In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the AAA Board of Directors recently voted to postpone the 2021 Stars of Life event originally scheduled for May. This decision was made regretfully and out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our Stars, hosts, and guests. We are truly sorry for this disappointing change of plan. Please stay tuned for additional updates about the program in the coming weeks as we research the feasibility of a hybrid Stars of Life-2021 Annual Conference & Trade Show in Texas in November.
The American Ambulance Association deeply appreciates your continued support and participation, as well as your flexibility as we adapt our programs for the COVID-19 era.
The winners of the 2020 AAA Board of Directors election are listed below. The term for each position will begin on January 1, 2021. Please join us in thanking all candidates for their service to the American Ambulance Association.
Executive Committee
President-Elect
Randy Strozyk
Senior Vice President- Executive Operations
Global Medical Response
Tukwila, WA
Treasurer
Julie Rose
Chief Executive Officer
Community Care Ambulance
Ashtabula, OH
Secretary
Jamie Pafford-Gresham
President and CEO
Pafford Medical Services
Hope, AR
Region I
Director (2022)
Mike Addario
Vice President of Operations- Northeast
Global Medical Response
Syracuse, NY
Alternate Director
Jim O’Connor
Vice President
Empress EMS
White Plains, NY
Region II
Director (2022)
Chuck Kearns
Chief Executive Officer
Mercy Ambulance Service
Savannah, GA
Alternate Director
Terence Ramotar
Director of Government Affairs
Global Medical Response
Tampa, FL
Region III
Director (2022)
Kim Godden
Vice President- Legal, Government Relations, and Compliance
Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc.
Elmhurst, IL
Alternate Director
*Vacant due to term limit*
Region IV
Director (2022)
Asbel Montes (2 years)
Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives
Acadian Ambulance Service, Inc.
Lafayette, LA
Tom Fennell (1 year)
Compliance Officer
Mayo Clinic Ambulance
Rochester, MN
Alternate Director
David Tetrault
Administrator/Chief Executive Officer
St. Francois County Ambulance District
Farmington, MO
Region V
Director (2022)
JD Fuiten
Owner & President
Metro West Ambulance Service, Inc.
Hillsboro, OR
Alternate Director
Paul Pedersen
Managing Partner
Arizona Ambulance Transport
Sierra Vista, AZ
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Ethics Committee
Allyn Girard (2022)
Golden Cross Ambulance
Region 1
Although the 2020 AAA Annual Conference & Trade Show has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Ambulance Association remains committed to the continued education and engagement of ambulance service leaders. As such, we plan a series of webinars throughout the year, as well as a Virtual Conference in November.
Please use the form below to share details, including the link to your prerecorded session, for your virtual conference session. Please note that all participating session speakers should pre-record their sessions, and that sessions may be edited for length or quality.
Here are some tips for a great online session!
Thank you for your interest in sharing your knowledge with your EMS colleagues.
All Virtual Annual sessions will take place on the highly interactive Prodigy EMS platform developed by Pro EMS of Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, the American Ambulance Association board has made the difficult decision to cancel our 2020 Annual Conference & Trade Show. While we were looking forward to seeing everyone in Las Vegas in November, health and safety remain our top priority. We also anticipate that travel restrictions will remain in place for many attendees in the Fall and that Las Vegas may still have social distancing guidelines that would limit our ability to host the full program.
The AAA is committed to providing education and networking opportunities to our members and the ambulance industry. Please stay tuned for more information regarding a smaller virtual conference offering and other educational opportunities.
Attendees
All registrations will be canceled and all paid orders will be refunded within 10 business days. If you have already processed payment for your registration, please be on the lookout for an email from AAA staff letting you know that your refund has been submitted. You do not need to do anything to receive a refund, we will process them automatically.
Exhibitors & Sponsors
All payments for exhibit booths and sponsorships will be refunded within 15 business days. Please be on the lookout for an email from AAA staff regarding your refund. We will also follow up with sponsors to share some additional sponsorship opportunities for the remainder of the year.
Speakers
If you were scheduled to present at the 2020 Annual Conference, AAA staff will be reaching out to you this week regarding the possibility of presenting your session virtually.
