Guest guest Posted April 4, 2006 Report Share Posted April 4, 2006 Have we ever considered that the high burnout rate in our current EMS system might be linked to our current regulatory agency's inability to investigate complaints and enforce current regulations? Complaints are made to the DSHS and nothing is ever done about them. At what point do people just throw up their hands and say the hell with it. It is sad to see services that the administration could less about having units that are properly stocked. That have drug boxes/bags with unexpired medications. It is sad to hear that XYZ ambulance was shut down for fraud only to have the administrative folks open up a company under another name. It is sad to see individuals who were convicted of crimes while on duty and in a ambulance who are still in uniform. These people are representing themselves as EMS professionals. I have personally contacted the state several times about a administrator who refuses to keep medications current only to get a response of " Well I guess that we need to look into that " . Until we have a regulatory agency that is able to enforce the state regulation, we are not going to be seen as professionals. Folks it is time to contact your elected officials and let them know that Texas needs an EMS Commission. Call, write, email, send smoke signals, it does not matter how. Danny Denson, EMT-P Karnes County EMS Karnes City, Texas kcmedic904@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 4, 2006 Report Share Posted April 4, 2006 not trying to provoke a fight, but how will a commission fix this? TCLEOSE is strapped for people and funds, as is the Fire Commission.....why will EMS be different? Just because we get a shiny new name? EMS Commission Have we ever considered that the high burnout rate in our current EMS system might be linked to our current regulatory agency's inability to investigate complaints and enforce current regulations? Complaints are made to the DSHS and nothing is ever done about them. At what point do people just throw up their hands and say the hell with it. It is sad to see services that the administration could less about having units that are properly stocked. That have drug boxes/bags with unexpired medications. It is sad to hear that XYZ ambulance was shut down for fraud only to have the administrative folks open up a company under another name. It is sad to see individuals who were convicted of crimes while on duty and in a ambulance who are still in uniform. These people are representing themselves as EMS professionals. I have personally contacted the state several times about a administrator who refuses to keep medications current only to get a response of " Well I guess that we need to look into that " . Until we have a regulatory agency that is able to enforce the state regulation, we are not going to be seen as professionals. Folks it is time to contact your elected officials and let them know that Texas needs an EMS Commission. Call, write, email, send smoke signals, it does not matter how. Danny Denson, EMT-P Karnes County EMS Karnes City, Texas kcmedic904@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 4, 2006 Report Share Posted April 4, 2006 OK, not fair of me to ask such a non-answerable question. Let me pose it this way.... What do you want a comission to do, that DSHS isn't doing or can't do? Remember that funds are finite, and generally speaking no agency that can fine for infractions gets to keep its fines. So, with user fees (certifications and provider licenses) and funds dispersed by the legislature being all you get, what do you want a commission to provide that DSHS can't. Mike EMS Commission Have we ever considered that the high burnout rate in our current EMS system might be linked to our current regulatory agency's inability to investigate complaints and enforce current regulations? Complaints are made to the DSHS and nothing is ever done about them. At what point do people just throw up their hands and say the hell with it. It is sad to see services that the administration could less about having units that are properly stocked. That have drug boxes/bags with unexpired medications. It is sad to hear that XYZ ambulance was shut down for fraud only to have the administrative folks open up a company under another name. It is sad to see individuals who were convicted of crimes while on duty and in a ambulance who are still in uniform. These people are representing themselves as EMS professionals. I have personally contacted the state several times about a administrator who refuses to keep medications current only to get a response of " Well I guess that we need to look into that " . Until we have a regulatory agency that is able to enforce the state regulation, we are not going to be seen as professionals. Folks it is time to contact your elected officials and let them know that Texas needs an EMS Commission. Call, write, email, send smoke signals, it does not matter how. Danny Denson, EMT-P Karnes County EMS Karnes City, Texas kcmedic904@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 4, 2006 Report Share Posted April 4, 2006 Well there we go.....an EMS Commission can't do it, DSHS can't get it done, so let's just all throw up our hands and say the hell with it. How are we ever going to increase our professionalism if we can't clean up our act. I don't care who does it. The current system is so broken up, it will never be effective again. Everyone seems in agreement with that. If you think that DSHS is working for us, then try and file a legitimate complaint with then and see what little response that you get. wrote: OK, not fair of me to ask such a non-answerable question. Let me pose it this way.... What do you want a comission to do, that DSHS isn't doing or can't do? Remember that funds are finite, and generally speaking no agency that can fine for infractions gets to keep its fines. So, with user fees (certifications and provider licenses) and funds dispersed by the legislature being all you get, what do you want a commission to provide that DSHS can't. Mike EMS Commission Have we ever considered that the high burnout rate in our current EMS system might be linked to our current regulatory agency's inability to investigate complaints and enforce current regulations? Complaints are made to the DSHS and nothing is ever done about them. At what point do people just throw up their hands and say the hell with it. It is sad to see services that the administration could less about having units that are properly stocked. That have drug boxes/bags with unexpired medications. It is sad to hear that XYZ ambulance was shut down for fraud only to have the administrative folks open up a company under another name. It is sad to see individuals who were convicted of crimes while on duty and in a ambulance who are still in uniform. These people are representing themselves as