2018 Announcement Archives

December 21, 2018 - SJCEMSA Office Closure

The SJCEMSA Office will be closed on Tuesday, December 25, 2018 and Tuesday, January 1, 2019.

December 18, 2018 - The January 10, 2019 EMS Liaison Committee Meeting Cancelled

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 11, 2019. The schedule and previous agendas may be viewed online at https://www.sjgov.org/ems/committees.htm

December 18, 2018 - New SJCEMSA Personnel Applications - Effective 1/1/2019

As of January 1, 2019, San Joaquin County EMS Agency (SJCEMSA) will begin collecting demographic data on all EMS personnel applications to allow us to be compliant with Health and Safety Code Section 1797.229 (per Assembly Bill 2293).

Please take time to discard any applications that you may have already printed and use the new applications available on the website https://www.sjgov.org/ems/certification.htm.

December 14, 2018 – EMS Draft Policies Available for Public Comment

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency is soliciting comments for draft revisions to EMS Policy No. 6715, Trauma Audit Committee, EMS Policy No. 5210 Major Trauma Triage Criteria, EMS Policy No.5542, BLS Poisoning and Overdose, EMS Policy No. 2310, Emergency Medical Technician Certification, and San Joaquin County EMS Agency Paramedic Competency Verification Form 2540B. Comments are also being solicited for new draft policy EMS Policy No. 4150, Naloxone Administration for Law Enforcement, and new draft form San Joaquin County Law Enforcement NARCAN (Naloxone).

These draft policies and forms may be viewed or downloaded from the SJCEMSA website Draft Policies page.  The 45-day public comment period ends January 28, 2019.  Completed comment forms should be submitted by email to Christine Tualla at ctualla@sjgov.org or by U.S. Mail to the San Joaquin County EMS Agency, PO Box 220, French Camp, CA 95231. Questions may be directed to Christine Tualla at ctualla@sjgov.org.

November 8, 2018 – EMS updates Primary Stroke Center Policy

EMS Policy No. 5201, Medical Patient Destination, has been revised to include Dameron Hospital as a designated Primary Stroke Center. Policies may be viewed from our policy page. If you have any questions, please contact Matthew R. Esposito at (209) 468-6818 or by email at mesposito@sjgov.org.

October 24, 2018 - EMS Policy Memorandum No. 2018-04, Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Management

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency (SJCEMSA) is issuing REVISED EMS Policy Memorandum No. 2018-04, Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Management. This policy memorandum is effective immediately. All policies and memorandums may be viewed on the EMS Policy page. Questions regarding this policy memorandum should be directed to Matthew R. Esposito, Prehospital Care Coordinator, at mesposito@sjgov.org. 

October 24, 2018 - EMS Policy Memorandum No. 2018-05, Treatment of Croup with Stridor

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency (SJCEMSA) is issuing REVISED EMS Policy Memorandum No. 2018-05, Treatment of Croup with Stridor. This policy memorandum is effective immediately. All policies and memorandums may be viewed on the EMS Policy page. Questions regarding this policy memorandum should be directed to Matthew R. Esposito, Prehospital Care Coordinator, at mesposito@sjgov.org. 

October 12, 2018 - AMR Compliance Report for July and August 2018

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency has completed its evaluations of American Medical Response for July-August 2018 performance under their five-year contract to provide exclusive emergency ambulance service. The AMR contract establishes accountability for meeting specific standards and provides the EMS Agency with complete access to data and information on AMR's operational, clinical, and administrative performance. Click to view AMR's July-August 2018 compliance reports. Previous Compliance Reports may be found on the Transportation Compliance Report page

October 12, 2018 - MDA Compliance Report for July and August 2018

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency has completed its evaluations of Manteca District Ambulance for July-August 2018 performance under their exclusive emergency ambulance service agreement.  The MDA agreement establishes accountability for meeting specific standards and provides the EMS Agency with complete access to data and information on MDA's operational, clinical, and administrative performance.  Click here to view MDA's July-August 2018 compliance report.  Previous Compliance Reports may be found on the Transportation Compliance Report page.

October 12, 2018 - ECA Compliance Report for July and August 2018

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency has completed its evaluations of Escalon Community Ambulance for July - August 2018 performance under their exclusive emergency ambulance service agreement. The ECA agreement establishes accountability for meeting specific standards and provides the EMS Agency with complete access to data and information on ECA's operational, clinical, and administrative performance. Click here to view ECA's July-August 2018 compliance reports. Previous Compliance Reports may be found on the Transportation Compliance Report page.

October 12, 2018 - RCFD Compliance Reports for July and August 2018

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency has completed its evaluations of Ripon Consolidated Fire District for July-August 2018 performance under their exclusive emergency ambulance service agreement. The RCFD agreement establishes accountability for meeting specific standards and provides the EMS Agency with complete access to data and information on RCFD's operational, clinical, and administrative performance. Click  to view RCFD's compliance reports for July-August 2018. Previous Compliance Reports may be found on the Transportation Compliance Report page.

