or opinions, on the proposed legislation. Mr. Blower asked which group or agency’s sentiment
was expressed, and Mr. Delagi responded that it was the collective sentiment of a large gathering of
EMS professionals representing the Program Agency Directors Coalition, State EMS Coordinators
Association, the NY State EMS Coalition (representing State Fire Chiefs, FASNY, United NY
Ambulance Network, and NY State Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association), SEMSCO and
SEMAC, where dozens of people met without influence from the NY State DOH or the EMS Bureau.
Mr. Lateulere summarized the work of the Education & Training Committee regarding the transition to
the National Standards Curricula for all levels of reponder and the new CLI curriculum.
New Business
Mr. Delagi stated that as the end of the current REMSCO contract period was rapidly approaching
(March 31), there were funds available, and not yet encumbered, that would need to be spend before
deadline, and be coordinated with a NY State DOH-approved budget modification. He stated that the
Zoll Data Systems 2012 Summit, a three (3) day national conference, will be held May 1-3, 2012. This
conference offers dozens of educational tracks for ZDS customers and focuses on electronic reporting
and recordkeeping from both system administrator and end-user perspectives. Mr. Delagi made a motion
to spend up to $2,000.00 to send Mr. Karl Klug, the County’s ZDS Project Manager, to the summit.
Motion passed.
This generated additional discussion on some other ways to spend avaiable money, including comments
by Mr. Savino about the upcoming National EMS Week, and Mr. Blower about the Citizen CPR
Initiative. Mr. Boyd, mindful of the time constraint to get the budget modification in and approved,
made a motion to give the Executive Committee authority to allocate money to projects up to available
funds. Motion passed.
Mr. Levine advised the REMSCO that at a recent Fire Island Chiefs Meeting, plans were drafted to
purchase and cache MCI supplies and equipment on Fire Island, and that any ideas on what to stock
were welcomed. This is a work-in-progress.
Continued.

MEETING SUMMARY
March 13, 2012 - SCEMS Offices
Hauppauge, New York 11788 – Page 12.
Mr. Lateulere reported that the NAEMT’s EMS Safety books were received, and that the Division
anticipated starting training in May, to coincide with the anniversary of the deaths of two (2) EMS
providers in Suffolk County (Bill Stone/ Heidi Behr).
Mrs. McCormack put out a save-the-date announcement that the Guy Cassara Memorial Fundraiser was
scheduled for July 7 th . Tickets available in early May.
With all business complete, Mr. Gardiner opened the floor for questions/comments concerns regarding
proposed Article 30 changes, reiteriating his believ that local coordination and home rule is what makes
Suffolk County successful.
Mrs. McCormack discussed the impact on trauma care, stating that letters were sent to the Senate and
Assembly delegation, referred to the eight (8) trauma councils statewide, and that the the trauma council
and the regional council received copies of letters from Assemblyman Sweeney to Speaker Silver,
asking that no changes to Article 30 me made.
Mr. Delagi updated the council that as of today, budget negotiations were underway as the Assembly
one-house bill was released, with proposed changes to Article 30, many the same, but some different,
than the Governor’s version, including reducing regional councils from eighteen (18) to six (6), and that
in stark contrast, the Senate’s one-house bill eliminated all references to changing Article 30, suggesting
it be left as is. This sets the stage for continued negotiation between the Governor’s Office, the
Assembly, and the Senate to create a final product.
Mr. Laferrera stated that the Joint Council sent a letter to not support Article 30 changes.
Mr. Levine asked what this all means to EMS? and Mr. Blower stated that the way it works in Albany at
this stage is that the Governor, Sen. Skelos, and Assemb. Silver get into the room and negotiate a final
product.
Mr. Gardiner stated that he participates on conference calls with REMSCOs from Nassau and NY and
there is a pledge to keep the campaign going.
Mr. Gardiner thanked all for their service to the REMSCO and in a gesture of appreciation, handed out
“Suffolk REMSCO” lapel pins to all members.
Meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM.
Announcements
Next meeting of the Suffolk Regional EMS Council will be on
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
7:00 PM
Suffolk County EMS Office
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Prepared for the Suffolk Regional EMS Council by Robert Delagi, Program Agency Director.