40 Under 40 Honorees
All 2020 40 under 40 honorees will receive automatic complimentary registration to the 2021 Annual Conference & Trade Show, where they will be recognized over the course of next year’s program.
Hotel Reservations
If you booked a hotel room at the MGM Grand through our AAA block your reservation will be automatically cancelled by the hotel in the coming weeks. If you booked outside of our block you will need to contact the hotel directly at (877) 880-0880 to cancel.
We hope to see you at the 2021 Annual Conference & Trade Show November 1–3 at the Gaylord Texan outside Dallas! Registration for the 2021 show will open early in the new year.
Nominations for the 2020 AMBY Awards close May 15! The AMBYs recognize excellence in the ambulance profession and the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit that epitomize AAA members. Winners will are awarded during the AAA Awards Reception at our Annual Conference & Tradeshow, In addition, all entries will be shared with the AAA membership on the website, in the association’s mobile event app and as an online publication.
Please note that all session selections for the AAA 2020 Annual Conference & Trade Show have been made. The full agenda is posted to the #Ambucon20 website. If you are interested in speaking NEXT YEAR in 2021, please complete the form below. Thank you for your support and participation!
AAA 2021 Session Proposals Due January 31, 2021
AAA Annual Conference & Trade Show
November 1–3, 2021
Gaylord Texan | Grapevine, Texas | #Ambucon21
The American Ambulance Association Annual Conference & Trade Show brings together mobile healthcare leaders from across the country to learn, network, and plan for the future of our industry. AAA Annual is committed to empowering our participants with the insights and best practices they need to serve their patients as well as operate efficiently and profitably.
Speaking at the AAA Annual Conference & Trade Show is your opportunity to share best practices and insights with your peers as you build your personal brand. We invite you to submit your session proposals before January 31, 2021.
Topics
Sample speaking proposal topics considered include, but are not limited to:
Recruitment, Retention, and Human Resources
Operations, Risk Management and Safety
Management and Supervision
Leadership Development & Structure
Improved Fleet Maintenance/Management
Clinical/Quality Assurance Program
Reimbursement/Patient Accounts
Innovation, Technology, and Communications
Emerging Healthcare Trends/Hot Topics
Healthcare Reform/Public Health
Session Formats & Lengths
AAA is focused on engaging attendees interactively in every session. This year, we are seeking submissions in the following formats:
50 Minute Sunrise Session (Early morning energizers. These could be a walking session, yoga gathering, coffee-shop meetup, or another creative idea you have to get the day started off right!)
50 Minute Lecture or Panel (traditional conference formats)
60 Minute Interactive Session (Format ideas to get you thinking.)
Sessions may be either classroom style or set for small workgroups. Audience involvement is encouraged.
Compensation
Please be advised that participation as a presenter is strictly on a voluntary basis. AAA is unable to pay speaker fees or travel and lodging expenses. However, speakers selected for 50- and 60-minute sessions will receive ONE complimentary speaker registration
Proposal Instructions
ALL proposals must be submitted through our online form below by January 31, 2021. AAA is unfortunately unable to consider proposals received after the deadline. Applicants may submit up to three session proposals.
Thank you for your interest in lending your time and talent to the American Ambulance Association’s members. We look forward to reviewing your proposal!
The American Ambulance Association Annual Conference & Trade Show brings together mobile healthcare leaders from across the country to learn, network, and plan for the future of our industry. AAA Annual is committed to empowering our participants with the insights and best practices they need to serve their patients as well as operate efficiently and profitably.
Speaking at AAA 2020 is your opportunity to share best practices and insights with your peers as you build your personal brand. We invite you to submit your session proposals before January 31, 2020.
