News and information from Arkansas EMT Association
The Arkansas Instructor Coordinator Society held their yearly retreat in Little Rock on June 22, 2013. The Retreat brought national educators to Arkansas. NAEMSE Implementation of the National EMS Education Standards was designed to provide a framework upon which EMS Educators will build curricula and assessment based on the National EMS Education Standards. The transition to standards-based education is a process that begins with a clear understanding of what education standards are and how to develop benchmarks upon which curricula is designed and competency assessment measures are performed.
The workshop was designed to examine the standards themselves for clarity and understanding. Interactive sessions reviewed ways to develop curriculum, classroom activities and lessons that address the content of the standards in ways that enhance student learning. Lastly, the workshop addressed the manner in which student learning is assessed and measured from an outcome-based approach. This is essential for the accurate measurement of student proficiency according to the standards; and will present strategies through which an instructor will maintain accountability for student learning, and a system for continuous quality improvement.
Another Spring Fling has come and gone. If you were there, we certainly appreciated you and if you weren’t, we missed you.
We had several new events this year including an EMS Challenge, a Paramedic/EMT Competition, a First Responder Competition and a Bass Tournament. The EMS Challenge was a fun event that had the participants laughing at each other and with each other. The 1st place team were Mike Berry/Greg Russell, 2nd place team were Tony Lunsford/Justin Womack and 3rd place team were Scott Wiley/Thomas Fultz. All three teams were from Evergreen Packaging. There were no entries in the Paramedic/EMT Competition. The First Responder Competition winners were 1st place team Thomas Fultz/Scott Wiley, 2nd place team Bruce Henry/Kevin James, and 3rd place team Tony Lunsford/Justin Womack. These three teams were also from Evergreen Packaging. The Dumas Fire and Rescue taught an Extrication Class for everyone who competed in the EMS Challenge.
We had some really great lectures, good food (we feed approximately 75 Friday and Saturday), and lots of fun. Air Evac and Pafford Air Ambulance brought their helicopters for the participants to view and talk with the pilots. It was a fun time for all.
We want to thank everyone who helped make it a success this year through their help and donations; Dumas Ambulance Service, Ricky Helton’s Donut Shop, Donald Reed and his Camden crew, Pafford Air Ambulance Service and the crew, Dumas Fire Department, Evergreen Packaging, Fairfield Federal Credit Union and all the workers and vendors. Hope to see all of you at the Parade of Lights in Little Rock on May 22nd.
Ronald Russell, Region 5 Director
Penney Russell, Board Member at Large
The Arkansas EMT Association was a sponsor of the 2013 Midwest First Responder Conference which was held February 22nd,23rd and 24th in Eureka Springs and put on by Eureka Springs Fire & EMS .The three day event included special attractions such as Dr. Todd Baker, author of Baghdad ER, and an overview of Joplin’s tornado response. The hands-on classes featured items such as rope rescue, an overturned tractor and auto extrication. Many relevant topics were covered including current drug overdose trends, violent encounters and modern equipment usage. One of the highlights of the conference was a special two hour simulated school shooting response complete with a real school building and victim actors. Fire service personnel were also treated to a confidence building obstacle course.
Coordinator Bob Pettus estimates that the conference attendance totaled just short of 150 people. Based on the success of this year’s conference, ESFD has already begun work on the fourth annual Midwest First Responder Conference. More information can be found on the Eureka Springs Fire & EMS website @ www.eurekaspringsfire.org.
Here’s a photo album from this year’s EMS Conference in Hot Springs, Ark. Click the “Read Full Article” link to view the entire album. To enlarge an image, just click the thumbnail of that image.
Check out the photos from the vendor hall at the 2012 EMS Conference in Hot Springs, Ark. Thank you to all of our vendors and attendees who made the conference a big success.
New this year, Meet & Greet our vendors
Here is a photo album of the winners of the AEMTA’s annual Valsalva Bowl competition which was held at the 2012 EMS Conference in Hot Springs.
Here is a photo album of the winners of the AEMTA’s annual Paramedic Competition which was held at the 2012 EMS Conference in Hot Springs.
