Missouri-Bill Passed-May 2017

SB503 – Allows for Regional Medical Directors to set protocols for those with special medical needs and for paramedics to administer patient carried specialty meds! (It also provides the needed liability protection for our Medical Directors and Paramedics along with other important EMS related issues.

BACKGROUND:
2015- Make correct contacts on the state level and prove real need and gap in coverage.
2016- Attend meetings and assist with developing a good plan for solving the issue.  Original legislation was drafted late in session and didn’t move.  Remainder of year spent perfecting that legislation and spreading awareness of the issue.   Early Filing of HB226 by Rep. Hubrecht in Nov. set us up for success.
2017- January -Started strong with a lunch at the Capitol, followed by personally visiting each office and delivering packets of support documents:  Fact Sheets, Data of types and numbers affected, Organization and Individual letters of support, etc.
Visits, phone calls and emails were consistent with legislators and testifying at 2 Committee Hearings along with attending State EMS Day at the Capitol which all secured support of the Bill.
We owe a huge thanks to Rep. Lauer, Sen Hegeman, and Sen. Munzlinger for filing or amending the language onto their Bills and working so hard to see it through.   We also sincerely thank the other legislators who co-sponsored and help support this important legislation!

News Update on 2015 story & House Bill 2665

Our local News channel, KFVS-12, aired an update to the original story of March 2, 2015.  We are so pleased to have their help in raising awareness about the changes happening in Missouri.

KFVS12 – News Update

{Please note a couple errors in the story.  MO is the 2nd state to make efforts to change their protocols.  New York was the first with protocol changes for Bleeding Disorders.  (48 more to go)   —  Should have said “when families can’t administer the meds, the person has to be transported to one of the hospitals in St. Louis or Kansas City.}

2016 – Progress is Happening!

Very pleased with the work of our EMS Bureau and the committees working on the protocol changes.  Yes, the wording is being changed to clarify that our Paramedics are allowed to administer specialty “Home Meds” for rare medical disorders.  {layman’s terms}

But it isn’t just changing words.  Specialized training has already begun with a plan for it being continued with the STARS program, our biggest hospitals, and myself stepping up to assist with it.  Also, in the midst of the review and research, the need for a state-wide standardized Medical Orders Form was realized and that is now in progress!

(as soon as all the wording is finalized, I will share it here)

Tips & Products for protecting your loved one

  1. Obtain EMERGENCY MEDICAL ORDERS from your specialist
    • Must be on their letterhead, signed and dated annually
    • Must list an emergency on-call number
    • Must clearly state the patient’s name
    • Must state emergency medication if applicable and dosage
    • Must outline steps to take in brief and precise format
  2. For Medications: create an EMERGENCY MEDICINE KIT                                  
    • It should be clearly marked & always attached to the car-seat or an empty seatbelt in the car and should include:
      • Emergency Medical Orders from your specialist
      • Emergency Treatment Plan from your EMS service
      • Emergency Dosage of your medication in the original packaging
      • Syringes, needles, tourniquets, etc needed to administer
      • Most current weight of the person
  3. Contact your local Ambulance Service  (both city and county if an option)
    • Inform them of your special medical need
    • Ask for a Treatment Plan to be created
      • This will only apply to that service but it’s better than none
  4. Contact your local Hospital if you don’t live near your Treatment Center
    • Ask for an Emergency Treatment Plan there also
    • Explain your special medical needs
    • Ask how this plan will be utilized with changes in ER staff
      • In many instances, hospitals will inform you that stabilizing and transporting is their only option but at least you will know to rely on the EMS staff.
    • Training is available for Hospital staff and Paramedics.
      • contact me if you need assistance with it
  5. Always have Personal & Auto Medical Alert
    • We have created Emergency Headrest Covers – which include a pocket for above items and two “Emergency & Medical Information Cards”

 

 

 

Automobile Alert Decals are also available.  –©2015

Any medical need
Any medical need
Bleeding Disorder specific
Bleeding Disorder specific

 

Alabama Progress

March 21, 2015 – Alabama  joined the campaign!  I was allowed to introduce and explain the importance of Danny’s Dose at their Annual Meeting.

Prior to the meeting, I was able to acquire #s and speak to some 
of the following contacts:

 Mark Jackson - State EMS Director - 334-206-5383
 Dr. William Crawford - State Medical Director - 334-206-5383
 Julie Lash - AL Hospital Assoc Legal Office - 334-272-8781
 Tom Newline - Deputy, Dept of Public Health - 334-206-5200
 Alabama Medical Assoc (Legislative & Lobbying)- 334-261-2000 

Link to AL Legislature

**Work in Alabama has just begun with only a few calls made.  Julie Lash was unaware of the protocol and is looking into it.