Topics
Sample speaking proposal topics considered for AAA 2020 include, but are not limited to:
Recruitment, Retention, and Human Resources
Operations, Risk Management and Safety
Management and Supervision
Leadership Development & Structure
Improved Fleet Maintenance/Management
Clinical/Quality Assurance Program
Reimbursement/Patient Accounts
Innovation, Technology, and Communications
Emerging Healthcare Trends/Hot Topics
Healthcare Reform/Public Health
Session Formats & Lengths
In 2020, AAA is focused on engaging attendees interactively in every session. This year, we are seeking submissions in the following formats:
50 Minute Sunrise Session (Early morning energizers. These could be a walking session, yoga gathering, coffee-shop meetup, or another creative idea you have to get the day started off right!)
50 Minute Lecture or Panel (traditional conference formats)
60 Minute Interactive Session (Format ideas to get you thinking.)
Sessions may be either classroom style or set for small workgroups. Audience involvement is encouraged.
Compensation
Please be advised that participation as a presenter is strictly on a voluntary basis. AAA is unable to pay speaker fees or travel and lodging expenses. However, speakers selected for 50 and 60 minute sessions will receive ONE complimentary speaker registration
Proposal Instructions
ALL proposals must be submitted through our online form below by January 31, 2020. AAA is unfortunately unable to consider proposals received after the deadline. Applicants may submit up to three session proposals.
Thank you for your interest in lending your time and talent to the American Ambulance Association’s members. We look forward to reviewing your proposal!
The winners of the 2019 AAA Board of Directors election are listed below. Please join us in thanking all candidates for their service to the American Ambulance Association.
Region I
Director (2021)
Jim Finger
Chief Executive Officer/ Administrator
Regional Ambulance Service
Rutland, VT
Alternate Director
Reginald Allen
Chief Executive Officer
CHS Mobile Integrated Health Care
Rochester, NY
Region II
Director (2021)
Josef Penner
Executive Director
Mecklenburg EMS Agency – Medic
Charlotte, NC
Alternate Director
Terence Ramotar
Regional Director
American Medical Response
Tampa, FL
Region III
Director (2021)
Wayne Jurecki
Vice President / Chief Operating Officer
Bell Ambulance Service, Inc.
Milwaukee, WI
Alternate Director
Tom Tornstrom
Executive Director
Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance
La Crosse, WI
Region IV
Director (2021)
Jamie Pafford-Gresham
Chief Executive Officer
Pafford Medical Services, Inc.
Hope, AR
Alternate Director
David Tetrault
Administrator/Chief Executive Officer
St. Francois County Ambulance District
Farmington, MO
Region V
Director (2021)
Chris Archuleta
Chief Executive Officer
Superior Ambulance Service, Inc.
Albuquerque, NM
Alternate Director
JD Fuiten
Owner & President
Metro West Ambulance Service, Inc.
Hillsboro, OR
The American Ambulance Association is proud to announce the recipients of the 2019 AMBY Awards. The AMBYs highlight excellence in EMS and the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit that epitomize mobile healthcare. The mission of the awards is to showcase creativity and innovation in the ambulance industry by fostering a culture of collaboration, cooperation, and a passion for excellence in patient care. This year’s awards will be presented at the Annual Conference & Trade Show Awards Reception on November 5 in Nashville. Please join us in congratulating our 2019 winners!
The American Ambulance Association is proud to announce this year’s award winners. Awards will be presented at the AAA Annual Conference & Trade ShowMembership Meeting on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Please join us in congratulating this year’s winners!
J. Walter Schaefer Award
Dr. John Becknell
The J. Walter Schaefer Award is given annually to an individual whose work in EMS has contributed positively to the advancement of the industry as a whole. Dr. John Becknell has achieved this honor for his lifelong commitment to improving the health and wellness of mobile healthcare professionals.
Robert L. Forbuss Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. John Russell
The Robert L. Forbuss Lifetime Achievement Award is named in honor of the first Executive Director of the American Ambulance Association. It recognizes a volunteer leader who has made a significant long-term impact on the association. your decades of service, commitment, and dedication to the private ambulance industry, the AAA, and its members. Dr. John Russell has achieved this through his many years of service to the AAA as a volunteer leader.
President’s Award
These awards are bestowed by the President to volunteer leaders who have shown commitment to the advancement of the AAA, above and beyond the call of duty.
