STAT NOTESSTAT NOTES The Year in Review-FY 2010 By: Bob Baioni

As we’ve mentioned before, we operate our business on a fiscal year (FY), starting on July 1st and ending on June 30th. FY 2009 (ending June 30, 2009) was a great year. We met all our goals, achieved our bonuses, and were able to purchase new ambulances and several equipment upgrades.

First, the bad news…

FY 2010 has been a struggle since it began on July 1, 2009. Overall, our primary customers (TriHealth and Mercy Hospitals) remained loyal, however our BLS run volumes were down significantly at Hospice of Cincinnati, Good Sam, Mercy Fairfield, and Mercy Western Hills. We also lost market share in other accounts. Significant declines in business occurred at Drake Center, University Hospital, and Christ Hospital. Another problem we faced was a change in Medicaid rules that eliminated direct pay-ments from Medicaid and required ambulance providers to negotiate and sign contracts with every individual nursing home.

The Domino effect…

The problems mentioned above impacted our overall volume substantially and ultimately affected our revenues. That in turn, forced us to change schedules to reduce overtime and scheduled hours. In order to save money, we also halted plans for equipment upgrades and major purchases.

Now, the good news…

• On February 14, 2010 we started a new ambulance company in Columbus, called “Columbus Connec-tion”. The company is a partnership between PTS and Mt. Carmel Health Systems and positions PTS for long term growth in this very competitive business.

• Business has been steadily increasing at 2 new facilities that opened this past year—Mercy Mt. Orab and West Chester Medical Center. Bethesda Arrow Springs continues to be a great customer and we need to do everything we can to continue providing excellent service to them. Since Jewish Hospital was purchased by Mercy Health Partners, we’ve been working them very hard and are starting to see some encouraging results.

• Good Samaritan Medical Center-Western Ridge plans to open their doors in September. We plan on placing their graphics (similar to Bethesda Arrow Springs) on 2 ambulances and will post crews there when they open.

• Finally, as the year comes to end, we’re very close to achieving our targeted goal of 92% from our customer service surveys. As of this writing, our overall score is 91.61%.

In summary, not all of FY 2010 was bad and as FY 2011 approaches, we see the proverbial “light at the end of the tunnel”. We all need to work together as a team to perform our jobs and meet the demands of our customers. Remember, it’s our associates and our customer service that set us apart from the competition.

Thanks for your dedication and hard work!

Inside this issue:

Nurse’s Week Celebrated Mary Ahlers Article EMS Week Celebrated PTS University Rising Star Program

2 3

New Uniforms New PC Station PTS Informal Staff Meetings

4

Fight Cancer Winner Going Above and beyond Jamie Vogelsang Raising

6 7

About Our Associates Weddings

8

Summer Fun Discounts Service Awards Congratulations

9

What Are You Doing This Summer Welcome New Associates

10 11

Firehouse Cook Cornbread Recipes Articles Needed

12 13

PTS Mission Statement

Our mission is to exceed the expecta-

tions of our customers, associates, and share-holders in the delivery

of health care and support services in a

way that a caring family provides.

Patient Transport Services

2010

Summer

The week of May 6-12 was declared NATIONAL NURSES WEEK. This year’s theme was “Nurses: Caring Today for a Healthier Tomorrow” in celebration of the ways in which nurses strive to provide safe and high quality patient care and map out the way to improve our health care system.

PTS honored our nurses with a gift and individual cards signed by PTS managers. A proclamation signed by the entire CEO Council of Consolidated Health Services, recognizing the event and to celebrate nursing's accomplishments and efforts to improve our health care system and showing our appreciation for our nurses was also posted on our bulletin board for the entire week. Thank you PTS Nurses!

When you have as many interests and abilities as Mary Ahlers, choices are like chopsticks in China. There are lots of them.

Chopsticks? After working for more than 25 years in the restaurant business, Ahlers has been there and done that. She's done the dishes, the desserts and the main course, too. She's worked in fine dining, as a restaurant general manager, and in fast food, as a franchise owner. "There's nothing I haven't done in a restaurant," Ahlers said. "When it comes to food, I've seen it all."

