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BLS 12-Lead Acquisition and Transmission The Bureau of EMS and Trauma Systems, State Emergency Medical Advisory Committee (SEMAC) and State EMS Council (SEMSCO) have approved 12-lead ECG acquisition and transmission for EMTs and AEMTs. The Western Regional Emergency Medical Advisory Committee (WREMAC) is responsible for approving participation in this program for services within the 8 WNY counties. As such, a WREMAC policy has been developed and approved to provide guidance on the implementation of this program. Interested services should review both policies (NYS and WREMAC) with their Medical Director to determine feasibility of program implementation. PARTICIPATION IS OPTIONAL and NOT REQUIRED. What to send to the Program Agency: A letter from the agency medical director supporting the implementation of the 12 lead program, including the physician’s plan for training, quality assurance and appropriateness review. A letter from the receiving hospital(s) advising that they are capable of receiving the 12 lead data and providing it to the appropriate hospital personnel. Agency policies and procedures for the 12 lead program that are consistent with state and regional policies and protocols. This should include, but may not be limited to, the following: Use of the approved training program, requirements for continuing education, maintenance of competencies and the documentation for authorized providers; A description of how the agency will follow the NYS Statewide Adult and Pediatric Protocols – Adult Cardiac Related Problem A description of the 12 lead device proposed to be utilized by the EMS agency; and Assurance that 12 lead ECGs obtained while caring for a patient will be subject to physician review. The EMS Service must provide the program agency with an updated Medical Director Verification Form indicating approval to participate in the 12 lead acquisition program. BLS 12 Lead PowerPoint These items must be submitted to STEMS no less than three weeks prior to the next scheduled WREMAC meeting for approval. If you encounter any problems or need an additional help please feel free to reach out to me and I will help you through the process at stems@sthcs.org .

Physician General physicians, also known as general practitioners or family doctors, play a pivotal role in healthcare, providing primary and preventive care to individuals of all ages. Their nature of the profession involves a comprehensive understanding of various medical conditions, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options. General physicians focus on building long-term relationships with patients, serving as the first point of contact for health concerns. They conduct thorough medical examinations, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and offer guidance on preventive measures such as vaccinations and healthy lifestyle choices. They educate patients about their health, discuss treatment plans, and collaborate with specialists when necessary. General physicians contribute significantly to community well-being by promoting overall health and addressing a wide range of medical issues. Career Fact Sheet Download Career Fact Sheet: Physician .pdf Download PDF • 763KB

Continuing the Work While I’m Away As I take a scheduled week of vacation, I want to recognize the strength and stability of STHCS. The ability to step away with confidence reflects the depth of our leadership structure, the professionalism of our staff, and the strength of our organizational systems. Thank you to Rob, Todd, and Mickey for attending the State EMS Council meeting in Saratoga during this time. I am confident they represented STHCS and our community well and look forward to sharing any meaningful updates they bring back. I appreciate the continued engagement and support from our Board of Directors and community partners as we continue representing and advancing the interests of our region at both the local and state levels.

Positioning STHCS for Long-Term Sustainability As we continue through the first quarter of 2026, I want to recognize the important work underway to position STHCS for long-term sustainability and growth. In addition to strengthening our EMS workforce and advancing Pathways to Care, our team has been actively preparing for alignment with New York State’s 1115 Medicaid Waiver. This statewide initiative emphasizes stronger care coordination, reduced health disparities, and expanded community-based services. The level of planning, documentation, and partnership development required is significant. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, and I want to sincerely acknowledge the staff and partners who are leading these efforts while continuing to meet the daily demands of rural service delivery. Because of your diligence and collaboration, STHCS is well positioned to meet evolving expectations and continue strengthening services across our region. Facility Improvements and Construction Update We’re pleased to share that construction has officially begun on our renovation project. The first phase is underway with the installation of soundproofing improvements as we begin transforming this space. This renovation will create a dedicated area for workforce development programming and expanded community use. Our goal is to strengthen local training opportunities, support our partners, and provide a functional, welcoming environment that serves the broader community. This project reflects our continued commitment to investing in infrastructure that supports long-term growth, collaboration, and access to services across the region.

Pathways to Care: Strengthening Care Coordination This week, I want to share the vision behind Pathways to Care, our grant-funded pilot program at Southern Tier Health Care System in partnership with TransAm. Pathways to Care represents a shift in how we think about care delivery in our rural communities. Rather than waiting for patients to present in crisis, we are proactively meeting them where they are — in their homes — between primary care visits. Our EMTs and Paramedics are uniquely positioned to identify both medical and non-medical drivers of health, close gaps in care, and strengthen communication with primary care providers. This model is designed to extend the reach of primary care, reduce avoidable emergency department utilization, and address the social and environmental factors that too often impact outcomes. During this pilot phase, we are intentionally starting small — enrolling 20 patients within a 10-mile radius of Olean — with a focus on individuals who are high utilizers of the emergency department. This allows us to build the model thoughtfully, measure impact, and refine our approach before scaling. Pathways to Care reflects our broader commitment to innovation, collaboration, and creating a more coordinated system of care across Cattaraugus County and beyond. As we gather data and demonstrate outcomes, we will explore opportunities to expand this model to reach more patients and further strengthen the health of our community. Rural Workforce: Challenges and Strategic Focus As we expand initiatives like Pathways to Care and maintain essential services such as SAFE and EMS, our ability to recruit and retain qualified EMTs, Paramedics, and specialized staff remains critical. Rural service delivery presents unique challenges, particularly when covering large geographic areas with limited personnel and meeting 24/7 coverage expectations. We are actively strengthening our recruitment pipeline, building training partnerships, and focusing on retention strategies that support professional growth and long-term engagement. Workforce stability is foundational to sustaining innovation and ensuring continued access to high-quality care in our region.