EMS office collects revenue, discusses procedure for rescue truck
Darryl Thiesen, Marion County Emergency Medical Services director, presented a report Jan. 18 to Marion County Commission.
Nearly $20,000 has been collected for EMS services following reorganization and training in the department.
Commissioner Randy Dallke asked Thiesen to explain the procedure when a rescue vehicle is needed.
Thiesen said the Marion rescue truck is utilized because it is the only vehicle in the county with all necessary equipment. Other vehicles in the county have some equipment like "jaws of life."
"We've got a lot of rescue trucks around the county that could cover some calls," Dallke said. He asked Thiesen to compile and present a report at a later date regarding the status of the rescue vehicles.
Thiesen said the Marion rescue truck was manned at all times by trained firefighters.
Dallke said other fire departments and municipalities have made improvements and need to be utilized.
The December activity report was presented by Thiesen.
There were a total of 65 calls. Hillsboro had 26, Marion 23, Peabody 10, and Tampa six.
Of those calls, 14 were medical emergencies, 13 refused to be transported, 12 were transferred, eight were vehicle accidents, four were cardiac, and three were stand-by. The rescue truck was dispatched five times.
There were nine first responder calls — four in Goessel, three in Burns, and one each in Durham and Lincolnville.
Thiesen also reported:
— Made presentation to Marion Kiwanis Club about automatic external defibrillators.
Peabody-Burns USD #398 has purchased a unit and Thiesen plans to install it.
— A CPR class was provided to health care providers at Marion Assisted Living.
— HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) training continues for county EMS employees.
— New CPR mannequins were purchased with money from an anonymous donation.
— Made presentation to Goessel Lions Club.
— Plans to place advertisement in newspaper outside county area to sell retired first response van.
Sealed bids for the 1979 Ford F-350 van will be sent and opened by the commission.
— Emergency medical technician classes began Jan. 18 at Hillsboro.