October 4, 2018 - EMS Liaison Agenda for meeting on October 11, 2018

The EMS Liaison Committee is scheduled for Thursday, October 11, 2018, at 0900 hours.  The meeting will be held in the Health Plan of San Joaquin, Community Room, 7751 South Manthey Road. French Camp, CA 95231. 

A full agenda packet will not be provided at the meeting. The full agenda packet may be viewed and downloaded from the EMS Agency's https://www.sjgov.org/ems/committees.htm web page.

September 26, 2018 – EMS Advanced CEs with Dr. Shafer

San Joaquin County EMS Agency is hosting an Advanced CEs with Dr. Shafer course October 17, 2018.  The course will begin at 2 pm.  This course is open to all BLS and ALS providers within the county. 2 (two) hours of EMS CE's will be awarded to participants, California EMS CE Provider #39-0001. Click here for flyer and additional details. Register online at ttps://www.sjgov.org/ems/events.

September 18, 2018- Farmington Rural Fire Protection District Training Opportunity Administration of Epinephrine Auto-Injector

Farmington Rural Fire Protection District is hosting an Administration of Epinephrine Auto-Injector training course on September 22, 2018. This course is open to all BLS and ALS providers within the county. Farmington Rural Fire Protection District will provide four (4) hours of EMS CE's to participants, California EMS CE Provider #39-0211. Click here for flyer and additional details. Contact Matt Bailey or Barry Hickerson at 209-886-5321 to register or for additional information.

September 6, 2018 – EMS Advanced CEs with Dr. Shafer

San Joaquin County EMS Agency is hosting an Advanced CEs with Dr. Shafer course September 20, 2018.  The course will begin at 12 pm and participants are welcome to bring a lunch with them.  This course is open to all BLS and ALS providers within the county. 2 (two) hours of EMS CE's will be awarded to participants, California EMS CE Provider #39-0001. Click here for flyer and additional details. Register online at ttps://www.sjgov.org/ems/events.

August 27, 2018 - EMS Office Closure in Observance of Labor Day

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency office will be closed Monday, September 3, 2018, the office will re-open with normal office hours Tuesday, September 4, 2018.

August 24, 2018 - Employment Opportunity

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency is currently recruiting for an EMS Trauma Coordinator. Visit the Employment Opportunities web page for more information.

August 24, 2018 – Best Practices for Documentation of Advanced Airways

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency has posted a memo to provide guidance on best practices for documentation of advanced airway placement and reassessment on patient care reports.  Click here for the memorandum.  If you have any questions, please contact Matthew R. Esposito, MSc, MICP, Prehospital Care Coordinator by email at mesposito@sjgov.org or telephone (209) 468-6818.

August 20, 2018 - Flu Vaccine Mandate Issued by San Joaquin Health Officer

Health Officer Dr. Kismet Baldwin, MD, MPH, has issued an order directing all Health Care Workers, including prehospital care personnel, to receive a flu vaccination for the flu season (generally November 1 through April 30th).  Prehospital care personnel declining to be vaccinated will be required to wear a surgical mask to prevent droplet transmission to patients.  Click here to read the order for more information.  For further information regarding this order, contact Public Health Services at 209-468-3822.

August 13, 2018 - MICN Policy and Skills Review (PSR) Course Friday, September 14, 2018

An MICN PSR Course has been scheduled for September 14, 2018. The MICN PSR course is required to maintain MICN authorization.  The course may be completed no more than six (6) months prior to a current MICN expiring.  Participants will gain knowledge of key EMS medical control policies, and be provided an opportunity to Q&A with the EMS Agency.  This class is offered at no cost to participants.  Up to two and a half (2.5) hours of instructor-based EMS CE will be offered.  CA EMS CE provided by San Joaquin County EMS Agency CEP# 39-0001.

August 13, 2018 - MDA Compliance Report for May and June 2018

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency has completed its evaluations of Manteca District Ambulance for May and June's 2018 performance under their exclusive emergency ambulance service agreement.  The MDA agreement establishes accountability for meeting specific standards and provides the EMS Agency with complete access to data and information on MDA's operational, clinical, and administrative performance.  Click here to view MDA's May and June 2018 compliance report.  Previous Compliance Reports may be found on the Transportation Compliance Report page.

