Rural Health Community Systems, Inc.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
DATE: April 28, 2008
CONTACT: Arthur Jones, 607-794-0759

Steuben County EMS officers to convene for quality improvement forum

BATH - Prior to passing their torches this spring, Steuben County emergency medical services officers will pass along their experience and wisdom during the Rural Health Community Systems, Inc. second annual EMS Captains Meeting.

The May 1 networking forum and dinner is structured to foster communication between agencies and continuity between those exiting and entering office, according to Art Jones, RHCS network initiatives coordinator. Most importantly, it will bolster the quality of Steuben County EMS.

"Improving cooperation and public knowledge, improving communication, comes right out of RHCS's Steuben County 2006 strategic plan," Jones said, adding many of the county's EMS agencies conduct their elections December May.

"We hope officers who have learned their jobs through hard knocks... will mentor the new officers just stepping into the position."

Hard knocks indeed: 19 of the county's 21 ambulance sources are volunteer-based; its nine first response agencies aid victims until an ambulance arrives for transport. Steuben County's size, roughly that of Rhode Island, presents logistical issues and makes it difficult for hardworking volunteers to discuss best practices.

The event's theme, "What I Wish I Knew When I Became Captain," will feature seasoned veterans speaking on confidentiality, quality improvement and management classes, among other topics.

"Volunteering, it's kind of a second job," Jones stated. "They're trying to help their neighbors when someone's in desperate need. We want the public to know we're working hard to remove that isolation between agencies."

The meeting dovetails with other RHCS initiatives to promote inter-agency cooperation and education, and educate the general public about rural EMS and its roadblocks.

"We've moved beyond a single-community ambulance to a system of community care," Jones said. "We want them to be aware there is help and support available; they don't have to go it alone."

Rural Health Community Systems, Inc. is a not-for-profit health network funded by the New York State Department of Health Office of Rural Health. It aims to better unite the county's resources, agencies and associations by identifying and implementing measures to help health care services fill gaps in their areas.

The second annual EMS Captains Meeting will be 6:30 - 9 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at the Steuben County Training Center, State Route 54, Bath.