Med-Star starts Monday
December 14th, 2007 by 
Alica
According to a story on brandoninfo.com, Med-Star will start taking 911 calls at 7 a.m. Monday.
Of course, we hope they won’t get any calls for a long, long while. We sure don’t want anyone to get sick or injured no matter who takes the calls.
Posted in Uncategorized, Ambulance | 
December 15th, 2007 at 6:29 am
Please. Enough with the touchy, feely filler junk. “We sure don’t want anyone to get sick” Really. Who actually says this stuff with a straight face?
Let’s throw some salt over the shoulder, close our umbrellas outside, and knock on wood while we’re at it.
It’s news, not foolishness.
December 15th, 2007 at 8:40 am
Roger, you need to get back into bed and get back out on the right side!
December 15th, 2007 at 9:53 am
Where is the official place to sign up to keep him from my door?????
December 15th, 2007 at 10:22 am
Its the end of the World as we know it!!!! I cant beleive Brandon is really going through with this, I work in Sioux Falls and have to travel to serveral surrounding towns in the area, and they all ask me “Why would you take a chance on Med-Star?” I simply say, they wont be coming to my families house, I will take them to the edge of town and meet RM… Just think guys only 367 days to go, before their contract expires!!!
I think I am going to start a small business making yard signs that say “Med-Star is not welcome here” Anybody interested? That way when Brandon Fire gets on scene that can call dispatch and tell them to disregard Med-Star and save everyone alot of time..
December 15th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
Count me in!!!!
December 15th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
Final Score ————-
Jay(Medjoke/Ruebin/Karber) 10 citizens of Brandon -10
Balance Sheet
Jay(Medjoke/Ruebin/Karber) $$$
citizens of Brandon -$$$$$$
December 15th, 2007 at 5:15 pm
To #1 Roger: I talk like that in real life too.
December 16th, 2007 at 3:03 am
I lived in Brandon for 23 years and was proud of it!!! I’m not so proud to say where I am from anymore. Our community has been manipulated by members of the council and it makes all of us look bad. “O My”, I will put your sign in my yard. It’s time for a new council!!!
December 16th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
Whats done is done. This spring we will have an opportunity for a breath of fresh air. I hope everyone that has taken a stand on both sides of this issue will have an open mind and will use thier opinions when it becomes time to vote. There are “many” important decisions in front of our council right now. I know that I am not the only one watching closley awaiting the outcomes of those decisions.
December 16th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
I think Alica starts these blogs for people just to bitch. It keeps her going. Thanks to her. This is a done deal so people need to just wait and see if Jay and his crew can preform their duties as a company. For those of you who feel so strongly about not having MS in town maybe you should move to Sioux Falls and support your RM there. For those of us who want MS in buisness we will stay here.
December 16th, 2007 at 3:43 pm
My assignment is to start a new thread five days per week. It’s part of my job.
I always welcome topic ideas. You can send them to me at apthiele@argusleader.com.
Thanks for blogging.
December 16th, 2007 at 3:46 pm
resident, (MS employee)
Once again you show your immature, mean and spiteful personality.
And as far as your last sentence…you must have overheard that little statement by one of our city leaders at the council table. It didn’t go unnoticed, by the way.
December 16th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
#12 I am not a MS employee, but I have heard a lot of statements about this issue. As far as I see it everyone has a choice and if you don’t like what the people voted for (and passed) then get on with your life elsewhere. Not everyone agrees on everything, just like when voting for president. Some like it some do not. Freedon of choice. Sorry yur team has lost.
December 16th, 2007 at 9:21 pm
#13..
So what you are saying is people that do not like this outcome should pack-up their families and move to Sioux Falls? THERE WOULD NOT BE MANY PEOPLE LEFT IN TOWN!!!…I wish you guys would just stop and think about this issue other then the damn response time! Medstar is only guaranteeing a 8 min response time, 8 MINUTES!! Brandon Fire, could leave their homes, drive to the fire hall, take a sh!t and then go to call and still make it faster then 8 minutes.. you guys have benn brain washed into Jay and the cities plan. Congrats, the place that I work at in SF actually has started a poll for MEd-star
1) How long before the first lawsuit
and 2nd) How long before they bail out
Good luck idots of brandon good luck…
December 17th, 2007 at 12:03 am
Resident, I am quoting you from #10. “people need to just wait and see if Jay and his crew can perform their duties…” That scares the hell out of me!! Wait and see IF they can perform!!?? I think we should have known for sure, that he is capable of what he says, before we all put our lives in his hands. What happens when someone I know needs an ambulance in Brandon? Am I supposed to say, “Hey, lets just wait and see if MS can perform their duties.”? I think people, including yourself, would want to know for sure that quality help is coming. I will not “wait and see IF”! I’ll call for a ride to SF city limits and wait for RM. Sounds to me like I will have a better shot.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:05 am
This was takin for the other QA post, thought I would share it with you. Now what Med-Star lovers, what ya gonna do when they are already on a call and only have one ambulance, you will have to wait with the fire/EMTS till Medstar drops pt #1 off at the hospital and then comes back for you! You thought RM response time was bad AT LEAST THEY HAD BACK-UP
“#119 Alica Says:
December 16th, 2007 at 11:30 pm
Dennis Olson, city administrator, told me that Rural Metro does not have a backup contract with Med-Star nor will it ever have such a contract. Rural Metro does not have a license to do runs in Brandon.
Only a service that has a license with the city can transport patients in Brandon.”