EMS professionals. I have personally contacted the state several times about a administrator who refuses to keep medications current only to get a response of " Well I guess that we need to look into that " . Until we have a regulatory agency that is able to enforce the state regulation, we are not going to be seen as professionals. Folks it is time to contact your elected officials and let them know that Texas needs an EMS Commission. Call, write, email, send smoke signals, it does not matter how. Danny Denson, EMT-P Karnes County EMS Karnes City, Texas kcmedic904@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 4, 2006 Report Share Posted April 4, 2006 In my view, professionalism is self driven, by the individual. The industry has done nothing to promote professionalism. That's a shame. The legal profession imposes professionalism upon its licensees under law and through the Codes of Ethics. The EMS industry has done everything within its power to keep down professionalism through continually dumbing down the requirements for EMS practitioners and stifling any movements toward improved education, training, and job requirements. The private EMS industry wants an employee who is young and dumb, has a patch, and is willing to work his ass off for a few years before finally figuring out that he's on the road to oblivion. Fire Based EMS at least has a career pathway, but it usually is not through the EMS wing. Progression through a fire service is based upon fire credenti als, not EMS credentials. EMS is the red headed stepchild of fire service. The only way professionalism can ever be brought into EMS given these negative systems is for every individual practitioner to embrace professionalism in every aspect of his EMS career. Sadly, that is not going to happen because EMS people largely refuse to act professionally. And so it goes. Gene G. > Professionalism isn't driven by a regulatory agency, it's driven by the > industry itself. I keep hearing " it " is broken, but not really sure what " it " > is. >   >  Keep talking though, after 10 or 20 of these emails a tangible need will > arise. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 4, 2006 Report Share Posted April 4, 2006 Professionalism isn't driven by a regulatory agency, it's driven by the industry itself. I keep hearing " it " is broken, but not really sure what " it " is. Keep talking though, after 10 or 20 of these emails a tangible need will arise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 4, 2006 Report Share Posted April 4, 2006 Professionalism isn't driven by a regulatory agency, it's driven by the industry itself. I keep hearing " it " is broken, but not really sure what " it " is. Keep talking though, after 10 or 20 of these emails a tangible need will arise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 4, 2006 Report Share Posted April 4, 2006 Professionalism isn't driven by a regulatory agency, it's driven by the industry itself. I keep hearing " it " is broken, but not really sure what " it " is. Keep talking though, after 10 or 20 of these emails a tangible need will arise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 4, 2006 Report Share Posted April 4, 2006 How about this...lets get our legislators to do 4 things: 1. Have legislation that reorganizes EMS into a single division of DSHS (like Mental Health remained) 2. Allow all funds for licensing and certifications from EMS activities to go completely to the DSHS EMS Division. 3. Mandate EMS as an essential service regulated and controlled at the County level. 4. Allow Counties to use Certificates Of Public Convenience and Need to regulate who, how many, and at what level any PATIENT transport service can operate within that county (this includes wheelchair, stretcher, non-emergency, 911, AIR MEDICAL, etc) Now, DSHS-EMS has the organization and funding to properly operate, counties can control what happens in their counties (you think we have to be careful of what we ask for in a Commission...think this one through), and the fly-by-night one name today another name tomorrow agencies can be regulated and prevented from operating by counties. Thoughts? Dudley EMS Commission Have we ever considered that the high burnout rate in our current EMS system might be linked to our current regulatory agency's inability to investigate complaints and enforce current regulations? Complaints are made to the DSHS and nothing is ever done about them. At what point do people just throw up their hands and say the hell with it. It is sad to see services that the administration could less about having units that are properly stocked. That have drug boxes/bags with unexpired medications. It is sad to hear that XYZ ambulance was shut down for fraud only to have the administrative folks open up a company under another name. It is sad to see individuals who were convicted of crimes while on duty and in a ambulance who are still in uniform. These people are representing themselves as EMS professionals. I have personally contacted the state several times about a administrator who refuses to keep medications current only to get a response of " Well I guess that we need to look into that " . Until we have a regulatory agency that is able to enforce the state regulation, we are not going to be seen as professionals. Folks it is time to contact your elected officials and let them know that Texas needs an EMS Commission. Call, write, email, send smoke signals, it does not matter how. Danny Denson, EMT-P Karnes County EMS Karnes City, Texas kcmedic904@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2006 Report Share Posted April 5, 2006 Just a point of clarification, Mental Health did not remain untouched in the merger. Mental health was merged with substance abuse (ie, MH of MHMR was paired with TCADA) to form that division. MR was moved to a different agency. Barry -------------------------- Sent from my Wireless Handheld EMS Commission Have we ever considered that the high burnout rate in our current EMS system might be linked to our current regulatory agency's inability to investigate complaints and enforce current regulations? Complaints are made to the DSHS and nothing is ever done about them. At what point do people just throw up their hands and say the hell with it. It is sad to see services that the administration could less about having units that are properly stocked. That have drug boxes/bags with unexpired medications. It is sad to hear that XYZ ambulance was shut down for fraud only to have the administrative folks open up a company under another name. It is sad to see individuals who were convicted of crimes while on duty and in a ambulance who are still in uniform. These people are representing themselves as EMS professionals. I have personally contacted the state several times about a administrator who refuses to keep medications current only to get a response