http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/rss News articles published on hcvfemsf.org using RSS 2.0 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:50:57 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=80 The Foundation will be participating in a "Biggest Loser" competition. This competition is open to all employees, both full time and part time. Here are the specfics; * This will be a team format. Each shift will be a team with the supervisor being the team captain. Part time employees will be on their mentor supervisor's team. *Weight loss will be measured by total percent lost by the team. *The competition will run from 2/6/12 to 12/31/12, with weekly weigh in's * Contact the Duty Supervisor for further. Special thanks to PM Jeff Sexton for suggesting the competition! Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:59:26 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=80 http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=79 All Foundation employees have been invited to the following training events; EVENT: S.A.F.E cases and date rape drugs DATE: 12/5/11 TIME: 19:00 LOCATION: Company 9, House 2 EVENT: PALS DATE: 1/21/11 & 1/22/11 TIME: 09:00-16:00 LOCATION: Foundation Office NOTES: must register, see announcement board for how. EVENT: Pediatric Emergencies DATE: 11/28/11 TIME: 19:00 LOCATION: Company 10 If you have any questions contact the Duty Supervisor Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:24:20 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=79 http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=78 It's that time of year again. Here is the complete list of dates and times. 9/15-----1900-2200 9/25-----1000-1300 10/11----1900-2200 10/29----1000-1300 11/10----1900-2200 11/27----1000-1300 12/06----1900-2200 12/17----1000-1300 Make up Dates 1/21/12----1000-1300 2/19/11----1000-1300 Here is the link to sign up https://sites.google.com/site/harfordcountyemstraining/tests Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:54:20 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=78 http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=77 With the possiblity of Hurricane Irene impacting our County I have provided several useful links. National Hurricane Center http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at4.shtml?5-daynl Maryland Emergency Management Administraion http://www.mema.state.md.us/MEMA2/index.html Harford County EOC http://www.harfordpublicsafety.org/ Hurricane Safety and Planning http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/disaster_prevention.shtml Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:28:23 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=77 http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=76 Congratulations Donna Averion-Laird. Donna's name was drawn this morning for the IronBirds Ready Night Tickets. She will receive 4 tickets to an IronBirds game and will represent the Foundation during their Ready Night Ceremony. Have Fun!!! Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:04:11 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=76 http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=75 The bridge on St. Claire Bridge Road is out and cannot be accessed for approximately 1 year. Please listen carefully to the dispatch information and plan your response accordingly. Box 729: Access St. Claire Bridge from Route 24 Box 731: Access St. Claire Bridge from Route 165 If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the duty supervisor. Fri, 01 Jul 2011 23:43:20 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=75 http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=74 July 1st and 5th MIEMSS is requesting that all patients have a triage tag completed on them. Both 220 & 224 will be collecting them. If you have any questions contact the Duty Supervisor. Wed, 29 Jun 2011 21:37:35 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=74 http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=73 In honor of EMS Week, the Foundation would like to recognize all of our employees' hard work and dedication. To help celebrate the week, we are entering each employee into a drawing for two Oriole's tickets including a parking pass. The tickets are for May 21st Orioles vs Washington Nationals and for June 10th Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The first drawing will be held this afternoon for the May 21st tickets. We will hold another drawing on Friday, May 20th for the June tickets. All field employees will be entered into the drawing. Good Luck and thanks again for all of your hard work!! Our first winner is Jeremy Smith!!! Our second winner is Jeff Weer!!! Sun, 22 May 2011 02:45:34 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=73 http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=72 All providers must complete the protocol update and submit proof to Supervisor Glassman by June 1, 2011. Proof of fit testing must also be submitted by June 1, 2011. Thank you, Wed, 11 May 2011 17:34:51 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=72 http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=71 We are please to announce the addition of Dr. Tim Chizmar as the associate medical director for the Foundation. Dr. Chizmar is active in the Volunteer EMS community and you may see him riding with the supervisor or coming to your station to do ride alongs with staff. Dr. Chizmar also wishes to take part in training, so you may see him teaching a class or two. An excerpt from Dr. Chizmar's resume will be posted on the member's site via an announcement Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:37:46 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=71 http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=70 ** recieved via email** The Maryland Department of Transportation's State Highway Administration (SHA) is beginning a $300,000 project to repair damaged pavement along MD 23 (Norrisville Road/East-West Highway) in northern Harford County. Beginning on or about Monday, March 7, contractor crews will perform highway patching operations along MD 23 between MD 138 (Troyer Road) and MD 24 (Rocks Road). Lane closures may occur at anytime between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, and between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday. During lane closures, sections