Inspector impressed with county medical director Don Hodson

By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Marion County Emergency Medical Service earned perfect marks during an annual state inspection Oct. 14.

Mary-Elaine Skinner, EMS specialist for the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services, said she was impressed with department leadership and the involvement of county medical director Don Hodson.

“There’s great involvement by the service director and the medical director,” Skinner said. “The cooperation between then is good to see, and not always the case.”

Hodson said he’s been medical director on and off for more than 40 years.

“In a typical week, I don’t really have to do anything,” he said.

He reviews charts to see if there is any kind of problem, and talks with Parmley when there is one.

He also reviews the department’s medical protocols annually and observes personnel procedures to ensure everyone is up to speed.

EMS only calls from the field when they are dealing with a tough situation, so he seldom has to go on a call.

Skinner said she inspects education, service, and the condition and supplies of the department.

“Basically, it’s service and compliance,” Skinner said.