In service to others... Memorial Day once again provided a powerful reminder of what others have given in service to others. Soldiers, parents, and individuals doing more to help those in need. Caring enough todo what is right to assist another person in a difficult situation. We can be very proud of the providers who have stepped up and helped their communities build and maintain an EMS system. Thank you for all that you do in your community and beyond for someone else. Those same efforts are also needed to help maintain and build our system of emergency medical services here in North Dakota. EMS is facing a number of very unique challenges. Staffing,
funding, and system development are only a few of the issues we must
address and we need you to be part of that process. Even if your agency is doing well. We
need you to talk with your members, talk with your board, talk with
your medical director,talk with your neighboring services, talk with
your county commissioners and legislators and talk with us at the
association on the future of EMS here i North Dakota. Positive change will not occur in a vacuum. We need you to be part of the discussion and share your ideas on shaping EMS. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Three “FUTURE OF EMS IN NORTH DAKOTA” meetings remain and we need
your continued input to develop legislative priorities and ideas on how
we may better address current and future struggles that affect EMS in
our state. Please take the time to attend on of the remaining meetings in Jamestown, Ray, and Fargo. You
may also send an e-mail to myself or any of the NDEMSA Board of
Directors, contact Lynn Hartman or Jim DeMell your Regional Advisors, or
the staff at the Division of Emergency Medical Systems -Bismarck. The contact information and regional meetings schedules can be found on the website at www.ndemsa.org. Help serve that next generation by being part of the solution to issues affecting EMS in North Dakota. Lastly, the North Dakota EMS Association is busy planning upcoming education and training for providers at all levels. The 2nd annual EMS Management conference is June 6 and 7, 2016 in Bismarck, ND at the Ramada has an excellent agenda and speakers. They will provide invaluable information on management and leadership issues. Please consider sending someone from your agency. We will also sponsoring a new course, Escaping Violent Encounters for EMS (EVE/EMS) in Bismarck and Fargo. These classes are scheduled in August. An EMS Instructor-Coordinator refresher will be held in Minot, ND June 22, 2016. Sign-up soon, registration closes June 11th. Additional information can be found on the NDEMS Association website at www.ndemsa.orgor by calling the office at 701-221-0567. If
there are ideas you have for training or suggestion srelated to
building EMS in North Dakota please don't hesitate to contact the NDEMSA
office or myself. Thank you for all that you do! Jim Restemayer NDEMSA President |