Department News
Photos and renditions by Kyle Starr, Glacier Co. EMS
May 8, 2008 - New Ambulance to Feature Hi-Visibility Graphics: In order to enhance visibility and therefore increase the level of safety for our personnel and patients, our new ambulance will feature the high-visibility reflective chevron graphics on the rear of the vehicle. Chevrons, which originally gained popularity in Europe, have been growing more and more common in the US as departments sought ways to make their vehicles more visible to motorists. The chevrons are basically inverted "V's" that contrast against a background color. Our new ambulance, which will hope to have in-service in August, will have dark blue chevrons on a background of hi-vis lime green. There are also plans to outfit other department vehicles such as Command-1, Special Ops-1 and the 2nd-out ambulance with the graphics.
May 8, 2008 - Closing Date Set for Paramedic Opening: A closing date of 5/20 has been set for the FT paramedic opening. Anyone interested in the position should apply as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline. See our employment page for information on how to apply.
Photo from www.meretusa.com
May 2, 2008 - New Bag Being Field-Tested: While waiting for our order of Stat-Packs to arrive and be placed into service, we started noticing some problems with the one bag that we had in service. It was decided that we should keep our options open and field test another bag before implementing one department-wide. Today, we placed into service as a test unit a Meret equipment bag. Personnel who have examined it so far have complemented it's configurable design, tough material, and overall workmanship. The bag is currently in service on our 1st-out ambulance until a decision is made whether or not to purchase them for our entire fleet. For more information on the bag, see Meret's website.
April 27, 2008 - Full-Time Position Still Open, Apply Now!: The full-time paramedic position is still open, and will remain so for a little longer to ensure a good applicant base. If you are considering applying, you are urged to send your resume in as soon as possible. A closing date will be listed as soon as one is established. Check the employment page for details on the hiring process as they are released.
April 27, 2008 - EMS Week and GCEMS Awards Banquet Approaching: This year, EMS week will be held May 18-24. On May 22nd, the annual Glacier County EMS Awards Banquet will be held at station 1. The banquet is a time for all our members to get together, swap stories about the past year, enjoy some great food, and for commendations to be handed out. In addition to the coveted "EMS Provider of the Year", commendations for various things are awarded, as are a number of humorous awards that always add some laughs to the evening. The banquet is open to all active department members and a guest. Check our awards page after the banquet for a list of commendations that were awarded.
April 27, 2008 - "Safety Patrol " Program Resumes: Now that spring is upon us, it is time once again to get the "Safety Patrol" program geared up. The program rewards the youth in our community for being safe in their outdoor activities. If we see kids wearing bicycle helmets or wearing protective equipment while riding skateboards, roller-blading, etc, we will reward them with a gift card that they can redeem for food items at our local McDonalds. Thank you to McDonalds and manager Sheldon Hatch for making the program possible.
Photo from Uni-Vent
April 27, 2008 - Transport Ventilator Purchased: We have purchased a transport ventilator for use on critical care transports. The unit is a Uni-Vent Impact model that features rugged design, is highly adjustable, and will be an asset to our department when we transport intubated patients. The new unit replaces an Oxylator model ventilator, which was not well-suited for the long-distance transports that we often perform. The oxylator was only minimally adjustable, where the Uni-Vent can be fine-tuned for each patient for optimal outcomes. The unit is expected to be placed into service as soon as all the paramedics have been trained on the unit and our critical care protocols are reviewed and new ones put into place regarding the unit's operation. It was funded from donations that community members have made to our department, and we thank them for making this purchase possible.
April 22, 2008 - Northern Rockies Medical Center Launches Website: We wish to announce that our local medical center, Northern Rockies Medical Center, is now on the web with the launch of their new website. The site, which can be found at www.nrmcinc.org, has information on hospital departments, employment, staff, news and more. Check it out!
April 22, 2008 - Earth Day: Glacier County EMS recognizes Earth Day, and wants you to know that we are doing our part to be a greener, more efficient department. We have replaced as many light bulbs as possible with energy-efficient CFL bulbs, and make a conscious effort to turn lights off when not needed around the station. Fuel efficiency is an issue that we look at when purchasing new vehicles. We also haul our recyclables to our local recycling center. We are happy to do our part in reducing energy wastage and are continually looking for other ways to run our department more efficiently and greener.
