EMT oversight organization chief: We would have been happy to help

Assistant Rescue Chief and Selectman Jason Cole

The head of a regional emergency services oversight organization said this weekend that his department would’ve been willing and able to assist Selectmen Chairman Bob Frizzell in investigating and evaluating grievances brought forth last year by former Rescue Department volunteers.

Marc Minkler, executive director of Southern Maine Emergency Medical Services, said on Friday in light of the probe that “it might be wise for town officials to seek more input on the department’s operational SOPs.”

SOPs, standard operating procedures, cover things like medical protocols and administrative rules that govern how a department is run. Southern Maine Emergency Medical Services, a nonprofit group contracted by the state of Maine to provide support and guidance for local EMT departments, is based in Gorham.

Minkler, after a cursory explanation of the grievances, said that while in his opinion no glaring patient safety issues were evident, it would have been appropriate for selectmen to have taken advantage of his organization’s expertise at the administrative level.

“That’s what we’re here for,” he said.

In all, five former volunteers – including a deputy chief, a captain and two lieutenants – met with Frizzell and Town Attorney Alan Shepherd at his Kennebunk office last fall to discuss what they called safety and organizational issues, including inconsistent SOPs.

After a five-month investigation Frizzell issued a short ruling on April 4 stating he had interviewed all parties concerned and that no disciplinary action was warranted against either the town’s Rescue Chief, Samantha Cole; or her assistant rescue chief, husband Jason Cole, who is also a town selectman.

Frizzell conducted the probe by himself, because Selectwoman Karen Gerrish was advised not to participate by Shepard, who felt her inclusion would be questioned in light of a bitterly fought campaign between her and Cole in 2011, a campaign which ended in Cole’s defeat on Election Day.

Minkler said if the town does decide to put together a Quality Improvement Committee for the Rescue Department to address any unresolved issues his organization would be happy to participate.