Here is a photo album of the winners of the AEMTA’s annual Industrial EMT Competition which was held at the 2012 EMS Conference in Hot Springs.
Here is a photo of the winners of the AEMTA’s annual First Responder Competition which was held at the 2012 EMS Conference in Hot Springs.
1st Place First Responder Competition
The AEMTA Lifeline is a publication of the Arkansas EMT Association (AEMTA). This Web site provides news and information of importance to members of the association. Lifeline is edited by Michael Drost (aemta4lifeline@yahoo.com). AEMTA strives to promote the professional status & encourages continuing education for First Responders and Emergency Medical Technicians. We recognize the skills […]
Israel DeShane Porterfield, 38, a lifetime resident of Lunsford, died Friday, November 15, 2019, at St. Bernard’s Regional Medical Center. He was a member of the Lunsford Baptist Church. “Izzy” worked 15 years in the EMS field and was a Nationally Registered Paramedic. He was a member of the S.H.O.T. (Special Hazards Operations Team) for Medic I. He also worked for the Harrisburg Police Department. In addition to his active work life, he always found time to go fishing and hunting. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Hubert and Madlyn Batten; Neal and Nita Jo Porterfield and his aunt, Barbara Batten Knight.
Survivors include his wife of nine years, Stacy Porterfield, of the home; daughter, AnnaLynn Porterfield of the home; stepson, Tristin Curtis of Paragould; parents, Ricky “Pete” and Charlotte Porterfield of Lunsford; several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be 10:00 Monday, November 25, 2019 at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Bro. Ron Langston officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Burial will follow at Prairie Cemetery near Lunsford with Matt Emerson, Logan Furnish, Jon Paul Weatherford, Dan Loven, Vance Evans, and Jarred Young serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be all EMS personnel in NEA. Visitation will be from 5-7 Sunday night at Emerson Memorial Chapel To sign an online guestbook, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.
Buren John “B. J.” Johnson, Jr., age 74, passed away Thursday, November 14, 2019.
Born February 10, 1945 at Paris, AR, he was the son of the late Buren John Johnson, Sr. and Myrtle Faye Lumpkin Johnson. He graduated from Dollarway High School in 1963 and attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello. He also served in the United States Army Reserves for a number of years.
B. J. was well-known in law enforcement and emergency medical circles. He was an EMT for over 40 years. He was also a corporal in the Arkansas State Police for 11 years and had worked for the Pine Bluff and Sheridan Police Departments.
He was a member of Bethel #1 Missionary Baptist Church in Rison and was also a Mason.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Sandra Jones.
Survivors include his wife, Kathryne “Kathy” Tyler Johnson, who he married on December 23, 2000; his children, Teresa Howie (Shannon), Steve Johnson (Jodie), Austin Johnson, and Samuel Johnson (Saige Brodnax); step-sons, Tyler Puckett (Courtney) and Wilson Puckett; a sister, Brenda Rogers (Glen); grandchildren, Allison Brasher (Jacob), Katie Howie, Olivia Howie, Marlee Johnson, and Maycee Johnson; a great-grandson, Carsyn Brasher; and many other loving family and friends.
There will be a visitation for B. J. on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Robinson & Fuller White Hall Funeral Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to assist the family with funeral expenses, please visit https://fundthefuneral.com/b-j-johnson
Thomas “Tommy” Daniel Crouch, 33, of Bauxite, Arkansas, passed away October 31, 2019. He was born December 21, 1985 in Houston, Texas to James and Elizabeth (Smith) Crouch.
Tommy was a 2004 graduate of Bryant High School. He was a hard worker. Tommy had served as a deputy with the Pulaski County Sheriff Department, had previously volunteered as a firefighter with Sardis Fire Department. Worked as a security guard with Elite Protection Group, was an EMT, and worked alongside his father at Door Control Services, Inc. a division of DH Pace. Tommy loved being a dad and enjoyed spending time with his children. He was an avid gamer and collected many video games. Tommy was into Superheroes and was a big kid himself.
Preceding Tommy in death are his daughter, Elizabeth Angel Crouch; brother, Justin Foster; and his grandparents.