December 17th, 2007 at 7:35 am
Did you forget that our GOBs put that in our ordiance? You have to be licensed with the city of Brandon to operate in Brandon. The only way arouand this is in an emergency situation…like a catrastophy, then the county steps in and takes over. Since Brandon decided to write their own ordiance, they overrode the county…making the county ordiance in Brandon null. We pay the taxes, but no longer have the benefits it provided to us. Now we just pay and pay.
December 17th, 2007 at 9:02 am
Can we please look at this issue from the outside. Lets take RM and MS names out of the scenerio..Ok, clear your minds and dont look at this issue with an open mind.
Currently Brandon has an ambulance service that has been serving the area for many years, has several units availiable, call times are about 10-15 minutes depending on the situation, their QA committee has several Dr’s, is a nation wide company, has county and city license, meets the highest of all standards for operation, has two paramedics on every call.
Ok now after looking at those creditials, doesn;t look like to bad of a company, maybe response time alittle faster would be nice. Ok now for the other company wanting into Brandon:
Has been jumping through many hoops for several years trying to serve Brandon, can guarantee 1 unit for Brandon, 8 minute response times, Has a QA committee of one indivdual in NE, has failed due to lack of calls in two other cities, Only can respond to City limit calls, City has lowered standards for company to start, has one paramedic and one EMT on every call.
Now comparing the two, I only see one postive thing and that is the 8 minute response time. BUT, why would it take 8 minutes to get to the scene when they are stationed 24/7? Compared to the first company which has 2 paramedics on a call, New company will only have 1!!. New company has failed in other cities due to the lack of calls, First company averaged only 200 calls per year!
Looking at some basic facts, anyone should pick the first company regardless of the owners or any personal agenda!!
December 17th, 2007 at 10:23 am
“Point of View” your correct in the senario that you paint. The real problem is that the citizens of Brandon voted to have their own ambulance ordinance. RM did not apply for a lisence!!!!! Had they, with all this ruckus, they would have been perhaps HIRED!
December 17th, 2007 at 10:31 am
And I understand that completely, but what I find interesting is the reason RM did not apply. They said Brandon does not have enough call volume to support an Ambulance service, now RM is a nation wide company and has a huge contract with Sioux Falls, so they would have alot of extra income pouring in other then Brandon’s revenue. I beleive if a company of that magnatude can not survive in Brandon, how can a “ma and pa” business such as Med-Star survive?
December 17th, 2007 at 10:54 am
Just a thought, RM would have been able to survive off of its business with Sioux Falls and MS off of its business with the transport business. Point I’m trying to make is that RM should of applied!
December 17th, 2007 at 11:03 am
And I agree with you 110% #21…I hope they reconsider applying next November when Med-Star contract expires
December 17th, 2007 at 11:17 am
If I were they, I would submit an application now. There is nothing that says they can not, if MS stumbles, then the city can react in a timely manner. If they don’t, no one has any reason to complain.
I have often thought that by not appling RM is sending the citizens of Brandon a message. We did not vote against RM or for MS, we voted to have our own ordinance, and that was all.
All this rederic about what the ordinance says has nothing to do with either firm. That is stuff for this council and futhuer councils to debate and change if needed.
RM if they care about the citizens of Brandon should apply.
I would also love to see the fire department take the neccessary steps to be able to haul patients and then also apply.
December 17th, 2007 at 11:33 am
As I understand it, the county ordinance says that the county ambulance service (Rural Metro) will not overlap territory with any other ambulance service. So when Brandon made a new ordinance that says more than one service can be licensed in the city, that precluded Rural Metro from applying. Because if they did get licensed in Brandon, and one or more services did also, Rural Metro would be in violation of county ordinance.
At least, that is how I interpreted the ordinances when I read them.
December 17th, 2007 at 11:45 am
If I understand it Alica, RM can not provide service to Brandon under the counties agreement since we have our own provider, who ever that might be, that is the overlapping issue.
If that was the case RM could never be anything more than a provider to the county and never be able to expand their business?
Simply, they the county would not dispatch RM to Brandon as we have our own provider. If that was RM, then they could I believe????? not sure?
December 17th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
So what happens in a situation where MS is on their way to SF with a pt and another call comes in? Because the way I understand it is that MS is only guaranteeing 1 rig for Brandon. Can RM be called?
December 17th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
26 asked if RM can be called when MS is busy. My understanding is that 911 will send the closest service when MS cannot respond. That would be RM. Individuals in Brandon cannot request RM directly but RM can respond if sent by 911.
December 17th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
#27, But after reading #24, it sounds like that would be a violation of county ordinance..
To me it sounds like Med-Star has a HUGE task ahead of them and to me it looks like everything is staked against them. Nothing against MS, but Brandon just does not have the call volume like other cities with ambulance services. I hope RM will take us back when the city comes crawling back to them
December 17th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
to #37…….NO No NO…RM cannot service Brandon or any other service (Garretson). Only the lisenced service with the city can. This has been the biggest smoke up the &#@ of this whole issue. There is NO backup when Medstar cannot make the call. Reread #17
December 17th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
Direct from the ordiance:
6-7-2 LICENSES REQUIRED
Except as provided in 6-7-16, no person shall operate a surface ambulance service
transporting patients from within the City of Brandon, nor advertise or offer such
services to the public, unless the operator of such service shall have first obtained a
surface ambulance license from the City.
Legislative History: Authority:
1990 Revisions. SDCL § 9-34-1.
Ordinance No. 286, 12/5/00
Ordinance No. 381, 1/2/07
Ordinance No. 404, 6/19/07
6-7-3 CONTRACTED 911 PROVIDER
The City of Brandon shall, by contract, designate one licensed service as the City’s 911
provider.
