PRESENT: P. Noto, L. Bronz, A. Paulin (Citizen Member).
STAFF: S. Vanderberg, S. Schecter.
Guests: Dr. Joli Yuknek, Jackie Hilly, Michael Volk-Department of Emergency Services, Chief John Kapica-Chair; E.M.S.
Advisory Committee, Dr. Nicholas DeRobertis- Chair;
D’Amico.
The meeting was called to order at
Mr. Noto began by explaining all
previous action taken by the Committee in regards to pediatric emergency
services in Westchester, adding that the focus has now been directed toward the
possible creation of an Emergency Service Training Center, due to the fact that
EMS doesn’t spend a lot of time on pediatric care. He added the Committee was interested in the
outlook of this idea from the
Chief Kapica said he was very
supportive of the establishment of such a training center. He said although he felt most of the additional
training should be mandated, unlike his agency, most agencies in
Dr. Yuknek suggested not adding additional hours, but to allocate a specific amount of the 30 CME hours to pediatrics. Chief Kapica said it would be possible since 22 of the required CME hours are general,
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and could be designated to pediatrics. Dr. DeRobertis reminded everyone the Hudson Valley REMAC had established the 30 CME hours discussed.
Dr. DeRobertis agreed with Dr. Yuknek in that if additional training is to be mandated, a venue should be provided to obtain it. Dr. Yuknek said she felt the training center would also allow for quality control of the programs mandated.
Chief Kapica said the last four delegates would be named at a meeting to be held that evening, and referred to the State’s Public Health Commissioner and EMS Council for appointment finalizing the process of establishing Westchester as it’s own EMS region. This fact in conjunction with Dr. DeRobertis having already been the Chair of the Hudson Valley Medical Advisory Committee, the body that would determine if this Committee’s proposal were appropriate, makes for an environment conducive to the institution of this program.
In response to Mrs. Bronz, Dr. DeRobertis said any additional hours included into the
existing program would become policy for the
Dr. DeRobertis said the ability to control the quality of the education received at the center will make it easy to monitor where revisions must be made as to procedure, care and research; something which could not be done in the Hudson Valley Region. Mr. Volk said the center might also address some of the hospital issues specifically; nurses and doctors will be able to improve their pediatric comfort levels by enabling them to continue their education.
All were in agreement a formal written recommendation for the
training center would be submitted to the Administration within the
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week and a copy would be sent to those present.
With no further business to discuss the meeting was
adjourned