He leaves behind his parents, James and Elizabeth Crouch of Mabelvale, Arkansas; children: Rayden Crouch and Serephina Crouch ( Savannah), and Austyn Crouch (Kandice) all of Benton, Arkansas; Valorie Sharp, the mother of their soon to be son Ryan, whom he loved so very much, of Leola , Arkansas ; sister, Heather Crouch of Arkansas; brother, Kevin Fulghum of Houston, Texas; aunts: Patricia Weir of Deridder, Louisiana, Michelle McIntire and husband Mitchell of Lonoke, Arkansas, Alethea “Leigh” Shu and husband Gary of Louisville, Kentucky; and Krissy Delaney of Ward, Arkansas; uncle, Robert Smith of Louisville, Kentucky; and many family members and friends who love Tommy and will miss him always.
Visitation will be held 6:00-7:00 PM, Tuesday, November 5, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Funeral service, officiated by Pastor Kevin McManus, will follow at 7:00 PM at the funeral home.
Survival Flight EMS will begin providing ground EMS services (911 and transfers) in and around Heber Springs, Arkansas beginning in November 2019. We are seeking highly motivated and professional applicants to join our team. If you are tired of simply working at a job and looking to build a career in EMS, with opportunities for advancement, then Survival Flight EMS is looking for you! If you want to provide care with the best in equipment, protocols, vehicles, and training, we want to talk to you. We are seeking Arkansas Certified EMTS, AEMTS and Paramedics. Competitive pay with medical, optical, dental and a full complement of other benefits available. Please send resumes to mstevenson@survivalflightinc.com or visit www.survivalflightinc.com to apply.
Thomas Keith Smith, 37, was born on December 27, 1981 in West Memphis. He died on October 12, 2019, hours after Mindy Harris died on the same day.
He leaves to mourn his loss, his parents, Kay and Danny Smith of Horseshoe Lake, Arkansas; his three sons, Bryan Steven Smith of Wynne, Arkansas, Kieran Alexandre Smith of Horseshoe Lake, Arkansas, and Hunter Farley of Marion, Arkansas, the son of Mindy Leigh Harris. He also leaves behind his brother, Jeremy Smith (Alex) of Marion, Arkansas; his paternal grandmother, Mary E. Smith of Hughes, Arkansas, as well as additional family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Patricia A. Woodward of Alabama, Tomiko Snyder of Georgia, Kenneth L. Snyder of Georgia and his paternal grandfather, Steven G. Smith.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be made to LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, East Arkansas Community College, Allied Health Scholarship Fund or Marion Paws Program.
Visitation
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
201 North Pine Street
West Memphis, AR 72301
10/19/2019 at 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Service
Funeral Service
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home Chapel
201 Pine
West Memphis, AR 72301
10/19/2019 at 1:00 PM
Darren Wayne Cowley, 33, of Simms, Texas passed away Tuesday, October 8, 2019 in De Kalb, Texas.
Darren was born August 28, 1986 in Texarkana, Texas to Robert DeWayne Cowley and Linda Gail Cowley. He was a Paramedic with LifeNet and an Instructor of Emergency Services for Texarkana College. He was a member of Brothers Keepers Motorcycle Club and Avery First Baptist Church.
He is preceded in death by grandparents, Dewie Davis and Lloyd and Sylvia Cowley; one son, Walter DeWayne Cowley; and one sister, Kaitlyn Hollowell.
He is survived by his wife, Taniesha Kennedy of Simms, Texas; his parents, Robert and Melanie Cowley of De Kalb, Texas and Linda Cowley of Avery, Texas; grandmother, Alma Davis of Avery, Texas; four sons, Cole Cowley of Lufkin, Texas, William Cowley of Lufkin, Texas; Wallace Cowley of Longview, Texas, and Jedediah Cowley of Longview, Texas; five daughters, Sylvia Cowley of Lufkin, Texas, Emma Bihary of Texarkana, Texas, Brayli Roberson of Longview, Texas, Rylee Ketchum of Simms, Texas and Hannah Ketchum of Simms, Texas; one brother and sister-in-law, James Cowley and Lindsey Book of New Boston, Texas; one aunt and uncle, Theresa and Rocky Pierce of Shreveport, Louisiana; cousins Jessica and Dennis Williams of Shreveport, Louisiana; and numerous other family members and friends.
