From: Donna Huerta Sent: Friday, June 26, 2009 5:26 PM To: Ron Simmons Cc: George Harris; Don Poovey; Heath Ollnger; Kyte Embry; Lynda Humble; Katie Corder Subject: NASCO lifesaving

Ron, A Channel 11 reporter is doing a "witch hunt" on the NASCO (NATIONAL AQUATIC SAFETY COMPANY} who certifies our lifeguards because he said they use the abdominal thrust method to remove water from the lungs of people who have almost drowned. According to Channel 11, and their experts at the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association, this method is not an acceptable method and to remove water from the lungs of victims. He claims you should only perform CPR. I asked htm if he had consulted any EMS expert and he said not yet. I want to know what you are taught and who the "experts" are? All my life, I was taught to do the abdominal/Heimlich Maneuver to get water out of people's lungs. It was 30 years ago when I was a lifeguard, but how else would you do it?

Can you find out what the official standard is In the EMS world?

Please get back with me as soon as you can to talk about this. I don't want Channel 11 causing panic because our lifeguards were not trained properly. Thankyoul Donna

Donna Huerta , Communications Manager/Publ ic Informat ion Officer City of Rowlett | 4000 Main St., 750SS or P.O. Box 99 j Rowlett, TX 75030-0099 o 972.463.3954 | c 214.325.1269 | f 972.412.6279 | dhuertafl) rowlett .com

Rowlett , Texas

On The Water. On The Move. Our Vision: A unique community where families enjoy life and feel at home.

Visit our Citizen Action Center at www.rowlett.com for questions or requests.

1

Susie Quinn

From: Donna Huerta Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2009 5:33 PM To: City Council Cc: Lynda Humble; Katie Corder; Kyle Embry; Heath Olinger; George Harris; Ron Simmons Subject: FW: Rowlett statement

Mayor, Council, KTVT Channel 11 reporter Aaron Wische is working on an investigative story on the National Aquatics Safety Company (NASCO), the company that certifies our lifeguards at the Wet Zone and lifeguards in dozens of cities across the country. The reporter has been working on this story for more than two weeks alleging that NASCO teaches the use of abdominal thrusts to remove water from a victim's lungs when other evidence from the American Red Cross contradicts that philosophy. The American Red Cross is in direct competition with NASCO as a "for-profit" company for lifeguard training.

NASCO supports the method only if it is needed as a victim is still in the water being transported to land. Once the victim is out of the water, however, NASCO, the American Heart Association, the leading authority on water rescue, and our staff (see list below) agree that abdominal thrusts out of the water are not necessary and should not be used.

Our staff, included Fire Chief George Harris, EMS Coordinator Ron Simmons, Recreation Manager Heath Olinger and Wet Zone Water Park Manager Kyie Embry. They have thoroughly researched the issue and assisted in preparing a statement that was delivered to the reporter last week.

Please read the City's official statement in the email below. The reporter requested an on camera interview but we declined. The City of Dallas Parks Director also declined an on camera interview. According to the reporter, the story is scheduled to air this week. I will continue to watch for it and let you know when it does. Thank you, Donna

Donna Huerta ; Communications Manager/Publ ic Informat ion Officer City of Rowlett I 4000 Main St., 75088 or P.O. Box 99 , Rowlett, TX 75030-0099 o 972.463.3954 [ c Z14.3Z5.1269 1 f 972.412.6Z79 | d huerta® rowlett .com

Rowlett, Texas On The Water. On The Move. Our Vision: A unique community where families enjoy life and feel at home.

Visit our Citizen Action Center at www.rowiett.com lor questions or requests.

From: Donna Huerta Sent: Thursday, July 02, 2009 4:26 PM To: 'Wische, Aaron M' Subject: Rowlett statement

Hi Aaron, Below is the City's position as a result of the meetings we had and the research that was conducted by staff on the subject of abdominal thrusts as it pertains to water rescue.

