EMS Today (JEMS)

It's not the wave of the future, it is the standard of care. The "answer" to saving lives is right under our nose! Eric Chase has a conversation with Don Guillette, RN, paramedic, educator and author of “Capnography Capstone,” about the significance of ETCO2 in EMS, hospitals and more.

Infection control consultant Katherine West provides information about Dengue Virus, an ailment EMS providers may encounter this summer.

JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee finds out what it’s like to work for Sunstar Paramedics in Pinellas County, Florida. Joining him is Malachi White, director of recruiting, and Capt. Shelby Papa, clinical services coordinator.

When every second counts in a medical emergency like a stroke, deciding on the right course of treatment can be life-changing. Strokes come in two main types—ischemic and hemorrhagic—each requiring very different treatment approaches. But what if a critical intervention, like lowering blood pressure, could be started right there in the ambulance?

Could it improve outcomes for stroke patients before they even reach the hospital? These are some of the pressing questions tackled in the latest episode of EMS Research with Professor Bram. This discussion explores the complexities of early care for stroke patients and the role prehospital blood pressure management might play in recovery.

Paramedic Mic Gunderson and Neurologist David Rose offer a specialist’s perspective on stroke care. Together, they dissect groundbreaking research and share practical strategies that could transform how strokes are treated in the field.

You and your partner are savoring the last drops of the best brew from the local coffee shop when the tones drop for a seven-year-old female with shortness of breath. It’s only about two miles away at the urgent care; as you start down the road, you bounce ideas back and forth with your partner. What are some of the things you think could cause this?

Read the full article here.

Hosts: Bradley Dean and David Blevins

Guest: Joe Slattery, BS Homeland Security & Emergency Management, Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE), Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS)

Overview: In this episode of the EMS Handoff Podcast, Bradley and David welcome Joe Slattery, a dual-certified healthcare simulation expert with over 30 years of experience in EMS. Joe’s extensive background and passion for EMS education, specifically in simulation, shine as he shares insights into his work developing state-of-the-art simulation labs and curriculum for multiple hospitals and residency programs across southeast Florida. His projects aim to elevate EMS education by integrating hands-on, realistic scenarios that build critical thinking and clinical skills for healthcare providers.

Key Takeaways

1. Joe’s Background in Simulation and EMS Education Joe discusses his journey in EMS and simulation-based education, including his academic background in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. He holds dual certifications as a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) and a Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS). He has dedicated his career to advancing EMS training and has presented at leading EMS and simulation conferences, including the International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH).
2. Designing Effective Simulation Scenarios Joe dives into the nuances of creating successful simulation scenarios, emphasizing how scenario design can either build or inhibit a learner’s critical thinking. He advocates for a thoughtful approach to setting learning objectives and aligning them closely with scenario details to prevent distractions or misdirected focus.
3. Safety in Healthcare Simulation: A Simple Scenario Joe shares a scenario he uses in his “Safety in Healthcare Simulation” lecture:

• Objective: Assemble a nebulizer and administer 2.5 mg of Albuterol Sulfate.
• Scenario Components: Using a manikin, a nebulizer, saline solution as a substitute for albuterol, and an oxygen source delivering 6-8 LPM.
• Patient Presentation: The manikin should have signs like wheezing, rhonchi, a history of asthma, or possible pneumonia. However, rales/crackles and peripheral edema are intentionally excluded as they would mislead the learner regarding the appropriateness of albuterol.

Importance of Testing Scenarios Before Implementation Joe explains how testing scenarios can prevent potential pitfalls by ensuring they meet educational objectives without introducing misleading elements. He illustrates that adding symptoms like rales or peripheral edema would alter the scenario's purpose, forcing learners into unnecessary critical thinking exercises outside the intended scope. This testing step is crucial to ensure the simulation accurately reflects real-life decision-making. Practical Advice for EMS Educators Joe offers practical tips for EMS educators looking to incorporate simulation in their teaching. From setting clear objectives to aligning simulation elements with real-world scenarios, he highlights how educators can provide safe yet challenging learning environments.

