Rural Health Community Systems, Inc.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
DATE: May 6, 2008
CONTACT: Arthur Jones, 607-794-0759

Newly Elected Emergency Medical Services Officers Meet

BATH - Prior to passing their torches this spring, Steuben CountyÕs emergency medical services officers passed along their experience and hard earned wisdom during Rural Health Community Systems, Inc.Õs second annual EMS Officers Meeting.

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

"Improving cooperation and public knowledge, improving communication, came right out of RHCSÕs Steuben County 2006 strategic plan," Jones said, adding many of the countyÕs EMS agencies conduct their elections between December and May."Officers who have learned their jobs through hard knocks É mentored the new officers just stepping into the position."Hard knocks indeed: 19 of the countyÕs 21 ambulance sources are volunteer-based; its nine first response agencies aid victims until an ambulance arrives for transport. Steuben CountyÕs size, roughly that of Rhode Island, presents logistical issues and makes it difficult for hardworking volunteers to discuss best practices.

The eventÕs theme, "What I Wish I Knew When I Became Captain," featured seasoned veterans speaking on confidentiality, quality improvement and management classes, recruitment and retention, partnering with law enforcement among other topics.

"EMS Volunteering, itÕs kind of a second job," Jones stated. "TheyÕre trying to help their neighbors when someoneÕs in desperate need. We want the public to know weÕre working hard to remove that isolation between agencies."The meeting dovetailed with other RHCS initiatives to promote inter-agency cooperation and education, and educate the general public about rural EMS and its roadblocks. "WeÕve 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 donÕt 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.