Quincy Reporter

Adams County Board Public Health & Safety Committee met Dec. 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Committee members present were Barbara Fletcher, Brent Fischer, Mark Sorensen, Steven McQueen and Mark Dietrich. Also present were Sheriff Tony Grootens and EMS Chief John Simon.

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM.

All bills were reviewed and appeared to be in order.

A motion to approve the minutes of the November 15, 2022 meeting was made by Steven McQueen and seconded by Brent Fischer. Motion passed.

Coroner’s Report: Written Report from Coroner Scott Graham

Coroner Graham reported that during the month of November 2022 there were: 91 reported deaths

1 autopsy

2 abandoned cremations

49 cremation permits issued

1 suicide

Sheriff’s Report: Sheriff Grootens

Sheriff Grootens reports that he does not have previous reports given to this committee.

Sheriff Grootens reports that the medical provider from Iowa brought nurses in to teach the Corrections Sergeants and lead Corrections Officers basic medical treatment such as the proper handing out of medications. They will return. There is one nurse on call for the jail 24/7.

The jail is down 2 staff members.

The Sheriff’s Office is down one deputy and one office staff member. The Court Security is fully staffed.

Inspection deficiencies have been corrected at the jail.

Ambulance/Emergency Management: John Simon

Chief Simon explained the structure of the Ambulance Department to the new committee members. He also plans to offer a tour of the rural ambulance stations to the new members.

Staffing is down 9 EMTs and Paramedics

This is an industry-wide issue

There is a new High-School program beginning on January 3 which will result in an EMT certification for those who complete it.

The community based EMT program will test in March. Director Simon anticipates 3 new EMTs from that source.

He has brought on 4 part time staff.

The Ambulance Board meets next Weds (Dec 21) and he plans to address these issues with them.

The call volume for the Ambulance Service is up to approximately 10,000 calls annually, or an average of 28 per day. During respiratory disease season, it can reach 37 calls per day.

Old Business

None

New Business

None.

Appointments

None.

Business being concluded, a motion to adjourn was made by Steve McQueen and seconded by Mark Sorensen. The meeting adjourned at 6:45 PM.

https://www.co.adams.il.us/home/showpublisheddocument/7938/638095651254070000