of " Well I guess that we need to look into that " . Until we have a regulatory agency that is able to enforce the state regulation, we are not going to be seen as professionals. Folks it is time to contact your elected officials and let them know that Texas needs an EMS Commission. Call, write, email, send smoke signals, it does not matter how. Danny Denson, EMT-P Karnes County EMS Karnes City, Texas kcmedic904@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2006 Report Share Posted April 5, 2006 Interesting --- I'll be the first to admit I'm not well-versed in the history and going-ons of EMS in Texas and the TDSHS, so will not comment on ideas one through three. On the surface, sounds good to me... but then again, others on this list are far more knowledgable about the inner workings of the entire process and the hurdles that woud have to be faced. But with #4: " Allow Counties to use Certificates Of Public Convenience and Need to regulate who, how many, and at what level any PATIENT transport service can operate within that county (this includes wheelchair, stretcher, non-emergency, 911, AIR MEDICAL, etc) " , I do have an opinion ;-) . I am unfamiliar with the Certificate of Need process in other states, but I would strongly recommend that the county's medical professionals' opinion weighs heavily in this decision in regards to 911, transfer ambulances, and other regulated medical service, not the opinions or bias of elected or hired non-medical people. Physicians and nurses working " in the trenches " will be the ones most in-tune to the area's medical needs, not someone of the general population. Or does the Certificate of Need process follow this already? Kim > > How about this...lets get our legislators to do 4 things: > > 1. Have legislation that reorganizes EMS into a single division of DSHS (like Mental Health remained) > 2. Allow all funds for licensing and certifications from EMS activities to go completely to the DSHS EMS Division. > 3. Mandate EMS as an essential service regulated and controlled at the County level. > 4. Allow Counties to use Certificates Of Public Convenience and Need to regulate who, how many, and at what level any PATIENT transport service can operate within that county (this includes wheelchair, stretcher, non-emergency, 911, AIR MEDICAL, etc) > > Now, DSHS-EMS has the organization and funding to properly operate, counties can control what happens in their counties (you think we have to be careful of what we ask for in a Commission...think this one through), and the fly-by-night one name today another name tomorrow agencies can be regulated and prevented from operating by counties. > > Thoughts? > > Dudley > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2006 Report Share Posted April 5, 2006 Sounds like a start to me.... EMS Commission Have we ever considered that the high burnout rate in our current EMS system might be linked to our current regulatory agency's inability to investigate complaints and enforce current regulations? Complaints are made to the DSHS and nothing is ever done about them. At what point do people just throw up their hands and say the hell with it. It is sad to see services that the administration could less about having units that are properly stocked. That have drug boxes/bags with unexpired medications. It is sad to hear that XYZ ambulance was shut down for fraud only to have the administrative folks open up a company under another name. It is sad to see individuals who were convicted of crimes while on duty and in a ambulance who are still in uniform. These people are representing themselves as EMS professionals. I have personally contacted the state several times about a administrator who refuses to keep medications current only to get a response of " Well I guess that we need to look into that " . Until we have a regulatory agency that is able to enforce the state regulation, we are not going to be seen as professionals. Folks it is time to contact your elected officials and let them know that Texas needs an EMS Commission. Call, write, email, send smoke signals, it does not matter how. Danny Denson, EMT-P Karnes County EMS Karnes City, Texas kcmedic904@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2006 Report Share Posted April 5, 2006 You Say, " The current system is so broken up, it will never be effective again. Everyone seems in agreement with that. " Let do this, Start a list of what is " Broken " and lets begin addressing those issues, maybe we can solve the issues as Medics/Instructors if we know what they are, so list an issue and lets begin with them one at a time maybe someone has a solution to the issues you are having in your organization. It may not take DSHS to resolve it and if it does lets bring it to them at the next meeting. Maxie Bishop, EMS Training Coordinator Dallas Fire-Rescue EMS Commission Have we ever considered that the high burnout rate in our current EMS system might be linked to our current regulatory agency's inability to investigate complaints and enforce current regulations? Complaints are made to the DSHS and nothing is ever done about them. At what point do people just throw up their hands and say the hell with it. It is sad to see services that the administration could less about having units that are properly stocked. That have drug boxes/bags with unexpired medications. It is sad to hear that XYZ ambulance was shut down for fraud only to have the administrative folks open up a company under another name. It is sad to see individuals who were convicted of crimes while on duty and in a ambulance who are still in uniform. These people are representing themselves as EMS professionals. I have personally contacted the state several times about a administrator who refuses to keep medications current only to get a response of " Well I guess that we need to look into that " . Until we have a regulatory agency that is able to enforce the state regulation, we are not going to be seen as professionals. Folks it is time to contact your elected officials and let them know that Texas needs an EMS Commission. Call, write, email, send smoke signals, it does not matter how. Danny Denson, EMT-P Karnes County EMS Karnes City, Texas kcmedic904@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2006 Report Share Posted April 5, 2006 Ok, my 2 cents ! or 1.5cents ! Professionalism starts with the individual-- NO COMMISSION is going to do anything about an individual being a professional: There are many of us who are professional in our field. Some carry it too far (PARAGODS) in ALL levels, and, the rest of us may suffer from that. Others, get busted for a range of offenses, and that-too- puts a burden on our profession and we suffer from that, also. I don't know what the answer is other than some need to GROW UP and take this job seriously. I've had no problems with any concerns that I have addressed