August 10, 2018 - 2018 Paramedic Preceptor's Conference Schedule

The 2018 Paramedic Preceptor's Conference is scheduled for Thursday, September 20, 2018, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, in the San Joaquin County EMS Agency Classroom.  Attending one conference per year is required to maintain your Paramedic Preceptor Authorization.  The format is round table discussion and will include the following topics: best practices, evaluation remediation, communication, roles responsibilities, and reportable offenses.  Up to two (2) hours of instructor-based, EMS CE will be offered. CA EMS CE provided by San Joaquin County EMS Agency CEP#39-0001.  The conferences are open to current Paramedic Preceptors and offered at no cost.  View the save the date flyer.  You can register online from our Training and Events webpage.

August 10, 2018 - AMR Compliance Report for May and June 2018

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency has completed its evaluations of American Medical Response for May-June 2018 performance under their five-year contract to provide exclusive emergency ambulance service. The AMR contract establishes accountability for meeting specific standards and provides the EMS Agency with complete access to data and information on AMR's operational, clinical, and administrative performance. Click to view AMR's May and June 2018 compliance reports. Previous Compliance Reports may be found on the Transportation Compliance Report page.

August 8, 2018 EMS CEs with Dr. Shafer

San Joaquin County EMS Agency is hosting CEs with Dr. Shafer course on August 21, 2018.  The course will begin at 12 pm and participants are welcome to bring a lunch with them.  This course is open to all BLS and ALS providers within the county. 2 (two) hours of EMS CE's will be awarded to participants, California EMS CE Provider #39-0001. Click here for flyer details. Register online at https://www.sjgov.org/ems/events.

August 7, 2018 - ECA Compliance Report for May and June 2018

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency has completed its evaluations of Escalon Community Ambulance for May-June 2018 performance under their exclusive emergency ambulance service agreement. The ECA agreement establishes accountability for meeting specific standards and provides the EMS Agency with complete access to data and information on ECA's operational, clinical, and administrative performance. Click here to view ECA's May-June 2018 compliance reports. Previous Compliance Reports may be found on the Transportation Compliance Report page.

August 7, 2018 - RCFD Compliance Reports for March and April 2018

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency has completed its evaluations of Ripon Consolidated Fire District for May-June 2018 performance under their exclusive emergency ambulance service agreement. The RCFD agreement establishes accountability for meeting specific standards and provides the EMS Agency with complete access to data and information on RCFD's operational, clinical, and administrative performance. Click  to view RCFD's compliance reports for May-June 2018. Previous Compliance Reports may be found on the Transportation Compliance Report page.

July 25, 2018 -State Services for Children 15-Day Public Comment

The Emergency Medical Services Authority is seeking public comment on proposed regulations for Services for Children (EMSC) Program. The proposed regulations are available for review on EMSA’s website at https://emsa.ca.gov/public_comment. The public comment period closes August 9, 2018.

July 23, 2018 – Removal of Pediatric Intubation from Scope of Practice

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency (SJCEMSA) is issuing EMS Policy Memorandum No. 2018-03, Removal of Pediatric Endotracheal Intubation from Scope of Practice . SJCEMSA is working to revise and update all policies referencing pediatric endotracheal intubation. SJCEMSA has approved the i-Gel® as the rescue airway device for pediatrics and adults. This policy memorandum is effective immediately. All policies and memorandums may be viewed on the EMS Policy page. Questions regarding this policy memorandum should be directed to Matthew R. Esposito, Prehospital Care Coordinator, at mesposito@sjgov.org.

July 17, 2018 –Updated and New Policies

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency has posted the following to the EMS Policies page: Revised policies include EMS Policy No. 4101, EMS Vehicle Medication and Equipment; EMS Policy No. 4101A, Medication Shortage Mitigation and Response Strategies; EMS Policy No. 4101B, Request for Waiver of Requirements and EMS Policy No. 5201, Medical Patient Destination.  New policies include EMS Policy No. 2557, Adult i-Gel Airway Performance Criteria; and EMS Policy No. 2558, Ped i-Gel Airway Performance Criteria; and EMS Policy No. 6302, Prehospital Emergency Medical Care Provider Care Report Requirements.

The following EMS policy memorandums and policies have been superseded and removed from the website: Memo No. 2012-04, National Shortage of Sodium, Memo No. 2015-02, National Shortage of Magnesium Sulfate, Memo No. 2010-03, Patient Care Records PCR, and EMS Policy No. 2553, Endotracheal Intubation – Pediatric Performance Criteria.

If you have any questions, please contact Matt Esposito at (209) 468-6818 or by email at mesposito@sjgov.org

July 11, 2018 -State STEMI and Stroke Regulations 15-Day Public Comment

The Emergency Medical Services Authority is seeking public comment on proposed regulations for STEMI and Stroke Critical Care System.  The proposed regulations are available for review on EMSA’s website at https://emsa.ca.gov/public_comment/ . The public comment period closes July 25, 2018.