Legislative History: Authority:
1990 Revisions. SDCL § 9-34-1.
Ordinance No. 286, 12/5/00
Ordinance No. 381, 1/2/07
6-7- 16 EXCEPTIONS TO LICENSE AND DISPATCH REQUIREMENTS
Nothing contained in this Chapter 6-7 shall be deemed to prohibit any surface
ambulance service, licensed in a jurisdiction other than the City of Brandon, from
responding to an emergency incident within the City of Brandon, either by dispatch or
by direct request for mutual aid, when the City’s contracted 911 provider is unable to
respond to such incident or when either the City’s contracted 911 provider or the City’s
Police/Volunteer Fire Department Incident Command has determined additional surface
ambulance services beyond those available through the City’s contracted 911 provider
are required. In addition to the foregoing, the City of Brandon expressly adopts all
additional exceptions to license requirements as are set forth in SDCL 34-11-9.
If no surface ambulance licenses have been granted for 911 emergency service, or if a
licensee is unable to perform pursuant to this Ordinance, then the 911 Center may
dispatch the service which is licensed by Minnehaha County for the geographic area
which includes Brandon.
December 17th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
If this is true, then the citizens of Brandon including myself was misinformed on that issue. If I remember right, Jay himself told the city that a mutual aid agreement was sent to RM. (correct me if I am wrong on that).. So basically Jay has lied to the citizens of Brandon, (That is the way I take it) and I was never opposed to MS just had alot of unanswered questions
December 17th, 2007 at 1:17 pm
Hey Always Listening, maybe you should be re-named Never Studying. The correct spelling of rhetoric, is r-h-e-t-o-r-i-c..not rederic as you used in post #23. I may agree with your position, but it is hard to respect someone who cannot spell.
December 17th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
Spelling police
Shtu teh hlel up! Its a blog we are not getting graded on this.. Man, if thats all you can bring to the table about this issue, why bother..
Can yuo raed my blgo alright
December 17th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
I just speell that way at times so that no one will figure out who I is
December 17th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
I think I am confused or misreading your post #30.
As I read the section 6-7-16 Exceptions to license……it sounds to me like RM can be dispatched if necessary….
December 17th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
The ordiance was written with this wording, but when we opted out of the county ordiance, the city is not allowed to pick and choose what part they wanted to keep. It goes to the line…only one liscented 911 service for the city. Fire department has written mutual aid…Jay does NOT!
December 17th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
If I understand the city’s ordinance correctly, the city can have more than one licensed service, but only one of those licensed services will be the 911 contracted provider.
December 17th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
So what you are saying Alica is that RM can not be mutual aid to MS? Is there anyway that we can get a direct answer from the city if there is a mutal aid agreement somewhere out there, this is really concerning!!
December 17th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
Metro has a SOP on who needs to be sent next if all rigs are out on a call and it will be the next availible ambulance. So yes RM will be involved.
December 17th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
Metro’s SOP means nothing, it has to come from city hall. You say they’ll be involved….prove it.
December 17th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
If you do not understand how Metro Communications works then go down there and sit then you’ll know something. If you have no idea then you have no room to speak.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
Ya all forget - that little ole piece of paper signed by the city and MS does not guarantee a response time only an enroute time of 4 minutes. Jay promised at a city a meeting that an available unit will be there in 8 minutes - and that a mutual aid agreement was sent to RM - Least not forget what Jay promised Aberdeen at a city council meeting and at our own forum but then as it got to the 11th hour is was only one unit without a subsidy - that is one rig without city tax dollars. Didn’t jay also say the mutual aid was guranteed by the county?
Now a word from our City admistrator
“#119 Alica Says:
December 16th, 2007 at 11:30 pm
Dennis Olson, city administrator, told me that Rural Metro does not have a backup contract with Med-Star nor will it ever have such a contract. Rural Metro does not have a license to do runs in Brandon.
Only a service that has a license with the city can transport patients in Brandon.”
Looks like we all lose while Jay and Steve figure a way to pay for Medstar to continue.
December 17th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
I believe that people do not understand just how this works in EMS. Metro communications will send the next closest ambulance to Brandon if MS is already on a call. Yes that means that someone else can come into the city. Metro communications has a policy on this issue already. The town of Brandon will not be left up in the air with nothing. There are still county contracts out there as well. Really it will be OK people. Alica can get the facts for you on this matter so people can gosip about something else.
December 17th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
Alica did get the facts from Dennis Olson, see post #42.
City ordinance trumps county ordinance.
December 17th, 2007 at 9:30 pm
#44 I don’t think you know it all by any means. I have an idea.. why don’t you call to Metro communications and just ask for the facts yourself?367-7000. Let me know how you come out and what they tell you. It may not be RM that Brandon gets it might be Garretson or Valley Springs.
December 18th, 2007 at 6:43 am
#45 facts,
Are u kidding? Valley Springs and Garretson? They aren’t ALS services, we have our own fire dept. WE’RE TALKING ABOUT ALS HERE. We could’ve just stayed with what we had if you’re going to accept VS and Garretson. Obviously you don’t know it all.
December 18th, 2007 at 8:43 am
Merry Christmas everyone!!!!!!!!
December 18th, 2007 at 8:45 am
Garretson is an ALS service. Please don’t use the f-word, facts, if you don’t have any.
