Eastern Madera County

Emergency Preparedness Committee

Sierra Ambulance Training Headquarters – Oakhurst, CA

Present:  Roger Simms, Dick Rekart, Jerry Thompson, Stu Tanner, PJ Grant, JoAnn Evans, Sharon Martinez, Paul Calkins, Shirley Finneman, Barry Thorn, Janet Stanovich, Ed Guzman, Dave Wolin

Meeting called to order:  0730 hrs by Ed Guzman

Minutes:  July, 2005 minutes approved

Discussions/Round Table:

Old Business:  Volunteer Expo:  Janet reported that the applications will be delivered to Jeannie Garza – Health Fair Coordinator – to map-out the Volunteer Expo vendor sites.  The EMS agencies will be classified as non-profit (with exception of Sierra Ambulance – which is a sponsor at the Health Fair).  Letters will be sent out to those individuals who had signed up at any of the previous events in which Community Response Team members participated; as a reminder that we are still in the process of gathering more names in developing awareness of the Community Response Team.  After the September 18^th event, another announcement will be sent on an update meeting and an overview of schedules and initial trainings, etc.

Dave mentioned that if/when a disaster happens there may be the need for specific groups, such as: child care workers, medical, animal caretakers and such.  Rhonda mentioned that these may be needed onsite.  It was further mentioned about how much background investigation may be needed if/when using specific volunteers in the child care area (for example).  Jerry suggested calling this group ‘parental assistance group’.

Barry mentioned that heavy equipment operators (and the like) are assisted / governed by hourly rates and contracts.   

New Business:  Ed commented on the Coarsegold Fire – No homes were lost.  It was a good exercise in mobilization running evacuation plan for S.O.   Casino was in force for emergency phone lines, command post, staging site for firefighters, and food.  Correctional institutes are very instrumental when disaster occurs.    The potential could have grown; 550 acres burned.  The Tribe and resort incurred the cost for Command IC (rooms).  $18,000 in expenses – wrote it as a donation. 

There is more traffic, more people visiting Yosemite and this affects Sierra Ambulance Service.  Ed reported that American Ambulance had purchased a new ambulance – ‘Sprinter’- a Diamond/Chrysler product.  Waiting to see if it holds promise and see how it will run, etc. especially in mountain terrain.  It gets 25 mpg vs. 13 mpg.

Barry reported that he had made a presentation to the Yosemite Gateway Association of Realtors (YGAOR) on Thursday, September 11, 2005.  He presented information about the Community Response Team efforts.  Many of the YGAOR members expressed an interest in participating. 

Health Department’s mass immunization drill was successful.  No one knew (even event organizers) ahead of time which role they may take at the drill – made it more realistic.  UCLA medical staff members were selected to evaluate this drill.  

At one point some called a bomb scare – which was not part of the scenario – affected the way evaluation presented.  It was a real test – if this was reality, it could be a nightmare.

Shirley reported that the drill was valuable and that everyone seemed to work well together; claiming that this was due to the fact that we had already worked together in the past.

Paul reported that he has been working with the Red Cross Service Delivery and Emergency Preparedness Disaster Plan – along with Barry and Janet.  He is also working in agri-terrorism ( Madera ) $1 billion economy.  At State level: timber, nuts, dairy have increased.  Growers were not really aware of locking gates where chemicals are stored.

Sharon reported on the ‘Golden Guardian’ – scenarios designed to set-up shelters for 200,000+ people.  This is in the Oakland/San Francisco area.  Heroes’ breakfast is scheduled for March, 2006. 

P.J. reported on Smokey Bear Run at Rec Point in Bass Lake on Sept. 24, 2005.  The profit will go toward a Red Cross trailer ($2000.00).  Last year $10,000.00 went to the library scholarship for students involved in CDF. 

Dick reported that they will be setting up communications at the Mountain Heritage Days and will be scattered throughout the crowd and parade route.

Next meeting scheduled:   Thursday, September 8, 2005 at 0730 hrs – Sierra Ambulance Training Headquarters, Oakhurst.

Adjourned:   0830 hrs.

Respectfully submitted,

Janet Stanovich

EMCEPC/EMCEPCRT