July 6, 2018 - EMS Liaison Agenda for meeting on July 12, 2018

The EMS Liaison Committee is scheduled for Thursday, July 12, 2018, at 0900 hours.  The meeting will be held in the Health Plan of San Joaquin, Community Room, 7751 South Manthey Road. French Camp, CA 95231.  Attendees are encouraged to park in the adjacent SJGH parking Lot #1. See link for map.

A full agenda packet will not be provided at the meeting. The full agenda packet may be viewed and downloaded from the EMS Agency's https://www.sjgov.org/ems/committees.htm web page.

July 2, 2018 - San Joaquin General Hospital Level III Verification

San Joaquin General Hospital (SJGH) has been verified as a Level III Trauma Center for a period of 3 years by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma (COT). This achievement recognizes the trauma center's dedication to providing optimal care for injured patients.

Established by the American College of Surgeons in 1987, the COT's Verification Program for Hospitals promotes the development of trauma centers in which participants provide not only the hospital resources necessary for trauma care, but also the entire spectrum of care to address the needs of all injured patients. This spectrum encompasses the prehospital phase through the rehabilitation process.

Verified trauma centers must meet the essential criteria that ensure trauma care capability and institutional performance, as outlined by the American College of Surgeons' Committee on Trauma in its current Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient manual.

The ACS-COT's verification program does not designate trauma centers. Rather, the program provides confirmation that a trauma center has demonstrated its commitment to providing the highest quality trauma care for all injured patients. The actual establishment and the designation of trauma centers is the responsibility of the San Joaquin County EMS Agency (SJCEMSA).  SJGH was originally designated as a level III trauma center by SJCEMSA in August 2013, in accordance with state statute and regulations.

July 2, 2018 - Preceptor Applications Due by July 31, 2018 The 2018 Paramedic Preceptor applications are due by July 31, 2018.  Applications are available on the Paramedic Preceptor Authorization & Re-authorization page.  The application to the EMS Agency must be submitted with a letter of recommendation from your ALS employer verifying that you are in good standing with that employer and the employer intends to use you as a paramedic preceptor. Click here for flyer details.

June 27, 2018 - EMS Medical Director Transition

Dan Burch, EMS Administrator is pleased to announce that effective July 1, 2018, Katherine A. Shafer, M.D., will assume the position of EMS Medical Director for the San Joaquin County EMS Agency. Dr. Shafer has served as an assistant EMS medical director for the past three years working closely with and alongside the esteemed Richard N. Buys, M.D. Dr. Buys has agreed to stay on board as an assistant medical director focusing on implementation of critical care systems including stroke and STEMI.

Dr. Shafer is a California native who began her career as an emergency medical technician after attending college in San Diego.  Dr. Shafer graduated from Tufts University Medical School in Boston and completed her residency in emergency medicine at Yale University. Dr. Shafer is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine and has a special interest in cardiac resuscitation and pediatric emergency medicine. Dr. Shafer currently practices as an attending emergency medicine physician at St, Joseph's Medical Center, Stockton CA and serves as a core clinical faculty member for the emergency medicine residency program.

Dr. Buys has honorably served the citizens and visitors of San Joaquin County by leading EMS system development and innovation for the majority of the past 30 years. Rich’s accomplishments are many including the creation of trauma, stroke, and cardiac systems of care; instituting a performance based prehospital care and ambulance transportation system; and serving as the president of the Emergency Medical Directors Association of California.

June 27, 2018 - Memorandum of Trauma Center Catchment Areas

Earlier this spring the San Joaquin County EMS Agency (SJCEMSA) conducted a public comment process on proposed revisions to EMS Policy No. 5215, Trauma Patient Destination. SJCEMSA was seeking comments on proposed revisions directing pediatric major trauma patients in the northern catchment area to be transported to San Joaquin General Hospital (SJGH) and pediatric major trauma patients in the southern catchment area transported to either Doctors Medical Center Modesto or Memorial Medical Center Modesto. Following the conclusion of the public comment period SJCEMSA made the decision to eliminate the northern and southern catchment areas making SJGH the primary trauma center for all adult and pediatric major trauma patients. This memorandum is being distributed to address concerns expressed by several prehospital service providers.

June 22, 2018 - Updated List of Authorized Ambulance Services

Sacramento Valley Ambulance has been added as an approved BLS non-emergency ambulance service provider. The complete list of the authorized and permitted ambulance service providers may be found on the Providers & Hospitals page. Click here for the notice of the updated list.

June 21, 2018 - EMS Office Closure

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency office will be closed Wednesday, July 4, 2018.  The office will re-open with normal office hours Thursday, July 5, 2018.

May 31, 2018 - AMR Compliance Report for March and April 2018

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency has completed its evaluations of American Medical Response for March-April 2018 performance under their five-year contract to provide exclusive emergency ambulance service. The AMR contract establishes accountability for meeting specific standards and provides the EMS Agency with complete access to data and information on AMR's operational, clinical, and administrative performance. Click to view AMR's March and April 2018 compliance reports. Previous Compliance Reports may be found on the Transportation Compliance Report page.

