Plattsmouth officials get update on rescue squad dispute.

The Cassgram reports that Plattsmouth Fire Chief Bill Dudek said he met with rescue department leaders late last week and learned the vehicle repairs have been made, record-keeping practices have been established and inventories have been completed. The department is now working on standard operating procedures.

Dudek said he urged the department to start moving toward the point where Plattsmouth Rescue is making calls again. Some rescue members are “ready to go full throttle” while some say a “better direction” is needed. “There are some (volunteers) that believe there is still an agenda to get rid of the volunteers” and replace them with a paid service, said the chief.

The city is about halfway through its 90-day contract with AMR rescue service. (archives 8/24/09)

The state health and human services department conducted an emergency medical services assessment about three weeks ago, just after Plattsmouth Rescue had started to answer calls again in a first-responder role. (archives 8/26/09) Dudek said the HHS preliminary study identified 20 (out of 30) areas that needed improvement. The final assessment has not been received yet. The rescue went out of service to work on those areas. Dudek said many of the issues have yet to be remedied.

A new EMS Physician Medical Director was appointed at the September 21st council meeting. He is Dr. Ron Sarno who also serves on the EMS Board. Dudek said many matters the department has to address require the oversight of a physician director.

The rescue department leadership has been in flux. First, Corey Parriott resigned as captain in August. (8/24 article) His replacement, Greg Bogatz, resigned in September.

The new captain is Mike Wood. Chris Peabody and Greg Clifton are lieutenants. John Morehouse remains as president and Joe Gradoville as vice president.