Services will be 3:00 P.M. Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Bates Family Funeral Home in De Kalb, Texas with Rev. Harold D. Lambert and Bro. Bud Callaway officiating. Interment will follow at Old Union Cemetery in Simms, Texas.
Visitation will be held 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Bates Family Funeral Home in De Kalb, Texas.
You probably have heard the old statement from Benjamin Franklin that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Did you know the Arkansas Department of Health offers a new program called Be Well Arkansas to help your patients prevent heart attack and stroke? This can be part of your hospital discharge planning process to give out cards provided to you with information on the Be Well Arkansas program to your patients (particularly those who just had a stroke or heart attack) for how they may access these tools. These resources are aimed at improving your patients’ health including controlling blood pressure, managing diabetes and quitting using tobacco. If you are interested in receiving free cards to give to patients (see attachment #1) on the Be Well Arkansas program (seeattachment #1) just send an email with your request to adh.tpcp@arkansas.govand you will receive them!
By giving these cards to your patients, you will connect them with a large number of resources they can access from the state including:
· 1-800 Number – By calling the following number, patients can be connected with resources on not only quitting using tobacco, but also on blood pressure control and management of diabetes:1-833-283-WELL (see attachment #2)
· Online – The following web site has various resources such including receiving help through online chat and accessing cell phone applications to help address health risk factors:www.bewellarkansas.org
· Lifestyle Coaches – These coaches are available in every region of the state to help patients eat healthy, be physically active, and manage stress
· Hypertension Nurse Managers – Some local health units have care managers to help manage high blood pressure
· Medication Therapy Management (MTM) – Many pharmacies offer the MTM program to help make sure patients are getting the best results out of medicines for conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes
If you have any questions please let me know. Or you can reach out to Alicia Neppl, ADH Cessation Section Chief, who is an expert on these resources atAlicia.Neppl@arkansas.gov Best, Dave
p.s. If you click here you will see a 2 minute TV news story on the Be Well Arkansas program:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoFsWxm6_hs&t=42s
David A. Vrudny, CPHQ, MPM, MPH(c)
Section Chief, Stroke and STEMI
Arkansas Department of Health
4815 West Markham Street, Slot #14
Little Rock, AR 72205-3867
(501) 661-2096 (office)
(501) 786-6018 (cell)
(501) 280-4207 (fax)
Attachments:
Welcome!
On behalf of the Arkansas Office of Emergency Medical Services and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, we would like to welcome you to this new partnership between our organizations.
Please carefully read the information below. Most Arkansas EMS providers belong to one of these three scenarios. For those who aren’t, please contact the National Registry via the phone number or email provided at the bottom of this email.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU?
I am Nationally Certified. Since you are currently certified with the National Registry, you will not need to take any action. Continue to use your existing account with the National Registry as you have been doing.
Next steps: There are no additional steps for you currently.
I was Nationally Certified, but my certification has expired. Good news! Arkansas is participating in the Mark King Initiative which allows former Nationally Certified EMS providers an opportunity to regain National Certification without testing. More information about the Mark King Initiative can be found here.
Next steps:
I have never been Nationally Certified. We’ve created a National Registry Claim Account process for you to utilize the National Registry’s online education platform. Moving forward, you will be tracking education requirements equivalent to National Registry certification.
Next steps:
If you have questions about your National Registry account or the Mark King Initiative, please contact National Registry Registrant Services at (614) 888-4484 or via the ‘Contact Us’ page located HERE. For all other questions, please contact the Arkansas Section of EMS at (501) 661-2262.
We are excited about this partnership and look forward to continuing excellent patient care in Arkansas
Sincerely,
The National Registry Team
Paramedic Opportunity. Full-Time position with Vital Link EMS located in the beautiful foothills of the Ozark Mountains (Batesville, Arkansas). Wonderful quality of life as well as numerous outdoor activities. Great schools. **Sign-On Bonus** Applications are available at www.vitallinkems.org or can be picked up at Vital Link, 1033 EMS Dr., Batesville, AR 72501. Vital Link is an EOE.