May 31, 2018 - MDA Compliance Report for March and April 2018

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency has completed its evaluations of Manteca District Ambulance for March and April's 2018 performance under their exclusive emergency ambulance service agreement.  The MDA agreement establishes accountability for meeting specific standards and provides the EMS Agency with complete access to data and information on MDA's operational, clinical, and administrative performance.  Click here to view MDA's March and April 2018 compliance report.  Previous Compliance Reports may be found on the Transportation Compliance Report page.

May 30, 2018 - SJCEMSA Awarded American Heart Association Recognition

The San Joaquin County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency was awarded the 2018 Mission: Lifeline EMS Bronze Plus Award.  The American Heart Association recognizes that prehospital personnel are the first providers of care to patients suffering from a STEMI heart attack and are an integral part of the STEMI system of care impacting the overall care and outcome of the patient. This achievement illustrates a commitment in data collection while providing guidelines-based care and meeting high standards of performance.

Click on the link to view the Bronze Plus 2018 Award.

May 30, 2018 - ECA Compliance Report for March and April 2018

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency has completed its evaluations of Escalon Community Ambulance for March-April 2018 performance under their exclusive emergency ambulance service agreement. The ECA agreement establishes accountability for meeting specific standards and provides the EMS Agency with complete access to data and information on ECA's operational, clinical, and administrative performance. Click here to view ECA's March and April 2018 compliance reports. Previous Compliance Reports may be found on the Transportation Compliance Report page.

May 30, 2018 - RCFD Compliance Reports for March and April 2018

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency has completed its evaluations of Ripon Consolidated Fire District for March-April 2018 performance under their exclusive emergency ambulance service agreement. The RCFD agreement establishes accountability for meeting specific standards and provides the EMS Agency with complete access to data and information on RCFD's operational, clinical, and administrative performance. Click  to view RCFD's compliance reports for March-April 2018. Previous Compliance Reports may be found on the Transportation Compliance Report page.

May 25, 2018 - News Release

Today, the San Joaquin County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency announced the creation of a specialty stroke system of care designed to ensure that patients experiencing signs and symptoms of an acute stroke are provided with rapid access to evaluation and treatment at primary stroke centers located throughout San Joaquin County. This announcement comes as part of the County Board of Supervisor’s resolution recognizing May 2018 as Stroke Awareness Month.

Adventist Health Lodi Memorial, Doctors Hospital Manteca, Kaiser Hospital Manteca, San Joaquin General Hospital, St. Joseph’s Medical Center and Sutter Tracy Community Hospital applied for and recently received designation as primary stroke centers following a ten month implementation process. By designing an inclusive stroke system and involving as many eligible hospitals as possible, the EMS Agency is ensuring that patients have rapid access to specialized stroke services.

Click on the link for the complete text of the news release.

May 25, 2018 - Updated and New Policies effective July 1, 2018

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency has posted the following to the EMS Policies page of the EMS Agency's website: Revised policies include EMS Policy No. 4709, Trauma Center Service Areas; EMS Policy No. 5210, Major Trauma Triage Criteria; and EMS Policy No. 5215, Trauma Patient Destination.  New policies include EMS Policy No. 4411, Authorization to Conduct Neonatal Transport; and EMS Policy No. 4985, Transfer of Patient Care in the Emergency Department, and EMS Policy No. 6341, Ambulance Patient Offload Time Data.  These policies become effective July 1, 2018.  If you have any questions, please contact Rick Jones at (209) 468-6818 or by email at rrjones@sjgov.org.

May 24, 2018 - EMS Office Closure

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency office will be closed Monday, May 28, 2018.  The office will re-open with normal office hours Tuesday, May 29, 2018.

May 24, 2018 - EMS Draft Policies Available for Public Comment

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency is soliciting comments for draft EMS Policy No. 2556 Pediatric i-Gel Airway Performance Criteria, EMS Policy No. 2557 Adult i-Gel Airway Performance Criteria, EMS Policy No. 4101 EMS Response Vehicle Medication and Equipment, EMS Policy No. 4101A Mitigation Notification Form, EMS Policy No. 4101B Waiver Request, EMS Policy No. 5201 Medical Patient Destination, EMS Policy No. 6302, Prehospital Emergency Medical Care Provider Patient Care Report Policy, and Combined Prehospital Care Treatment Protocols.

