January 26, 2004
Linda Minton, President – elect James E. Gregory
Walter Middleton, Treasurer Vincent Citro
Beverly Ford, Secretary Steve English
Lis Henley Mike Poynter
Lori Barnes Paul Ferrell
Bill Austin David Webb
Brandy Mathews Charles O’Neal
Sharen Baker
A quorum was present. President Manly called the meeting to order at 1835. Marc thanked everyone for coming to Madisonville for the meeting. An introduction of all members present was made.
Marc noted that he had met with Linda Minton earlier in the month and had e-mailed Walt and Beverly, to discuss goals and ideas for the new executive board. The KY AAMS goals will be to have no politics in this organization and the freedom to bring new ideas, address any issues and educate the membership and our customers. Kentucky AAMS must have the involvement of all the services.
The previous meeting minutes were available on the website. The minutes were also made available before the start of the meeting. No corrections / or discussion noted. Motion to accept the minutes by Marc and seconded by ___________. Minutes approved by all.
Walter Middleton presented the financial report for January 26th through March 15th. The checking account balance through March 15th is $5,793.13. Had a deposit of $10.00 and expenditures of $68.17. The savings account balance on March 15th was $4320.00. This included $720.00 in membership dues (4 corporate and 16 members). Total funds available: Checking - $5793.13 and Savings - $4320.00. Total Funds available: $10,113.12. There was no discussion regarding the Treasurer’s report. Motion to accept the report by Linda Minton and seconded by Brandy Mathews. Report approved by the members. (A Memorial Wings report was not available.)
Vision – The Michigan Association of Air Medical Services serves as the voice for critical care helicopter and fixed wing patient transport services in the state of Michigan.
Mission – The mission of the Michigan Association of Air Medical Services is to provide a forum for the providers of regional critical care helicopter and fixed wing patient transport services. Our goal is to maximize the safe and clinically efficacious delivery of critical care services through formal and informal member information exchanges.
A discussion followed and it was suggested the word ‘collaboration’ be used instead of ‘efficacious.’ Also need to include ground services. If anyone has commits about the vision and mission statements, please contact Marc.
Linda remarked that KY AAMS is not recognized in the state as a voice for our industry. There has been too much backbiting, etc. for us to be recognized (i.e. KY AAMS not being invited to appoint a member to the state Air Medical Task Force.). KY AAMS should be a safe place to discuss and cooperate with each other. Marc suggested a potential change to the board structures of KY AAMS. Michigan’s services have one individual from each corporate member on their board. If your service is licensed in Michigan, you get one vote. There is no election for executive board members. Marc will call National AAMS to see if KY could have a similar setup. The executive board discussion was deferred to the next meeting.
Ø Kentucky Wings Award (Addendum to the agenda)
Marc gave the history of the Wings Award and noted that the award has not been presented in at least two years. Gary Sizemore submitted a nominee, Robbie Robinson (STATCARE pilot) for the Wings Award. Marc read the nomination letter to the membership. In addition to his flying experience in the military and law enforcement, Robbie has been a long time air ambulance pilot (St. Louis, SKYCARE and STATCARE). Robbie loves to fly and is truly respected by his STATCARE family. Recently Robbie removed himself from flight status when he was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer (which has metastasized). His dedication will be sorely missed.
Marc noted that the Wings Award is normally given during the KAPA Conference in September, but due to the uncertainty of Robbie’s life, KY AAMS would like to present this award to Robbie as soon as possible. No discussion for this honor. Motion to present the Kentucky Wings Award to Robbie Robinson by Marc and seconded by Charlie O’Neal. Motion passed by all members.
Ø Safety Committee
Marc would like to establish a safety committee. Maybe have one member from each service to be on the committee and meet either before the general membership meeting or at the discretion of the committee. It was suggested that each program director be called and have him/her appoint a member to serve on the safety committee. This will be a way to get all services involved. Marc will draft a letter and send to the program directors regarding the safety committee.
The out of state services that fly in Kentucky, should also be invited to participate in this committee. It was also suggested that the safety committee minutes be posted on the website. Also post the safety in-service, that was given at the membership meeting, on the website. There was a discussion if we need to have a safety type forum on the website. No decision on this matter.
Suggested that the meeting host also give the safety in-service. Let Marc know if this idea is feasible. No other discussion regarding the safety committee. Motion to establish a safety committee by Brandy and seconded by Linda. Motion accepted by all members.
Ø Meeting Locations
There was a discussion regarding the meeting locations across the state for the year. Is it a burden for some to travel long distances for meetings? Should we have central locations for the meetings? Walt suggested that it is a good idea to visit each service. This gives each provider a chance to see the Executive Board and to welcome other members to their service. It was suggested to keep the current meeting schedule as is and possibly go to a central location next year with only two or three road trips. Discussion was tabled.
Ø Goals for 2004
Some items that need attention / or follow up:
· Some bylaws issues need to be added / or updated. Look over the bylaws and offer your suggestions to Marc.
· Memorial Wings. Plan on how / where to sell them at the National AAMS Conference.
· Charlie O’Neal suggested KY AAMS sponsor a critical care track at the KAPA Conference this year. If this is not possible, at least get a class taught by KY AAMS. Last year Gary Sizemore taught a Landing Zone Safety class. Call or e-mail David Webb as soon as possible if you may be interested in teaching a class during KAPA for KY AAMS.
Ø Other
Sharen questioned the involvement of KY AAMS in state legislative matters. Marc explained John Blumenstock’s position on the state air medical taskforce. David and Marc note who the members of the taskforce are for KBEMS. Marc would like to see more involvement by KY AAMS in state issues. KY AAMS needs to be the contact agency involving air medical issues for the state.
Linda suggested instead of committees, we use ad hoc groups. This way the committee chair doesn’t end up during all the work during the year. Once the group finishes a project, it is dissolved. Any ideas or suggestions go to Linda Minton.
Marc defers to Linda to cover the safety survey. Linda notes there are now 17 helicopters in the state of Kentucky. With the increasing numbers of helicopters in the state, some safety issues have already come to light. A survey will be sent to all air medical services, EMS, hospitals, etc. to help KY AAMS address issues, problems or concerns in the Kentucky air ambulance industry. This survey will help us prioritize the issues. The survey has not been finalized, however the following are some of the issues to be addressed:
· Communications
· Multiple aircraft responding to a request
· Choice of air service
· Medical crew training
· Air ambulance inspection (state)
· Lack of an organized trauma system in Kentucky
· Licensing of air ambulances in Kentucky
· Geographic location(s) of aircraft in the state
Linda notes that safety has to be the top priority for all the services. The “We’ve got to get their first” mentality and the scanner hopping have to stop. The survey will be sent out soon.
The floor was opened for any other discussion. None noted. Marc thanked the personnel from SkyMed for the food and hospitality.
The next meeting will be May 17th at the Glasgow Airport FBO.
Motion to adjourn by Marc and seconded by members et al. Meeting adjourned at 1941.
Respectfully submitted,
Beverly Ford