December 18th, 2007 at 8:55 am
Boy those are going to be some long response time people if we are calling Garretson, This whole issue is going to snowball out of control, because there is no way that Med-Star can handle such a contract, you know, I know and Med-Start knows that they have biten off more then they can chew…
Now we just have to wait for them to go out of business and hopefully RM comes to the Rescue
December 18th, 2007 at 8:57 am
Dear lord what is happening to the value of human life? Our city counsel is willing to get blood on their hands for Medjoke?! Our quality of emergency care has warped back to 80’s, when we had top-notch 21st century paramedics. Paramedics who are mentored on a daily basis with not only each other, but also all those guys called ER PHYSICIANS! There medical director is an ER MD, in SF, not outwoods NE. So sad for those who are very ill and/or dying and need someone who is not just going to get there in “8 or so minutes”, only to have a Medjoke “paramedic/emt” stand there and @hit their pants trying to figure out what to do because they either have been out of EMS for to long (oh, but they have years of experience, right) or barely made it through paramedic school. You all do know that the paramedic school rejects, who are not even considered in SF come here right? haha, what a joke!!!! To all MS employees, I hope you enjoyed your coffee yesterday with your twisted, immoral, unethical, dishonest, revenageful, (I could go on and on, but I won’t) “boss”, because from the information I have received just recently, that is probably the only paycheck you are going to receive. Unless Jay has some chickens and eggs he can trade you? No paychecks, folks, they all bounce. That is why Jay refused to cough up a financial report. Why would he want to show how red he is. Red to the point that he bounces checks to employees and auto garages hold his ambulances at the business because he can’t pay for the repairs. RED! RED! RED! The color of Medjoke’s financial report and all the hands covered in blood, who pushed the laughing stock of SD,IA, MN, and NE through! Folks,we’ve been HAD! Oh yeah, and on one last note, the comment of “if you don’t like it, then move” HAHA, yeah, it is pretty obvious that the city council thinks everyone already has! “Brandon, Population 6″ Medjoke can run a 911 on them if they want…where do we purchase those “NO MED JOKERS ALLOWED” signs anyway?
December 18th, 2007 at 9:06 am
I got an idea, since yesterday was slow day for MS, Jay and all him employees can just continue doing what they have been for the last six months-year…BLOGGING! Training, yeah, whatever! The blind teaching the blind. Good luck with that EMT class. I would be so proud to be a certified, MS taught, EMT! Seriously, get a life…
December 18th, 2007 at 9:19 am
“I won’t get into yesterday any more,” Masur said, referencing recent controversy over his company’s qualifications to provide emergency transport services. “We’re moving forward.”
We, the citizens of Brandon WILL continue to “get into yesterday”, and everyday in your future, Jay…WE are also continuing to move “forward.” The difference is, that WE are going to fall flat on our face!
December 18th, 2007 at 9:22 am
The difference is, that WE are NOT going to fall flat on our face…sorry, very emotional subject.
December 18th, 2007 at 9:32 am
For the few of you Linda Webber MS bashers out there, there are some people that are glad to have them up and running. Sorry that your team has lost and our’s has won. Merry Christmas.
December 18th, 2007 at 9:57 am
O resident.. Only if you knew the behind the scene stuff..You citizens of Brandon fell into the trap and now you will pay.. And trust me you will pay…This issue has just begun, Soon we will be back to sqaure one because Med-Star is out of $$$$. See resident it take $$$$ to run a business, it takes call-volume to make $$$$. No calls = no $$$$….And dont tell me that they have the transfers to rely on.. transfer money will not pay for all the extra expenses Jay has now, staffing a 24-7 staff $$$$…Lets just say you get what you pay for.. The least expensive is always the worst quality..
December 18th, 2007 at 10:21 am
#55, your quote; The least expensive is always the worst quality, in this case maybe, but if the City would have contracted with the County for Law Enforcement, we would have saved money and had higher quality law enforcement professionals working for the City. Just a thought.
December 18th, 2007 at 12:26 pm
#50….Boy, your full of the Christmas spirit, arent’ you? How would you like someone going on a public forum and trashing YOU and your livielhood like you have done? I am so SICK of all you Med Star bashers! Talk about not having enough to do. I think you should all get something else to complain and whine about. What is done, is done. As a community we voted on the issue and it passed! Jay has met every criteria in the oridiance. So now it is time to let Med Star do the job. And no, I am not a Med Star employee or Jay (because I know you guys think everyone that is for Med Star has to be an employee) In fact, I hardly know the man. But I have called and asked him questions concerning his ambulance service and he has been nothing but courteous and professional. We certainly cannot say the same about the Med Star bashers. You are nothing but angry, revengful people. Please, let Med Star do their job and get on with your lives. Have a very Merry Christmas!
December 18th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
#57 I think you have said it all, Nice Job!!!
December 18th, 2007 at 12:30 pm
Finally some one said “Merry Christmas” Thank you #57, I was about to really lose faith in the bloggers.
December 18th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
I called someone from the County reference MS. They told me that RM would not respond to calls in Brandon. He said that MS is supposed to have someone on call 24/7 and if they have an ambulance that is transporting a patient, they will have to prepare other ambulance and team. He said the only time RM would respond is if there was a large incident were mutual aid kicks in an event with multiple patients. So there you go.
December 18th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
I forgot to add, the reason RM can not responed to calls is because they are not licensed in Brandon.
December 18th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
Why would you call the county? They have nothing to do with MedStar or Rural Metro. I also doubt they would know the fine details of when RM would/would not respond.
I wonder how you worded your question….If you asked, “If MS is transporting a patient and a call comes in, would RM respond?” A person could take that two ways…One, as “transporting” to another facility or “transporting” a 911 call from Brandon to a SF Hospital. Remember, MS has ONE of their ambulances designated for 911 calls. The other ambulances they have are for their “transporting” business (different from their 911 business).
RM can still respond to calls in Brandon - just not as the primary 911 responder…..