EMS Policy No. 2556 Pediatric i-Gel Airway Performance Criteria and EMS Policy No. 2557 Adult i-Gel Airway Performance Criteria, will replace the use of the King Airway in San Joaquin County. The update to EMS Policy No. 4101 EMS Response Vehicle Medication and Equipment provides an administrative procedure to address nationwide shortages of medication or equipment. EMS Policy No. 4101A Mitigation Notification Form, and EMS Policy No. 4101B Waiver Request outline the pertinent procedural steps to address such shortages. Updates to EMS Policy No. 5201 Medical Patient Destination, includes listing the designated Primary Stroke Centers, and updating the definitions of “Unmanageable Airway” and “Non-traumatic Life Threatening Condition.”  EMS Policy No. 6302, Prehospital Emergency Medical Care Provider Patient Care Report Policy defines and establishes the required data fields, structures, and processes for collection and submission of patient care records. The Combined Prehospital Care Treatment Protocols contains significant changes both in content and in format to ALS treatment protocols in San Joaquin County. This document replaces the manner in which current 5700 and 5800 series policies are published. These protocols will be reviewed with the CQI Council and other small groups.  The dates and times for further review of the protocols are to be determined.                                     

These draft policies may be viewed or downloaded from the SJCEMSA website Draft Policies page.  The 30-day public comment period ends June 24, 2018.  Completed comment forms should be submitted by email to Christine Tualla at ctualla@sjgov.org or by U.S. Mail to the San Joaquin County EMS Agency, PO Box 220, French Camp, CA 95231. Questions may be directed to Rick Jones, EMS Analyst at rrjones@sjgov.org.

May 9, 2018 - Critical Care Emergency Medical Transport Program Training Opportunity

American Ambulance of Fresno in conjunction with University of Maryland, Baltimore County is hosting a Critical Care Emergency Medical Transport Program (CCEMTP). The 100+ hour program covers a wide variety of critical care topics. The course will be held in Fresno from June 19th - August 8th 2018.  View the flyer for additional details.  Contact Steve Melander, American Ambulance to register or for additional information at 559-908-8184.

April 24,2018 - Ripon Consolidated Fire District Compliance Reports for January and February 2018

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency has completed its evaluations of Ripon Consolidated Fire District for January-February 2018 performance under their exclusive emergency ambulance service agreement. The RCFD agreement establishes accountability for meeting specific standards and provides the EMS Agency with complete access to data and information on RCFD's operational, clinical, and administrative performance. Click  to view RCFD's compliance reports for January-February 2018. Previous Compliance Reports may be found on the Transportation Compliance Report page.

April 19, 2018 - AMR Compliance Report for January and February 2018

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency has completed its evaluations of American Medical Response for January-February 2018 performance under their five-year contract to provide exclusive emergency ambulance service. The AMR contract establishes accountability for meeting specific standards and provides the EMS Agency with complete access to data and information on AMR's operational, clinical, and administrative performance. Click to view AMR's January and February 2018 compliance reports. Previous Compliance Reports may be found on the Transportation Compliance Report page.

April 18, 2018 - ECA Compliance Report for January and February 2018

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency has completed its evaluations of Escalon Community Ambulance for January and February's 2017 performance under their exclusive emergency ambulance service agreement. The ECA agreement establishes accountability for meeting specific standards and provides the EMS Agency with complete access to data and information on ECA's operational, clinical, and administrative performance. Click here to view ECA's January and February 2018 compliance reports. Previous Compliance Reports may be found on the Transportation Compliance Report page.

April 18, 2018 - MDA Compliance Report for January and February 2018

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency has completed its evaluations of Manteca District Ambulance for January and February's 2018 performance under their exclusive emergency ambulance service agreement.  The MDA agreement establishes accountability for meeting specific standards and provides the EMS Agency with complete access to data and information on MDA's operational, clinical, and administrative performance.  Click here to view MDA's January and February 2018 compliance report.  Previous Compliance Reports may be found on the Transportation Compliance Report page.

April 18, 2018 - Employment Opportunity

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency is currently recruiting for an Office Technician Coordinator.

April 3, 2018 - 2018 Spring Prehospital Care Symposium on April 26

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency is presenting a Spring Prehospital Care Symposium on April 26, 2018; beginning promptly at 9:00 am.  (Check-in begins at 8:30 am) at the San Joaquin County Agricultural Center.  Click here for additional information.  This course is being offered at no cost, prior registration required. Upon the successful completion, participants will receive a course completion certificate for 2 hours of EMS Continuing Education and/or BRN Contact hours.  Provider is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 1524 for 2 contact hours.  CA EMS CE provided by San Joaquin County EMS Agency CEP# 39-0001. Please contact Christine Tualla at San Joaquin County EMS Agency, 468-6818, for additional information.  Click here to register for this event.

April 3, 2018 - EMS Liaison Agenda for meeting on April 12, 2018

The EMS Liaison Committee is scheduled for Thursday, April 12, 2018, at 0900 hours.  The meeting will be held in the Health Plan of San Joaquin, Community Room, 7751 South Manthey Road. French Camp, CA 95231.  Attendees are encouraged to park in the adjacent SJGH parking Lot #1. See link for map.

