Curtis Thomas joined OEMS today as Licensure Coordinator.  During the next few weeks he will be orienting to WV by visiting field offices, medical command, and EMS agencies.  Curtis began his EMS career as a volunteer in Pleasants County.  His recent EMS service is as a paramedic for Gaston County (NC) EMS and Training & Quality Assurance Officer for Mount Holly (NC) Fire & Rescue.

Deron Wilkes has accepted the position of Operations Section Chief effective August 18th.  This new position will be responsible for clinical care coordination, WV PreMIS implementation, disaster operations, threat preparedness activities, EMS for Children and other assorted duties.  Deron has worked in EMS in Putnam County, City of Charleston, Huntington Medcom, and is currently a volunteer paramedic and Captain with the Hurricane Fire Department.  He has served in various positions with OEMS since 2002.

March A. Tucker, Jr. will rejoin OEMS on September 1st  after a seven year hiatus.  March will serve as Regulatory Section Chief in charge of agency licensure, personnel certification, and investigation.  March became a paramedic in 1977 serving at Valley EMS & Kanawha Co. EAA.  He also served as a South Charleston police officer and Kanawha County Deputy.  He has recently been an administrative law judge and investigator with Workers Compensation and the Insurance Commission.

In an effort to keep West Virginia's EMS system current with the most up-to-date
prehospital treatment modalities, the State Medical Policy and Care Committee (MPCC )
regularly reviews protocols and looks for ways to improve the patient care available to
the citizens of our State. During a recent review, discussion took place concerning the
use of intraosseous access (IO) in the adult patient. This procedure has been shown
to be a useful route of medication and fluid administration when peripheral IV access has
been unsuccessful. The MPCC felt changes in the current protocol were warranted
based on the most recent research findings.

Nomination forms and criteria for Samuel W. Channell and OEMS Recognition Awards have been posted.

Posted the Vendor/Sponsor Registration Packet in the 2008 EMS Conference Area.