Wayne Jurecki
The American Ambulance Association is proud to honor Wayne Jurecki with the 2019 President’s Award. Wayne is being honored for his servant leadership and consummate professionalism, and commitment to the AAA.
Gibson McCullagh
The American Ambulance Association is proud to honor Gibson McCullagh with the 2019 President’s Award. Gibson is being honored for his service as a rising mobile healthcare leader who will help shape the future of our industry.
2019 Affiliate of the Year
Stryker
The American Ambulance Association (AAA) is proud to award Stryker with the 2019 Affiliate of the Year Award. Stryker has achieved this honor through their ongoing support of AAA’s educational programs and events.
EMS Partnership of the Year
The Savvik Foundation
The EMS Partnership of the Year Award is given to an organization or individual whose collaboration with the AAA enhances educational programs, legislative priorities, and/or member benefits. The Savvik Foundation has achieved this honor by developing a grant program for small providers to receive cost collection education.
Distinguished Service Award
Aidan V. Camas
AAA Manager of Federal & State Government Affairs Aidan V. Camas is receiving a 2019 Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his dedication and commitment to the AAA’s advocacy efforts.
As we prepare to celebrate the AAA’s 40th anniversary at this year’s Annual Conference & Tradeshow, we are asking for your help! If you have photos or other items commemorating your time as an AAA member from the past 40 years, or if you would like items to be included in our anniversary time capsule which will be sealed until the AAA’s 50th anniversary, please fill out this form. Submissions will be featured in an anniversary collage displayed at AAA 2019. Deadline for submissions is Friday, November 1st.
Spring is in full bloom in Washington, D.C., and the American Ambulance Association is hard at work in our nation’s capital advocating for mobile healthcare providers. I am pleased to share with you several updates from your association.
Advocacy Progress
The AAA continues to forge ahead advocating for the legislative and regulatory priorities of our membership. Earlier this month, more than forty AAA volunteer leaders and members came to Washington, D.C., meeting with more than 100 congressional offices to advocate for Medicare policies and improved claims processing by the Department of Veterans Affairs for emergency ambulance services. (View photos on Facebook.)
The AAA has also taken an active role in responding to potentially harmful “surprise billing” legislation. The AAA has been urging Members of Congress to recognize the unique and essential nature of emergency ambulance services and ambulance interfacility mobile healthcare transports. Ambulance service suppliers and providers are already heavily regulated at the local level and struggle with receiving adequate reimbursement. The Congress should protect patient access to ground ambulance services and continue to allow us to balance bill.
The AAA is working closely with CMS and the RAND corporation on the development of the ambulance cost data collection system in order to ensure that the end survey and methodology is feasible for our industry. The AAA has established itself and our membership as an important stakeholder throughout the cost data collection development process, and we look forward to remaining involved this year.
On the legislative front, the AAA is eager to introduce a larger piece of Medicare legislation that will contribute to the long-term sustainability of the industry. This legislation will address issues such as inadequate reimbursement, the need for innovative payment models, the lack of equitable polices, rural zip code classifications, and more. Buy Diamox 250 mg https://www.rpspharmacy.com/product/diamox/
Legislation to restructure the offset included in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 to pay for the 5-year extension of Medicare add-on payments has been reintroduced in the Senate (S. 228) and should be re-introduced in the House soon. The AAA is also working on updating the Veterans Reimbursement for Emergency Ambulance Services Act (VREASA) to adequately address issues regarding reimbursement from the VA.
With many important legislative priorities, we will continue to lean on our members for their support and encourage you all to continue to build relationships with your Members of Congress.
Ambulance Cost Education (ACE)
Time is running out to prepare for the new federal cost data collection requirements for ambulance services which go into effect January 1, 2020. To help ambulance services ready themselves, our expert faculty has developed comprehensive Ambulance Cost Education (ACE)webinars, regional workshops, and online resources. With AAA ACE, your service will have all the tools needed to comply with federally mandated cost collection. An ACE subscription is the turn-key solution to prepare for ambulance cost collection. Learn more about our affordable packages today.
