Eureka Spring Fire Department’s report was presented at the Oct. 19 Western Carroll County Ambulance District by Chief Nick Samac, who reiterated that WCCAD’s response times are within acceptable limits. He also covered that there are numerous people who call for assistance arising from a fall, but don’t require further medical assistance or transport. When there is a safety concern, the primary care provider or the Arkansas Dept. of Human Services is notified.
EMR reports were presented by Richard Hervieux of Grassy Knob, Chris Ledeker of Holiday Island and Christine Halmes for Inspiration Point. Hervieux noted challenges in responding to a person who lives deep in a wooded area, while Ledeker noted a seeming spike in strokes. Halmes noted that their average response time is “an acceptable seven minutes.”
LUCAS devices, portable chest compressors that improve blood flow for cardiac arrest, were obtained as planned, Hervieux said. He is instituting more auditing of purchased equipment by documenting “what’s in the box versus. what they say is in the box.” The four LUCAS devices approved for purchase in August was accomplished at a discount as Hervieux was able to find a district that had ordered too many, saving approximately $10,000.
Holiday Island is requesting purchase of a Physio-Control Lifepak 15 unit, which functions as a combination strip-read EKG, defibrillator, heart rate and blood pressure monitor and blood oxygen monitor. The unit sells for $15,955 in refurbished condition before taxes or required additional equipment. Connie Deaton noted that there is no money for the purchase in this year’s budget, and the motion to purchase the unit did not carry but may be raised at a future meeting.
Holiday Island also requested reimbursement for batteries used for several new radios. The board tabled that request until the next fiscal year when a full vote would include the treasurer.
Hervieux requested purchase of 26 LifeVac EMS kits. The LifeVac is used to clear the airway of a choking victim when traditional measures such as finger-swipe and Heimlich maneuver have failed. It’s a mask and pressure source with a one-way valve. Positive pressure does not pass through the victim’s airway, while negative pressure gently sucks the object from the airway. It isn’t expensive or training intensive, and cost for 26 of the devices is $1,300. The units can be used by school nurses as well as first responders. A motion to purchase these carried.
The next meeting will be held at Grassy Knob Fire Dept. on Dec. 14, a week earlier than customary due to the holiday season.