Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: President David J. Canepa, District 5
Subject: Reappointments to the Emergency Medical Care Committee
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation for the following reappointments to the Emergency Medical Care Committee (EMCC), each for a term ending March 31, 2029:
A) Gale Carli, representing the American Red Cross, for a second term; and
B) Stephen (Charlie) Skourtis, representing the County-wide exclusive emergency ambulance contractor EMT-Paramedic or Field EMT-Paramedic Supervisor, for a first full term; and
C) Tom Cuschieri, representing the San Mateo County Fire Chiefs Association, for a first full term; and
D) Sebastian Wong, representing the American Heart Association, for a first full term.
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BACKGROUND:
The Emergency Medical Care Committee (EMCC) is responsible for reviewing and reporting its observations and recommendations to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and the local Emergency Medical Services Agency (EMS Agency) regarding the emergency medical services system. The Committee monitors and presents recommendations to improve emergency medical care in San Mateo County.
The EMCC consists of 20 members appointed by the Board, for terms of four years, for up to three consecutive terms. Among EMCC’s 20 members, it must have, among other requirements: a) one (1) representative of the American National Red Cross (Red Cross); b) one (1) licensed and accredited San Mateo County EMT-Paramedic, who shall be employed as a field care EMT-Paramedic or field EMT-Paramedic Supervisor by the county-wide exclusive emergency ambulance contractor; c) one (1) representative of the San Mateo County Fire Chiefs Association; and d) one (1) representative of the local chapter of the American Heart Association.
DISCUSSION:
Gale Carli has been recommended for reappointment by the American Red Cross for a second term. The initial 2021 appointment memo inadvertently referenced Gale’s last name as Carlie. A Registered Nurse and Disaster Co-Chair for the San Mateo County Red Cross, Gale has brought valuable expertise and leadership to the EMCC.
Charlie Skourtis has been recommended for reappointment by American Medical Response (AMR) for a first full term as the County-wide exclusive emergency ambulance contractor Field EMT-Paramedic Supervisor representative. With over 16 years of EMS experience, he serves as an AMR Field Supervisor, Disaster Response Team member, and Tactical EMS paramedic. A longtime San Mateo County resident, Charlie remains committed to strengthening emergency medical services.
Tom Cuschieri has been recommended for reappointment by the San Mateo County Fire Chiefs Association for a first full term to serve as their representative to the EMCC. Chief Cuschieri is an active member of the San Mateo County emergency medical services (EMS) system as an EMT-paramedic for over 27 years and currently serves as the Fire Chief for the Woodside Fire Protection District.
Sebastian Wong has been recommended for reappointment by the American Heart Association for a first full term to serve as their representative to the EMCC. Mr. Wong has over 40 years of experience as a paramedic in the private EMS sector. Mr. Wong’s expertise and dedication to improving patient outcomes have made him a vital contributor to the EMCC's mission.
Approval of these reappointments each reflects as a four-year term effective April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2029.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.