MASSACHUSETTS ASSOCIATION OF TECHNICAL RESCUE SPECIALISTS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We are here to help. These are some of the more commonly asked questions and the answers we have for them.
LEGISLATION
1: What is the Tech Rescue Legislation that I keep hearing about?
The legislation is referred to as HB 3484 and is titled "An act relative to
the creation of the Commonwealth Technical Rescue Regions and
Coordinating Council."
The Bill has been proposed to accomplish three objectives:
a) Establish five (5) distinct technical rescue team response districts
within the Commonwealth
b) Establish a council that is comprised of Fire Chiefs, EOPPS, State
Fire Marshal, Mass Call and Volunteer rep, PFFM reps (2), Mass
Association of Technical Rescue Specialists reps (2), 1 team rep from
each response district.
c) Create a mechanism (Technical Rescue Services Fund) from which
Technical Rescue Teams can recover all costs associated with the
performance at technical rescue incidents and create a sustainable
funding source from which the 5 teams can operate from. To include the
purchase of new or replacement equipment, training expenses to include
backfill and overtime costs for team members.
2: Why do we need state Legislation for Technical Rescue?
Federal and State funding sources are becoming extremely limited and if we do not act now to establish a fund through this legislation, there will be no funding available for technical rescue activities by 2018.
3: Are there any similar laws in this state or other states?
This legislation is very similar to the law that provides funding for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hazardous Materials Response Teams.
4: Where can I find a copy of the bill?
On the internet and refer to HB 3484.
5: Who wrote the bill?
The Bill was developed by a group of stakeholders involved in Technical Rescue throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Specifically, there were representatives from The Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts, Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, Department of Fire Services legal counsel, the State Fire Marshal, EOPPS, and Representative Timilty's Office.
6: Who is sponsoring the bill?
Representative Walter Timilty (D)
7: What is the plan for the 5 tech rescue regions?
The regions that are established will be served by the local technical rescue teams already in existence. The teams serving those regions (5) will be eligible for funding from the fund for operating costs incurred.
8: Who will make up the Council?
The council will be comprised of Fire Chiefs, EOPPS, State Fire Marshal, Mass Call and Volunteer rep, PFFM reps (2), Mass Association of Technical Rescue Specialists reps (1), 1 team rep from each response district.
9: I'm a Call/Volunteer Firefighter how does this bill affect me?
The bill is inclusive of call/volunteer personnel as long as they are a bonefide member of one of the technical rescue teams. The legislation will provide you te same level of benefits as a Career firefighter.
10: I'm a Career Firefighter how does this bill affect me?
This bill will establish legislation that assures a sustainable funding mechanism so that the technical rescue teams will continue to function. The legislation (if passed with an amendment) will also assure that you are covered for any injuries under 111F
11: My Tech Team does stand-by details, will we still be able to collect the money from these details?
Yes, the language in the proposed Bill has a specific provision within it to allow for any of the teams to collect funds from services provided.
12: How will the Council collect funds?
The Council will collect the funds on the technical rescue teams behalf and then distribute those funds back to the local teams once they have been received.
13: How will the Council distribute funds?
The Council will distribute the funds from the Technical Rescue Services Fund through the Division of Fire Services to the regional technical rescue teams. The funds collected such as stand-by compensation will be directly distributed back to the team that provided the services. Federal and State funding will be provided to the teams for training and equipment by utilizing a similar method that is utilized today to receive funds from the statewide Homeland Security Regions.
14: How can I help support the bill?
Contact your local legislators and request that they co-sponsor HB 3484.
111F
Am I covered under 111F if I am working a technical rescue detail ?
YES. VFIS has provided a written docment of their interpretation of 111F, which is available to you. You can find this located in the 111F section of the members area.
EMS
Are there any Protocols that cover Technical Rescue?
OEMS has a lot of the Protocols that apply to Technical Rescue. But there are no protocols specifically for Technical Rescue.
Why does MATRS feel there needs to be specific Technical Rescue Protocols for Pt treatment?
Technical Rescues provide some unique EMS challenges that are not commonly seen in other areas. Some of these challenges include Harness Pathology/Suspension Trauma, Crush/Compression Injuries, and rescue/extrication operations that far exceed the "Golden Hour." These injuries and scene times can result in metabolic injuries and imbalances such as rhabdomyolysis, hyperkalemia, and metabolic acidosis. These require early recognition and treatment for the best long term outcome of the Pt.
What is MATRS plan for a Technical Rescue Protocol?
MATRS is forming an EMS Committee that will work on developing a Special Project Waiver for field treatment of rhabdomyolysis and hyperkalemia. The EMS Committee will work with the Training Committee in the development of lesson plans and training materials for the Special Project Waiver once it is approved by OEMS.
Where can I learn more about the progress of the Special Project Waiver?
In the Members Area the EMS Committee will have a page to post the progress of the Special Project Waiver.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS
Where can I get more info about Technical Rescues in MASS?
MATRS keeps a library of After Action Reports for incidents occuring in Massachusetts. The After Action Report Library can be accessed though the Members Area.
The After Action Report Library is for edcuation and research purposes only.
I recently had Technical Rescue in my community. Where do I send the After Action Report to be added to the Library?
You can send all After Action Reports to info@matrs.org. Please edit the reports to remove any names & pictures of patients prior to sending them in.
A cute reporter asked me if I could give them more information about a recent call can I share these After Action Reports with them?
Absolutely not. These reports are not intended for public view and are to be disseminated to Teams for educational and research purposes only. If these reports are used for any other purpose the After Action Library will be locked down and will only be accessible through written permission from the BOD. Sharing of any info with the media should go through a Public Infomation Officer designated by the AHJ of the incident. These reports remain property of the AHJ of the incident.
I did some really cool stuff on this call can I share the After Action Report or Pictures from the site on my Facebook / Twitter / Google + / LinkedIn / Instagram / Tinder / Pinterest account?
Absolutely not. These reports are not intended for public view and are to be disseminated to Teams for educational and research purposes only. If these reports are used for any other purpose the After Action Library will be locked down and will only be accessible through written permission from the BOD.
I am the AHJ of a tech team that submitted a report and I need it removed from the site who do I contact
If you contact info@matrs.org the After Action Report will be removed from the site.