Connect with Joe Slattery

• Joe shares his passion for teaching and simulation and discusses upcoming projects where he is expanding simulation training in hospitals and residency programs. His expertise is shaping the next generation of EMS professionals, bringing essential skills to the forefront of healthcare education.

Tune In To Learn

• Best practices for simulation-based EMS education.
• How to craft scenarios that support—and not confuse—learning objectives.
• Real-world applications of simulation in healthcare for better patient outcomes.

Whether you're an EMS educator, a simulation enthusiast, or an EMS provider looking to refine your skills, this episode provides valuable insights into making simulations impactful, relevant, and effective for learners.

EMS P.O.D. host Douglas Randell speaks to technologist Jonathon Feit about closing information gaps.

Dr. Casey Patrick, an ER and EMS physician from Texas, talks about a recent study he helped publish that looked at how successfully surgical cricothyrotomy can be performed by paramedics.

Infectious disease expert Katherine West discusses the current measles outbreak currently ongoing.

Dr. Peter Antevy sits down with EMS P.O.D. host Douglas Randell to discuss whole blood administration and sepsis treatment in the field.

Every month, North American Rescue (NAR) hosts a unique event called "Coffee with Veterans and First Responders." This initiative, now in its fifth year, offers a valuable space for local heroes to connect, network and discover new career opportunities.

Led by Anna Harris, a veteran and the director of Human Chemistry and Talent at NAR, Coffee with Veterans aims to bridge the gap between veterans and first responders and the civilian job market. With many NAR team members hailing from military and first responder backgrounds, this program is a personal passion for the company.

Is your EMS agency ready for pediatric emergencies? The National Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Project (PPRP) can help.

JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee speaks with Dr. Kathleen Adelgais and Frank St. Denis to learn more about the program.

The PPRP is an initiative to ensure all U.S. EMS agencies and fire-rescue services that respond to public 911 medical calls have essential resources in place to provide high-quality emergency care for children. The project is led by the Emergency Medical Services for Children Program in partnership with more than 30 national organizations and stakeholders.

Learn more about the assessment here.

ESO's Electronic Health Record makes it easy to produce high-quality EMS clinical documentation, saving your team time and ensuring accuracy. To learn more, visit eso.com/ehr/pod.

Dr. Orlando Rivera joins the Not A-Fib Podcast to discuss his writings for JEMS and his LinkedIn posts on EMS. We discuss why it's time for advocacy for a "revolutionary" change in EMS in the United States and getting that conversation started.

We also discuss why it's time to change the way EMS in our country is funded, and the downstream effects of that lack of adequate funding. We also discuss the importance of mental health, and end the podcast with a discussion on his passion for obstacle course racing.

JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee speaks with Dr. Molly McCann-Pineo, director of Clinical Research in the Emergency Medicine Service Line at Northwell Health. Dr. McCann-Pineo is also an assistant professor of Emergency Medicine and Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

It’s a cold Friday night in January. You just finished an uninterrupted meal at the local Chinese restaurant with your partner when you’re dispatched to a house in town for an 88-year-old male with trouble breathing. You pull up to a one-story house, sitting slightly up on a grade. The lights are on and the front door is open. As you enter a musty smell catches you as you lock your eyes on an older male. He’s tri-poding in an old, worn, puffy rocking chair. It’s clear from his fast, shallow, pursed-lip breathing he’s in distress. You introduce yourself and accept his outstretched hand for a shake.

Read the full article here.

JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee talks with Richard Price, founder and president of the PulsePoint Foundation. PulsePoint is a 501(c)(3) public non-profit foundation building applications that help public safety agencies inform and engage their citizens.

JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee speaks with Melissa Taylor, RN, about mental health issues affecting all emergency responders.

On this episode, Brett Lyle of Brett Lyle Coaching joins the podcast to discuss the importance of branding, networking and getting ideas from people outside of EMS. She also talks about the importance of coaching and mentoring within your organization, how leaders should also be followers and ways to continue to improve as a leader.

This podcast is sponsored by ESO.

