Should the Emergency Services be out sources

[illy dilly]

Per the JRS [BManUpdate] V15:#16:06.09.11

Earlier this spring, HGH EMS Rescue signed a five-year contract with Burning Man officials to provide a municipal style EMS system much like those in most other cities in the United States.

What are your thoughts on Burning Man Llc signing a contract with HGH EMS service?

I feel that the on call ambulance for emergency dispatch from BRC to Humboldt General Hospital is great in case there is some major emergency.

I think the on call on site staff is amazing!

But I'm not sure that I like the idea of the medical staff on site only being there because they have to be.

I also, no very little about the current ESD set up and how it all works. So if I'm totally off base (highly likely) feel free to set me straight.

It would be nice if some folks with more insight into the whole situation would throw in their 3 cents.

[Elderberry]

I'm sure the same thing was said when BMORG announced they were going to outsource the jots for the event too.

I have no problem with it.

[Kinetik V]

I know we have some people with deep knowledge of EMS on here...I hope they weigh in as this is a good question!

[knowmad]

But all the cute burner nurses,

oh wait, that might have been a theme night at crack-whores.

but they'll still use volunteers?

[theCryptofishist]

For years, and years REMSA has provided ambulances and personnel at the center camp med tent, while volunteers patrolled and attended at the three and nine o'clock medical outposts. The paid personnel of REMSA were never reluctant, they looked forward to it, they chose to work there, and they walked the fine line of being medical professionals and burners.
I don't remember why they they are now contracting with someone, or if it's just hospitals merging and they are the same entity, or close to the same entity, with the same personnel. I think your fears are unfounded. At least let's get some better information before getting worried.

Edited to say that REMSA is/was an emergency medical something. The people that worked at burning man were employed by Washoe Medical Center.

[Savannah]

Well said, Fishy.

It appears that HGH EMS is taking the place of REMSA (the previous paid agency) at Center Camp. Emergency Services is still seeking volunteers--EMTs, Nurses, Medics, MDs, etc--as much as ever for the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock stations and for Fire, Communications and Mental Health.

The news about HGH EMS is so new that it's not reflected on the site yet, which still lists REMSA.

http://www.brcesd.com/?pg=about

I note there's a cool 2010 AfterBurn Report specific to Emergency Services:
http://afterburn.burningman.com/10/play ... gency.html

Other neat AfterBurn stuff is in the right margin.

[motskyroonmatick]

Looks to me that the contract for medical services that have been in place on the playa for a while just got awarded to a different company. Any responsible person or entity should reevaluate their contract services regularly.

I felt I had very good service from REMSA when I was evacuated. I expect that this new company will offer outstanding customer service as it is a huge push in the medical field. I hope I only wave to them though...

[oneeyeddick]

As long as the Helicopter doesn't take me to Elko it's all good.

[goathead]

Whats the matter with Elko?

[illy dilly]

I think your fears are unfounded. At least let's get some better information before getting worried.

I agree, whats why I threw it out here! And said

I also, no very little about the current ESD set up and how it all works. So if I'm totally off base (highly likely) feel free to set me straight.

It would be nice if some folks with more insight into the whole situation would throw in their 3 cents.

I also, had no idea that the medical tent at center camp was run by an out side party. So from what it seems nothing has really changed.
Except this new HGH EMS Rescue group has all sorts of awards for rural Emergency service, and super fancy Ambulances. And I'd think that Black Rock City, is pretty freaking rural.

[theCryptofishist]

Well, it's already rural in the sense that the nearest hospital is a ways away. Anyone who is transported has to be stabilized and expected to live for at least an hour.

[knowmad]

I had a feeling that the Change is not that big of a thing, Seems I heard about this some time back. BRC bigger, better, faster.

Well, it's already rural in the sense that the nearest hospital is a ways away. Anyone who is transported has to be stabilized .and expected to live for at least an hour

Thats pretty much our camps policy, "You! get in the shade, drink this water; or no boogiewoogie for you tonight."
I once justified putting emergan-C in my gin-tonic as a half measure. one of our camp mates mom asked "dear are you drinking enough water?" as he was leaving, " na ma, but its ok, we'll be a center camp, if I hit the dust they'll have something to do."
Funny thing later that burn he would end up in Medical because a bike wreck, at the same time his Mom is being admitted for heat stroke, his other brother was there getting eye drops for a scratched cornea. and the kicker, Mom Got her PhD this year (yeah Bobbie!)

[Kinetik V]

REMSA was fucking awesome, period. Great people, excellent service, professional each time, every time. I honestly hate to see them go.

They definitely set the bar high, IMHO for this new group to try and meet. If they fail, at least we can run them out of BRC on a rail literally with the UP tracks being so close by....

In any case I wish the new people the best of luck and hope they are successful!

[mdmf007]

ESD at BRC is staffed with volunteers that provide BLS service only - regardless of their professional certification and license. For more acute care patients are transported or are retrieved by ambulance in the field at BM or at the ESD stations at the 3 and 9 oclock plazas.
'
REMSA provided the ALS (advanced life support) services in the past, now HGH has it. Simple economics and a requirement of the permit from BLM.

Not to mention it would be unwise to NOT plan for and EXPECT for some sort of medical emergency in a town of 50,000 people in a week.

So Station 3 and 9 status quo, Center camp medical - HGH instead of REMSA.

[Sail Man]

No outsourcing at Lakes of Fire, we're totally volunteer driven, operating at an MFR level. If it doesnt look good for you we'll just hide you behind the porto's and go burn some more shit.




Now who wants to beer me?

[cablemonkey]

Not to mention it would be unwise to NOT plan for and EXPECT for some sort of medical emergency in a town of 50,000 people in a week.

Statistically speaking, in an *average* US population of that size, 7 people will die in a week. I know we're not average, but still, bad things can and do happen.

[theCryptofishist]

Not to mention it would be unwise to NOT plan for and EXPECT for some sort of medical emergency in a town of 50,000 people in a week.

Statistically speaking, in an *average* US population of that size, 7 people will die in a week. I know we're not average, but still, bad things can and do happen.

mdmf knows this, he works with ESD.

[Lassen Forge]

IIRC... we are WAY below that average... showing just how awesome my fellow ESDers out "in the field" are (And yes, I also wear the yellow proudly...)at keeping those in an unfamiliar, hostile environment from doing themselves in.

Next time you see one of the "Yellow-Shirted Hoardes" (eg ESD peeps) out there in the mini fire trucks, working one of the med stations, or doing what they do best... thank them. Hand them a drink. Give them a kiss on the cheek. They deserve it.

[Savannah]

Indeed. 1 Attendee did die last year offsite at a hospital, according to the Afterburn Report . . . and the playa didn't kill her. Poor lady had a pre-existing condition.

[theCryptofishist]

Just make sure that the drink you hand isn't alcoholic.

And, Scott wouldn't have accepted anyway. Didn't want any "surprises." So don't give 'em flack if they politely turn you down.