ATTACHMENTS TO FOLLOW

EMS DIVISION STAFF REPORT
BY: Bob Delagi, Tom Lateulere, and Dennis Russo, MD
FOR: REMSCO & REMAC. January – February 2012
AMBULANCE SERVICE OPERATIONS
Provided staff support to the REMSCO Executive Committee.
Provided staff support to the REMSCO Education & Training Committee.
Provided staff support to the REMSCO’s Nominations Committee.
Provided staff support to the REMSCO for their January, 2012 meeting.
Provided staff support to the REMAC for their January, 2012 meeting.
Participated in a SEMSCO Executive Committee conference call.
Attended SEMSCO/SEMAC/Program Agency Director’s Coalition, and all associated working
committee meetings.
Worked with the Saltaire Volunteer Fire Company, the Incorporated Village of Saltaire and the State
DOH in the development of their Expansion of Operating Authority application.
Prepared the REMSCO’s 3 rd Quarter (October – December 2011) Report & Voucher.
Prepared the Program Agency’s 2 nd Quarter (October – December 2011) Report & Voucher.
Provided on-site technical support at a hazardous call in a county facility.
Working with the Brookhaven National Lab FD in the development of an MCI exercise.
Attend two (2) Regional Planning Committee (RPC) meetings, linking EMS to hospital activity.
Working with the NY State DOH and the RPC in the development of an exercise plan for hospital
evacuation and hospital surge in a weather event.
Provided technical support to the West Sayville FD regarding BLS-FR status and interface with
Community Ambulance Company.
Attended Fire Island Law Enforcement & Safety Council meeting.
Distributed NY State EMS Awards Program application and supporting information to the EMS System.
Participated in multiple conference calls with key stakeholders from the downstate area regarding
proposed changes to PHL Article 30.
Provided informational briefings to Suffolk County stakeholder groups and sent situational awareness
information to the EMS System regarding impact of proposed changes to Article 30.
Staff developed and distributed annual PAD Organization Survey, per county law, to identify/confirm
physical location of AEDs across Suffolk County.
Staff working with multiple agencies to implement upgrade on individual tablets.
Staff held its second follow-up meeting with administration of the North Shore-LIJ Center for EMS to
address issues of mutual concern regarding North Shore-LIJs emergency ambulance response in the
EMS System. This meeting included representatives of FRES Communications to address interagency
communications issues and quality improvement initiatives relative to sharing of dispatch determinant
information.
Provided technical support to the East Islip FD as they execute a new Medical Director Affirmation
Form, and orient a new Ambulance Services Medical Director.
Met with FRES Communications to address ongoing issues related to ambulance dispatch to poisoning
calls and behavioral emergencies calls to ensure compliance with current policies across the county’s
911 center.
Provided situational awareness bulletins to the EMS System regarding:
o New NY State Policy Statement 12-04 Patient Care in a Moving Ambulance;
o Revised Guidelines for witnessing waste of controlled substances;
o Radioactive Contamination on mounted tissue boxes in specific locations; and
o Equipment recall for select Oridion brand End Tidal CO2 Disposable Filterlines.
CONTINUED.

EMS DIVISION STAFF REPORT
BY: Bob Delagi, Tom Lateulere, and Dennis Russo, MD
FOR: REMSCO & REMAC. January – February, 2012 – PAGE 2.
AMBULANCE SERVICE OPERATIONS – continued.
Worked with Health Services IT and Zoll Data Systems to complete the upgrade of Rescue Net Tablet
PCR from the original version to current 5.2.3.
Worked with multiple agencies to provide programming services to tablets, and with NY State DOH to
revise NY State Data Extract to State’s repository developed by ImageTrend.
Held one (1) administrators training and two (2) train-the-trainer sessions with agencies interested in
migrating to electronic reporting.
Requested information from EMS System on occurrences at, and implications of, ambulance calls to
“Sober Homes” as part of the work being done with the Suffolk County Sober Home Oversight Board.
Worked with the Suffolk County Attorney’s Office, the DHS Contracts Unit to craft an MOU with the
106 th ANG airbase in Westhampton for CISM Response.
Attended County Recruitment & Retention Committee meeting.
Initiated change in the EMS System regarding witnessing of controlled substance waste; now the
responsibility of the agency, not the licensed professionals at the hospital.
