PAX Centurion - Spring 2019

Page 26 • PAX CENTURION • Spring 2019 617-989-BPPA (2772) I t is hard to believe that as I sit here writing this, it’s been nearly 8 months since the membership elected me as the president of the BPPA/BEMS. I want to thank the membership for electing me to represent them. As most of you know, I work in Paramedic 2, on the evening shift. One of the luxuries of working in a centrally located, busy ambulance, is that I still see a large percentage of the membership on a regular basis. One of the downfalls of working in a centrally located, busy ambulance, is usually when I see you, it’s when we are working up a sick patient, or in passing at the hospital while one of us is getting pulled out for another call. It’s not the same as sitting down for a cup of coffee. With limited downtime, its often difficult for me to give an elaborate answer to the most common question I get. “How’s the Union Thing going?” You may have gotten my standard response of..“busy” or “good”. Even though both answers are accurate, they don’t give the question credit. A lot has happened over the past eight months..... so “How’s the union thing going?”.... I was elected inAugust during a time of uncertainty. There was unrest with the membership as to our standing with in the Association. Acommittee was formed and met five times between August and September of 2018, we delivered our findings, and recommendations to the HoR (House of Rep’s), which were overwhelmingly accepted. Every concern that the membership brought forward has been or continues to be addressed. I can proudly say our relationship with our parent organization is as strong as ever. As we explored the history of our organization, it became apparent that our by-laws were outdated. Acommittee was formed through the HoR, and was tasked to revise the 40-page document. There have been multiple meetings and every section has been dissected line by line. Through the hard work of our Brothers and Sisters, we are preparing to release the revisions for approval of the membership. Anotice will be sent soon advising our members of the proposed revisions. Contract negotiations have been ongoing since August, 11 bargaining sessions to be exact. As of today, we do not have an agreement. The committee maintains the belief that under the current administration, EMS work is valued. We are confident we will deliver an agreement that will reflect that belief. Ensuring the health and safety of our membership remains paramount on our priority list. We have formed a joint labor-management committee to effectuate it. The preliminary focus of this group has been, but is not limited to, implementation of a professional standard and increasing the span of control. This group is committed to keeping our members safe. An email group, BEMSHealthandSafety@BPPA.org , has been formed to collect any information that any member may feel pertinent to the health and safety of our membership. With the help of our brothers and sisters within the BPPA, the Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society, Boston Police Superior Officers Federation, and others, we were able to secure ten seats for our membership in a world class wellness program, O2X. O2X is a full time wellness program that was created by Navy Seals, and has been proven to decrease both on the job injuries and sick time use within the Boston Fire Department. The members who are attending will be tasked with relaying the information they receive during the program to the membership and management. Creating Career Ladders and professional advancement opportunities is an objective that remains at the forefront of this leadership. Since my election 4 members have accepted a position into Paramedic Internship, 2 members promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, and 1 member to the rank of Training Captain. Four members have been given professional advancement opportunities within community services and special operations. Two classes of recruits have come through the academy, and the intention of another class was just announced. We have formed a joint labor-management career ladder and training committee. We hope that through effective communication, we can establish a clear career ladder, and create more opportunities for professional advancement. This membership continues to provide extraordinary care, you do it with limited resources, and less recognition. I am proud to be a member of this organization and work beside you. Rest assured, you will continue to receive unwavering advocacy for the entirety of my presidency. Boston EMS President’s Notes: Michael MacNeil, BEMS President “So, how’s the Union Thing going?” Responding to change D eep-rooted traditions passed down from generation to generation have laid the groundwork for many public safety entities today. While it would be easier to force mandatory root canals than to roll out a new protocol or piece of equipment, not all additions to the foundation should be viewed as a nuisance. While much of the groundwork has already been laid by those who came before us, it would do them a disservice to not build upon it. The nonstop technological and education boom of our time has brought some devices once only available in the Emergency Department to the streets. It seems that current technological advancements all share a common goal, to be as fast,light and compact as possible. Computers that once filled whole rooms now fit in our pockets. Cardiac defibrillators once heavy and clumsy can be carried with one hand. Ultrasound machines that once stood 8ft tall and took up much of the room are now no bigger than a laptop and can even be viewed on a Smartphone. Technological advancements have also allowed us to send and receive information faster than ever. This means that we can deploy these devices into the field and with proper training, employ them with maximum efficiency. Innovative technology delivered in rugged and compact packages is allowing for faster and more effective patient care in the prehospital setting. One out of every two EMS providers has sustained a back injury, according to a study published in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services. “Lifting causes 62 percent of medic injuries, and back strain See EMS Change on page 28 By Paramedic Justin Pariseau