About the Montana EMS Alliance
The Montana EMS Alliance is free of charge and open to all concerned who wish to support the recruitment and rentention of Montana Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). There are no dues and no special qualifications for individual or group membership.
James Laidlaw, Chief of the Glacier County EMS is serving as Chairman. Sally Buckles, President of the Montana Emergency Medical Services Association (MEMSA) and others will be serving with Mr. Laidlaw in developing the following:
1) Methods that EMTs can utilize in communicating the EMS story.
For example, a wonderful suggestion came from Sate Representative and EMT, JP Pomnichowski of Bozeman, is to utilize a tag line of “What would happen if you called 911 and no one answered?” when writing letters to your local editor; or talking to your local Chamber of Commerce president, or your neighbor about Montana EMS.
2) Training session for EMS personnel on:
a) How you create a mini-PR campaign while doing your normal EMS or job activities
b) How to communicate with the public, opinion makers and elected officials
c) Just how does an idea become law in Montana?
d) How to lobby your local officials and legislators for EMS support
3) Strategic Planning Initiatives
This is essential so the EMS community can begin to map the future systematically by being pro-active, instead of re-active.
The Role of the American Heart Association:
The American Heart Association (AHA) has agreed to provide a temporary Montana staff for the new EMS Alliance. Why? -- because the AHA has a nationwide goal to reduce death and disability from heart disease and stroke by 25% by the year 2010. The AHA cannot achieve that goal in Montana without a smooth functioning, efficient, well-staffed EMS community. That is our motivation for pledging our support for the upgrading of EMS within Montana. We do not accept government funding of any kind – never have, never will. So, please understand our interest is dedicated to saving lives – period!
The new EMS Alliance in Montana will be using the AHA’s You’re the Cure grassroots network to communicate action steps regarding Montana EMS issues as well as heart and stroke matters, nationwide. By joining free of charge, you will be receiving the latest information on needed legislative action! AHA has the capacity to match your address to your state representative and state senator (as well as Congress). When we send you an email, we will be asking you to take action; for instance, on Montana EMS issues, federal funding for more AEDs, or heart and stroke matters before Congress. The nice thing about You’re the Cure, is that you are in complete control. If you don’t want to take a particular action, that's totallyl fine; just delete email – period. You’re the Cure is not hear to ask for money, only for your assistance in making Montana and our nation to a better and healthier place to live.
Join Our Campaign!
