news from September 2013 JOIN US TODAY-FOR A GOOD CAUSE WE’RE HALFWAY THERE! In order for these plates to be produced, the Secretary of State needs to receive 1,500 requests. We are halfway there, help us reach our goal and sign up as soon as possible: The deadline is in December. Requests are available to the general public; applicants do not need to be a licensed EMT or Paramedic in order to receive an EMS plate. WHAT’S NEXT? All you need to do is fill out the form and deliver it to Meaghan Jorgensen at Superior Ambulance. Once produc- tion begins, license plate numbers are given out on a first come first served basis. QUESTIONS? If you have any questions about the EMS specialty plates, please contact Meaghan Jorgensen, Government Rela- tions Specialist at [email protected]. For more information, please visit www.emsplates.com. Sign up to get your EMS license plate! These specialty plates help raise funds to provide scholarships and assis- tance for family members of EMS personnel killed in the course of their employment. EMS personnel risk their lives every day on the job to save others. Through the creation of the EMS specialty plate we hope to lessen the burden faced by the family members who are left behind due to unforeseen and tragic events. Each year when you renew your plates a $17 fee will be charged. Of that, $15 is deposited into the EMS Memorial Scholarship & Training Fund.
Transcript
news from September 2013
JOIN US TODAY-FOR A GOOD CAUSE
WE’RE HALFWAY THERE!In order for these plates to be produced, the Secretary of State needs to receive 1,500 requests. We are halfway there, help us reach our goal and sign up as soon as possible: The deadline is in December. Requests are available to the general public; applicants do not need to be a licensed EMT or Paramedic in order to receive an EMS plate.
WHAT’S NEXT?All you need to do is fill out the form and deliver it to Meaghan Jorgensen at Superior Ambulance. Once produc-tion begins, license plate numbers are given out on a first come first served basis.
QUESTIONS?If you have any questions about the EMS specialty plates, please contact Meaghan Jorgensen, Government Rela-tions Specialist at [email protected]. For more information, please visit www.emsplates.com.
Sign up to get your EMS license plate! These specialty plates help raise funds to provide scholarships and assis-tance for family members of EMS personnel killed in the course of their employment. EMS personnel risk their lives every day on the job to save others. Through the creation of the EMS specialty plate we hope to lessen the burden faced by the family members who are left behind due to unforeseen and tragic events. Each year when you renew your plates a $17 fee will be charged. Of that, $15 is deposited into the EMS Memorial Scholarship & Training Fund.
September 2013 Superior Lights & Sirens2
On Sunday September 29, Superior Ambu-lance took part in the “Steps to Pink 5K” a fundraiser for Elmhurst Memorial Health-care’s Oncology Program and new Center for Cancer Care. This celebratory walk brought out about 900 participants, all clad in pink to show their support. Superior Ambulance not only contributed EMS for the event, but also gathered a team of walkers.
The Superior breast cancer awareness themed ambulance led the way, towing behind it the Superior motivational medics who danced and cheered on the walkers throughout the three mile course.
Thanks to all the Superior Employees for showing their support for state-of-the-art can-cer care right here in Elmhurst!
SPECIAL EVENTSSteps to Pink 5K
After Hours
On Wednesday September 25, Superior Ambulance hosted the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce After Hours Event.
As an anchor to the Northern Elmhurst community and a longtime member of the Chamber, Superior welcomed many members of the Elmhurst business community to its headquarters. Miss Illinois Brittany Smith (who is from Elmhurst) also attended.
For the occasion, antique ambulances were on display as well as other memorable artifacts dating back to the company’s start in 1959.
The event featured complimentary food and beverag-es provided by local businesses. Attendees also had the opportunity to enter a raffle to benefit Kick Off For Kids, a local Elmhurst organization that supports family centered community improvement.
George Hynek and David Curtis meet with Miss Illinois Brittany Smith (of El-mhurst) on September 25.