Attended Suffolk County Traffic Safety Board meeting.
Provided technical support to the West Islip FD as they seek to apply for a Class 3C Controlled
Substances License.
Provided technical support to the East Brentwood FD as they seek to apply for a Class 3C Controlled
Substances License.
The Division’s CISM Team responded to three (3) requests for service.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Staff met with representatives of St. Charles Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital and St. Catherine of
Siena Hospital to discuss enhancements to clinical rotations for students.
Staff attended multiple meetings of the REMAC’s Protocol Sub Committee as efforts to revise the ALS
protocols continue.
Staff attended meetings of the FRES Commission, Ambulance Chiefs Assn., and RTAC.
Staff conducted the annual BLS Core Content CME day at the FASNY EMS Conference, held at Coram
FD, attended by thirty six (36) students.
Provided focused training on Chemical Suicides to the Suffolk County Emergency Nurses Association
(ENA).
Provided focused training on Chemical Suicides to the Brookhaven National Lab FD.
Opened two (2) EMT-B original courses in Miller Place and East Moriches.
Staff coordinated one (1) EMT-CC PSE.
Staff coordinated one (1) CFR PSE.
Staff visited four (4) EMT-B original courses in progress to perform mid-year evaluations.
Received results from the December 2011 NY State BLS Written Exam; 29/35 original students and 2/2
refresher students passed the exam, with an average just above the statewide average.
Division staff processed recertification packets for twenty seven (27) EMT-Bs, three (3) EMT-CCs and
seven (7) EMT-Ps for those recertifying through the CME Program.
The Division is currently coordinating the work of 2,823 providers enrolled in the CME Program.
CONTINUED.

EMS DIVISION STAFF REPORT
BY: Bob Delagi, Tom Lateulere, and Dennis Russo, MD
FOR: REMSCO & REMAC. January – February, 2012 – PAGE 3.
EDUCATION & TRAINING – continued.
Initiated “CME House Calls” in Babylon, Huntington, East Hampton and Southold, during evening
hours, to review CME applications for completeness pending submission, collectively servicing forty
(40) providers.
Division hosted a First Responders Disability Awareness Training Course, provided by Niagara
University.
Conducted a NY State CIC Intern Audit in Sag Harbor.
Staff audited courses in Huntington, Centereach, Sayville and St. James and provided information in
preparation for upcoming PSE.
The AHA Training Center conducted nine hundred twenty six (926) courses, collectively registering one
hundred sixty seven (167) students.
Division staff currently overseeing the following courses:
Two (2) EMT-CC Original courses in Hauppauge;
Twelve (12) EMT-B Originals in Centereach, Copiague, Huntington, Patchogue, Sayville, East
Islip, East Northport, Sag Harbor, Ridge, Southold, Miller Place, and East Moriches; and
Two (2) EMT-B refreshers in Sag Harbor and St. James.
Staff conducted one (1) ALS Credentialing and Authorization class (11 students).
Staff presided over the following CME course offerings:
one (1) BLS CME Skills session (15 students);
one (1) ALS CME Skills session (16 students);
one (1) MCI Management class (16 students);
two (2) Geriatric Emergencies classes (78 students collectively);
one (1) CPAP class (12 students);
three (3) WMD Awareness classes (90 students collectively);
one (1) Chemical Agent Antidote class;
two (2) ALS Updates for Behavioral Emergencies
one (1) ALS PEPP Course (24 providers);
one (1) BLS PEPP Course (24 providers);
one (1) AHA BLS Instructor Renewal course;
one (1) AHA Heartsaver AED Instructor Renewal course;
four (4) BLS CME Core Content classes;
three (3) ALS CME Core Content classes; and
one (1) ALS Rapid CME Core Content Class (56 providers).
CONTINUED.

EMS DIVISION STAFF REPORT
BY: Bob Delagi, Tom Lateulere, and Dennis Russo, MD
FOR: REMSCO & REMAC. January – February, 2012 – PAGE 4.
EDUCATION & TRAINING – continued.