April 18, 2008 - New PT Medic Joins Staff: We are glad to welcome Critical Care Paramedic Terri Shively to our department. She will be working with us part-time to help us fill vacancies left by sick, holiday and training leave. Terry works as a firefighter/paramedic with Big Mountain Fire Department near Kalispell and also flies with ALERT out of Kalispell part-time. Her experience will be an asset to our department. Welcome aboard!
April 14, 2008 - EMT Students Take Practical Exam: The EMT-basic students took their practical exam at station #1 on Saturday April 12th. We are pleased to announce that all of them passed that portion of their testing. Since the National Registry written exam is computer-based now, the students are on their own in arranging to take that part of the test. A good percentage of the class has expressed interest in working as paid-on-call members with our department. We congratulate them on the successful completion of their practical exam and wish them luck on their written exam. We hope to see you onboard soon!
April 8, 2008 - Full-Time Paramedic Vacancy: We currently have a job vacancy for a full-time paramedic. The position is a newly created one with the intention of allowing the EMS chief to focus more on his administrative duties. All too often he found himself staffing a truck and on the road, which made it difficult to complete his duties. The addition of another FT paramedic makes it easier to put together a 3rd crew, which is necessary more and more as our call volume continues to rise. With the filling of this position, we would have a staff of 5 full-time paramedics (including the chief). Glacier County's paramedics enjoy competitive salary, good benefits, Montana Public Employees Retirement, a 3-day work schedule, progressive protocols and more. For more information on our department, contact us at (406) 873-2722. For more information on benefits, see our benefits page. For information on how to apply, see our employment page. The employment page will be updated with the latest information as the hiring process progresses, so check back often.
April 8, 2008 - The Trend Continues: For the third straight month, we have set all-time records regarding call volume. January, February and March all saw us reach a call volume never before seen in those months in the past. Projections continue to show us breaking last fiscal year's record of 707 calls, with predictions of 800-900 calls in fiscal year 2008.
March 24, 2008 - Just in Time: As previously reported, we have recently purchased new CPAP units, and just in time. Not even one week after purchasing the new units and placing them into service, they were put to use. We were called to transport a patient with severe COPD to Benefis Healthcare in Great Falls. Our crew placed the patient on the CPAP unit at our local medical center at the request of the patient's provider, then utilized it during the 80-minute transport to Great Falls. The unit functioned as-advertised and the pt complimented the relief it provided him by lessening the effort it took him to breathe. We look forward to being able to benefit other patients with the new units.
March 23, 2008 - Chief Laidlaw to Attend EMS Today: EMS Chief James Laidlaw will be attending the EMS Today conference/expo in Baltimore, Maryland the week of March 24-28. By attending national conferences every year, we can assure that our department is in touch with the latest in pre-hospital emergency medicine and able to stay cutting-edge. We look forward to the information that he will be able to bring back to our members.
March 18, 2008 - Winning Ambulance Bidder Announced: Med-Tec was the winning bidder on the specifications for our next ambulance purchase. Steve Apgar from Apgar Ambulance submitted the winning bid. We will be finalizing the details on our purchase and hope to have the new truck placed in service before August. Thank you to all the other representatives who submitted bids.
March 15, 2008 - Department Purchases More Stat Packs: We have been field-testing the Stat Pack Manager bag since January, and after input from the field crews it was decided to purchase the packs for the rest of our fleet. The simplicity of having all scene equipment in one pack as opposed to separate ALS and BLS bags, which has been the practice, seemed to be one of the major deciding factors for our EMS providers using it. Three additional Stat Packs were ordered last week and should be placed into service in the near future.
March 15, 2008 - GCEMS Upgrades CPAP: After performing some research and doing some demo testing on different models, we have selected a CPAP system to implement department-wide. The unit we have chosen to purchase is the Emergent Respiratory Products PortO2Vent CPAP system. We were pleased with the simplicity, adjustability and performance of the unit and have purchased enough to outfit A1, A2 and A3 with the new CPAP units. Our paramedics were recently trained on the units and are ready to utilize them.
March 10, 2008 - Ambulance Bidding Underway: Bids have been received from Med Tec and Wheeled Coach for our specifications on our next ambulance. Today, representatives from each company brought a demo truck to be viewed by our department and our county commissioners. The winning bidder is expected to be announced next week.
March 11, 2008 - EMT Class Wrapping Up: The winter GCEMS EMT/basic class is coming to a close. After a lot of studying, sweating and practice, they will be ready to take the National Registry exam. Good luck to all the students!