December 18th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
#62, do you not get it? RM is NOT, NOT, NOT coming to Brandon unless we are in a crisis situation. It is that simple. It has been reported, stated, and explained time and again!!!!
December 18th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Apparantly I do NOT, NOT, NOT get it….And NO, NO, NO it REALLY isn’t that simple.
Who really knows if/when RM can “assist” in Brandon (define crisis)? It has been “reported, stated, and explained” many different ways, depending upon “who” is trying to make their point. Supporters of RM have their view and supporters of MS have their view.
It would be FABULOUS if someone (city) with some ACTUAL FACTS would do a TV/newspaper article EXPLAINING some of the “gray” areas. It appears there is a lot of “interpreting” (opinions)happening.
Some questions I would like answered:
1. If MS is busy with a Brandon 911 call and another Brandon 911 call comes in, who responds? Does MS have the capablities to send another ambulance? Does the call automatically go to RM?
2. What does the “Dr.” actually stand for with the QA person? Is he a Chiropractor AND Physican? What kind of “physician” is he? Where did he get his schooling to become a “physician”? Has he actually practiced as a physician? (I can find where he practiced a bit as a Chiro, just not as a physician).
3. Decipher the ordinance into non-legal language. Highlight the areas that changed from REMSA standards to Brandon’s re-written standards.
4. A nice “profile” of MS employees would be informative. Education, experience, etc.
Any CONSTRUCTIVE comments would be appreciated. Please leave the bashing out, it is childish.
December 18th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
Alica–you started tis so can you get the answers for everyone. No we are not looking for the argus gosip the facts please!!
December 19th, 2007 at 12:32 am
I just read the Challenger story about Med Star’s first day and it referenced that they are preparing for an EMT class they will be teaching in January. I just checked the State of South Dakota, Dept of Safety, EMS Division, list of STATE APPROVED EMT-B courses and do not see an approved course located in Brandon, nor is Jay listed as a coordinator of any upcoming EMT class. Anyone thinking of taking an EMT class must make sure that the class they are paying for is a State Department of Safety, EMS Division approved course. Otherwise, you will find yourself in big difficulty when it comes time to take the licensing exam to become certified. Make sure you check it out thoroughly before you pay for an EMT course - anywhere.
December 19th, 2007 at 6:36 am
When did Med-Star start working in Texas!! Sounds like something they would do:
http://emsresponder.com/article/article.jsp?siteSection=1&id=6729
December 19th, 2007 at 7:48 am
#67……Your post and link was cruel and mean. You should be ashamed of yourself!
December 19th, 2007 at 8:02 am
Regarding Medstar teaching an EMT class. Are they (MS) certified instructors??
December 19th, 2007 at 8:23 am
The EMT class will be for law enforcment only and it is not a for sure thing yet. There will be no charge for the class other than the books. Yes MS is certified in ACLS, CPR, BTLS, PALS and a few other courses. All staff are instructors.
December 19th, 2007 at 8:27 am
Mr point of view your point of view is not welcome here becaus you have no point!! I agree with # 68.
December 19th, 2007 at 8:32 am
You should all be ashamed of yourself for allowing such a joke of a company into our city. I see that article as an eye-opener, EMS is a serious field with great responsabilties, we should not give a company a CHANCE to make it, we should hire someone that we KNOW will make it.. This could easily happen with a service that does not have alot of EMS experience (911 calls), like Med-Star..I just hope something like this does not happen in Brandon…
December 19th, 2007 at 8:37 am
resident (MS employee),
I believe Kent asked if they were certified instructors, not certified themselves. Because paramedics are required to be certified in BLS and ACLS.
Please name the local training center that the instructors are certified through.
Nice that you say it’s not a sure thing yet, but Jay was quoted in the Argus saying they were preparing to start? Which is it?
So will our cops be certified EMT’s then? Through the state of SD? Will they take the national test?
Here’s the link to the state of SD approved EMT classes:
http://www.state.sd.us/dps/ems/EMT_Information/EMT-BASIC.htm
December 19th, 2007 at 9:21 am
#72….How do you KNOW that they won’t make it? Do you have a glass ball at your house to look into the future?
December 19th, 2007 at 9:46 am
Tell me how they can make it work, its nothing against Med-Star its facts!!
Failed in 2 other cities due to lack of calls, Brandon averages on a good year 200 calls.. How can someone make it on 200 calls per year? They dont make that much extra income with transfers to supplement 24/7 staff and all the extra expenses he has now. And also I heard he only has a $1,000,000.00 insurance policy, that will not cover much at all.. Poor guy cant afford anything more.
December 19th, 2007 at 9:50 am
Also, I did not say they wont make it, I said why give them a CHANCE to make it.. If a company like this is questioned on stablity to last more then 3-5 years, why chance it. This is not like the Sneakers issue, where we say, “well lets give them a chance and if they screw up we can shut them down” If Med-Star screws up, that is a lawsuit and maybe someone’s life. I am not a risk taker like that, I would rather have a company that has proven themselves for many many years, with great personal and equipment and the money to back their mouths…
Also, you all say Jay is so proffesional and nice when you talk to him about these issues. Well, I would kiss your @ss to if I was trying to start a business..Does anyone know his past? I guess you DON’T!!!
December 19th, 2007 at 9:58 am
Point of View…I think you need some anger management classes!
Are you jealous of Medstar or something??? One would think so based on your pre-occupation with trying to destroy them.
December 19th, 2007 at 10:07 am
#50, Very well said! That sure shut the MS employees and Jay from blogging for a bit! The MS lovers have not even answered nor commented on the medical director or financial report issue. Everyone should be very interested in that! Very funny!