Stars of Life
Every year, the American Ambulance Association’s Stars of Life program showcases the value of mobile healthcare to legislators and the general public. I look forward to seeing many of you this June in Washington D.C., for the 2019 celebration. Follow the 2019 AAA Stars of Life on Facebook and Twitter in the coming months! Levitra generic http://www.gastonpharmacy.com/levitra.php
Annual Conference & Trade Show
Preparations are in full swing for the 2019 AAA Annual Conference & Trade Show in exciting Nashville, Tennessee. AAA Annual is the can’t-miss educational experience for ambulance leaders interested in bringing excellence in reimbursement, operations, and human resources to their services! I hope that you will join me and hundreds of our colleagues for networking, learning, and fun November 4-6. Early bird registration is open now!
Thank You, Members!
It continues to be my pleasure to serve so many talented, dedicated health care professionals. Thank you for your service to your communities, and I wish you continued success in 2019!
Aarron Reinert
President
American Ambulance Association
The American Ambulance Association Annual Conference & Trade Show is continuously one of the largest inclusive gatherings of ambulance and pre-hospital care leaders, and features distinct tracks for Reimbursement and Policy, Human Resources and Operations, Government Affairs, and Executive Leadership. Our primary focus is to provide critical information that both new and established ambulance services may utilize to better serve their communities and operate their services more efficiently and profitably.
The following are general topics areas to be addressed, but other subject areas are welcome:
Recruitment, Retention, and Human Resources
Operations, Risk Management and Safety
Management and Supervision
Leadership Development & Structure
Improved Fleet Maintenance/Management
Clinical/Quality Assurance Program
Reimbursement/Patient Accounts
Innovations, Technology, and Communications
Emerging Healthcare Trends/Hot Topics
Healthcare Reform/Public Health
Format of Sessions
Sessions will range from larger audience general sessions, to smaller breakout sessions within various topic tracks. Breakout sessions may be 20 minutes, 60 minutes, or 75 minutes in length. We are accepting single speaker as well as panel discussions. Sessions may be either classroom style or set for small work groups. Audience involvement is encouraged.
Proposal Instructions
Please be advised that participation as a presenter is strictly on a voluntary basis. AAA is unable to pay speaker fees or travel and lodging expenses. Participation will be at your own expense for your own exposure.
Information to be included with your proposal submission:
Name, title, organization affiliation, organization address, business phone number with area code and e-mail address.
AAA membership status. Significant preference will be given to sessions submitted by AAA members.
Title of proposed session.
A detailed narrative description of the proposed session or workshop, including the following, as appropriate:
Experience Level (basic, intermediate or advanced) of intended audience
50-75 word description of your presentation for marketing purposes
Description of what your audience will be able to take away from your presentation and of what they will be able to use immediately in their business or personal life
Recommendations, findings, or practice models for replication
Experience Level of speaker/s for large national conference or audiences. Please include the event names & dates.
Brief speaker biography and headshot.
The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2019. Applicants may have more than one submission for any type of session. Audience involvement is highly encouraged.
The winners of the 2018 AAA Board of Directors election are listed below. Please join us in thanking all candidates for their service to the American Ambulance Association.
President-Elect
President-Elect (2020)
Shawn Baird
Co-Owner
Woodburn Ambulance Service, Inc.
Woodburn, OR
Treasurer
Treasurer (2020)
Julie Rose
CEO/Executive Director; Board Secretary/Treasurer
Community Care Ambulance
Ashtabula, OH
Secretary
Secretary (2020)
Randy Strozyk
Executive Vice President
American Medical Response
Seattle, WA
Region I
Director (2020)
Mike Addario
Vice President of Operations – New York
American Medical Response
Syracuse, NY
Alternate Director
Reginald Allen
Chief Executive Officer
CHS Mobile Integrated Health Care
Rochester, NY
Region II
Director (2020)
Chuck Kearns
Chief Executive Officer
Mercy Ambulance Service d/b/a Chatham EMS
Savannah, GA
Alternate Director
Terence Ramotar
Regional Director
American Medical Response
Tampa, FL
Region III
Director (2020)
Kimberly Godden
Vice President, Legal and Corporate Compliance
Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc.