February 29, 2008 - On Track for a Record Year: While we are only 7 months into fiscal year 2008, if our monthly call volume continues it's pace for the remainder of the year, we could very likely set a new record. Last year was our busiest year on record with 708 alarms. As of February 29th, we are at 499 alarms for fiscal year 2008.
February 29, 2008 - Members Complete Training: Paramedic Kyle Starr and EMT/B Angela Eppinger recently completed the Montana lead instructor training class that was held in Havre, Montana February 15-17th. The program is required in order to be eligible to teach EMS classes such as EMT/B in Montana. We now have five active members who are lead instructor certified, which is a tremendous benefit to the department as we look at expanding and improving our training division.
February 29, 2008 - GCEMS Supports New EMS License Plate: Glacier County EMS is glad to support the new EMS license plate that is now available in Montana. The plate, which was developed and sponsored by Richland County EMS, is available to all EMS providers in Montana. The funds generated from the plate will go to Richland County EMS. We are glad that EMS providers now have a plate to recognize our state's EMS providers and the field of emergency medical services.
February 5, 2008 - The Right Place at the Right Time: While returning from an inter-facility transport to Benefis East in Great Falls on February 3rd, the crew of Medic 2 came upon some people in need of assistance along Interstate 15 in the Marias River Valley. A truck traveling northbound was pulling a flatbed trailer with a pickup on it when the trailer blew out a tire, causing the trailer to sway violently and dislodge the pickup and nearly fall off the trailer. The vehicle was unable to get to the right shoulder and had to stop in the left northbound lane. The valley prevented the driver from being able to telephone the highway patrol or county sheriff's office with their cell phone, so no help was on the way for traffic control. The crew of Medic 2 positioned their vehicle to block oncoming traffic in that lane, turned on their emergency warning equipment, and provided traffic control and extra lighting so that the driver and his passenger could get the problem fixed. Medic 2 was also able to radio the Toole County Sheriff's Office for additional assistance with traffic control and to advise them of the situation. The driver of the pickup was grateful for the assistance, stating that one semi had already gone by them very closely at a high rate of speed. Fortunately, the good timing of Medic 2 enabled them to be there to ensure a safer scene and to get the motorists back down the road.
January 29, 2008 - Winter Comes to Cut Bank: The region has finally received a true Montana winter the last few days. According to the National Weather Service, the high on Monday was -11F with wind chills dipping down in the -40 to -50F range and the night bringing a low temperature of -24F. The temperatures today are a little milder, with a high forecasted to be -10F. GCEMS has taken extra precautions to ensure that our fleet and equipment maintains it's level of readiness despite the frigid temperatures. Regardless of the temperature, rest assured that Glacier County EMS stands ready for the call.
Photos from Stat Packs, www.statpacks.com
January 24, 2008 - GCEMS Demos Stat Pack: We are currently undergoing a trial period utilizing a new ALS pack. Presently, GCEMS utilizes separate ALS and BLS bags. On an ALS call, our providers must sometimes take the entire BLS bag into a scene simply for the oxygen that it carries. Chief Laidlaw decided to demo a pack made by Stat Pack. The pack would carry ALS and BLS equipment, as well as a jumbo-D oxygen cylinder. While it is a little heavier, proponents cite the convenience of having all our initial scene equipment in one bag. We received one pack and placed it into service on our first-out ambulance, Medic 2 for a trial period. If the pack works out well, it may be decided to implement the pack into our response fleet system-wide. The bag features high-visibility color, ample reflective striping and backpack straps for easy, hands-free transport. More information on the stat-pack can be found at www.statpacks.com.
January 24, 2008 - Ambulance Funding Approved: Today the board of county commissioners granted approval to Chief Laidlaw to go forth with the process to purchase a new ambulance. Glacier County EMS normally operates on a two-year replacement cycle for it's fleet ambulances, as the high number of long-range inter-facility transfers that we perform adds mileage to the vehicles very quickly. The next step in the process is to finalize specifications for the new vehicle and submit for bids from different manufacturers. Updates will be provided throughout the process, so check back often.
January 12, 2008 - Paramedic Class Update: We were happy to hear that paramedic student Angela Eppinger is doing well in her paramedic class in Great Falls. She was happy to report that she even made the Dean's List. Angela joined our department in 2006 after completing an EMT class that we put on and later decided to continue moving forward in EMS and enrolled in the paramedic program at the University of Great Falls. We hope that she will come back and join us upon completion of the program. Congratulations Angie, keep up the good work!
