Frequently Asked Questions about PEPP, November 1 2006

 

Question 1: Can 2 people go in the ALS section or does it have to be 1 ALS and 1 BLS?

 

Yes. If your service only has ALS providers or only has ALS providers that want to participate, 2 ALS providers can take the PEPP ALS course and have the tuition paid and receive the honorarium. 

 

Question 2: How does the reimbursement work, what does it all include?

 

The honorarium is $160 per day. So $160 is available for a BLS course participant (one day) and $320 for an ALS course participant (two days). It is an honorarium paid to the person or their organization. The stipend covers anything the person or organization wants it to cover – meals, gas, lodging, mileage, hourly pay. You do not need to submit receipts or an expense report. 

 

Question 3: What do I do with the "Request for Funding" form?  Do I make a photo copy of it and send it in once at the beginning to the RTAC coordinator to let him know I want to participate and then send it in at the end with my certificate?

 

Before taking the PEPP course, the form must be signed by your medical or service director. Wait to send the form to your RTAC Coordinator until after you have completed the PEPP course.

 

Question 4: Do I have to wait for my stipend until my certificate comes back?  That could be 6 weeks or more.

 

No. A copy of the course roster showing you passed or a letter from the instructor indicating a passing score and waiting for a card is sufficient. The course instructor may be willing to collect the “Request for Funding” form from all course participants and mail them together to the RTAC Coordinator with a copy of the course roster immediately after the course. The course roster must show that the student passed the course in order to receive reimbursement. This would be an efficient and appreciated method for the RTAC Coordinator to receive the request for funding.

 

Question 5: As a "Pediatric Champion" do I have to teach my squad?   

 

The pediatric champion does not take PEPP and then teach PEPP. This is not a “train the trainer” program. The responsibilities of the “Pediatric Champion” are 1) serve as a resource to his/her service regarding pediatric emergency care issues, 2) champion pediatric issues as plans and budgets are discussed at the service, 3) successfully complete training in PEPP – Pediatric Education for Pre-hospital Professionals. Specific ways (examples only) the pediatric champion might serve their service include:

 

·        Scheduling a pediatrician to teach a pediatric lesson to the service

·        Scheduling a training night to practice pediatric assessment

·        Inventorying existing pediatric care equipment and recommending items to purchase

·        Sharing articles on pediatric emergencies with colleagues

·        Answer questions from colleagues about pediatric assessment and treatment or direct them to the appropriate resources

·        Encourage others to complete the PEPP course

 

Question 6: I am a BLS provider, but, I want to attend both days as the material presented is equally interesting and useful to me as well.  Can I?

 

This decision is best made by the PEPP course instructor.

 

Question 7: I don't think I am going to be able to register for a PEPP course before November 30th. Will I lose the opportunity to take advantage of this offer?

 

The November 30 deadline is meant to encourage quick action. Register as soon as you can. This is necessary to ensure that we have budgeted sufficient funds to cover all the costs of this “Pediatric Champion” program. This is a unique funding opportunity for EMS in that it combines course tuition and an honorarium. Don't let this opportunity pass as it may not come again.

 

Question 8: I am not able to attend any of the currently scheduled course locations.  Are other courses going to be scheduled?

 

Yes. PEPP instructors are adding more courses each. A statewide schedule will be distributed at the beginning of each month. Additionally, RTAC coordinators are encouraging PEPP instructors at hospitals and technical colleges to schedule more courses to meet the surging demand. It is also possible to bring a course to your area. If you are interested in bringing a course to your area (usually a minimum of 10 -12 participants), contact your RTAC coordinator.