Division staff reviewed performed Quality Improvement reviews of the following cases:
one hundred eighteen (118) cases of endotracheal intubation;
• thirty six (36) cases where Medical Control MD divert patient from closest hospital to
“appropriate” hospital;
one hundred forty six (146) cardiac arrest cases;
five (5) cases referred by Service Medical Directors or other EMS providers;
three (3) cases of EMT-CC restriction of standing orders;
three (3) cases of EMT-P restriction of standing orders;
sixty (60) cases of IO application;
one hundred thirty six (136) cases of 12-lead EKG transmission;
one (1) needle decompression;
thirty eight (38) cases of controlled substance use;
thirty six (36) CPAP applications; and
four (4) BLS Blood Glucose use in the pilot program.
DOMESTIC PREPAREDNESS / HOMELAND SECURITY
Participated in several conference calls with the Urban Area Work Group (UAWG) EMS Committee.
Participated in several regional BT conference calls with the downstate regional workgroup.
Assisted in facilitating use by, and training of, hospital personnel on the use of the county’s ETeam
emergency management software.
Attended meeting with key stakeholders on emergency sheltering.
Participated in planning of NY State/Regional Partnership Exercise NY Fury.
END OF DIVISION STAFF REPORT

Submitted by: Robert Delagi & Tom Lateulere
NY State EMS Council Delegates Report
January 30 - February 2, 2012
Meetings attended: Program Agency Director’s Coalition; NY State EMS Coalition/County EMS Coordinator’s;
Medical Standards Committee; Education & Training Committee; QI & Evaluation Committee; SEMAC; Finance
Committee; Safety Committee; EMS Systems Committee; Executive Committee and SEMSCO.
Governor Cuomo’s proposed budget and revisions to PHL Article 30 commanded a great deal of attention during
these meetings. State DOH staff assured the regional contingencies that they had no prior knowledge of the proposal
until its release, and that the information regarding EMS system make-up was collected during the Spending and
Government Efficiency (SAGE) Committee’s review of the Bureau’s activities and their own research. Acting
Director Lee Burns was firm in her message that Article 30 as we know it will be changed, and there will be some
legislative debate going forward as to what the new PHL will look like. Due to questions and concerns raised across
the state, meetings were convened to begin to address the issues and input was received from the NY State DOH, NY
State EMS Council, (SEMSCO), NY State Emergency Medical Advisory Committee (SEMAC), Firemen’s
Association of NY (FASNY), NY State Fire Chief’s Assn., United New York Ambulance Network (UNYAN), and
NY State Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Association, (NYSVARA). Budget hearings have taken place, and
several elected officials have been contacted by their respective constituencies. The Governor is intent on having an
approved budget by the April 1 deadline; things in this area are moving swiftly, and with conviction. Editor’s Note:
Suffolk County EMS disseminated more detailed information in a February 6 th letter widely circulated in the EMS
System, and held two (2) Informational Briefings with representatives of all key constituent groups in Suffolk County,
including: REMSCO’s Executive Committee; Joint Council; FRES Commission; Fire Chief’s Council; Ambulance
Chief’s Association; Volunteer Fireman’s Association; Firemen’s Association State of New York, NY State Volunteer
Ambulance and Rescue Association; and the commercial ambulance sector. The February 6 th letter remains
available on the website at www.suffolkremsco.com.
SEMAC and SEMSCO bid a fond farewell to Dr. Mark Henry who served as the SEMAC Chair for the past 17
years, and welcomed Dr. Timothy Haydock as the new SEMAC Chair. A moment of silence was observed for Dr.
Howard, long time SEMAC member representing the North Country region
SEMAC and SEMSCO bid a fond farewell to Karen Meggenhofen, who served the DOH as Director of Education &
Training for 20 years and welcomed Andy Johnson into the position.
SEMAC and SEMSCO welcomed Linda Tripoli as the new Trauma Coordinator, and welcomed Michael Tayler back
into the Operations Bureau.
DOH staff reported that they are currently reviewing 40 CON Applications, many of them appeals, as local
REMSCO’s don’t follow the rules outlined in Policy Statement 06-06 or their own respective by-laws. The message
was clear – ensure compliance with applicable policy statements, administrative processes, timelines, voting
requirements, notifications and follow-up to reduce exposure from an applicant or other party to the process.