December 31, 2007 - Personnel to Attend Training: Critical Care Paramedic Kyle Starr and EMT-Basic/Paramedic Student Angela Eppinger will be attending the Lead Instructor training class in Havre, Montana in February. The course, which is put on by the State of Montana, allows EMS providers to learn the skills and procedures necessary to be an EMS instructor in Montana. Upon completion of the class, students become certified lead instructors. The course runs February 15th, 16th and 17th.
December 31, 2007 - EMT Gains FCC License: EMT Cliff Wevley traveled to Great Falls on December 4th, where he successfully completed the FCC Level 1 Technician amateur radio (HAM) exam. Cliff plans on taking the level 2 general exam in the near future. His call sign is KE7QIP. Amateur radio operators are invaluable during natural disasters, as the numerous radio repeaters scattered around the country makes for an impressive communications network. Our department has two licenses operators, with Chief Laidlaw being the other. Congratulations Cliff.
December 14, 2007 - EMT/Basic Class Finalized: The date of the next EMT/basic class to be taught by Glacier County EMS has been set. The course will start on January 8th and run until March 8th. Classes will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 1800-2200 hrs and every Saturday from 0800-1700 hrs. The cost of the class is $75, which includes the textbook. Contact Chief Laidlaw or Training Officer Williams if interested.
December 8, 2007 - GCEMS Wishes Holiday Safety: From all of us at Glacier County EMS, we would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season. From around the house to traveling down the road, this season brings with it hazards unique to the season. Please see our holiday safety tips page for some helpful holiday safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Have fun and stay safe!
December 8, 2007 - Station 2 Construction Update: We are happy to report that good progress is being made in the construction of the new station 2 in Babb. The roof was completed last week, which almost finishes the exterior stage in the construction. Weather this time of year can always be an issue in Babb, which is located only about 15 minutes from Glacier National Park. We are glad to have had good weather to enable the contractors to make this much progress. Check our station 2 page for updated photos from the construction site.
December 8, 2007 - Upcoming training: With everyone flocking indoors and seeking warmth this time of year, it is always a good time to hold training classes. Glacier County EMS will be putting on a GEMS class (Geriatric Education for Emergency Medical Services) on February 2 from 0800-1700. See our training bulletin board page for updated information as the class grows nearer.
A PEPP (Pediatric Education for Pre-Hospital Professionals) class has been scheduled for February 23rd from 0800-1700. See the training bulletin board page for more information as that date grows nearer.
October 26, 2007 - Station 2 Construction Update: The concrete pad is complete, and the frame of the structure was put up this week. The weather at the site has been unseasonably mild, which has been an asset to the workers. Photos will be added to the photo gallery as we get them, so check back often.
October 26, 2007 - Chief to Attend Training: EMS Chief James Laidlaw will be flying to Anniston, Alabama next week to attend the four-day "Healthcare Leadership Course" held at the Noble Training Center. The course, which is put on by FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security, teaches healthcare professions all aspects of managing a weapons of mass destruction (WMD) incident.
Shelby Pamida Manager Pat Hughs (left) and GCEMS Captain Kyle Starr (right)
October 16, 2007 - GCEMS Receives Grant Check: Today, Captain Kyle Starr traveled to Shelby, MT to receive a check for $500 that was awarded as a grant from the Pamida Foundation to be used for EMS textbooks. The grant will help us offer textbooks free of charge to EMT and first responder students. See the news story dated August 29th for more details. We thank the Pamida Foundation for their generosity.
October 12, 2007 - Department Flags at Half-Mast: In honor of Montana Highway Patrol Trooper David Graham, department flags have been lowered to half mast until Sunday AM. Trooper Graham was killed in the line of duty on Tuesday, October 9th when a vehicle crossed into the wrong lane on highway 2 and struck his vehicle head-on. Graham joined the patrol in 2006 and is survived by a wife and three young children. His family is in our thoughts as they cope with their loss. Graham is the fifth Montana Trooper to die in the line of duty.
October 8, 2007 - Station 2 Construction Update: The concrete slab foundation will be poured this week. A favorable forecast is in store for the next week with highs in the 60's, making it ideal for getting the concrete work completed. Some snowfall has already occurred at the construction site, but we are hopeful that the temperature-sensitive work will be done before the weather gets consistently cold. Check back often for updated photos from the construction site.