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Again, as I told you on the phone, we do appreciate your attention to the matter and for bringing the issue to our attention. We have been able to better define and clarify the protocol.

"After conducting extensive research, staff recommends that lifeguards at the Wet Zone continue to use the NASCO protocol as described below.

Abdominal thrusts are to only be used, if necessary, as a lifesaving toot on a victim who is found unconscious in the water while transporting them to the side of the pool for extraction. From the point of extraction from the water, abdominal thrusts are not to be used. These guidelines are in line with the NASCO guidelines and those set forth by the American Heart Association.

The Wet Zone lifeguards will review and practice this training in the weekly in-service conducted this week. Our number one concern and goal is for our lifeguards to continue to provide the best, safest and most effective procedures for our patrons."

Thanks Aaron and have a great weekend) Donna

Donna Huerta , Communications Manager/Public Information Officer City of Rowlett | 4000 Main St., 75088 or P.O. Box 99 1 Rowlett, TX 75030-0099 o 972.463.3954 I c 214.325.1269 , f 972.412.6279 | clhuerta@rowlett.com

Rowlett, Texas On The Water. On The Move. Our Vision: A unique community where families enjoy life and feel at home.

Visit our Citizen Action Center at www, rowlett. com for questions or requests.

2

Susie Quinn

From: Donna Huerta Sent: Thursday, July 16, 2009 11:15 AM To: City Council Cc: Lynda Humble; Katie Corder; Kyle Embry; Heath Olinger Subject: Lifesaving Certification Media Story

Dear Mayor and Council,

This is a very long, but important email message about a media issue that is in progress.

KTVT Channel 11 reporter Aaron Wische is working on an investigative story about the National Aquatics Safety Company (NASCO), the company that the City of Rowiett contracts with for lifesaving training at the Wet Zone, for their use of abdominal thrusts on victims found in the water not breathing in their training manual.

The City sent an official statement to Channel 11 on our position (outlined in red below) and has declined an on camera interview, but the reporter is relentless in wanting us to defend our position on camera. To go on camera puts Rowlett in the middle of a battle between two companies who compete for lifesaving training contracts. The reporter has even threatened to do an "unscheduled" interview, which usually means an ambush interview with the City Manager. We wanted to prepare you just in case they decide to pursue the Mayor and Council as well.

Yesterday, the reporter and cameraman showed up at the Wet Zone unannounced and interviewed two families in the parking lot. Kyle Embry, Water Park Manager, was able to talk to those families following their interview with Channel 11 to reassure them that our lifeguards are trained to the highest standards and that the controversy is between two private companies on training methods. Neither family seemed to be impacted by the reporter's claims and both came inside the water park to enjoy the day with their families.

All of this is to ask that should you be approached by reporters/cameramen unexpectedly on this subject, we request that you decline the on camera interview and refer them to the City Manager's Communication Office. This will ensure that we send one, unified message.

Some "ambush" interview tips are:

1. When the reporter/cameraman approaches you, stop, make eye contact, smile, extend a handshake and ask the reporter's name and station affiliation.

2. Then, ignore the camera and say to the reporter, "Aaron, I believe the City Manager's Communication Office has sent you our position statement and all the information you need and I would prefer that you speak to them." Say that as many times as you need to in a pleasant tone, no matter what the next question is. "Like I said Aaron, I would prefer that you speak to " over and over and over. Eventually, he will get frustrated and leave. By doing this, there wilt be absolutely no video they can show that indicates you were uncooperative.

3. Whatever you do, remain pleasant, don't say NO COMMENT, and do not turn your back and walk away. The City will look uncooperative if you turn your back. Just continue to assure him that City Hall has all the information he needs on the subject.

Following Is some background on the controversy:

The controversy has been brewing for a long time among competing agencies and companies who provide water rescue training for lifeguards. Some say abdominal thrusts should be completely discontinued, and some, including NASCO, say abdominal thrusts are just a last resort tool to use in the most extreme situations when there is difficulty In getting the victim out of the water and the length of time without breathing becomes a factor.

