October 1st Meeting Notes

 The meeting was called to order by the President Elect, Allie Schank. 

We had 2 guests (both named Mike!) Mike Battis from Ballard Ambulance, who was our program; and Mike Malmin, Executive Director of Serve Wenatchee. 

We're testing out a new way to take notes for the blog, so here is the first try!

Upcoming Fundraiser Planning and Sponsorship Discussion
Kathleen and Wayne Steele discussed the upcoming fundraiser, focusing on selling raffle tickets and identifying the primary local nonprofit beneficiary for the year. They emphasized the importance of securing sponsors, aiming for $12,000, and encouraged attendees to reach out to their contacts. They also clarified the difference between sponsorship and ticket money, explaining that sponsorship funds can be used for various activities and operating expenses, while ticket money is specifically for projects and activities.
Program: Ballard Ambulance
Mike Malmin's Emergency Services Journey
Mark introduced Mike Malmin, the director of emergency services, who has been in the business for about 25 years. Mike shared his journey into emergency services, starting as a volunteer firefighter and then becoming an EMT and paramedic. He highlighted the innovative approach of the founder of Ballard Ambulance, who started the company in 1967 and was considered one of the grandfathers of EMS in Washington State. Mike also mentioned that Ballard Ambulance was the first registered air ambulance in the state and that it remains the last privately owned family emergency service business in Washington.
Emergency Medical Services System Discussion
Mike discussed the emergency medical services (EMS) system in the area, highlighting the roles of EMTs and paramedics. He explained that when 911 is called, a response is dispatched on a rotational basis between Ballard and Lifeline. The level of response depends on the severity of the emergency, with EMTs providing basic care and paramedics handling more complex situations. Mike also mentioned that the Wenatchee area is considered a "lighthouse community" due to their high success rate in resuscitating patients from cardiac arrest, a standard they have maintained since 2010.
CPR Class Differences and Industry Challenges
Mike discussed the differences between basic CPR classes and advanced CPR programs, highlighting the latter's focus on continuous monitoring, precise chest compression depth, and oxygen levels. He also mentioned the shift in busiest seasons from summer to year-round due to increased demand. The conversation also touched on the challenges of the highly regulated industry and the decision to focus on other agencies specializing in it.
Ambulance Service Operations and Challenges
Mike discussed the operational details of Ballard Ambulance, which covers a broad area including Wenatchee, Chelan County, Cashmere, and Douglas County. They have 14 ambulances and a minimum of 6 staff units working at any given time. He also highlighted the challenges faced by emergency services. He mentioned their advocacy work in Olympia, which led to the passing of the Knoxville Act, ensuring no surprise bills for commercial areas.
Recognizing and Treating Strokes With FAST Acronym
Mike discussed the importance of recognizing and treating strokes quickly. The FAST acronym stands for Face, Arms, Speech, and Time. He emphasized that early intervention is crucial for successful treatment, with the ideal timeframe being within three hours of symptom recognition.