Miller hired as chief, Murfin hired as deputy chief at Marion County Ambulance District

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Marion County Ambulance District (MCAD) is now under new leadership following action by the board of directors.

Interim Chief Marshall Miller and interim Deputy Chief Eric Murfin were hired to fill those respective positions by the board during last week’s meeting, at which the board also swore in two new board members, heard a brief report on the VFIS risk control assessment recommendations, learned about a community health assessment survey, approved one renewal and reviewed the chief’s report.

Miller and Murfin expressed their appreciation to the board and to the district personnel for their support.

“We are grateful for your continued support through this process and look forward to sharing the district’s future with you,” said Miller.

The new board was organized, including the swearing in of Jesse Chapman and Heather Clemens, who are replacing Larry Coleman and Cheryl Arntz.

The board thanked Coleman, who has served on the board for more than 30 years, and Arntz, who stepped in to fill a vacated seat and finish the term. Arntz, a former employee of the district, was recognized for her more than 30 years of total service to MCAD.

Dot Lake was given unanimous approval to continue as board chair. Branson Wells was elected vice chair, Brian Fowler was approved as board secretary and Chapman as treasurer.

Miller said he and Murfin participated in a community wellness survey to discuss issues surrounding the health of the community. The United Way is conducting the survey, along with Hannibal Regional Healthcare System, area health departments and Hannibal Regional Economic Development.

“We are participating in these events to foster growth in the services we provide and enhance the overall health delivery system,” Miller said. “Ultimately, identifying the health needs of our region will be key information as we develop a community paramedic program.”

MCAD has started the process of reviewing and updating protocols, Miller reported, adding they are working with Dr. Christopher Solaro and forming a committee consisting of captains and assistant chiefs.

He and Murfin attended a training with Acid Remap to update information in the protocol app, something which Miller said has been needed for a while.

Miller also gave an update on legislative bills after attending the State Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting, including the Legislative Committee. More will be known on bills that will impact EMS in the state by the next SAC meeting after the legislative session has concluded, he added.

Miller said the district has implemented an overdose rescue program and has received Narcan atomizers from a MO-Hope state grant. The ambulances will carry Narcan Leave-Behind Kits, the protocols for which have been approved Solaro.

“This will place the lifesaving drug in the hands of the people most likely to experience or be present for an overdose,” he said.

New protocols also allow EMT-B providers to administer Narcan.

Yealink devices, a video conference system that will allow crews to participate in training without leaving their coverage area, have been purchased for all ambulance bases. After a trial in both MCAD and Ralls County Ambulance District, Miller said the devices seem to be working well, noting a full order was placed once the district learned prices were increasing by 20 percent due to tariffs.

“In addition to increasing training efficiency, the Yealink system will allow us to maintain consistent coverage while saving on fuel costs and wear and tear on the ambulances,” Miller said.

Information filed with the DEA for the New London base was updated prior to renewal. Miller said the Marion County federal tax ID had been used to set up that base’s registration, so that information was corrected and the renewed completed.

MCAD will begin sharing resources for certification classes with Adair County, Miller said, after meeting with that entity.

While MCAD is happy with the partnership with the University of Missouri, collaboration on other training initiatives were approved with Adair County.

The board also learned:

• A meeting was held with billing during which compliance, policy and new CPT codes, which apply to community paramedicine, were discussed. Those are now being incorporated for use.
• A meeting was held with Solaro during which 17 personnel were approved for NREMT renewals.
• A Bridge the Gap planning meeting was held with Adams County EMS to discuss details for the May 10 event, and
• The contract with Davis Skidloading & More for lawn mowing at all MCAD locations had been approved.

The board also approved the EMS legal service agreement but tabled the lease with US Cellular for the tower usage, noting they want to ensure they are getting fair market value for the property.