to-TDH-DSHS- " THE STATE " --whatevewr label you choose to call them. They have responded in a reasonable amount of time. They, as we all, have their faults, but they still do what they can with " Politics and a Budget " as hurdles. I could go on, but I think I may get enough responses from my comments. Thank you, in advance, to anyone who took the time to read my thoughts and responded- pro or con to my comments. I can only say, after over 20 years------ I'm still learning. Stay safe everyone maxifire@... wrote: You Say, " The current system is so broken up, it will never be effective again. Everyone seems in agreement with that. " Let do this, Start a list of what is " Broken " and lets begin addressing those issues, maybe we can solve the issues as Medics/Instructors if we know what they are, so list an issue and lets begin with them one at a time maybe someone has a solution to the issues you are having in your organization. It may not take DSHS to resolve it and if it does lets bring it to them at the next meeting. Maxie Bishop, EMS Training Coordinator Dallas Fire-Rescue EMS Commission Have we ever considered that the high burnout rate in our current EMS system might be linked to our current regulatory agency's inability to investigate complaints and enforce current regulations? Complaints are made to the DSHS and nothing is ever done about them. At what point do people just throw up their hands and say the hell with it. It is sad to see services that the administration could less about having units that are properly stocked. That have drug boxes/bags with unexpired medications. It is sad to hear that XYZ ambulance was shut down for fraud only to have the administrative folks open up a company under another name. It is sad to see individuals who were convicted of crimes while on duty and in a ambulance who are still in uniform. These people are representing themselves as EMS professionals. I have personally contacted the state several times about a administrator who refuses to keep medications current only to get a response of " Well I guess that we need to look into that " . Until we have a regulatory agency that is able to enforce the state regulation, we are not going to be seen as professionals. Folks it is time to contact your elected officials and let them know that Texas needs an EMS Commission. Call, write, email, send smoke signals, it does not matter how. Danny Denson, EMT-P Karnes County EMS Karnes City, Texas kcmedic904@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2006 Report Share Posted April 5, 2006 Sounds to me like you have formed a nice plan for a EMS Commission. What you have listed would totally reform DSHS-EMS. Sounds like this is also reinventing the wheel. The main contraversy seems to be the name. THEDUDMAN@... wrote: How about this...lets get our legislators to do 4 things: 1. Have legislation that reorganizes EMS into a single division of DSHS (like Mental Health remained) 2. Allow all funds for licensing and certifications from EMS activities to go completely to the DSHS EMS Division. 3. Mandate EMS as an essential service regulated and controlled at the County level. 4. Allow Counties to use Certificates Of Public Convenience and Need to regulate who, how many, and at what level any PATIENT transport service can operate within that county (this includes wheelchair, stretcher, non-emergency, 911, AIR MEDICAL, etc) Now, DSHS-EMS has the organization and funding to properly operate, counties can control what happens in their counties (you think we have to be careful of what we ask for in a Commission...think this one through), and the fly-by-night one name today another name tomorrow agencies can be regulated and prevented from operating by counties. Thoughts? Dudley EMS Commission Have we ever considered that the high burnout rate in our current EMS system might be linked to our current regulatory agency's inability to investigate complaints and enforce current regulations? Complaints are made to the DSHS and nothing is ever done about them. At what point do people just throw up their hands and say the hell with it. It is sad to see services that the administration could less about having units that are properly stocked. That have drug boxes/bags with unexpired medications. It is sad to hear that XYZ ambulance was shut down for fraud only to have the administrative folks open up a company under another name. It is sad to see individuals who were convicted of crimes while on duty and in a ambulance who are still in uniform. These people are representing themselves as EMS professionals. I have personally contacted the state several times about a administrator who refuses to keep medications current only to get a response of " Well I guess that we need to look into that " . Until we have a regulatory agency that is able to enforce the state regulation, we are not going to be seen as professionals. Folks it is time to contact your elected officials and let them know that Texas needs an EMS Commission. Call, write, email, send smoke signals, it does not matter how. Danny Denson, EMT-P Karnes County EMS Karnes City, Texas kcmedic904@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2006 Report Share Posted April 5, 2006 Amen Gene, Well said!!!!!!!!! Maybe we could get DSHS to weed out a few unprofessionals? Nah wegandy1938@... wrote: In my view, professionalism is self driven, by the individual. The industry has done nothing to promote professionalism. That's a shame. The legal profession imposes professionalism upon its licensees under law and through the Codes of Ethics. The EMS industry has done everything within its power to keep down professionalism through continually dumbing down the requirements for EMS practitioners and stifling any movements toward improved education, training, and job requirements. The private EMS industry wants an employee who is young and dumb, has a patch, and is willing to work his ass off for a few years before finally figuring out that he's on the road to oblivion. Fire Based EMS at least has a career pathway, but it usually is not through the EMS wing. Progression through a fire service is based upon fire credenti als, not EMS credentials. EMS is the red headed stepchild of fire service. The only way professionalism can ever be brought into EMS given these negative systems is for every individual practitioner to embrace professionalism in every aspect of his EMS career. Sadly, that is not going to happen because EMS people largely refuse to act professionally. And so it goes. Gene G. > Professionalism isn't driven by a regulatory agency, it's driven by the > industry itself. I keep hearing " it " is broken, but not really sure what " it " > is. > > Keep talking though, after 10 or 20 of these emails a tangible need will > arise. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2006 Report Share Posted April 5, 2006 The only thing I think I would add, would be peer reviews. Not only for discipline but for provider licensing as well. Get OUR people more involved in regulating OUR people. Reduce the fees to be certified, and increase the fees to be a provider. Make it too hard for the fly-by-nights to routinely close and re-open. Mike EMS Commission Have we ever considered that the high burnout rate in our current EMS system might be linked to our current regulatory agency's inability to investigate complaints and enforce current regulations? Complaints are made to the DSHS and nothing is ever done about them. At what point do people just throw up their hands and say the hell with it. It is sad to see services that the administration could less about having units that are properly stocked. That have drug boxes/bags with unexpired medications. It is sad to hear that XYZ ambulance was shut down for fraud only to have the administrative folks open up a company under another name. It is sad to see individuals who were convicted of crimes while on duty and in a ambulance who are still in uniform. These people are representing themselves as EMS professionals. I have personally contacted the state several times about a administrator who refuses to keep medications current only to get a response of " Well I guess that we need to look into that " . Until we have a regulatory agency that is able to enforce the state regulation, we are not going to be seen as professionals. Folks it is time to contact your elected officials and let them know that Texas needs an EMS Commission. Call, write, email, send smoke signals, it does not matter how. Danny Denson, EMT-P Karnes County EMS Karnes City, Texas kcmedic904@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2006 Report Share Posted April 5, 2006 " The private EMS industry wants an employee who is young and dumb, has a patch, and is willing to work his ass off for a few years before finally figuring out that he's on the road to oblivion. " Spoken like someone who hasn't spent much time in private EMS in a while. I have spent half my career in Private EMS, and I can tell you that a good deal of time and energy is spent on trying to recuit and retain employees. The issue is, why work for a private EMS service who requires results, when you can go work for a fire dept. who just keeps getting tax payer funded raise after raise with healthy retirement plans for half the work! Re: EMS Commission In my view, professionalism is self driven, by the individual. The industry has done nothing to promote professionalism. That's a shame. The legal profession imposes professionalism upon its licensees under law and through the Codes of Ethics. The EMS industry has done everything within its power to keep down professionalism through continually dumbing down the requirements for EMS practitioners and stifling any movements toward improved education, training, and job requirements. The private EMS industry wants an employee who is young and dumb, has a patch, and is willing to work his ass off for a few years before finally figuring out that he's on the road to oblivion. Fire Based EMS at least has a career pathway, but it usually is not through the EMS wing. Progression through a fire service is based upon fire credenti als, not EMS credentials. EMS is the red headed stepchild of fire service. The only way professionalism can ever be brought into EMS given these negative systems is for every individual practitioner to embrace professionalism in every aspect of his EMS career. Sadly, that is not going to happen because EMS people largely refuse to act professionally. And so it goes. Gene G. > Professionalism isn't driven by a regulatory agency, it's driven by the > industry itself. I keep hearing " it " is broken, but not really sure what " it " > is. > > Keep talking though, after 10 or 20 of these emails a tangible need will > arise. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2006 Report Share Posted April 5, 2006 Maxie, I'll start by adding one - this is me speaking, not representative of anyone else or any company or organization I may be affiliated with, ok? First, I'll preface this by saying is that I hear LOTS of complaints about various things that have happened regarding DSHS since the restructure. Lots of things that are really symptoms of a pretty bad problem. HOWEVER, it is painfully obvious at these public meetings and even in PUBLIC forums like this that folks are not willing to be the ones to say things where they will be potentially targeted for retribution. Does this happen? Apparently it does but again, no one wants to talk publicly about those things because they are afraid of FURTHER retribution. So everyone wants to speak in generalities because they are hoping someone else will come to the plate who is willing to be the bullseye. What does this mean? Many folks are just plain scared to talk out loud because we are talking about their livelihoods. They are talking to folks who they think maybe can do something about it - people who are visible and have been present at meetings in Austin and have not been afraid to speak up about other things. They are talking to folks who have a big mouth (yes, I just insulted myself) because they think that these big mouths will make a difference and aren't afraid of being targeted. (Welllllll, there is a fine line there too for most of us big mouths - we will stir the pot but draw the line at sticking our own necks on the chopping block for other people who most likely will NOT support us and verify what we are saying if it comes out who the original complaintants are - due to fear.) I am NOT saying anything bad about any one person in DSHS or even their people in generality. Many of them do a very good job with what they have to work with. However, stuff is happening that shouldn't be happening apparently or folks wouldn't be complaining as much as they are - complaints that sometimes coming from more than one area of the state from different people or agencies. So I will start with one. Multiple people file complaints all surrounding one basic issue with multiple facets and demand investigation, but investigation appears to be just on the surface as evidenced by things like nothing changing as a result of the complaints (in fact worsening in some areas), no feedback regarding the status of the investigation or the final outcome of the investigation, and no support to all of the agencies and people involved to help improve the situation and help folks work better together for the good of the community served. Last time I looked, where there is smoke there is fire. A large enough fire requires a fire department to put it out and construction workers to rebuild to make everyone involved as happy as possible again. They also usually make the rebuilt place much newer looking, cleaner, and bright. The situation I am talking about means that there was