It’s that time again! ESO just dropped their 2024 EMS Index — a must-read benchmarking tool for every EMS agency. With insights from over 12 million EMS responses in 2023, it covers topics like bystander CPR, ambulance offload times, and opioid overdoses. Your FREE copy is available now at eso.com/ems-pod.

ESO's Electronic Health Record makes it easy to produce high-quality EMS clinical documentation, saving your team time and ensuring accuracy. To learn more, visit eso.com/ehr/pod.

New Orleans EMS Maj. Tom Dransfield has a wide-ranging conversation with host Eric Chase. Topics include: SPARC Academy, whole blood and blood product initiatives, POCUS, Axon body-worn cameras and more.

JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee speaks with Global Medical Response’s Natalie Jobst about training veterans for EMS careers.

Dov and Raphael go in-depth into how United Hatzalah, an organization made up of volunteers, showed up on October 7th and saved thousands of lives when Hamas attacked Israel and when government services collapsed. 

The two covers everything from operational procedures, heroic stories of volunteers, and straight-out miracles -- all of which culminated in the mobilization of more than 1,000 volunteers in mere hours The lives of more than 3,000 people were saved thanks to the quick response of those volunteers in the organized chaos of the organization's response, all while under live fire. 

Nothing beats starting your overtime shift on a nice, clear Taco Tuesday night with your regular partner on overtime, too. You both play rock paper scissors to decide which of your favorite food trucks you’ll be getting dinner at. Your partner is hell-bent on chicken tacos while you’re craving your favorite grouper tacos at Rick’s with the mango salsa. As you throw down rock and she throws down paper, your CAD chirps.

Read the full article here.

It’s your first dayshift in a long time, but the overtime opportunity was a no-brainer. You and your partner hop in the rig and hit the road to grab early morning coffee at your local coffee spot down the street. Just as the barista hands you the steaming fresh pour-over the tones drop, the dispatch is for a 36-year-old female complaining of chest pain with shortness of breath. You hop in the rig, check the address, and find it conveniently two blocks down the street. You grab two quick sips of coffee and then make your way to the office park.

Read the full article here.

It appears that Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers – Lassa Fever, Ebola and Marburg virus are getting all the press. However, Pertussis (whooping cough) is an area that needs focus.

The cases for 2024 are at least four-times higher than in 2023, and many departments have not offered the required Tdap booster to protect healthcare personnel.

An additional dose of Tdap was first recommended in 2005 and then again in 2011. Pertussis is not on the radar, and we need to ensure that healthcare providers are protected. This session addresses vaccine, personal protective equipment and post-exposure medical follow up.

Mind the Frontline, a 501(c)(3) registered charity dedicated to supporting the mental health and overall well-being of frontline first responders, is thrilled to announce its newest partnership with Clarion Events and The Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS).

This collaboration aims to provide valuable resources and support to first responders through monthly blogs, quarterly podcasts & webinars, and the inaugural First Responder Mental Health Week, scheduled for October 7th to 11th, 2024.

As a leading provider of information and news for the improvement of patient care in the prehospital setting, JEMS and JEMS Events & Training are committed to delivering the latest and most reliable information to the EMS community. With a focus on improving prehospital patient care and promoting positive change in EMS, JEMS is a trusted source of education and information for EMS providers, instructors, and administrators.

JEMS seeks to improve prehospital patient care and promote positive change in EMS by delivering information and education from industry leaders, change-makers, and emerging voices. With a rich tradition of editorial excellence and a consortium of subject matter experts, JEMS fulfills its commitment to EMS providers by providing state-of-the-science, high-quality content.

Read more about the announcement on JEMS.

In this episode, we interview Brian J. Maguire, Dr.PH, MSA, EMT-P, about the serious realities faced by EMS responders, exploring the intricate details of responder injuries and fatalities. Dr. Maguire's insightful 2023 research in "Prehospital and Disaster Medicine" provides a sobering look at the risks these brave individuals encounter daily, offering valuable perspectives on safeguarding those who are first on the scene to save lives.

In late September of this year, Hurricane Helene struck the mountains of Western North Carolina, bringing devastating flooding, mudslides and damage to the area. Host John Sammons is joined by Paramedic Garry Pomerleau to talk about his experience during and after the storm as not only a responder, but a resident of the area. You can read his article in JEMS as well.