#67, That IS the realality of inexperienced paramedics, I thought that your link was very appropriate for our citys’ sad issue. Jay and his jokers should take this to heart!
#70, I highly doubt that ALL Medjokers are instructors of these courses, please do not lie to the readers. EMT-B are not even able to practice ACLS/PALS (that is the point of the advanced level of being a paramedic), so how in your right mind can you say they are able to teach this! More lies…gotta love it!
#74, Medjoke failed many times before. Do we need to remind you of SF, Aberdeen and Huron. It is only a matter of time my dear. You wait, Jay will not have any staff here in a few months. HE COULD NOT AFFORD WHAT HE WAS DOING BEFORE PEOPLE! 40-50 ambulance patients transported (not all 911 calls generate patient transport folks),is going to keep his boat a-float. And on a last note, everyone in Brandon does wish that they had a glass ball to see the future right now, at least then they could get outside of Brandon city limits prior to their emergency!
December 19th, 2007 at 11:49 am
#78 You have posted under several other names on this nlog and it is like you are talking to yourself. You have no proof on nothing and no experience to speak about anything. YES it is true staff at MS have taken ALL the instructor courses, so if you have no proof stop with your made up s***. You seem to be nothing more than a want a be paramedic. Go to school and then you will have some room to talk. You need some anger mgt class as well as a paramedic class.
December 19th, 2007 at 11:59 am
I think that you all should just give them the chance to prove themselves to everyone. All of you that have it in for Jay and his crew i can make a guess and say that none of you have been to his shop and met with Jay and his crew since all of this has taken place. I have faith that Jay and his crew will make it.
I would rather drive to Brandon now then have RM come pick me up in SF city limits.
NO I AM NOT AN EMPLOYEE OF MED STAR!!!
But I have a lot of trust in them along with a lot of other people. We just do need to get on here everyday and bash people for what they do for a living or for their passions in life.
I hope that everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Very Merry New Year!!!
December 19th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
#80.. What makes you want to drive to Brandon so Med-Star can transport you? RM has never had a bad rep anywhere they have been, never gone bankrupt and nobody has ever questioned their personal..Sounds to me that you are a Med-Star lover.. I am copying all of these post that are on Med-Star’s side, so in 6 months I can paste them on a blog on the new blog “why med-star failed”, and then I will be looking for everyone to explain themselves and ask what happened
December 19th, 2007 at 12:37 pm
Point of view….I guess that you don’t know much about RM either. Yes they have pulled out of cities as well for lost money. Further more some of their companies have had a bad rap for pt care. Do your research on them you’ll find alot more than you barginned for.
People just need to let MS do their jobs. Move on and let the grudge go.
December 19th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
Amen #82!!!!!!! Let it go you guys!!! Let them do the job we have voted on. Get on with your lives. Enjoy your families this Christmas and give thanks that we can agrue this subject to the ground! A lot of people don’t have the privelige of having an ambulance service or medical care for that matter. Count your blessings. Again, Merry Christmas!
December 19th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
#82 AND #83..
You guys are still on the blog typing, so how can you tell me to let it go when you are still on here bitchin also.. Why dont you get a life.. I will remember you guys in 6 months when there is no Med-Star
December 19th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
point of view…You have none that anyone cares about…keep on complaining it gives you something to do you wanna b paramedic with no life.
December 19th, 2007 at 1:41 pm
point of view…you have none that anyone cares about. You are just a wanna b paramedic with no life. Sorry that you can not accept the facts that MS has the Brandon contract. MOVE ON!
December 19th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
auh!!, you hurt my feelings #86 hahaha..Just remember 6 months…I bet you are the medic from Med-Star that forgot to go get his hours in and lost his medic cert. and know has to retest, because you are to busy on the computer bloggin, then again you only have 200 calls a year, so you guys have plenty of time on your hands..
December 19th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
point of view getting the hours in that are needed to maintain certification is not that easy at times.
I would rather die then let RM touch anyone in my family again or for that fact not touching them and taking care of them when they were involoved in an accident. I agree that you need to move on
December 19th, 2007 at 3:45 pm
#84….You are right. I am a bigger person than to continue to read and react to you MS bashers. I will stop beating a dead horse. There are sooooo many things to be thankful for and so many privelages that we take for granted. I will not spend one more minute listening to you all be negative and mean. Its Christmas!! Good Bye!
December 19th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
#88 that is the worst excuse ever for not getting your hours in…An active Paramedic should never run short on hours NEVER!! Talk to ya all in 6 months. One thing before I leave, you all say Jay is so nice does anyone know his past! Maybe you should look into that once, I dont see a guy like him being nice!!
December 19th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
I am a former medic And do not work for either RM or MS. I just moved back here a few months ago and have been watching this from afar. With that background here are a few points to ponder from an unbiased POV.
#79 You sound educated but misguideed by anger. You cannot be an instructor in ACLS or PALS without being a paramedic. Jay,by his own admission, also has EMT-B’s so all of his employees cannot be instructors in this. Also Valley Springs has, by state records, a very good VFD but no ambulance service.
#88 Getting hours for a recert is very easy. You take two 24hr refresher courses every 2 years and your done.I have been a NREMT-P since 1990, and never had a problem with hours. This state offers many Refresher courses that you can find on the state website under training.
Overall let the chips fall where they may and I pray that no one gets hurt, pro or con.
December 19th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
I am a current medic and have been for 15 years. I ment all of MS paramedics were instructors not the EMTS even though they took the class as well.
Point of view…you are just an uneducated person I guess that is why you are not in EMS.