DOH staff reported that the BLS FR Agency Update Project was proceeding, and out of 700 entities, about 50 have
not submitted the required paperwork by the deadline. Editor’s Note: In Suffolk County, Program Agency staff
assisted all agencies and we have 100% compliance with submission requirements. DOH restated their position that
the issuance of an agency code is directly related to illegibility for funding for training. An agency may be ineligible
for funding, and their code may be rescinded, but they may absolutely could, and should, continue operating as a
BLS FR agency, consistent with statute (providers) and policy (agency).
Continued.

NY State EMS Council Delegates Report – Page 2.
January 30 - February 2, 2012
Related to the subject above, a large portion of the applications included voluntary surrender of ambulance operating
licenses by fire departments, transitioning to volunteer ambulance corps, so that they may be eligible for insurance
billing.
The DOH is working with the Department of Legal Affairs (DLA) on regulator changes to the NY State EMS Code,
Part 800. A very preliminary draft was circulated to committee members for review and comment.
The EMSC group is working on revising hospital code (405 regulations) to ensure that hospitals have the
appropriately sized equipment and staff training to care for pediatric patients.
Dr. Freese from FDNY provided a comprehensive review and update of the NY City Therapeutic Hypothermia
program, citing increases in prehospital return of spontaneous circulation (PROSC), and hospital admissions and
hospital discharges for PROSC patients. Dr. Freese spoke of the integration of pre-hospital and in-hospital use of TH,
and transport of patients to hospitals capable of TH and interventional cardiology as prime reasons for the success.
Dr. Dailey from the Albany REMO provided a comprehensive review of his region’s TH program, offering different
perspective than that seen in NY City. In the REMO region, prehospital coolers were a limiting factor as not all
agencies had, or were willing to purchase coolers, and in contract, where EMS was actively initiating TH, it became
evident that this was the driving force to engage hospitals to provide TH.
Medical Standards and SEMAC passed a motion that TH is the standard of care for prehospital resuscitation, in
regions that are capable of ensuring hospital continuation of TH. The motion also included a reference to supporting
development of regional TH programs in regions that are in need of assistance.
SEMAC, in conjunction with the NY State Cardiac Advisory Committee recognize the value of prehospital 12 lead
EKG, the use of TH and regional policies that facilitate preferential transport of STEMI or PROSC patients to
hospitals using TH and PCI as keys to survival.
Medical Standards and SEMAC established a 3 physician TAG, in concert with the DOH, to address ongoing
national pharmaceutical shortages. The goal is to monitor the situation and provide guidance on alternative
medications that are suitable replacements for those on back order, and to facilitate approvals at the local level.
DOH is working with BNE to fast track Part 80 applications to ensure that agencies seeking to administer controlled
substances are able to upgrade their levels of care with minimal bureaucratic time delays.
SEMAC voted to add Droperidol (2.5-5.0 mg IV or IM) to the NY State Formulary. This medication is safe and
effective for patients in behavioral crisis as well as a backup medication to Zofran for associated N/V.
SEMAC voted to expand the use of ketamine as a medication for procedural sedation in cases of prolonged
extrication.
SEMAC APPROVED the Specialty Care Transport TAGs proposed policy statement on Interfacility Transports.
State DOH will release a new Policy Statement in the near future.
Continued.

NY State EMS Council Delegates Report – Page 3.
January 30 - February 2, 2012
Protocols presented by NY City, Monroe-Livingston and Westchester County were approved.
SEMAC approved a demonstration project in the Finger Lakes Region to allow BLS providers to use CPAP. The
Suffolk County EMS Program requested / received permission to participate.
Evaluation Committee developing a sample template for Regional Provider Patient Restrictions. The intent is to
develop a template, which agencies or regions could use to attach to agency level or regional level QI Plans, to
ensure objective and uniform approaches to remediation and restriction activities.
ImageTrend, the DOH’s electronic patient care data repository is functioning as expected. Efforts are underway to
complete the mapping of the required NY State Extract data elements with a variety of electronic platforms.
After many months of development and a successful pilot test application, SEMSCO passed a motion to have a new
CLI curriculum approved. DOH anticipates releasing the revised curriculum to Specialty Course Sponsors in the near
future. This will be a 20-24 hour course, where the pre-course screening has been eliminated, and there is more
emphasis on “hands-on” application of skills and a post-course screening process to identify successful completion.