Blanche Hill and son Dave Hill III addressed at-tendees at the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. The event was hosted by Su-perior Ambulance and held at the Elmhurst HQ.
3 Superior Lights & SirensSeptember 2013
The Vernon Hills Station opened in 2007
This month, we would like to share a bit of Superior History. Below isan excerpt from one of the earliest Superior Newsletters, “The Life Saver.”
STATION SPOTLIGHT: VERNON HILLS
A GLANCE BACK IN TIME
This month, we would like to recognize an exemplary member of the Superior family. Opened in 2007, the Vernon Hills Superior Station and all its employees have worked hard to serve the surrounding community. As one of the 22 Superior stations, the Vernon Hills location employs many from the surrounding Lake County area. In total, 77 employees dedicate themselves to providing 24/7 quality EMS to the community. The station itself is home to 13 Superior ambulances that have ALS and BLS capabilities. In addition, the station services one MediCar driver and one courier.
The Vernon Hills station prides itself on its ‘family oriented’ nature, and often welcomes visitors to its home. In fact, the station recently had two very important guests: Illinois State Senator Terry Link and State Representative Carol Sente. We appreciate all the hard work and dedication brought to the EMS industry by the Vernon Hills Superior Station.
Keep up the good work!
“The Life Saver”Vol. 1 No. 3 June 2, 1978
When President Jimmy Carter Spent the night in Elmhurst last week, Superior Unit 12, the Elmhurst contract unit, was assigned to stand by at the house where the President was staying in case of an emergency requiring his transportation to the hospital.Pat Ciara and Bob Dullinger, the crew working on Unit 12 that day, met the President’s motorcade when it entered Elmhurst, and went with it to the house on the south side of town, where the President spent the night. They stayed in the Secret Service command post all night, and then travelled with the motorcade the next morning to O’Hare Airport, where the President boarded his plane to fly to Springfield. It is interesting to note that the two paramedics were the only medical personnel at the scene throughout the night, as the President’s personal physician was staying at the Holiday Inn, where he was on call in the case of an emergency.
4 Superior Lights & SirensSeptember 2013
Great Job!On July 27, 2013 the River Grove Police Department conducted a traffic stop and found the driver to be operating his vehicle on a suspended license. Telecommunicator Kelly Capek ran all the information that the officers requested in the Law Enforcement Agency Database (LEADS).
Police transported the offender to the station where he was processed and placed in a cell to wait for bond court. While monitoring our camera system, Telecommunicator Kelly Capek noticed the prisoner was tying his pants to the bars: He was attempting to hang himself. Kelly called the Supervisor into the station and the offender was diverted from doing any harm to himself. Kelly’s attention to duty and quick response to the situation undoubtedly averted injury or even death to the prisoner.
Sergeant Colin Reid gave Kelly a Letter of Commendation for her outstanding work. He alsosent copies to Chief Rodger Loni, River Grove Mayor Marilynn May and Village Trustees.
Kelly, I also want to commend you on a job well done-Keep up the good work!
-Lisa Knowski
Roselle FD: Metro’s BravestMetro began the Roselle contract on January 1, 2010. Per that contract, each employer must have the following credentials: Medic/Firefighter II, PHTL, ACLS, and PALS certified- as well as CPR instructors.
We operate in Region 8 with Central DuPage Hospital as our resource hospital, although most of our patients are transported to Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village. The Village of Roselle has 25,000 residents and 9 districts that include both Cook and DuPage counties along with the Elgin-O’Hare expressway.
When needed, our ambulance also responds to the surrounding towns of Itasca, Bloomingdale and Hanover Park. Last year we responded to 2,400 EMS calls. I am thrilled to mention that all of our Metro medics have displayed pride, dedication and professionalism on a daily basis. They have received recognition on multiple calls for a job well done on incidents ranging from cardiac arrest saves, stroke and trauma to simply providing supportive care to those patients needing transportation to the hospital.
