Coastal Valleys EMS Agency News

The California EMS Authority (EMSA) has released for public comment proposed changes to CCR Title 22 Div.9 Chapter 2, Emergency Medical Technician regulations.

The EMSA notice, links to regulations, and the process to comment on the proposed changes are available on the EMS website:

http://www.emsa.ca.gov/Public_Comment

EMSA does plan a public hearing if you’d like to provide your feedback in person.

Although each interested person should read the proposed changes for a complete understanding, here are some of the main changes proposed within the chapter:

• Addition of naloxone, epinephrine administration to EMT scope

• Addition of blood glucose monitoring to EMT scope

• Increase in EMT program training hours to 150

• Addition of tactical operations training to the EMT curriculum

• Changes in Continuing Education requirements to include 6 hours mandatory in-person skills-based training for EMT renewal

• Phased removal of the EMT Skills Verification Form as a EMT renewal requirement

• New requirements for EMT training programs to incorporate the additional scope training within EMT curriculum. 

CVEMSA staff will keep the discussion on the agendas of our stakeholder meetings for discussion and submit our comments as a LEMSA to EMSA staff working on the regulation changes. Each organization and individual concerned about the changes should consider responding from their perspective as well.

Please distribute this information widely within your organization and stakeholder groups.

The revision of Policy 7008 includes changes in the policy required due to Coastal Valleys’ change of hospital notification systems from EMResource to ImageTrend Resource Bridge. The process included within the policy represents current practices for EMS Agency approval of hospital bypass based on hospital ability to provide specialty care services, or when impacted by physical plant disruption. This version clarifies procedures and incorporates the ImageTrend Resource Bridge.

• Policy 7008: Hospital Bypass

Below is the final policy revision to CVEMSA Administrative Policy 6001, Completion of Patient Care Records.

Policy 6001: Completion of Patient Care Records

This revision provides clarity for Basic Life Support (BLS) providers’ documentation requirements. Other changes include an inclusion of a patient definition, and a requirement for transport providers to deliver any provided first responder PCR to receiving facilities when turning over care. This policy is effective August 1st, 2016. Please distribute within your organization and wider stakeholder groups as appropriate.

CVEMSA thanks the agencies and individuals participating in the policy revision process for working with the EMS Agency to improve our system.

The review and comment period for development and adoption of the following administrative guidelines has been initiated. Please review carefully and submit comments. This public comment period will close August 20, 2016.

• 4003 Vehicles
• 4003 Addendum
• 4004 Supplies and Medications
• 4006 Active Shooter
• 4008 Turnover of Patient Care
• 4014 STAT Ambulance Transfer

A draft of these guidelines is attached. Please forward comments via fax or email to:

Thomas Hinrichs
ALS Coordinator-Policy Development
Coastal Valleys EMS Agency
195 Concourse Blvd., Suite B
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
707-565-6510 FAX E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Attached is a Public Comment Draft version of CVEMSA Administrative Policy 6001 “ePCR Completion” for immediate release to Mendocino and Sonoma EMCCs and MAC email distribution and posting on CVEMSA website.

Draft Policy 6001: ePCR Completion

In accordance with CVEMSA Administrative Policy 1005, this public comment draft will remain open for review by EMS system stakeholders for 60 days through June 10, 2016.

Please submit comments to:

James Salvante
EMS Coordinator
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 195 Concourse Blvd. Suite B, Santa Rosa CA, 95403

Policy 7008, Hospital Bypass, is submitted for public comment.

Draft Policy 7008: Hospital Bypass

The changes in the policy are required due to Coastal Valleys’ change of hospital notification systems from EMResource to ImageTrend Resource Bridge. The process included within the policy represents current practices for EMS Agency approval of hospital bypass based on hospital ability to provide specialty care or when impacted by physical plant disruption. This version clarifies procedures and incorporates the ImageTrend Resource Bridge.

Public comment will be open through May 24, 2016. Please direct all comments to:

James Salvante
EMS Coordinator
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(707) 565-6503