SEMSCO passed a motion to approve the National EMS Educators Association (NEMSEA) Instructor Course Level
with a 3 hour Bureau of EMS Update (NY Specific) as equal to the NY State CIC Certification. This will allow a NY
State CLI, in good standing, and at his/her own cost, to take this course and achieve this NEMSEA certification, in
lieu of a NY State CIC certification.
Education & Training Committee has TAGs seated to conduct a side-by-side review of the current NY State curricula
and the National Standard Curricula at all levels. DOH is committed to preserving NY-specific EMT-CC certification
as they align the national standard titles with the NY titles. The current “curriculum” will be replaced by material that
meets uniform National Standard Objectives. The TAG will present their findings at the May 2012 meeting, and we
expect that the BLS conversion will occur in the spring 2013, followed by the ALS conversion in the fall 2013.
SEMAC and SEMSCO passed motions to approve the NY State ALS Guidelines for Adult Patients. This document
establishes the minimum standard of care, against which regional protocols put forth for approval, will be measured.
Similar standards for pediatric patients are being established with the EMSC group and will be reviewed at the May
2012 meetings.
DOH reporting that Version 6 of the NY State PCR is under development, progressing as planned. This is a 4 page
NEMSIS-compliant data tool that will replace the current PCR Version 5. Due to budgetary constraints, DOH will
not be printing PCRs, that will be up to agencies. There is investigation towards a form-fillable pfd version that may
be available on the web. DOH did note that one-third of the ambulances in the state, representing two-thirds of the
EMS call volume, are already submitting electronically, and electronic EMS data is now linked to electronic trauma
data.
SEMSCO voted to uphold the decision of the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) in favor of the Adirondack-
Appalachian Regional EMS Council to deny the City of Oneonta FD an expansion of operating territory.
SEMSCO voted to uphold the decision of the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), in favor of the Finger Lakes
REMSCO’s decision to grant an expansion of operating territory, deemed as being proper.
Continued.

NY State EMS Council Delegates Report – Page 4.
January 30 - February 2, 2012
NFPA 1917, Standard for Automotive Ambulances has been passed, and is on track for a June 2012 approval and a
January 2013 effective date. Once final approvals are in place, this standard will replace the federal KKK
specifications for ambulance construction.
Safety TAG is working to make the “Reportable Incident” form (DOH 4461) more user friendly and facilitate on-line
reporting by using a fillable pdf template on the DOH website. This is a work-in-progress.
NY State EMS Council Provider and EMS organization Awards Program for 2011 is underway. Information can be
found on the NY State EMS website at http://www.health.ny.gov/nysdoh/ems/emsawards.htm. Editor’s Note:
Information has been disseminated throughout the region through www.suffolkremsco.com NOTE that the due date
on the state website is the region’s return deadline. In order to be considered, the Suffolk REMSCO must receive
applications before April 20, 2012.
Legislative Committee working on several items of interest:
Relevant Medicaid Redesign Team Recommendations;
AS4765/A7244 – eliminates the existing exemption and requires operators and passengers in fire and EMS
vehicles to wear seatbelts. Passed Senate, currently in Transportation Committee;
S2714 / A4093 – authorize payments directly to non-participating or non-preferred providers of ambulance
service licensed under Article 30. Referred to Insurance Committee;
S2491 / A3980 – requires training in CPR be given as part of high school curriculum. Referred to Education
Committee;
S4931 / A3523 – amend executive law, village law and general municipal law in relation to criminal
background checks for firefighters and EMS personnel. Referred to Government Operations and Codes
Committees;
S4717 / A7824 – includes emergency responders among those that if killed in line of duty by aggressor,
triggers aggravated or first degree murder charges. Bill adds a list of emergency responders to the existing
list of public servants. Referred to as “Mark’s Law” in memory of Mark. B. Davis, North Country EMT
killed by a patient in his care;
S4856 / A 7291 – a bill to remove the prohibition on fire departments billing for EMS. Referred to Local
Governments Committees in both houses.
Work continues in developing a training curriculum and authorization mechanism for EMS providers as influenza
vaccinators.
EMS Memorial will be held on May 23, 2012. There are no new inductees this year.
Vital Signs Educational Conference and Trade Show will be held in Syracuse October 18-21, 2012.
END OF DELEGATES REPORT
January 2012

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