We have six full time Firefighter/Paramedics and one alternate. Matt Cappelen, William Cannone, Daniel Nelson, Adam Mullendore, David Mueller, Louis DiGioia and myself, Kevin Best, as the contract manager. As employees with Roselle, we must uphold our vow of training for EMS/Fire by acquiring a certain amount of training hours each month. The Village purchased a 2010 Ford F560 ambulance that is now our front line response rig. The ambulance sports a back up camera so you can see the crew and patient in the rear as well as a view behind the vehicle when reversing into the hospital bay.
Overall, we will continue to represent Metro with the most professional demeanor at all times- no matter who our audience is- and go above and beyond in serving the Village of Roselle.
-Kevin Best, Roselle FF/PM Contract Manager
Norcomm Telecommunicator Kelly Capek
PBS shares the news that its clientele volume has grown by 17% in 2013, an increase from 63 to 74 clients. New clients include:
Berkeley, Buffalo Grove, Chicago Heights, Elmwood Park, Eureka-Goodfield FPD, Grayslake FPD, Hometown FPD, Mt. Morris FPD, Stillman FPD, Villa Park, and Cedar Lake, Indiana
We welcome these new clients, and hope to keep up the momentum!
The Roselle, Illinois Firehouse
5 Superior Lights & SirensSeptember 2013
INDIANA
MICHIGAN
Dear Tom,
The Dawn Brancheau Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of children and animals in need, inspiring others to follow their dreams, and promoting the importance of community service. Thank you for your very generous donation of your ambulance service for the day. We are blessed by people like you and look forward to expanding our community service projects and making our world just a little bit brighter.
The 3rd Annual Dream Big Walk held on September 15, 2013 was a true success. Over 300 participants walked at the beautiful Lake County Fairgrounds and helped to raise just over $38,000.
This year our event proceeds will benefit The Boys and Girls Club of Cedar Lake, Holy Name Vacation Bible School, Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, LYDIA, Matanya’s Hope, Perry Ferrini Dog Park, South Suburban Humane Society, and the Lake County Fairgrounds, as well as The Dream Big Scholarship at Andrean High School. We could never have accomplished so much without caring individuals like you.
On behalf of the Dawn Brancheau Foundation, thank you for your support.
With sincere gratitude,
Debbie FrogameniExecutive Director
Superior supplied an ambulance from the Merrillville Station to the 3rd Annual Dream Big Walk held at the Lake County Fairgrounds on September 15, 2013
Thomas Bettenhausen, Indiana Director of EMS Operations, offered to share the following thank-you letter with everyone at Superior...
On August 16-18, 2013, Superior participated in the Michigan three-day Breast Cancer Walk. The team dedicated their participation in the event to Amy Curtis, wife of Superior’s VP of Operations David Curtis. Amy is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
Michigan participates in this walk every year, providing ambulances and EMS around the clock throughout the three days of the event.
Thanks to all Superior Employees and Volunteers for the continuous support that helps make the walk a success!
Fun at the Old Ballpark
On August 21st, we had a “Superior Day” with the Gary Southshore Railcats. Fifty employees and family members enjoyed a night at the ballpark with food and fun.
One of the mascots, Rascal, even explored the ambulance displayed inside the park.
Despite an embarrassing performance by our team that night, they did go on to win the Division Championship!
Superior Lights & SirensSeptember 2013 6
STATION VISITSThe state legislature is no longer in session in Springfield, so Superior met with local State Senators and State Representatives and invited them to visit the Superior stations in their individual districts.
Elmhurst HeadquartersState Representative Dennis Reboletti and Illinois Senator Kirk Dillard Superior’s learned more about the company’s history during a walking tour through Superior’s Elmhurst headquarters, where they witnessed the modern technology first-hand. Afterwards, the legislators held a question-and-answer Town Hall meeting.
Senator Dillard witnessed Superior expand into what he called “one impressive operation.” For the city of Elmhurst, he sees Superior as an asset to the community. “Folks like you make this a good place to live,” Dillard said.