December 19th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
How do you know that I am not in EMS? How do you know anything about anybody on this blog.. How do I know you are a medic? I DO know Jays past both business and personal..and I will never let him touch my family or step one foot on my property.. Good night and God bless!! Our town is fallin off the deep end. I cant wait for your rebutal on this FACTS! hahaa
December 19th, 2007 at 7:00 pm
Point of view it is very apparent that you are just not an intellegent person or know anything about EMS and what is going on in Brandon by your comments. I sure am glad that MS will not have to care for you and your behavior.
December 19th, 2007 at 7:00 pm
Why is it no one will name the training center the MS medics are instructors for????? Where do they get their certification cards from?? Avera? Sanford? Gold Cross??
December 19th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
facts,
that’s calling the kettle black, you can’t even spell the word intelligent.
December 20th, 2007 at 1:12 am
Why is it that Jay will not produce a financial report?
Why is it that NO MD in one of the largest regions for medical care, will not get close to Jay and the Jokers?
Why is it that EMTB are taking paramedic certifications in which they no nothing about and then go forth proclaiming they are instructors?
Why is it that our city is so blind?
“facts” (Jay)…you know nothing! Nothing about EMS nor the professionalism that goes with it…that is why you have and will continue to fail…
#88, you have no idea what we had here in Brandon. Loosing RM was one of the biggest mistakes in history! Ask anyone in SD who actually knows about the EMS world…do not ask those who do not, that means you “facts”
God Bless and Happy Holidays…
December 20th, 2007 at 2:53 am
Good luck people of Brandon…Good luck!!! You will need it.
December 20th, 2007 at 8:11 am
Observer Says:
December 15th, 2007 at 12:55 am
If there really is this kind of personal relationships and misconduct going on from the Mayors Office - you might want to read SD Codified Law
-13-30. Petition for recall–Number of signers–Form–Time for signing. A petition signed by fifteen percent of the registered voters of the first or second class municipality, based upon the total number of registered voters at the last preceding general election, demanding the election of a successor to the mayor, commissioner, or alderman sought to be removed shall be filed with the auditor and presented by the auditor to the governing body. The allowable grounds for removal are misconduct, malfeasance, nonfeasance, crimes in office, drunkenness, gross incompetency, corruption, theft, oppression, or gross partiality. The petition shall contain a specific statement of the grounds on which removal is sought. The form for the municipal recall petition shall be prescribed by the state Board of Elections pursuant to chapter 1-26. No signature on a petition is valid if signed more than sixty days prior to the filing of the petitions.
Anonymous Says:
December 16th, 2007 at 7:34 pm
I think you mean SDCL 9-13-30; 9-13-30. Petition for recall–Number of signers–Form–Time for signing. A petition signed by fifteen percent of the registered voters of the first or second class municipality, based upon the total number of registered voters at the last preceding general election, demanding the election of a successor to the mayor, commissioner, or alderman sought to be removed shall be filed with the auditor and presented by the auditor to the governing body. The allowable grounds for removal are misconduct, malfeasance, nonfeasance, crimes in office, drunkenness, gross incompetency, corruption, theft, oppression, or gross partiality. The petition shall contain a specific statement of the grounds on which removal is sought. The form for the municipal recall petition shall be prescribed by the state Board of Elections pursuant to chapter 1-26. No signature on a petition is valid if signed more than sixty days prior to the filing of the petitions.
Or your could use; SDCL 3-17-6. Grounds for removal of local officers from office. Any officer of any local unit of government may be charged, tried, and removed from office for misconduct, malfeasance, nonfeasance, crimes in office, drunkenness, gross incompetency, corruption, theft, oppression, or gross partiality.
I believe there has been a president set this year with the Yankton recall and I also think that if the Mayor picks the new Chief just because they are friend it would fit gross partiality and I also think gross incompetency.
December 20th, 2007 at 8:25 am
#97 I do know what you had in Brandon and I know what you now have. I would take the present and forget the past…I have had numerous dealings with RM in my lifetime and I will still chose Jay and his wonderful crew anyday. I put my life on the line every Sunday night at the race tracks every race night. I dont trust RM. I have reasons why and we are all entitled to state our opinions on this board. The name calling and the trash talking really needs to stop. Deal with the current situation that the people in Brandon has chose.
I know Jay’s current business and his past and in my eyes Jay has improved greatly.
I want to wish every one a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
December 20th, 2007 at 9:40 am
#97 I am not Jay nor do I work for him. I am very educated in EMS and have been around for many years. You have no room to judge anyone on this blog!!
#100 Nice to read.
December 20th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
I do not have any room to judge because you have all of it. If you are so educated in EMS and have been around for “many years”, then you should have the common sense to know what Medjoke is…get a life! If you could just answer the questions I have asked 3 times know, instead of pulling @hit out of your ass that has nothing to do with the issue. You can’t answer them! Educated, right. Good-bye freak!
December 20th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
#102-MS is trying to make it better for Brandon and there are people in Brandon that want them so where is it your place to bash all over them? Why don’t you grow up and stop the name calling? What is it you want to know and is it worth my time to get you the answers? Do you live in Brandon? Remember you can not please everyone.
December 20th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
I keep on hearing all the recall talk on this blog. Is anyone putting it together? Would be interesting to know.
December 20th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
I don’t know, but if the Mayor and council doesn’t start think more about the City then their friends and themselves, I will sign it.
December 20th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
At this point, by the time anyone could get a recall petition together, it would be next spring before an election could be scheduled.
So would there be a point? Two council seats come up for election next spring anyway, those of John Saarloos in Ward I and Steve Rubin in Ward III.
So for those who would like different people on the council, wouldn’t their time be better served recruiting and campaigning for candidates to run for those two seats?