large smoke, the fire department came but they only sent a rescue truck with 2 crewmembers (no jaws), they watched the fire burn the house to the ground without any serious intervention (watered it down with a garden hose), and the construction team sent was small with no cash to really fix anything so they framed out some walls with some insulation but ran out of money and interest before sheetrocking, taping, bedding, painting, and putting new furniture in to replaced the burned and water damaged furniture. And according to what I've been told by others, this has happened more than once - SINCE the restructure. So I opened the can of worms. It is someone else's turn. Jane Hill --------- EMS Commission Have we ever considered that the high burnout rate in our current EMS system might be linked to our current regulatory agency's inability to investigate complaints and enforce current regulations? Complaints are made to the DSHS and nothing is ever done about them. At what point do people just throw up their hands and say the hell with it. It is sad to see services that the administration could less about having units that are properly stocked. That have drug boxes/bags with unexpired medications. It is sad to hear that XYZ ambulance was shut down for fraud only to have the administrative folks open up a company under another name. It is sad to see individuals who were convicted of crimes while on duty and in a ambulance who are still in uniform. These people are representing themselves as EMS professionals. I have personally contacted the state several times about a administrator who refuses to keep medications current only to get a response of " Well I guess that we need to look into that " . Until we have a regulatory agency that is able to enforce the state regulation, we are not going to be seen as professionals. Folks it is time to contact your elected officials and let them know that Texas needs an EMS Commission. Call, write, email, send smoke signals, it does not matter how. Danny Denson, EMT-P Karnes County EMS Karnes City, Texas kcmedic904@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2006 Report Share Posted April 5, 2006 I'll make a specific complaint and drop the general statements. 1. Why do I pay $100 to re-certify my EMT-P (for 4 years) and only $20 (for 2 years, so $40 for 4years) for my NREMT-P, when all DSHS does is take the copy of my NREMT-P as proof of my re-cert? DSHS no longer maintains a test, what's the extra ($60) cost for? Is my individual certification subsidizing DSHS? Re: EMS Commission Maxie, I'll start by adding one - this is me speaking, not representative of anyone else or any company or organization I may be affiliated with, ok? First, I'll preface this by saying is that I hear LOTS of complaints about various things that have happened regarding DSHS since the restructure. Lots of things that are really symptoms of a pretty bad problem. HOWEVER, it is painfully obvious at these public meetings and even in PUBLIC forums like this that folks are not willing to be the ones to say things where they will be potentially targeted for retribution. Does this happen? Apparently it does but again, no one wants to talk publicly about those things because they are afraid of FURTHER retribution. So everyone wants to speak in generalities because they are hoping someone else will come to the plate who is willing to be the bullseye. What does this mean? Many folks are just plain scared to talk out loud because we are talking about their livelihoods. They are talking to folks who they think maybe can do something about it - people who are visible and have been present at meetings in Austin and have not been afraid to speak up about other things. They are talking to folks who have a big mouth (yes, I just insulted myself) because they think that these big mouths will make a difference and aren't afraid of being targeted. (Welllllll, there is a fine line there too for most of us big mouths - we will stir the pot but draw the line at sticking our own necks on the chopping block for other people who most likely will NOT support us and verify what we are saying if it comes out who the original complaintants are - due to fear.) I am NOT saying anything bad about any one person in DSHS or even their people in generality. Many of them do a very good job with what they have to work with. However, stuff is happening that shouldn't be happening apparently or folks wouldn't be complaining as much as they are - complaints that sometimes coming from more than one area of the state from different people or agencies. So I will start with one. Multiple people file complaints all surrounding one basic issue with multiple facets and demand investigation, but investigation appears to be just on the surface as evidenced by things like nothing changing as a result of the complaints (in fact worsening in some areas), no feedback regarding the status of the investigation or the final outcome of the investigation, and no support to all of the agencies and people involved to help improve the situation and help folks work better together for the good of the community served. Last time I looked, where there is smoke there is fire. A large enough fire requires a fire department to put it out and construction workers to rebuild to make everyone involved as happy as possible again. They also usually make the rebuilt place much newer looking, cleaner, and bright. The situation I am talking about means that there was large smoke, the fire department came but they only sent a rescue truck with 2 crewmembers (no jaws), they watched the fire burn the house to the ground without any serious intervention (watered it down with a garden hose), and the construction team sent was small with no cash to really fix anything so they framed out some walls with some insulation but ran out of money and interest before sheetrocking, taping, bedding, painting, and putting new furniture in to replaced the burned and water damaged furniture. And according to what I've been told by others, this has happened more than once - SINCE the restructure. So I opened the can of worms. It is someone else's turn. Jane Hill --------- EMS Commission Have we ever considered that the high burnout rate in our current EMS system might be linked to our current regulatory agency's inability to investigate complaints and enforce current regulations? Complaints are made to the DSHS and nothing is ever done about them. At what point do people just throw up their hands and say the hell with it. It is sad to see services that the administration could less about having units that are properly stocked. That have drug boxes/bags with unexpired medications. It is sad to hear that XYZ ambulance was shut down for fraud only to have the administrative folks open up a company under another name. It is sad to see individuals who were convicted of crimes while on