These days, Ahlers looks at life from a very different vantage point. She's helping save lives as a registered nurse and emergency medical technician in a mobile intensive care unit for TriHealth Patient Transport Services. Her current career is just one chapter in a wide-ranging life story.

In high school, she was a baton-twirling majorette and she played the flute and the xylo-phone in the band. She was a dancer for 15 years, practicing ballet and modern jazz. She plays the piano and the guitar. She water-skis. She snow-skis. She rides a 2005 Harley-Davidson 883L.

When she got married in 1993, she sold her restaurant business and her husband became a police officer while Ahlers became a flight attendant. "Sometimes you go through a stage where you don't want to do what your parents did," she said. In Ahlers' case, that stage lasted almost 30 years.

As a child, Ahlers tagged along with her father when he made house calls as the local physician in a small town in Michigan. When she was a teenager, she worked in her father's office when he was the county coroner. Her mother volunteered for the Red Cross. "I was daddy's little girl, so I worked in all his offices and I saw my first autopsy at age 10," Ahlers said. "What I remember most was traveling with him and smelling the outside and going into people's homes. I think because of that, I've always loved being outdoors and working closely with people."

But there she was in 1976, a college graduate taking her bachelor's degrees in biology and psychology and heading straight to the restaurant business, where she stayed until she was 41 years old. "I fell in love with the people end of the business," Ahlers said.

She eventually got into and then out of the airline industry which she would leave in 2005, two years after enrolling in nursing classes. Fast forward five years, Ahlers has saved her best act for last. I'm working to become an EMT-P so I can be a paramedic. It gives me more knowledge and I can help more people. And I teach what I know," said Ahlers, who is an emergency medical services instructor at Cincinnati State.

"I think a next phase for me might be air transport...In the medical field, there is so much out there for me to pursue."

Nurse’s Week Celebrated at PTSNurse’s Week Celebrated at PTSNurse’s Week Celebrated at PTS

STAT NOTES Page 2

Mary Ahlers Featured in Enquirer Article In honor of National Nurses Week, this terrific article about Mary was published

in the Cincinnati Enquirer on Sunday, May 9, 2010

“Now she’s taking the ride of her life “ By: Marc Hardin, Enquirer Contributor

National Emergency Medical Services Week was May 16-22. This year’s theme was “EMS—Anytime. Anywhere. We’ll Be There.” This annual event brings together local communities and medical personnel to publi-cize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine's "front line."

PTS celebrated and honored our EMS workers with a personal gift for every associate from our managers, snacks and goodies, pizza parties, and daily prize drawings. We also dedicated a bulletin board with EMS infor-mation, trivia, and humor.

Thank you EMS Workers!

“Rising Star” Referral Program

Not only can you help us, but you can also help yourself to some cash just by making referrals for one of our “Hot Jobs” posted on our bulletin boards. How easy is that?

Every referral resulting in a hire into one of the “Hot Jobs” also creates eligibility for the referring associate to participate in a quarterly drawing for a $500 gift certificate. We need your referrals!

Recent referral bonuses have been paid to these associates:

Trent Carter, Mary Ahlers, Matt Dyer & Jamie Vogelsang

EMS Week Celebrated at PTS!

Ongoing Training CPR HCP renewal for all associates. Classes are held bi-monthly. Check the training bulletin board for class dates.

ACLS, PALS, BTLS, etc. for SFT associates. See Roy for details.

TriHealth Classes Continuing Education the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm. Sessions rotate between Good Samaritan and Bethesda North Hospitals. No classes in July and August.