The whole makeup of the council could change if two councilors change, or even if only one changes.
I’m not advocating for any course of action in particular, mind you. I’m just suggesting people look at the big picture and consider using their efforts as efficiently as possible.
December 20th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
When is the Mayor up for re-election?
December 21st, 2007 at 7:57 am
3 1/2 years.
December 21st, 2007 at 10:50 am
Well, then we will see what happens, but it might be about time for a Mayoral change.
December 21st, 2007 at 11:35 am
Mayor Larry Beesley was first elected in 2003 for a four-year term. In the spring of 2007, voters re-elected him to a second four-year term. His current term is up in May 2011.
December 22nd, 2007 at 11:50 am
Wow, so much hate at a time when we should be practicing “peace on earth and goodwill toward men (humans).” When did it become appropriate behavior to publically attack others when they are merely expressing an opinion?
Some of these entries remind me of middle schoolers:
Blogger 1: I like MedStar.
Blogger 2: You suck and you’re ugly.
Blogger 3: You both suck and are ugly.
Blogger 1: I don’t like Rural Metro.
Blogger 2: You suck and you stink like poo.
Blogger 3: You both suck and stink like poo.
Blogger 1: I’m smart and know everything.
Blogger 2: You are stupid, don’t know jack, and you still suck.
Blogger 3: You are both stupid, don’t know jack, and still suck.
Blogger 1: I hate you
Blogger 2: I hate you, too.
Blogger 3: I hate you both.
It is embarrassing to think that this blog can be read by anyone with internet access. Talk about making this town into a laughing stock.
December 22nd, 2007 at 7:22 pm
#111-You sure sum things up. Good Points!!
December 23rd, 2007 at 4:54 pm
BRANDON IS A GREAT TOWN LETS GIVE MED STAR A BREAK I LIVE IN SIOUX FALLS AND COULD TELL YOU A FEW BAD BOO BOO’S ON RURAL METRO RESPONSE TIME. I LIKE COMING TO BRANDON EVERYONE IS SO FRIENDLY AND ITS A REAL HOMEY
FEELING.
January 1st, 2008 at 6:07 am
My second blog entry, first was on the new Chief appointment. Wow do you people have alot of issues. I probably wouldn’t have moved here if I’d actually met some of you face to face, do the words too stupid to live come to mind. When I end up face down in need of some emergency care (like we all will be at some point) I’m just hoping someone, anyone shows up. That includes the cops, if I was a cop or an emt, I might think twice about even trying to help some of you, probably get threatened with a lawsuit for tripping over your pet beagle. When you call 911 for help, be it fire, police or ambulance does it matter if somone shows up? The answer is yes. Does it matter who shows up, the answer is no. Help is help folks, when your layin on the floor bleeding out because of some darwin award winning act of self inflicted stupidy, I’ll bet you won’t care who walks into your house.
January 1st, 2008 at 8:29 am
Can see right through you, “retired.” More propaganda.
You state it doesn’t matter who shows up. Well apparently you’ve never needed someone who knows what they’re doing to save your life. (you’re the one who said “too stupid to live”)
Help is not help. I call a licensed electrician so I don’t kill myself trying to do a job I’m not qualified to do.
And yes. I do care who walks into my house, and you can stay out thank you.
January 1st, 2008 at 9:05 am
Retired, someday when your heart stops beating we’ll send an auto mechanic to start an IV and intubate you. Next time the service engine light comes on in your car, take it over to MedStar and let their medics take care of it. If you ever need surgery, come on over to my house. I have a sharp knife and a general understanding of anatomy. Plus, I won’t charge you nearly as much as a real surgeon.
Help is help, right?
January 1st, 2008 at 4:37 pm
I once went to a dentist (or insert your choice of medical professionals) who had all the right licenses hanging on the wall. He looked awesome too with his neatly pressed uniform and tidy office with all the latest equipment. He even sanitized all his equipment correctly.
After I paid him a fortune for his supposed expertise I realized he wasn’t the best choice. He didn’t do the best job. and he went out of business midway through my work, and I had to have someone who had more experience with my particular problem finish it.
He really could talk the talk, but as it turned out, when things got complicated, he couldn’t walk the walk.
January 2nd, 2008 at 5:18 am
The people on the other blog were completely correct. I post my second blog ever in my life and already I’m ridiculed and run through cheese grate. Instead of just bashing maybe you should do something about those that are responsible for this “horrific” problem, I wonder how many of you were responsible for voting them into office in the first place. Sure didn’t take much to get your fur up did it? I’ll put some cat food on the back porch if your still hungry.
January 2nd, 2008 at 6:21 am
Retired,
You sir or madam are the one who asked for the cheese grate by calling people “to stupid to live.” If you don’t want to be ridiculed, perhaps you could lighten up YOUR language and name calling.
January 14th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
#113…….. Thank you!
April 19th, 2008 at 4:21 am
You all crack me up. First of all I have never heard a medic ,out side of RM, ever boast about their quality. I worked for 2 major EMS co. in a REAL metropolitan area (1,500,00 pop not a piddly ass 150,000 and on that point many in the EMS community dont consider sioux falls “High Volume”)and have had the benefit for knowing medics who came from other RM cities. From what I gather they are nothing to brag about. A medic I know from MAST in Kansas City also would NEVER work for RM… over all I dont hear too much good about them. so remeber that when you compare them to another agency. I personally would drive my self to the hospital rather than depend on RM.
June 25th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Anthony, you are so miss- informed. Your probally a person that applied to work for Rural Metro and couldn’t get past the interview. Sorry but just buy a scanner, a blue light and drive around and say to yourself ” I’m inportant”.