Table of Contents

Stories From the Front Lines

RP 1162-Pipeline Public Awareness Programs

The Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) Accredits Four Agencies in September

Official Nominating Ballots Reshipped on October 11, 2005

Medicare 101-Audio Conference With David Werfel, AAA Medicare Consultant

New Exhibit Hall Hours for Annual Convention in Las Vegas

Last Day for Early-Bird Registration is October 15, 2005! for the 2005 AAA Annual Convention and Tradeshow- November 28-December 2-Las Vegas, NV

Stories From the Front Lines

Over the course of the past few weeks, AAA staff has heard from a number of volunteers regarding their personal stories related to relief efforts for Hurricanes
Katrina and Rita. Here is one of the many stories we have heard from our member companies.

Missoula Emergency Services, Great Falls Emergency Services, A1 Ambulance Services, and Polson Emergency Services deployed ambulances to Houston, Texas to assist with EMS after storm Rita struck. These paramedics gathered up approx. $5,000 in supplies from the local hospitals including Benefits Hospital in Great Falls, St. Joseph Hospital in Polson, St Patrick's Hospital in Missoula, and Community Medical Center in Missoula.

When the Montana paramedics arrived to Texas, under the direction of government officials, they distributed the supplies to the 240 plus ambulances in the area. The supplies were low and they were grateful and excited to see the supplies on board the four Montana ambulances. Don Whalen, the manager of Missoula Emergency Services took his concerns to Pastor John Erbele of the South Hills Evangelical Church in Missoula, Montana and they were able to raise $10,000 to purchase additional supplies. The Montana State EMS department heard that Don Whalen and John Erbele were going to Texas with supplies and they wanted to help so they donated $5,000 in supplies. With the financial assistance of Missoula Emergency Services and Great Falls Emergency Services Don and John departed on Tuesday September 27th.

Don and John stopped in Idaho Falls, Idaho to pick up 1,000 bottles of Melaleuca hand sanitizer and stopped in Salt Lake City, Utah where they picked up an additional $5,000 in medical supplies. They then drove to Tempe, Arizona to pick up supplies from the Boundtree warehouse and then headed to the Houston Reliant Stadium to make the donation.

When Don arrived he noticed the lack of supplies that officials had to service over 240 ambulances (See attached photos). Don and John returned home on October 1st at 2 am in the morning after driving 5 days and only sleeping in the suburban as they took turns driving. Don called me the day they arrived home and informed me of the supply shortage. Don asked me if there was anymore we could do as a company to help. I spoke with the official point of contact in Baton Rouge and in Houston and found out for myself that there was a critical shortage of vital equipment and supplies. I was shocked by the picture of the supply room that Don sent me so I contacted Frank VanderSloot, the owner and CEO of Melaleuca Inc., and he was very generous and donated $50,000 to be used for the purchase of additional ambulance supplies. We made contact with the local Salvation Army, which assisted us in the distribution of the supplies. As of this morning $10,000 in supplies was shipped to Baton Rouge and $40,000 of supplies was shipped to the Ford Center in Beaumont, Texas.

We are very pleased with the support and donations of these individuals and Corporations and we think their good deeds should not go without the recognition they deserve.

The AAA would like to hear, and share, your stories of heroism from the hurricane affected areas, but also stories of the good work you're doing in your communities. It is through your combined efforts and sacrifice that keeps the nation running.

Please email stories, pictures and/or videos to lpeacock@the-aaa.org

RP 1162-Pipeline Pubic Awareness Programs

Background

The U.S. Congress passed the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act in 2002 that in part required pipeline operators to develop and implement public awareness programs. About the same time, the American Petroleum Institute (API) began developing a communications program with input from other industries and trade associations. The Office of Pipeline Safety, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, first adopted the API program as a recommended practice (RP 1162) for all pipeline operators. In June 2005, RP 1162 was made a federal rule that gives pipeline operators one year to develop compliance programs.

Requirements

RP 1162 applies to operators of natural gas, petroleum and hazardous liquids transmission pipelines and to operators of natural gas distribution systems. RP 1162 defines the delivery media, frequency and type of message that pipeline operators must present to each stakeholder audience. The communications are to cover pipeline purpose and reliability, awareness of hazards and prevention measures undertaken, damage prevention awareness, one-call (MISS DIG) requirements, leak recognition and response, and how to get additional information.

It suspected that your ambulance services will be getting contacted for meetings in the near future and this article is to serve as a heads up.

Medicare 101-Audio Conference with David Werfel, AAA Medicare Consultant

Do you have situations where you are unsure how to properly bill Medicare? Do you have new billing employees? Are you getting conflicting advice from your Carrier and others you turn to for help? Register and get your questions answered by David Werfel, AAA Medicare Consultant and the man considered to be the quintessential expert on Medicare reimbursement issues.

If interested, print and complete the attached registration form.

If you have any questions, please contact the AAA at (800) 523-4447.

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