03-25-1991 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes March 25, 1991 Page 3 e The Council recessed at 9:25 p.m. and reconvened at 9:35 p.m. 5.3. Ambulance Service Annual Report/Steve Dittbenner Steve Dittbenner explained that the ambulance service has been in existence in Elk River for 40 years and that this is the first time a meeting with the City Council to discuss the ambulance service has taken place. Steve Dittbenner presented the Council with an annual report on the Ambulance Service. The report was read verbally to the City Council by Steve Dittbenner. The report followed the outline which was included in the agenda packet. The major areas of the report focused on an introduction of service; significant facts; working relationship with Heal th One; and present to future t.rends and goals. A draft copy of Steve's report is attached to the City Council agenda packet material. Steve Dittbenner explained that it is the goal of the Elk River Ambulance Service to offer the best most appropriate and economical care to everyone needing the service. e There were several people in the audience and the main topic of discussion focused on ALS (Advanced Life Support) versus BLS (Basic Life Support). Steve Dittbenner explained that the Elk River Ambulance has BLS service with state approved variances and an ALS backup through Health One for every run. He indicated that the ALS backup system can meet the Elk River Ambulance at the scene for severe trauma cases, and that for medically ill patients in need of ALS they are generally met at the weight station on Highway 10. He explained that one reason Elk River and other communities operate a BLS service is because the ALS in this area would not be exposed to enough run volume and may end up with rusty skills and secondly, because ALS service is very costly. Harold Navotny expressed his desire to see Elk River with an ALS system. He indicated that if he were in need of ALS service, he would not want to be transferred along the way to receive this service. Roxy Stengline explained that she works as a EMT in Zimmerman. She stated that there is an ALS unit in Princeton that is dispatched to every call in Princeton, Zimmerman and Milaca. This unit provides ALS to every needed call at the scene and there is no need to transfer. If ALS is not needed, the ALS unit is ca.ncelled. She indicated tha.t the standard of care to the people has increased considerably since they added ALS. She indicat.ed that with a City which is growing at the rate of Elk River, the quality of ALS care is needed. e Patty Hansey explained that she is an emergency room nurse at North Memorial Hospital. She indicated that the metro standard of care is ALS and that there is a huge difference in ALS and EMT treatment. She supports ALS being in place in Elk River. Jan Anderson stated she is an EMT and an Elk River resident. She stated that Elk River needs ALS. She indicated that the chances of survival for a person in cardiac arrest are better with ALS.