Illinois and EMS System Implimentation of USDOT EMT-I99

[codeblue81]

I am set to finish my EMT-I99 based class in a week and have just heard that the SAMIC EMS System that I'm a part of is not going to set the new protocols for the increased curriculum. I know the state extended the cut-off period for agencies to complete the I99 bridge course to the end of September but are the Systems now deciding not to use the new curriculum.

I can't see why they would push for the changes to be made and then decide they don't want the hassle to upgrade those willing to do the work. The meds included in the program would greatly help my small rural area that we serve.

Has anyone heard if any of the Regions are pulling this change out....or for that matter has anyone heard anything on the subject.

code_blue81:D

[pcfdcap1]

Everything we have been told is the whole state is implementing the change by law. Some systems in some regions may have different dates set for deadlines. Region 1 has the changed scheduled for this fall.
Regarding the change helping the rural areas, All of us in NW IL feel it is going to be a gian step backward for the public we serve. There is, at the current moment, 1 service going to advance. The rest of us will be dropping back to BLS. We have 4 EMT-Is on our service. We receive $12.50 a call. All work in excess of 45-50 hours a week at their regular jobs. All have gone on record as saying they can't and don't have the time to commit to go through class and clinical. The other factor is the districts trustees can't warrant the additional cost to send students to that class. The other option would be to hire staff for parts or all of each day. Most districts can't afford that either. We do have services that have a severe shortage of EMTs now. This will only get worse. On top of that, one system has issued a schedule of dates when the depts had to commit and the time frame of the class and surrender of license. They have changed their schedule as they go. One month the services are told one thing the next month, something else. Because of this and other issues there have and will be several services changing systems. It would be nice to take politics out of patient care but that's never going to happen.
I gotta quit this now. It's too early in the AM to get myself so worked up.

[ADSNWFLD]

Region 8 is updating now, but nothing we do is going to change.