Bethesda North Cath Lab Observation Hours Tuesdays 0800-1200 hrs and 1200-1600 hrs. Fridays 0800-1200 hrs. Only 1 observer permitted per 4-hour time slot. To schedule hours, call Jeff Heist @ 865-2351 3 Cardiology Category CE’s Provided

Cardiac Cath Lab at University Hospital Spend 4 hours observing in the Cardiac Cath Lab at University Hospital on Wednesdays and receive 4 Cardiology Category CE’s. E-mail Kay Vonderschmidt: vondermkmail@ucmail.uc.edu to register.

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Online educational opportunities at www.peds-ems-online.com

PTS University Classes and Training

STAT NOTES Page 3

Last year we began testing new uniforms, but our associates who were wearing them gave us mixed re-views, and that, coupled with our budget issues, caused us to temporarily shelve the whole idea.

Recently, Mary Ahlers contacted the vendor for Good Sam and obtained some sample shirts with the TriHealth/PTS design. We like the look—casual and chic, and we’re currently testing them for comfort and durability. Early results are promising. Shown here are Carol and Bev wearing theirs. We’ll keep everyone updated on the test results.

PTS Informal Staff Meetings Wards Corner 2nd Tuesday of Each Month 0900 – 1000 hours Mt. Airy 2nd Thursday of Each Month 0900 – 1000 hours

We think everyone will agree on the importance of electronic communications, including e-mail, texting, and social networking. As we looked to the future, our company had the vision to become more actively involved in internet recruiting and hiring while also using an electronic media to manage the information that Human Resources keeps on file. The first step was training our managers to use People Soft software for the HR functions. Following that, a decision was made to replace paper applications with on-line appli-cations. Kiosks have been installed in public areas to allow “walk-in” job candidates to complete an application on-site. Alternately,

anyone contacting our website can follow the prompts to complete an application from the comfort of their home.

What’s with the New PC Station?

STAT NOTES Page 4

New Uniforms– Chapter 2

Open to everyone, on or off duty. These are very informal meetings that will allow us to better communi-cate with you while giving you the opportunity to meet with one or more of our managers to discuss whatever’s on your mind—questions, comments, suggestions, concerns, etc.

Reservations not necessary. Coffee’s on!

Columbus Connection DebutsColumbus Connection Debuts

STAT NOTES Page 5

Mount Carmel Health Systems (MCHS) is one of the largest healthcare providers in central Ohio, offering patient care in four respected hospitals in Columbus, Ohio. For the past several years, they’d been operating a medical transportation business, “Mount Carmel Connection”. Last year, PTS and MCHS signed a partnership agreement to form a new ambulance company in Columbus, replacing Mount Carmel Connection. The company will be overseen by a board consisting of representatives from both Mount Carmel and Patient Transport Services, with PTS as the managing partner.

Welcome!Welcome!

On February 14, 2010 the new company, “Columbus Connection” began operations, servicing Mount Carmel Hospitals and the Columbus area. Our new company is slightly smaller than PTS with around 80 employees and 19 ambulances providing ALS, BLS, and MICU service. We’re extremely excited about the new company and feel this partner-ship will position us for long term growth and hopefully create additional efficiencies and cost savings by combining certain services.

STAT NOTES Page 6

Get Paid to Fight Cancer Winner DATE: May 26, 2010 FROM: Susie Oliver TITLE: Program Manager, Communications

Congratulations to Bob Baioni, Director at PTS, for winning a Day Off with Pay in our ‘Get Paid to Fight Cancer’ community service project. Jerry McKinney drew the winning name at the Support Services Meeting this morning. Thank you to everyone who participated. Our Consolidated Health Services companies raised $700, and the Relay for Life team Sirens and Stethoscopes, led by team captain and PTS associate Jamie Vogelsang, raised a total of $1,651.15. All money raised will benefit the American Cancer Society.

Congratulations and a huge “Thank You: to Jamie Vogelsang for raising $1651.15 to fight cancer.

STAT NOTES Page 7

Customer Service Tip Be sincere and make your customer and/or patient feel important

and appreciated. Sincerity creates good feelings and trust.

