FARMINGTON — St. Francois County Ambulance Administrator / CEO David Tetrault has been elected to serve on the board of directors for the American Ambulance Association (AAA).
Tetrault will be representing region 4, which covers Missouri and 11 other states.
According to the association’s website, the AAA's mission is: "To promote health care policies that ensure excellence in the ambulance services industry and provide research, education and communications programs to enable its members to effectively address the needs of the communities they serve." The AAA represents ambulance services across the United States that participate in serving more than 75 percent of the U.S. population with emergency and nonemergency care and medical transportation services. The AAA was formed in response to the need for improvements in medical transportation and emergency medical services. The association services as a voice and clearinghouse for ambulance services across the nation. The association views prehospital care not only as a public service, but also as an essential part of the total public health care system.
“I’ll be focusing on working through some of the tough industry changes most ambulance service providers are facing,” Tetrault said. “I will be responsible for reporting back to region 4 on topics such as Medicare / Medicaid healthcare reform and changes to National Fire Protection standards which include ambulance design specifications and other legislative issues.”
He will be available to serve on committees, hearings and presidential appointed assignments.
“I’ve never served on a national board before and I’m very excited about the opportunity,” Tetrault said.
James Snavely, St. Francois County Ambulance District Board of Directors chairman, said the board recognizes that allowing Tetrault to sit on the AAA board will be a good thing for the local district.
“With David on the board, our district will have representation in committee meetings and hearings that directly impact the future of the district and the nation’s healthcare system,” Snavely said. “He will be reporting back to region 4 on how ambulance service providers can help move this adolescent and changing industry into the future.
Tetrault said he feels strongly that trends are emerging, such as the Community Healthcare Paramedic that will require input and consideration on many different levels.
“The SFCAD Board of Directors congratulate David on his appointment,” Snavely said. “We would also like to remind the community about education opportunities available through the district which offers a wide variety of healthcare-based classes and hosts monthly CPR and first aid classes."