Board Approves Scheduling Change for Paramedics
By Martha Jane East
The Salt River Ambulance District Board met Wednesday, Sept. 16 at the ambulance base in Shelbyville. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Phil Leatherman.
Director Kieth Pantaleo explained a proposed work schedule to reduce overtime hours for full-time paramedics. The board voted to schedule a 48-hour work week, increase the base rate to $20 per hour; create a half-time position with some benefits and amend the budget accordingly. The changes are effective Oct. 1, 2020.
The following changes to the handbook were also approved. 1. Making the day after Thanksgiving a holiday. 2. Include information regarding the half-time position. 3. Mileage reimbursement.
Pantaleo reported Medic 3 had required additional maintenance. The fan motor, clutch assembly, belts and hoses were replaced.
“It is in good shape now and everything else is fine, Pantaleo said.
The annual retainer for Frank Foster, the district’s attorney, was set 15 years ago. He is making an adjustment this year. The board voted to continue the contract with Foster at $950 for the year.
Keith Hewgley, NRP provided a printed report regarding recent training. Salt River Ambulance District employees conducted a large CPR, Stop the Bleed Class and First Aid Class for the City of Clarence on Aug. 27. Attending were city employees, city fire department people and Clarence Police as well as several “extras.” Twenty-four people were trained. Twenty were recertified in CPR/First Aid. Four were given an initial CPR class and 21 were trained in “Stop the Bleed” and basic First Aid. Five SRAD employees assisted in the training.
SRAD employees conducted an annual skills refresher training class Sept. 8. This included hands on skills recertification as specified by the State of Missouri Bureau of EMS. This satisfies National and State skills requirements.
Also 45 continuing education hours (online) have been completed by SRAD employees on Agricultural Hazmat, Critical Decision Making and Blood Borne Pathogens. This online training was for the entire month of September and has been completed by all employees well ahead of schedule.
Pantaleo provided the board members with printed copies of a Shelby County Herald article reporting on Cares Act Grant requests and amounts that were approved. The District had made three requests and received funding in the amount of $1,378. The report indicated portions of the request were tabled pending further information.
A drawing will be held in October for the employees’ Shield 24/7 crossbow raffle. This is a $500 package prize. The employees hold a fund raiser annually.
In other business:
*The board approved the minutes from the August meeting.
*The board approved the financial report for August and voted to pay the bills.