of the two-lane roadway will be reduced to one lane, with flagpersons controlling two-way traffic within the work zone. SHA advises motorists to plan ahead for extra travel time along MD 23 this spring. The MD 23 resurfacing project is made possible through Governor Martin O'Malley's aggressive management of the requirements of the landmark American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This project, together with other ARRA projects, is stimulating Maryland's economy by preserving and creating thousands of jobs. The State's contractor for the resurfacing project is Gray and Son, Inc. of Timonium, Md. Weather permitting, SHA anticipates completing the resurfacing by late April. For more information about highway maintenance activities along MD 23, MD 128, MD 24 or other State routes within Harford County, citizens may contact SHA's District Four Office – Maintenance Division at 410-229-2360, toll free at 1-866-998-0367 or by email at shadistrict4@sha.state.md.us. Please feel free to contact me or Mr. Andre Futrell, Assistant District Engineer for Maintenance, if you have any further questions. Mr. Futrell may be reached at 410-229-2321, toll-free at 1-866-998-0367 or by email at afutrell@sha.state.md.us. He will be pleased to assist you. Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:03:18 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=70 http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=69 The Foundation has set up a comment and complaint hot-line. This hot-line is through a 3rd party service provider and will be active for 2 months from today. It is available 24/7. The number is 1-866-609-6188. An operator will respond. You do NOT need to leave any personal information unless you would like to do so. Any commentary will be tabulated and issues can be discussed at the next staff meeting or trustees meeting as appropriate. Please note that the operators have no medical or fire service training, so they may ask you to spell or clarify certain words. The can not answer specific questions, rather the purpose is to gather information and give the staff and participant companies an anonymous venue for comments and concerns. Thanks! Tue, 25 Jan 2011 19:40:45 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=69 http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=68 **via email** Good Afternoon Please distribute widely even though most EMS services use preloaded syringes, not vials. Please excuse any duplicates of this message. Thank you. Dr. A ________________________________________ AUDIENCE: Hospital Risk Managers, Pharmacy, Emergency Medicine ISSUE: American Regent and FDA notified healthcare professionals of the nationwide recall of specific lots of Sodium Bicarbonate Injection, USP, 7.5% and 8.4%, 50 mL Single Dose Vials because some vials of these lots contain particulates. Potential adverse events after intravenous administration include damage to blood vessels in the lung, localized swelling, and granuloma formation. BACKGROUND: Sodium Bicarbonate Injection, USP, is indicated in the treatment of metabolic acidosis which may occur in severe renal disease, uncontrolled diabetes, circulatory insufficiency due to shock or severe dehydration, extracorporeal circulation of blood, cardiac arrest and severe primary lactic acidosis. Sodium bicarbonate is further indicated in the treatment of certain drug intoxications, including barbiturates (where dissociation of the barbiturate-protein complex is desired), in poisoning by salicylates or methyl alcohol and in hemolytic reactions requiring alkalinization of the urine to diminish nephrotoxicity of blood pigments. Sodium bicarbonate is also indicated in severe diarrhea which is often accompanied by a significant loss of bicarbonate. RECOMMENDATION: Hospitals, infusion centers, clinics and other healthcare facilities should not use American Regent Inc., Sodium Bicarbonate Injection, USP, 7.5% and 8.4%, 50 mL Single Dose Vials with the lot #s list in the firm press release for patient care and should immediately quarantine any product for return. Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program: Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178 Read the complete MedWatch 2010 Safety summary, at: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm238323.htm Tue, 04 Jan 2011 21:24:06 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=68 http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=67 Major Holiday Traffic Delays Expected at I-95 Toll Plaza in Delaware Reconstruction Project Underway to Modernize Plaza Newark – The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) warns motorists to expect major traffic delays throughout the Christmas and New Year's holiday week at the I-95 Newark Toll Plaza. The predicted impacts are expected to be greater than in recent years and could stretch for miles and take hours to clear. Due to the on-going I-95 Newark Toll Plaza Reconstruction, reduced toll lane access and altered traffic patterns will greatly impact the Christmas and New Year's holiday week travelers. These factors, combined with the anticipated increase of holiday traffic, will result in serious backups and travel delays, starting as early as Thursday, December 23 and lasting through Monday evening, December 27, and Thursday, December 30 through Monday, January 3. Travelers should consider using alternative routes, using alternative modes of travel or traveling during hours with lower traffic volumes. "We expect to experience a similar traffic situation as we did during the Thanksgiving holiday," Delaware's Transportation Secretary Carolann Wicks warns. "However, during the Thanksgiving weekend we were able to get the word out to the traveling public what to expect and to plan accordingly. Traffic through the I-95 Toll Plaza was actually down nearly 10% (68,899 vehicles less) than the same period last year. So the word is getting out and travelers are planning appropriately." DelDOT's Traffic Management Center (TMC) will be monitoring the Plaza area closely to assist any stranded motorists and to help expedite the clearing of any accidents that may occur. Motorists travelling through the area can get updates by following Twitter @DelawareDOT, by going to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/delawaredot, or by tuning to WTMC 1380AM radio. Those at home can