After seeing many people, including several PTS associates (myself included) touched by cancer in some way, Jamie decided to do something to help. She formed a team of friends and coworkers called “Sirens and Stethoscopes”, and joined other teams all across the country walking all night long in the Relay for Life, on May 22nd – May 23rd.

In conjunction with Jamie’s valiant efforts, the Community Service Team at Support Services decided to support her cause by holding a raffle for a day off with pay---“Get Paid to Fight Cancer”. I generally never win any drawings or raffles—what a surprise! Jamie said she’s already making plans for next year’s walk. Nice job, Jamie.

Thanks to all! Bob Baioni

No doubt she was a beautiful bride. Congratulations to Brittani Vorholt, married to Matt Ristau on May 29 at St. Theresa of Avila. The newlyweds honeymooned at Sandals Resort in Ocho Rios.

Chris Neyer and Melissa Gill are planning a beach wedding in Destin, Florida on June 21. Upon returning to Cincinnati, they will reside in Delhi township.

A big smile from Korbyn James Flanigan, born at St. Elizabeth, Edgewood on November 5, 2009 to Karen Korb and spouse Mark Flanigan.

Congratulations to new mom, Shelia Engled, shown here with baby, Finley Marcum, born January 23, 2010 at Bethesda North.

More congrats to Kim Smith, shown here with baby, Alex, waving for our camera. He was born October 23, 2009 at Bethesda North.

About our AssociatesAbout our Associates

STAT NOTES Page 8

Congratulations and Good Luck Brittani Ristau has been accepted into the 2010-2011 Paramedic Training Class

at Bethesda North. Classes begin August 27th.

Be sure to check out our bulletin boards and take advantage of the some of the many family fun discounts that are available to all asso-ciates. Kings Island, Coney Island, Newport Aquarium, The Beach, and Cincinnati Zoo are just a few of the offerings. Brochures with information on each venue are available at Human Resources or see your manager for more information.

Summer Fun Discounts

STAT NOTES Page 9

6/02 Tracy Buchanan

6/03 Adam Dunaway

6/04 James Lyons

6/08 Glenn Liming Mike Glover

6/15 Linda Walz

6/17 Brian Marshall

6/25 Melissa Keller

6/28 John Seckel

7/01 Eddie Martin 8/03 Don Roper

7/03 Joe Rump 8/08 Robin Thomas

7/05 Marvin Heggemeier 8/09 Tim LeFevers

7/07 Rob Schrand 8/12 Stephanie Jewett

7/11 Joe Klamo; Jeff Kovach 8/16 Jamie Vogelsang

7/13 Derek Roat 8/18 Steve Crase

7/16 John Reid; Kim Smith

7/20 Dave Strouth; Andrew Schwartz

7/23 Andrew Petronio

7/26 Anthony Case

7/27 Delta Johnson

7/30 Wes Perry

These associates were recently honored for their length of service.

5 Years 5 Years 10 Years 15 Years

Linda Walz Larry Reynolds Mike Glover Mike Mehring

Brian McIntyre Brian Hummeldorf Jamie Schwab Gary Feese

Jeff Kovach Shelia Engled Mike Sandige

Nate Daley Shaun Gillespie Joe Rump

Jeff Brunsman Gladys Stillwell

Congratulations are in Order

STAT NOTES Page 10

Linda Walz

“We’re going up to Cleveland for a few days. Plan on seeing the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and then on to Canton to see the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”

Bev Tanner

“Vacation. Are you kidding? I have 2 weddings to pay for. Can I have a raise?“

Lisa Mann

“I’ll be going to Gatlinburg with my sister and my niece and nephew, who just graduated from high school. We’ll be staying in a chalet and watching for bears.”

Lisa Tyler

“No travel plans for the summer, but will definitely spend some time at the pool with my kids. In October, we’re doing a family vacation to Fort Myers, Florida. Our time-share is right on the beach.”

Richard Henninger

“My daughter and son-in-law are in the US Air Force, stationed at Colorado Springs, so I’m plan-ning on a 3-week visit in June while I’m recovering from surgery.”

