This past March we had the opportunity to host a training seminar here in Northeast Ohio. We were able to partner with the American Ambulance Association, PWW, the State of Ohio EMS board to bring together top industries leaders to speak on a few of the hot topics in the industry.
The American Ambulance Association brought Brian Werfel, Katie Arens, and Samantha Hilker onsite for training of the current Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection Survey. With over 70 attendees present, they were able to ask specific questions regarding entering their data into the Amber Software or directly in the Medicare software. Year 1 and Year 2 of the GADCS are currently getting ready to submit this coming May 2023.
Steve Wirth from Page, Wolfberg and Wirth, LLC presented on two hot topics in the EMS industry, Dynamic EMS Documentation and new his new class, Malpractice or Murder: When do EMS Providers Cross the Line from Negligence to Crime?. The documentation class addressed the clinical, medical-legal, and compliance aspects of EMS documentation. This particular class really helped providers change the way they think about EMS patient care and documentation to help better "paint the picture".
Wirth's Malpractice or Murder class was eye opening to say the least. The EMS world was shocked to the core in January 2023, after an Illinois prosecutor filed first degree murder charges against two EMS providers over the death of a patient transported in a prone position strapped to the ambulance stretcher. While criminal charges against EMS providers are not unprecedented, the filing of first-degree murder charges following the death of a patient is virtually unprecedented. Wirth dissected the facts of the case, discussed the law, and provided participants with specific tips on how to prevent this type of horrific patient outcome from happening at your ambulance service or EMS agency.
Aaron Jennings, Deputy Director from the State of Ohio EMS discussed House Bill 52 which reverses several changes in House Bill 509. More information regarding these House Bill updates can be found directly on the State of Ohio EMS website. In addition, to reviewing the house bill changes, Jennings also went Recruitment and Retention process throughout the EMS industry and the struggles that everyone is facing. Jennings encouraged departments to get involved with their programs in their area and start recruiting while students are finishing up school. 75% of students wish to seek employment with an agency after school but only 22% of student reported being recruited by the department.
The Office of First Responder Wellness sent over Director Steven Click, to present on Self-Care in the EMS industry. One of the main topics that we keep hearing throughout our culture is "self-care" but what does that mean and how does neglecting our own care effect us emotionally, behaviorally, spiritually and physically. Some tips for helping ourselves and even others on practicing self-care are: exercising, structuring our free time, TALKing, avoiding self medication with drugs and/or alcohol, letting people help you, and RESTing. IF you don't take care of yourself, who is going to? "Your personal mental health and well being is YOUR responsibility. You have a responsibility to yourself, your family and even your co-workers. If not, you or someone else can get hurt or worse.
Lastly, we heard from retired Fire Chief at Bazetta Township Fire Department, Dennis Lewis on the one class everyone needs, HIPAA Training. He reviewed everything from protecting the patient health information from the scene, cell phone usage on the job by department members, sending information to and from a billing service or attorney's office.
We are very thankful for each and every speaker, attendee, the Stark State College staff, our catering team, Kathy's Cookies, Candies & Catering, and most importantly our sponsors! This event would not have been successful without each and everyone one of you!
