Ambulance district considering new pediatric system

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by Patty Cheffey

Looking at ways to help service their youngest patients more thoroughly, the Marion County Ambulance District is looking into the Handtevy Pediatric system.

Chief John Nemes discussed the system, which was part of the EMS World Expo, which he and other MCAD employees attended, during their board meeting last week, at which the board also approved new security cameras and heard an update on the 96 hour hold transfers for Hannibal Regional for mental health facilities.

According to Nemes, because of the interest shown of the Handtevy Pediatric system at the expo, the company conducted a demonstration at Marion County for all employees.

“Although it happens infrequently, pediatric emergency calls are the most stressful for the paramedics and EMTs,” Nemes said. “This would help take the worry out of the caregiver’s hands.”

The MCAD currently uses the Broselow system which calculates the correct medication dosages, equipment size and other necessary measures to treat the child based upon measurement of the child with the Broselow tape, Nemes said.

However, the Handtevy system would include a mobile phone app designed for rapid care, color-coded pediatric equipment and supplies in separate pouches by different age groups and books for pediatric care, all customized to the MCAD medical protocols.

“They work together to help crews rapidly confirm care and dosages with pediatric patients, which improves care as well as reducing the stress level on such calls and preventing potential errors,” he said, adding everyone who attended the expo felt it would be a good system for the district.

In other business, the board approved an expenditure of up to $47,000 for security upgrades at all bases and the administration building.

While the bid from Alarm System Inc. (ASI) was for $45,109, funding was included in case of the need to add an extra camera or two.

The bid was the lower of the two from ASI and includes replacing all existing cameras, using existing cable where possible, installation of a monitor, disposal of old equipment and training on the new equipment.

In addition, it will include the one-time purchase of a lifetime license for each camera. That fee is the main difference between the two bids as the other bid’s equipment called for a recurring licensing fee.

In his report, Nemes said the district is currently handling the 96 hour hold transfers for Hannibal Regional, but have asked the patients be restrained by at least two limbs for the safety of the MCAD crews.

Currently a safety officer is accompanying the ambulance crews on those transfers, but Hannibal Regional would like to expand the transfers from directly to the field to a mental health facility.

“I’m not sure we’re ready for that yet,” said Nemes, noting Hannibal Regional Security has provided restraint training to the MCAD crew members.

He also reported the siding work at the administration building has begun and the mini-split for the server room has been installed.

Currently there are seven full-time EMTS taking advantage of the paramedic grant program offered by the district, he added.

Nemes also noted how busy the district has been with 561 calls for emergency services recently.