Re: Off Site programs

[DPEMS500@aol.com]

In a message dated 1/2/2003 09:40:00 Central Standard Time, FFROTOR105@aol.com writes:


> I would like to hear from any rotor program that has their aircraft and crew based off-site as soon as possible.  I am interested in how the crew maintains skills, patient follow-ups, etc without being at the hospital.>>


We operate two stations now; one at the base hospital and the other at a community airport about 45 miles away.

Right now, we have not had to deal with the issues of skill retention, education, management contact, etc. yet because our folks rotate between the bases.  We are planning to move to assigned bases soon though, and then we'll be in the same spot you are.  And we don't really have a plan for it yet....


> Also, are you working 12 or 24 hour shifts?  If you work 24s, how are you paid (ie: salaried, hourly and if so, are you paid for the entire 24 hrs or a portion)?


This one we can help you with!  Most of our staff work 24 hour shifts.  They are all hourly, and are paid for the entire 24 hours.  It is almost impossible to legally make flight staff exempt or to pay them for less than the hours for which they are actually on-duty.  The scheduled overtime becomes part of their true "salary" and helps to increase our compensation to very competitive levels.

Stay safe,
David


David Phillips, BS, LP
Director of Prehospital Services
Scott and White Hospital
2401 South 31st Street
Temple, Texas 76508
voice 254.724.5631
fax 254.724.8237