duty and in a ambulance who are still in uniform. These people are representing themselves as EMS professionals. I have personally contacted the state several times about a administrator who refuses to keep medications current only to get a response of " Well I guess that we need to look into that " . Until we have a regulatory agency that is able to enforce the state regulation, we are not going to be seen as professionals. Folks it is time to contact your elected officials and let them know that Texas needs an EMS Commission. Call, write, email, send smoke signals, it does not matter how. Danny Denson, EMT-P Karnes County EMS Karnes City, Texas kcmedic904@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2006 Report Share Posted April 5, 2006 , That is one of the issues I suggest we get the legislature to fix...your $100 doesn't go to DSHS to help regulate, control, or fix EMS. It goes into the General Revenue fund of the State and part of it goes to DSHS but part of it goes to other state functions as well. BIG issue that could really help improve funding at DSHS-EMS is if we could get our fees to go straight to DSHS-EMS... Dudley Re: EMS Commission Maxie, I'll start by adding one - this is me speaking, not representative of anyone else or any company or organization I may be affiliated with, ok? First, I'll preface this by saying is that I hear LOTS of complaints about various things that have happened regarding DSHS since the restructure. Lots of things that are really symptoms of a pretty bad problem. HOWEVER, it is painfully obvious at these public meetings and even in PUBLIC forums like this that folks are not willing to be the ones to say things where they will be potentially targeted for retribution. Does this happen? Apparently it does but again, no one wants to talk publicly about those things because they are afraid of FURTHER retribution. So everyone wants to speak in generalities because they are hoping someone else will come to the plate who is willing to be the bullseye. What does this mean? Many folks are just plain scared to talk out loud because we are talking about their livelihoods. They are talking to folks who they think maybe can do something about it - people who are visible and have been present at meetings in Austin and have not been afraid to speak up about other things. They are talking to folks who have a big mouth (yes, I just insulted myself) because they think that these big mouths will make a difference and aren't afraid of being targeted. (Welllllll, there is a fine line there too for most of us big mouths - we will stir the pot but draw the line at sticking our own necks on the chopping block for other people who most likely will NOT support us and verify what we are saying if it comes out who the original complaintants are - due to fear.) I am NOT saying anything bad about any one person in DSHS or even their people in generality. Many of them do a very good job with what they have to work with. However, stuff is happening that shouldn't be happening apparently or folks wouldn't be complaining as much as they are - complaints that sometimes coming from more than one area of the state from different people or agencies. So I will start with one. Multiple people file complaints all surrounding one basic issue with multiple facets and demand investigation, but investigation appears to be just on the surface as evidenced by things like nothing changing as a result of the complaints (in fact worsening in some areas), no feedback regarding the status of the investigation or the final outcome of the investigation, and no support to all of the agencies and people involved to help improve the situation and help folks work better together for the good of the community served. Last time I looked, where there is smoke there is fire. A large enough fire requires a fire department to put it out and construction workers to rebuild to make everyone involved as happy as possible again. They also usually make the rebuilt place much newer looking, cleaner, and bright. The situation I am talking about means that there was large smoke, the fire department came but they only sent a rescue truck with 2 crewmembers (no jaws), they watched the fire burn the house to the ground without any serious intervention (watered it down with a garden hose), and the construction team sent was small with no cash to really fix anything so they framed out some walls with some insulation but ran out of money and interest before sheetrocking, taping, bedding, painting, and putting new furniture in to replaced the burned and water damaged furniture. And according to what I've been told by others, this has happened more than once - SINCE the restructure. So I opened the can of worms. It is someone else's turn. Jane Hill --------- EMS Commission Have we ever considered that the high burnout rate in our current EMS system might be linked to our current regulatory agency's inability to investigate complaints and enforce current regulations? Complaints are made to the DSHS and nothing is ever done about them. At what point do people just throw up their hands and say the hell with it. It is sad to see services that the administration could less about having units that are properly stocked. That have drug boxes/bags with unexpired medications. It is sad to hear that XYZ ambulance was shut down for fraud only to have the administrative folks open up a company under another name. It is sad to see individuals who were convicted of crimes while on duty and in a ambulance who are still in uniform. These people are representing themselves as EMS professionals. I have personally contacted the state several times about a administrator who refuses to keep medications current only to get a response of " Well I guess that we need to look into that " . Until we have a regulatory agency that is able to enforce the state regulation, we are not going to be seen as professionals. Folks it is time to contact your elected officials and let them know that Texas needs an EMS Commission. Call, write, email, send smoke signals, it does not matter how. Danny Denson, EMT-P Karnes County EMS Karnes City, Texas kcmedic904@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2006 Report Share Posted April 5, 2006 WHAT??? Did I only get every other line of this email? Jane, you have relayed hearsay and to avoid identifying anyone or anything...you have made it completely impossible to understand...at least by this Aggie What is the problem in plain ole Texas english? Dudley BTW, not many people have a bigger mouth than I and in recent " dealings " with DSHS enforcement, I was no quiet chicken or mouse...and I saw nothing at all that could be relayed as retribution or house burning down??? Re: EMS Commission Maxie, I'll start by adding one - this is me speaking, not representative of anyone else or any company or organization I may be