A full agenda packet will not be provided at the meeting. The full agenda packet may be viewed and downloaded from the EMS Agency's committee web page.

March 29 - 2018 Paramedic Preceptor's Conference Schedule

The 2018 Paramedic Preceptor's Conference is scheduled for Friday, September 21, 2018, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, in the San Joaquin County EMS Agency Classroom.  Attending one conference per year is required to maintain your Paramedic Preceptor Authorization.  The format is round table discussion and will include the following topics: best practices, evaluation remediation, communication, roles responsibilities, and reportable offenses.  Up to two (2) hours of instructor-based, EMS CE will be offered. CA EMS CE provided by San Joaquin County EMS Agency CEP#39-0001.  The conferences are open to current Paramedic Preceptors and offered at no cost.  View the save the date flyer.  You can register online from our Training and Events webpage.

March 21, 2018 - Employment Opportunity

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency is currently recruiting for an EMS Trauma Coordinator. Visit the Employment Opportunities web page for more information.

March 16 , 2018 - EMS Draft Policies Available for Public Comment

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency is soliciting comments for draft EMS Policy No. 4411 Authorization to Conduct Neonatal Transport, EMS Policy No. 4709 Trauma Center Service Areas, EMS Policy No. 4985 Transfer of Patient Care in the Emergency Department, EMS Policy No. 5210 Major Trauma Triage Criteria, EMS Policy No. 5215 Trauma Patient Destination, and EMS Policy No. 6341 Ambulance Patient Offload Time Data.

EMS Policy No. 4411 Authorization to Conduct Neonatal Transport, is a new policy that establishes a process for authorizing ambulance and air ambulance services to provide specialty care interfacility transport for neonatal patients. Updates to EMS Policy No. 4709 Trauma Center Service Areas, establish new criteria to identify pediatric major trauma patients and destinations for pediatric trauma patients and burn patients.  EMS Policy No. 4985 Transfer of Patient Care in the Emergency Department, will replace Policy Memorandum No. 2015-01 and establish a process for the transfer of patient care in the emergency department that provides for patient safety, while reducing the likelihood of ambulance patient offload delays and the occurrence of ambulance clusters.  Updates to EMS Policy No. 5210 Major Trauma Triage Criteria and EMS Policy No. 5215 Trauma Patient Destination incorporate many of the changes in Policy Memorandum No. 2017-02 designed to decrease the number of incorrectly triaged trauma patients in the San Joaquin County EMS system.  EMS Policy No. 6341 Ambulance Patient Offload Time Data establishes standardized methodologies for collecting, calculating and reporting Ambulance Patient Offload Time (APOT).  

These draft policies may be viewed or downloaded from the SJCEMSA website Draft Policies page.  The 45-day public comment period ends May 2, 2018.  Completed comment forms should be submitted by email to Christine Tualla at ctualla@sjgov.org or by U.S. Mail to the San Joaquin County EMS Agency, PO Box 220, French Camp, CA 95231. Questions may be directed to Rick Jones, EMS Analyst at rrjones@sjgov.org.

March 16, 2018 - San Joaquin General Hospital Offering Stop the Bleed Training for General Public

As part of the National Stop the Bleed Day, San Joaquin General Hospital is hosting a free Bleeding Control Basic Instruction Course (flyer) for the general public on March 31, 2018.  This course is designed to train, equip, and empower the bystander to stop active, life threatening bleeding, as the first link in the chain of survival.  This is a free class, open to everyone in the community. There are four convenient course start times: 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.  Each course is 90 minutes long. For more information and to register contact Carla Meckler at 209-468-6844 or by email at cmeckler@sjgh.org.

March 1, 2018 - EMS Policy Memorandum No. 2018-02, Continued Integration of BLS Ambulances into the EMS System

February 27, 2018 - Ripon Consolidated Fire District Compliance Reports for November and December 2017

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency has completed its evaluations of Ripon Consolidated Fire District for November-December 2017 performance under their exclusive emergency ambulance service agreement. The RCFD agreement establishes accountability for meeting specific standards and provides the EMS Agency with complete access to data and information on RCFD's operational, clinical, and administrative performance. Click  to view RCFD's compliance reports for November - December 2017. Other Compliance Reports may be found on the Transportation Compliance Report page.

February 21, 2018 - AMR Compliance Report for November and December 2017

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency has completed its evaluations of American Medical Response for November- December 2017 performance under their five-year contract to provide exclusive emergency ambulance service. The AMR contract establishes accountability for meeting specific standards and provides the EMS Agency with complete access to data and information on AMR's operational, clinical, and administrative performance. Click to view AMR's November and December 2017 compliance reports. Previous Compliance Reports may be found on the Transportation Compliance Report page.