Jill Stolz

“Our whole family is going to Myrtle Beach I n August. We do this every other year and all of us stay at a campground. It’s great to see everyone and the beach is always beauti-ful.”

Melissa Keller

“Not really traveling out of town. Jeremiah’s 17 months old and he loves the water. Wood-land Mound Park has a great kids area with a water park. We’ll be going there and also tak-ing him to the Zoo.”

Ron Conger

“Going antiquing to Marys-ville, Ohio in early June. I might also pick up a new Honda while I’m there!”

What Are You Doing This Summer?What Are You Doing This Summer?

STAT NOTES Page 11

Anthony Case Diana Elam James Lyons Jill Stolz Brandon Kilby David Huwell

Andrew Schwartz Tim LeFevers Brandon Hudson

E-Mail List Most of our associates work in the field and don’t have access to our company email system.

If you’d like to receive email alerts and notifications at you home or on your cell phone, give us your personal email address.

This would give us another tool to better communicate with all of our associates. Contact your manager for details.

The Firehouse Cook Bob Baioni, This Month’s Guest Chef

STAT NOTES Page 12

When I was stationed at Engine 34’s house at Clifton and Ludlow, one of the guys on our unit (Bill D.) had an outstanding recipe for Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya. It was a typical firehouse meal—simple ingredients, hearty and satisfying, easy to pre-

pare, and cooked in a single pot. The jambalaya was served over white rice and we’d have saltine crackers or garlic bread as an accompaniment. Bill was kind enough to share his recipe with me. Over the years, I’ve made a couple changes to the original recipe---cooking the rice with the jambalaya and serving it with cornbread. Our family loves it and I think yours will too. This recipe will serve 4-6 people. Enjoy.

Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya

Saute for 10 minutes in small amount of cooking oil in large pot:

2 large boned chicken breast halves, cut in 1” chunks

2 Eckrich or similar brand smoked sausages (1 lb pkg.), cut in 1” chunks

1 16 oz. pkg. cubed ham (about 1” cubes)

1 large onion, coarsely chopped 3 stalks celery, coarsely chopped

1 green pepper, coarsely chopped 1 red pepper, coarsely chopped

4-6 cloves garlic, minced ¾ teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon salt ¾ teaspoon thyme

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1½ teaspoons Hungarian paprika

1 tablespoon hot sauce

Add:

1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes (with juice)

1 can black-eyed peas (with juice)

2 cans chicken broth

Bring to boil and reduce heat, cover and let simmer

(slow boil) for approximately 30 minutes.

Add ¾ cup uncooked rice

Return to boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook 20 minutes.

Check rice and if not fully cooked, cover and cook 10 minutes longer. Leave covered and allow jambalaya to sit for up to 1 hour before serving. It will thicken as the rice absorbs the extra liquid.

Serve with cornbread or garlic bread. Top jambalaya with additional hot sauce if desired.

Articles Needed!

Cornbread Recipe

STAT NOTES Page 13

You can make it straight out of the box, but try this if you want something special!

1 box Jiffy Cornbread or Corn Muffin Mix

½ cup flour

½ cup sugar

1 egg

1 tablespoon baking powder

3–4 tablespoons melted butter

½ cup milk

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Grease and flour a 8”-9” pie pan or cake pan.

Combine all ingredients add more milk if necessary to have

a cake batter consistency. Pour batter into pan and bake for 25 minutes.

Check for doneness.

Do you have a hidden talent? Are you a frustrated writer who’s always dreamed of having your work published? Now’s your chance to become famous. Who knows where this may lead?

We’re looking for associates interested in writing an occasional guest column or even a regular column. It doesn’t need to be about work, in fact we’d prefer something more personal. Talk about your hobbies and interests, your family, your vacation, favorite recipes or anything of interest. Accompanying photos are welcome! This could be you own personal “blog”. Get involved. Please contact Bob for details.

We Welcome your Suggestions How are we doing? What can we do to make this newsletter better?