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Because there is no "offlciaY' government certification organization for lifeguards, it is entirely up to each individual city or private pool or water park to select whomever they want for training. NASCO is under contract with hundreds of cities, including the City of Dallas, and numerous private water parks like Hawaiian Falls, and is endorsed by the Texas Municipal League.

With that said, the City ofRowlett has reviewed the reporter's information and has contacted the American Heart Association, a neutral party, only to conclude that our lifeguards will continue to be trained by NASCO and will ONLY use abdominal thrusts in the highly unlikely circumstance when they cannot get the victim out of the water in less than a few seconds and the victim is not breathing. The distance from the middle of any of our pools at the Wet Zone and the edge of the pool is only seconds away. We stand firm in that position.

Because the reporter has been so vicious about this story, we have again been in conversations with the American Heart Association this morning about their position on the subject. We have requested that they send us their recommendations to us in writing. Verbally, the AHA recommends not using abdominal thrusts in water rescue for risk of having water pushed from the stomach into the lungs causing lung damage, but they do not have any empirical data to support that claim nor do they have any evidence of such incidents.

The message sent to Channel IX on July 2 is below:

"After conducting extensive research, staff recommends that lifeguards at the Wet Zone continue to use the NASCO protocol as described below.

Abdominal thrusts are to only be used, if necessary, as a lifesaving tool on a victim who is found unconscious in the water while transporting them to the side of the pool for extraction. From the point of extraction from the water, abdominal thrusts are not to be used. These guidelines are in line with the NASCO guidelines and those set forth by the American Heart Association.

The Wet Zone lifeguards will review and practice this training in the weekly in-service conducted this week. Our number one concern and goal is for our lifeguards to continue to provide the best, safest and most effective procedures for our patrons."

The reporter has been working on this story for an unprecedented six weeks and is determined to make someone took bad. I believe because he cannot convince any of the larger water parks or cities to go on camera, he has chose a smaller city with a water park to pursue.

I contacted Channel 11 station producer Allen Manning to discuss the issue with him and to let him know that we have been cooperative and open with the reporter since he contacted us on June 23 and that the story in no way, should reflect otherwise. The reporter just wants us to "cave" into the vague recommendations from the American Heart Association to not use abdominal thrusts, even though there is no official agency who mandates certifications.

Again, Kyle and his staff are comfortable with the training offered by NASCO and will continue to keep abdominal thrusts in the rescue tool box to only be used in the most extreme lifesaving situations when there is difficulty in getting the victim out of the water.

Please feel free to contact me at anytime on my cell phone at 214-325-1269 should you be approached by a reporter, and let me know If you need more information.

Thank youI Donna

Donna Huerta ; Communications Manager/Publ ic Informat ion Officer City of Rowlett | 4000 Main St., 75088 or P.O. Box 99 j Rowlett, TX 75030-0099 o 972.463.3954 | c 214.325.1Z69 j f 972.412.6279 ( drniertagHrowlatt.com

Rowlett, Texas

2

Susie Quinn

From: Donna Huerta Sent: Thursday, July 23, 2009 11:15 AM To: City Council Cc: Lynda Humble; George Harris; Don Poovey; Pat Baugh Subject: media update Attachments: Budget schedule 2009.pdf; Meals On Wheels, 7-23-09.pdf; CPR Class July 2009.pdf

Good morning, Attached are several news releases from the City of Rowlett that will be sent to the media and posted on the web site today. Below is a summary of media contacts made this week:

1. Ann Marie Shambaugh with the Rowlett Lakeshore Times is writing a story about our EMS services after receiving a call from someone "concerned" that the City is staffing and operating only two ambulances at a time. George Harris did a phone interview with Ann Marie this morning to explain how the department is operating in a manner that better leverages the use of EMS apparatus and staffing, which results in an reduction in overtime costs, but still provides more than adequate EMS service at ail times. We do not know who contacted Ann Marie, but they suggested to her that we are not providing the level of EMS service that we should be. When George spoke with her, he provided the information necessary to discredit that accusation and assured her that the department is fully equipped and staffed to provide the necessary level of EMS response to our citizens.