Born and raised in Elmhurst, Representative Reboletti stands with Superior, “I work for you and with you,” Reboletti said, “(because) we can’t lose providers like you.” He affirmed that Superior Ambulance is not just an important company, but also a part of the Elmhurst family.
BataviaOn September 10, 2013, the Superior Batavia Station welcomed two elected officials: State Senator Jim Oberweis and State Representative Mike Fortner.
This visit marked Senator Oberweis’ first time at a Superior Station, and he was excited to learn more about the different aspects of the EMS industry.
As the former Mayor of West Chicago, Representative Fortner was familiar with much of Superior’s history and accomplishments as well as the issues concerning the ambulance industry. He sits on the Illinois House Emergency Medical Services Task Force which helps draw attention to important issues facing EMS.
Illinois State Senator Kirk Dillard (left) chats with Illinois Representative Dennis Reboletti at Superior’s Elmhurst HQ during their recent tour.
Right: State Rep. Reboletti and State Sen. Dillard tour Superior’s Elmhurst HQ and learn more about the people, equipment and procedures that ensure the best possible care for patients
“We need to protect the people but also properly acknowledge and reimburse those providing services.”
–Illinois State Rep. Dennis Reboletti
State Rep. Fortner (3rd from left) and State Sen. Oberweis (2nd from right, next to Dave Hill) during their visit to Superior’s Batavia Station
Superior Lights & SirensSeptember 2013 7
STATION VISITSVernon HillsThe Vernon Hills Station recently hosted two very important guests: Illinois State Senator Terry Link and State Representative Carol Sente. The two elected officials toured the station where they learned more about Superior Ambulance and all the Vernon Hills Station has to offer.
Dave Hill answers questions about Superior from Ill. State Rep. Carole Sente and Ill. State Sen. Terry Link during their visit to the Vernon Hills Station.
George Hynek shows the contents of a Superior Ambulance to Ill. Sen. Link (2nd from left) and Ill. Rep. Sente (2nd from right) as Dave Hill and Kim Godden look on.
LyonsDuring his recent visit to the Lyons Station, Illinois State Senator Martin A. Sandoval discussed his position on a hot topic of the EMS industry: Medicaid Reimbursement.
Senator Sandoval stands with Superior Ambulance, and agrees that this issue needs to be resolved.
“Superior Ambulance provides a critical service to my district, and the lives of my constituents are safe in the hands of Superior.”
-Illinois State Sen. Martin Sandoval
Superior Lights & SirensSeptember 2013 8
HR NEWS & NOTES
Crew Compliments
To Jeffrey Joncha and Daniel Schweig:“The crew did a wonderful job in trans-porting and accommodating a patient during his last remaining days.
Thank you to the crew for their hard work and professionalism.”
To Jeffrey Sorenson and Jason Osgood:
“I rode in the Medi-car with my mom
when she went to and from her doc-
tor’s appointment last week. (She is in a
wheelchair temporarily).
I wanted to let you know how friendly
and professional the drivers were that
drove the van. They were very cour-
teous to my mom. I know sometimes
people only complain about their bad
experiences, so I wanted you to hear a
positive experience!
Thanks much!”
Benefits Open Enrollment is coming!!Minor Plan Changes for 2014 – To make it simple, we are only making minor changes to our medical plan. Dental and vision benefits will remain the same for 2014.
Costs & Wellness – Thank you to everyone who participated in Superior’s wellness program.. Our participation went up significantly from last year. Participants will see only about a 3% increase in rates for 2014.
Voluntary Benefits – The terrific group rates for Life Insurance and Long Term Disability continue for 2014. We will be offering an alternative provider for Short Term Disability, Critical Illness and Accident coverage …with lower rates!
Easy Enrollment – We have partnered with a new vendor, SpotLite, to make enrollment easy and fun! Anyone who would like their benefits to continue in 2014 will be required to go online and complete the process. It will be SIMPLE, EASY, and CONVENIENT!
More information will be sent out from the HR Department in the next few weeks.
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