February 7, 2018 - SJCEMSA Welcomes New Pre-Hospital Care Coordinator and Accounting Technician

Dan Burch, EMS Administrator, is pleased to announce that Matthew Esposito and Natisha Plummer have joined the SJC EMS Agency staff.

Mr. Esposito will be filling the role of Pre-Hospital Care Coordinator. His background includes 18 years of EMS experience on three continents, most recently with American Medical Response as a Clinical Education Service Supervisor.  He also holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Education Development from Middlesex University in London.  In his new role, Mr. Esposito will oversee continuous quality improvement (CQI) and pre-hospital care.

Ms. Plummer has a Masters of Accountancy from National University and a Bachelors in Sociology and Psychology from University of San Diego. In her new role, Ms. Plummer will handle the billing and accounting for the agency.

Please join us in welcoming both Mr. Esposito and Ms. Plummer to the SJC EMS Agency.

February 5, 2018 - EMS Office Closure

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency office will be closed Monday, February 19, 2018.  The office will re-open with normal office hours Tuesday, February 20, 2018.

January 30, 2018 - MICN Policy and Skills Review (PSR) Course Date Changed to March 23, 2018

The March 2018 MICN PSR Course date has been changed to March 23, 2018**.  The MICN PSR course is required to maintain MICN authorization.  The course may be completed no more than six (6) months prior to a current MICN expiring.  Participants will gain knowledge of key EMS medical control policies, and be provided an opportunity to Q&A with the EMS Agency.  This class is offered at no cost to participants.  Up to two (2) hours of instructor-based EMS CE will be offered.  CA EMS CE provided by San Joaquin County EMS Agency CEP# 39-0001.
** Note the date for the March course has changed.

January 30, 2018 - MDA Compliance Report for November and December 2017

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency has completed its evaluations of Manteca District Ambulance for November and December 2017 performance under their exclusive emergency ambulance service agreement.  The MDA agreement establishes accountability for meeting specific standards and provides the EMS Agency with complete access to data and information on MDA's operational, clinical, and administrative performance.  Click here to view MDA's November and December 2017 compliance report.  Previous Compliance Reports may be found on the Transportation Compliance Report page.

January 30, 2018 - ECA Compliance Report for November and December 2017

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency has completed its evaluations of Escalon Community Ambulance for November and December 2017 performance under their exclusive emergency ambulance service agreement. The ECA agreement establishes accountability for meeting specific standards and provides the EMS Agency with complete access to data and information on ECA's operational, clinical, and administrative performance. Click here to view ECA's November and December 2017 compliance reports. Previous Compliance Reports may be found on the Transportation Compliance Report page.

January 12, 2018 - EMS Office Closure in Observance Martin Luther King Holiday

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency office will be closed Monday, January 15, 2018. The office will re-open with normal office hours Tuesday, January 16, 2018.

January 9, 2018 - EMS Policy Memorandum No. 2018-01 – Response to Flu and Influenza like Illness (ILI) Epidemic

The San Joaquin County EMS Agency is issuing EMS Policy Memorandum No. 2018-01, Response to Flu and influenza like Illness (ILI) epidemic. Our county, along with the rest of California is currently experiencing a statewide flu and ILI epidemic resulting in a marked increase in patients seeking care in emergency departments.  The memo requests each receiving hospital to take immediate steps in addressing the increase in emergency department demand to lessen ambulance patient offload delays.  

Additionally, in order to increase the availability for ambulance transport within the EMS system all emergency ambulance providers including American Medical Response, Manteca District Ambulance, Escalon Ambulance, and the Ripon Consolidated Fire District are authorized to staff and use basic life support ambulances to respond to: 1) Emergency requests for service classified by the Valley Regional Emergency Communication Center through the Medical Priority Dispatch System as Protocol 26 Sick Person Alpha and Omega; and 2) Any emergency request for service if no advanced life support ambulance is immediately available for assignment. 

This policy memorandum is effective immediately and expires on February 28, 2018, unless cancelled or superseded at an earlier date. All policies and memorandums may be viewed on the EMS Policy page.  Questions regarding this policy memorandum should be directed to Rick Jones, EMS Analyst, at rrjones@sjgov.org.

January 4, 2018 - EMS Liaison Agenda for meeting on January 11, 2018

The EMS Liaison Committee is scheduled for Thursday, January 11, 2018, at 0900 hours.  The meeting will be held in the Health Plan of San Joaquin, Community Room, 7751 South Manthey Road. French Camp, CA 95231.  Attendees are encouraged to park in the adjacent SJGH parking Lot #1. See link for map.

A full agenda packet will not be provided at the meeting. The full agenda packet may be viewed and downloaded from the EMS Agency's committee web page.

EMS Announcements Archive