check delays by viewing www.deldot.gov/traffic/map.ejs. Available northbound and southbound toll lanes have been reduced as part of the construction. This reduction impacts both the manual cash lanes as well as the dedicated E-ZPass lanes. Additionally, due to the construction, the two open northbound E-ZPass lanes merge into a single lane just beyond the toll plaza creating a reduction in available lane space. The I-95 Newark Toll Plaza Reconstruction Project will include significant improvements to the 47 year old site, with an expected completion of summer 2011. The changes will result in much better plaza operations when two non-stop, highway-speed E-ZPass lanes plus seven manual cash-lanes will be open in each direction. This $32 million modernization project is fully funded through the Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), and was awarded to A-Del Construction Company of Newark, Delaware. Some of the additional improvements include: • Widening of the approach lanes for the northbound plaza to create more vehicle storage space • Installation of new roadway signing and pavement markings • Upgrades to the plaza lighting systems • Reduction of fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by reducing congestion • Improvement of mobility for interstate truck traffic • Improving safety of traveling public by reducing queues and need for lane changes • Toll worker safety is addressed by creating an overhead passageway, new crash attenuators, and a dedicated equipment maintenance gantry For more information, visit DelDOT's project Web page (i95.deldot.gov), or tune to WTMC-AM 1380. Tue, 21 Dec 2010 15:30:36 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=67 http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=66 The Foundation Association Office now has an auto-attendant to better serve our staff. Please make note of the following tree information: Select option 1 for touch tone phones: Jacquie Alascio: option 1 Association Offices: option 2 Diane Flint: option 3 Duty Supervisor: option 4 Mary Dugan-Tyson: option 5 Training Hotline: option 6 A training hotline has been establised for training that will occur during the month. Every effort will be made to keep this hotline up to date. Wed, 01 Dec 2010 15:56:54 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=66 http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=65 The Foundation/ Association offices will be working on the following modified holiday schedule for December 2010: December 23 the offices will close at 1200 December 24th the offices will be closed December 30th the offices will close at 1200 December 31st the offices will be closed The duty supervisor will be availible, as always, 24/7 during the office closures. All HR, Billing, Payroll or QA questions should be sent via email or held until the next open business day. Wed, 01 Dec 2010 15:57:49 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=65 http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=64 It is with deep regret that Harford County Volunteer EMS Foundation reports Medic Larry "Hank" Schnakenberg, normally assigned to Paramedic 6 for the Harford County Volunteer Fire & EMS Foundation, passed away early this morning. Medic Schnakenberg has been employed with the HCVFEMSF as a full-time employee since August, 2010. He was also a volunteer with Havre de Grace Ambulance Corps. Hank lived in Havre de Grace, in Harford County, with his wife, Heidi and son Larry Schnakenberg, III. Arrangements are being made and will be announced when they are available. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and co-workers at this time. Sun, 17 Oct 2010 15:16:00 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=64 http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=63 **Via email** (Bel Air, MD) - - The Harford County Department of Public Works as announced that Macton Road between MD Route 136 and Mill Green Road will be closed to all through traffic for approximately five months. The road closure is required to allow for bridge rehabilitation work to be performed. The road closure will occur on or about October 18, 2010. Motorists who normally travel this route should make other arrangements during the period of the road closure. For questions or further information, contact the Harford County Department of Public Works, Bureau of Construction Mon, 11 Oct 2010 17:12:35 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=63 http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=62 From PhysioControl ***** We have received reports from custormers that suggest LifePak 12 (LP12) that describe the process for disconnecting the device from the AC power are not always being followed. When the instructions are not being followed and the Power ON button is pushed within 2 seconds after disconnecting the device from AC power, the service indicator will illuminate and the device may fail to charge the defibrillator and/or initiate pacing. If this occurs, the device will not deliver a shock until the Operator instructions are followed and the power is cycled off, then on again. There are not product related, corrective, or preventative actions in place for this device behavior and this notification is strictly to ensure users are aware of this device behavior and operate their devices according to current Operating Initructions. Complete instructions are availble at: www.physio-control.com/products/defibrillators If you have questions related to this update, please call Tech Support at 1-800-442-1142 option 5 between 0600-1600 pacific time, Monday- Friday. Tue, 05 Oct 2010 13:55:00 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=62 http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=61 The Harford County Department of Public Works has announced that Vale Road between MD Rt. 924 and Red Pump Road will be closed to all through traffic on or about Monday, October 4, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. daily for a period of approximately five (5) weeks. The road will be closed during this time to allow for road improvement work to be performed. Those who normally travel this route should make other arrangements while work is being performed. School buses will be permitted through the work site during the period of road closure to normal traffic. Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:36:30 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=61 http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=60 Edgewood High School has a parade is scheduled to begin at 6pm on Friday October 1, 2010. Some roads in the Edgewood Meadows sub-division will be closed from 1800-1830 The parade route is as follows: The parade will begin in the Food Lion parking lot (2250 Hanson Road). From there, it will proceed across Hanson road onto Hornbeam road. From Hornbeam, the parade will make a right turn onto Perry Ave, before proceeding onto Willoughby Beach Road. The parade will then make a left turn onto Willoughby Beach Road. It will then turn right onto Broadneck Crossing Road, and onto the property of the school. The Harford County Sheriff's Office be escorting the parade, and will be assisting with traffic control. Please make a note of this. Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:16:14 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=60 http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=59 Weather permitting, from approximately 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17 to 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 20, northbound and southbound MD 924 will be closed between MD 24 and Woodsdale Road. In the event of inclement weather or other variables, the closure may take place the following weekend. Forecasted inclement weather will delay the work to subsequent weekends. DETOUR: Passenger vehicles will be detoured to Singer Road. Trucks over five tons will be detoured to Wheel Road. Detour signs and portable electronic message signs will be installed to help inform and guide motorists. Shopping centers will be accessible via detour routes. Periodic lane closures also will be in effect on northbound MD 24 approaching MD 924. By mid-October, MD 24 traffic will shift to allow construction of the MD 24 bridge over MD 924 and Tollgate Road. The new traffic pattern may result in additional delays as motorists travel through two separate intersections. Other continued work associated with Phase 2 of the Improvement Project include: • Widening the ramp from southbound MD 24 to southbound I-95 • Work on the southbound I-95 ramp to northbound MD 24. • Widening of the MD 24 bridge over I-95 • Completing construction of the new ramps from MD 24 at the MD 924/Tollgate Road Interchange • Traffic will be shifted onto these ramps by mid-October to allow construction of the MD 24 bridge over MD 924 • Construction of the MD 24 and MD 924 interchange including retaining walls • Signal and sign work Lane closures on MD 24 and MD 924 may be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Lane closures on northbound and southbound I-95 at MD 24 (Exit 77) may be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning, Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to noon Friday. Fri, 10 Sep 2010 15:29:29 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=59 http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=58 From: FDA MedWatch [ mailto:fda@service.govdelivery.com] Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2010 4:04 PM Subject: FDA MedWatch - Huber Needles: Recall - Risk of Coring Huber Needles: Recall - Risk of Coring Multi-Med, Inc., 22 Gauge x 1 inch Straight and Right Angle Huber Needles Navilyst Medical Inc., Vaxcel Implantable Vascular Access Systems Containing Huber Needles Infusion Set Needles [Manufactured by Nipro for Exelint] AUDIENCE: Risk Manager, Surgery, Critical Care Medicine ISSUE: FDA notified healthcare professionals of the Class I Recall of certain Huber needles that were determined by FDA testing to produce cores when inserted into ports. Coring may lead to infection, damage or death of tissue, swelling, or other serious adverse health consequences, occurring as a result of the core travelling through blood vessels into the patient's lungs. These issues may potentially cause death. BACKGROUND: Following hospital reports to the FDA of leakage after accessing the port with a Huber needle (labeled to be non-coring), FDA conducted its own laboratory testing of Huber needles from multiple manufacturers. Huber needles are safety needles used on vascular access ports implanted in patients in need of repeated intravenous therapy. A "coring" Huber needle could damage the implanted port by removing silicone slivers from the access membrane. The defect in the port as a result of coring can cause the ports to leak. The core can also potentially enter a patient's body when the port is initially accessed if it is not flushed correctly. RECOMMENDATION: Clinicians should immediately discontinue use of the recalled products. If you must use the kit, consider using an alternative, unaffected non-coring needle if possible. Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program: Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178 Read the MedWatch safety alert, including links to FDA Class I Recall notices, at: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm224163.htm You are encouraged to report all serious adverse events and product quality problems to FDA MedWatch at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) · 10903 New Hampshire Ave · Silver Spring, MD 20993 · 800-439-1420 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:57:03 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=58 http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=57 The STC is undergoing and expansion and traffic patterns are subject to change on a frequent bases for the next several months. As of today (08/18/10) the Penn street exit for the ED has become both an entrance and an exit. Vehciles must use one of the five designated spaces and must park "nose in". Traffic pattern and parking location changes will be posted either here, or as an announcement , as they are issue to the admin office. Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:17:35 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=57 http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=56 **Received via email.... Clearwater drive ( no city given) will be closed July 22nd, and continue to be closed to through traffic, for approx. 7 weeks for storm drain repairs Please make a note of this closure. Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:02:27 GMT http://www.hcvfemsf.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=56