affiliated with, ok? First, I'll preface this by saying is that I hear LOTS of complaints about various things that have happened regarding DSHS since the restructure. Lots of things that are really symptoms of a pretty bad problem. HOWEVER, it is painfully obvious at these public meetings and even in PUBLIC forums like this that folks are not willing to be the ones to say things where they will be potentially targeted for retribution. Does this happen? Apparently it does but again, no one wants to talk publicly about those things because they are afraid of FURTHER retribution. So everyone wants to speak in generalities because they are hoping someone else will come to the plate who is willing to be the bullseye. What does this mean? Many folks are just plain scared to talk out loud because we are talking about their livelihoods. They are talking to folks who they think maybe can do something about it - people who are visible and have been present at meetings in Austin and have not been afraid to speak up about other things. They are talking to folks who have a big mouth (yes, I just insulted myself) because they think that these big mouths will make a difference and aren't afraid of being targeted. (Welllllll, there is a fine line there too for most of us big mouths - we will stir the pot but draw the line at sticking our own necks on the chopping block for other people who most likely will NOT support us and verify what we are saying if it comes out who the original complaintants are - due to fear.) I am NOT saying anything bad about any one person in DSHS or even their people in generality. Many of them do a very good job with what they have to work with. However, stuff is happening that shouldn't be happening apparently or folks wouldn't be complaining as much as they are - complaints that sometimes coming from more than one area of the state from different people or agencies. So I will start with one. Multiple people file complaints all surrounding one basic issue with multiple facets and demand investigation, but investigation appears to be just on the surface as evidenced by things like nothing changing as a result of the complaints (in fact worsening in some areas), no feedback regarding the status of the investigation or the final outcome of the investigation, and no support to all of the agencies and people involved to help improve the situation and help folks work better together for the good of the community served. Last time I looked, where there is smoke there is fire. A large enough fire requires a fire department to put it out and construction workers to rebuild to make everyone involved as happy as possible again. They also usually make the rebuilt place much newer looking, cleaner, and bright. The situation I am talking about means that there was large smoke, the fire department came but they only sent a rescue truck with 2 crewmembers (no jaws), they watched the fire burn the house to the ground without any serious intervention (watered it down with a garden hose), and the construction team sent was small with no cash to really fix anything so they framed out some walls with some insulation but ran out of money and interest before sheetrocking, taping, bedding, painting, and putting new furniture in to replaced the burned and water damaged furniture. And according to what I've been told by others, this has happened more than once - SINCE the restructure. So I opened the can of worms. It is someone else's turn. Jane Hill --------- EMS Commission Have we ever considered that the high burnout rate in our current EMS system might be linked to our current regulatory agency's inability to investigate complaints and enforce current regulations? Complaints are made to the DSHS and nothing is ever done about them. At what point do people just throw up their hands and say the hell with it. It is sad to see services that the administration could less about having units that are properly stocked. That have drug boxes/bags with unexpired medications. It is sad to hear that XYZ ambulance was shut down for fraud only to have the administrative folks open up a company under another name. It is sad to see individuals who were convicted of crimes while on duty and in a ambulance who are still in uniform. These people are representing themselves as EMS professionals. I have personally contacted the state several times about a administrator who refuses to keep medications current only to get a response of " Well I guess that we need to look into that " . Until we have a regulatory agency that is able to enforce the state regulation, we are not going to be seen as professionals. Folks it is time to contact your elected officials and let them know that Texas needs an EMS Commission. Call, write, email, send smoke signals, it does not matter how. Danny Denson, EMT-P Karnes County EMS Karnes City, Texas kcmedic904@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2006 Report Share Posted April 6, 2006 Is anyone confused out there but Dudley?? LOL I thought it was pretty clear what I said but maybe not. No, what I SAID was that folks come to people who they think will verbalize their complaints FOR them because they are afraid to say anything out loud themselves. They are afraid that they will be targeted if it gets back that THEY or THEIR company had issues about something that happened to them by or through DSHS representatives. Jane --------- EMS Commission Have we ever considered that the high burnout rate in our current EMS system might be linked to our current regulatory agency's inability to investigate complaints and enforce current regulations? Complaints are made to the DSHS and nothing is ever done about them. At what point do people just throw up their hands and say the hell with it. It is sad to see services that the administration could less about having units that are properly stocked. That have drug boxes/bags with unexpired medications. It is sad to hear that XYZ ambulance was shut down for fraud only to have the administrative folks open up a company under another name. It is sad to see individuals who were convicted of crimes while on duty and in a ambulance who are still in uniform. These people are representing themselves as EMS professionals. I have personally contacted the state several times about a administrator who refuses to keep medications current only to get a response of " Well I guess that we need to look into that " . Until we have a regulatory agency that is able to enforce the state regulation, we are not going to be seen as professionals. Folks it is time to contact your elected officials and let them know that Texas needs an EMS Commission. Call, write, email, send smoke signals, it does not matter how. Danny Denson, EMT-P Karnes County EMS Karnes City, Texas kcmedic904@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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