2. Ann Marie is also writing a story about last Friday's Chamber of Commerce meeting that featured Mayor Harper's Economic Development presentation and the question and answer session with Lynda Humble, Ben White and Pat Baugh. As a follow up to that meeting, Ann Marie requested a list of the scheduled lane closures for SH 66 from October 2009 through March 2010 to accommodate the PGBT construction. We sent that schedule to her this morning.

3. And finally, the KTVT Channel 11 story about the NASCO lifesaving controversy has not aired yet and we have not heard from the reporter in a week. 1 will continue to keep you posted as things develop on this story.

Thank you and have a great day! Donna

Donna Huerta t Communications Manager/Publ ic Informat ion Officer City of Rowlett j 4000 Main St., 75088 or P.O. Box 99 ; Rowlett, TX 75030-0099 o 972.463.3954 | c 214.325.1269 | f 972.412.6279 | dhuertafiarowlBtt.com

Rowlett, Texas On The Water. On The Move. Our Vision: A unique community where families enjoy life and feel at home.

Visit our Citizen Action Center at www.rowlett.com for questions or requests.

1

Susie Quinn

From: Donna Huerta Sent: Monday, July 27, 2009 6:28 AM To: Lynda Humble; City Council; Kyle Embry Cc: Executive Team; Heath Olinger Subject: Channel 11 story

Dear Mayor, Council, Lynda and Kyle,

Last night and already this morning, I saw a teaser on KTVT Channel 11 for the ongoing investigative story about lifesaving techniques that are "potentially deadly" and "why some north Texas water parks are continuing to use it even after a child died." The teaser said to watch for the story "you all need to see" tonight at 10 p.m.

As you will recall, this is the story that reporter Aaron Wische has been working on since mid June and has targeted the National Association of Safety Co. (Rowlett is only one of hundreds of cities and water parks that use NASCO, including the City of Dallas, Hawaiian Falls, and many more private water parks. TML also endorses NASCO so there are dozens of cities involved.)

The reporter is not satisfied with Rowletf s decision to continue training with NASCO rather than make changes in our procedures based on his findings. I fully anticipate that the story will be very dramatic and will specifically target the Wet Zone because of this position.

Background: It is staffs position that even though NASCO teaches abdominal thrusts as a training tool that could be used in the unlikely event that the rescuer is having difficulty removing the victim from the water for an extended period of time, Rowlett lifeguards are instructed that then and only then, will they use that tool while that victim is still in the water in an effort to open the airway.

Since the diameters of the Wet Zone pools are small enough to get a victim out of the water in a very short amount of time, this technique would more than likely not be necessary. Once the victim is out of the water, our lifeguards are trained to immediately clear the airway by starting CPR, not by using abdominal thrusts.

We have been extremely responsive and cooperative with the reporter, but decided that we had nothing to gain by doing an on camera interview, so we declined. There should be no insinuation that Rowlett was non-responsive because I responded to Aaron 6 times by email and 5 times by phone since he first contacted us on June 23. Staff met and drafted a position statement that was sent it to him as well. The last conversation I had with Aaron was on July 13, and I spoke with his producer on July 15.

The teaser didn't suggest that the story would be spread over several nights, but that is a possibility. I will keep you posted. Thank you, Donna

Donna Huerta ; Communications Manager/Publ ic Informat ion Officer City of Rowlett | 4000 Main St., 75088 or P.O. Box 99 \ Rowlett, TX 75030-0099 o 972.463.3954 | c 214.325.1269 | f 972.412.6279 j dhuerta@rowlett.com

Rowlett, Texas On The Water. On The Move,

Our Vision: A unique community where families enjoy life and feel at home.

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