Workers' Compensation change seems to be working well. Remember if you have not joined, you need to do so as soon as possible. We have over 21,000 members, with approximately 700 departments signed up as of 7/8/96. You can still come in after July 1, 1996 and be pro-rated. Also, if the county pays for all in one check, the squads still have to fill out their own applications and rosters.
Convention 96' is just around the corner and Asheville needs your registration packets now. They have a lot of pre-planning to do so they must have a head count. Remember, August 1 was the deadline for early registration.
Ford Motor Company has issued service bulletin #96B83 applicable to certain 92, 93, and 94 "E" and "F" series ambulances and school buses equipped with 7.3L diesel engine. This is a no charge service program and it is very important that each squad get its vehicles checked. The problem is "During certain engine operating conditions the front end accessory drive belt may slip or detach from the drive belt system pulleys" (serpentine belt failure). It this occurs, there will be loss of power steering and vacuum assist for braking. The electrical system and engine cooling will also be affected. Please document in your files that this service has been performed on the applicable vehicles.
Another interesting issue is "latex sensitivity". Did you know there are patients out there who are developing allergies to latex rubber? The allergies range from mild rashes to full blown anaphylaxis. In conjunction with your local hospital, you will need to develop a latex sensitive kit. Questions??? The State office has some information that might help; however, this is an issue you must address with your local medical officials.
Remember the Brotherhood and see you in Asheville.
November 7-9, 1996 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland. The symposium will consist of three days of intense medical education on clinical topics in trauma care and management of the critically ill patient. Deadline for abstracts is August 1, 1996. (Advanced Trauma Life Support, Tuesday & Wednesday, November 5 & 6, 1996). For further information and abstract form contact: The Office of Program Development, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, University of Maryland Medical System, 22 South Greene Street, T3R26, Baltimore, Maryland 21201-1595, USA. Telephone: (410)328-2399, fax (410)328-0501.
Chemtrec provides service 24 hours a day. Emergency Operation Administration - phone (703)741-5524 or (202)483-7616 or (800)424-9300, fax (703)741-6598.
East Carolina University School of Medicine will hold the seminar September 13 - 15, 1996 at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City, North Carolina. For further information, contact Brenda Truell at (919) 816-2154.
Attendees will receive an overview of the proactive efforts of Ash-Rand Rescue to prepare for response to a structural collapse incident. An audiovisual presentation will highlight the inherent dangers, rescue equipment needed, and assessment priorities for such incidents. Although the causes for collapse may vary, the results are common. Uncommon are agencies that have actually practiced rescue techniques. This presentation will allow attendees an opportunity to see such a training exercise.
The regular Area VIII meeting will be held Saturday, August 10, 1996 at 6:30 PM at the Yadkin County Rescue Squad, 1116 Old Hwy. 421 West in Yadkinville, North Carolina.
Comfort dedicated its new building Sunday, July 21, 1996. Richard Tyndal, chief of the fire department, stated it is something the department, which was formed in 1962, had wanted for a long time. The facility houses the department's four fire trucks and two ambulances. The department received two state grants, one for $20,000 and one for $15,000. The department contracted for the outside construction and the all volunteer department completed the interior including electrical and plumbing. The department is located on highway 41 in Comfort, N.C. and serves the southwest portion of Jones County.
FOR SALE - 1991 Model Ford (diesel) Wheeled Coach, Type III. 87,000 miles, still in service. Call for current mileage. Chassis, box, lights and siren, asking price $25,000. Stretcher & radio negotiable. Maintenance records available for inspection. Identification lettering must be removed. Contact Ray Eubanks at (919) 524-4678 or Russell Rhodes (919) 527-5058 at work, (919) 524-3668 at home. FOR SALE - Defibrillators, (2) LP300's, (1) LP250, and (1) LP5. Good condition. If interested call Watauga EMS at (704) 264-9486.