Elmhurst, IL
Alternate Director
Tom Tornstrom
Executive Director
Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance
La Crosse, WI
Region IV
Director (2020)
Angela Lehman
Chief Revenue Officer
Emergency Medical Services Authority
Tulsa, OK
Alternate Director
Doug Hooten
Chief Executive Officer
MedStar Mobile Healthcare
Fort Worth, TX
Region V
Director (2020)
Paul Pedersen
Managing Partner
Arizona Ambulance Transport
Sierra Vista, AZ
Alternate Director
Rob Lawrence
Chief Operating Officer
Paramedics Plus
San Leandro, CA
The American Ambulance Association is proud to announce the recipients of the 2018 AMBY Awards. The AMBYs highlight excellence in EMS and the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit that epitomize AAA members. The mission of the awards is to showcase creativity and innovation in the ambulance industry by fostering a culture of collaboration, cooperation and a passion for excellence in patient care. This year’s awards will be presented at the Annual Conference & Trade Show Awards Reception on September 7, 2018. Please join us in congratulating our 2018 winners!
The American Ambulance Association is proud to announce this year’s award winners. Awards will be presented at the AAA Annual Conference & Trade ShowMembership Meeting on Friday, September 7, 2018. Please join us in congratulating this year’s winners!
J. Walter Schaeffer Award
Dale Berry The J. Walter Schaeffer Award is given annually to an individual whose work in EMS has contributed positively to the advancement of the industry as a whole. Dale has achieved this through his many years of commitment and service to the ambulance industry.
Robert L. Forbuss Lifetime Achievement Award
The Honorable Harvey Hall The Robert L. Forbuss Lifetime Achievement Award is named in honor of the first Executive Director of the American Ambulance Association. It recognizes a volunteer leader who has made a significant long-term impact on the association. your decades of service, commitment, and dedication to the private ambulance industry, the AAA, and its members. The Honorable Harvey Hall has achieved this through his decades of service and dedication to the private ambulance industry, the AAA, and its members.
President’s Award
Jonathan Washko These awards are bestowed by the President to volunteer leaders who have shown commitment to the advancement of the AAA, above and beyond the call of duty. This year, Jonathan Washko is being honored for being an outstanding volunteer who has worked tirelessly to advance high performance EMS.
2018 Affiliates of the Year
JEMS The American Ambulance Association (AAA) is proud to award JEMS Magazine with the 2018 Affiliate of the Year Award. JEMS has achieved this honor through their support of AAA’s programs and services as our media partner.
Solutions Group The American Ambulance Association (AAA) is proud to award Solutions Group with the 2018 Affiliate of the Year Award. Solutions Group has achieved this honor through their support of AAA’s educational programs and events.
EMS Partnership of the Year
The American Hospital Association The EMS Partnership of the Year Award is given to an organization or individual whose collaboration with the AAA enhances educational programs, legislative priorities, and/or member benefits. The American Hospital Association has achieved this honor through their support of our 2018 legislative priority.
Distinguished Service Award
Amanda Riordan
AAA Vice President of Member Services Amanda Riordan is receiving a 2018 Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her dedication and commitment to advancing AAA’s programs and services.
AAA is excited to announce that this year we will be holding a full day pre-conference workshop at the AAA Annual Conference & Trade Show! Join industry experts Rebecca Williamson, Angie McLain, Asbel Montes, Kathy Lester, Scott Moore, and Brian Werfel to learn what the new cost data collection mandates will require and how you and your service can get ahead of the game and prepare for these changes.
Mandatory Cost Data Collection: When Is It Happening & How to Prepare
September 5, 2018 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | MGM Grand, Las Vegas $75 for Annual Conference attendees | $250 workshop-only
2018 federal legislation expanded Medicare cost reporting to ambulance services, although with some important differences from other Medicare reporters. Failure to meet these new reporting requirements could lead to significant sanctions including loss of Medicare revenue. In this session, we will review how we got to where we are, what the new mandates will require based on current regulations, and how best to prepare yourself and your service for the phase-in.