Jacob Hutton, a paramedic researcher from Canada, is interviewed about his research article in Resuscitation about how the length of on-scene time affects survival outcomes when EMS get ROSC after CPR.

This 2023 article is titled “The association of the post-resuscitation on-scene interval and patient outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.”

Marv Wayne, MD, gets real and shares his experiences with Eric Chase, talking everything  from the Vietnam War, 50 years of emergency medicine, EMS and more.

JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee talks with Dr. John vonRosenberg about the challenges and thrills of being a flight paramedic.

Infection Control Consultant Katherine West examines the current Bird Flu outbreak.

Dean Martin, of Crossroads Ambulance Sales & Service, LLC, joins the podcast to discuss the ongoing problem of chassis availability for new ambulances and what he's seeing as a dealer. Additionally, we discuss some of the advantages of ambulance remounts versus new builds.

Eric Chase has a conversation with Reggie Brock about belonging and how progress starts with honesty.

Katherine West and James Cross explain why employee medical records must be available around the clock.

Battalion Chief (Ret.) Tom Yahnke joins the podcast to discuss peer support teams. We discuss the importance of peer support teams, the difference between peer support and EAP, and what makes a good peer support team member. We also discuss the life-altering incident he experienced on a fire and how peer support, if available at that time, may have helped him avoid some of the problems he encountered trying to deal with that incident.

EMS P.O.D. host Douglas Randell spreads knowledge about the EMS Compact. Joining him are Donnie Woodyard, executive director of the EMS Compact and Kraig Kinney, Indiana EMS State Director.

This podcast is sponsored by LogRX. For all your medication and narcotic tracking needs, check out the LogRx App, created by career EMS professionals. Visit www.logrx.com to learn more.

JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee speaks with Dr. Jeffrey Goodloe about the maturing of EMS Week during its 50th anniversary.

By Bram Duffee, PhD, EMT-P

Qualitative research often remains a mystery to those in medicine who are accustomed to the clear-cut, numerical results of quantitative studies. Yet, when it comes to understanding complex, human-centric issues, qualitative research is indispensable. Take the COVID-19 pandemic, for example—an event where numbers alone cannot fully capture the profound human experiences involved.

Unlike quantitative research, which answers yes or no questions or delivers numerical data, qualitative methods delve deeper into the human elements of a topic. One powerful approach is conducting interviews, especially when the interviewer shares a cultural or professional background with the participants as an insider to the community. This method promotes openness and authentic disclosure, as demonstrated in two studies exploring the experiences of paramedics during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The recent episode of "EMS Research with Professor Bram" a spotlight was cast on these insights.1 Paramedic researcher Nigel Barr, PhD, RN, RP, from Australia shared his research study where they interviewed Australian paramedics about the challenges and facilitators they faced while responding to COVID-19 cases. His research uncovered themes that included communication, fear and risk, leadership, protective work factors, and change. Intriguingly, some paramedics reported a reduced perception of risk and heightened empathy for COVID-19 patients after personally contracting the virus themselves.2

Highlighting the significance of qualitative research, Dr. Barr remarks, "Numbers work well for testing theories, but when it comes to generating new ones, the hard work of interviews, coding and theming is essential."

Parallel to this, as a paramedic researcher myself, I was conducting a similar study in the United States, interviewing American paramedics. This research was different because it sought to understand how treatment of respiratory patients shifted when looking at the time before covid versus during the pandemic. Findings of this study showed that paramedics had a tendency to over-categorize all respiratory patients as COVID-positive. Also, participants noted changes in practice, such as reduced use of stethoscopes and avoidance of nebulized treatments in confined spaces due to transmission fears.3

These qualitative studies offer insights that mere data cannot, underscoring the need for paramedics to engage in research that directly impacts their field. “We should be trying to support the capacity of paramedics to do research. We should have the control over our own discipline ... Because if we take research from another discipline, another area, another setting, it is always going to be a square peg round hole. We have to test those outcomes in our own environment. We have to find out what works. What doesn't work,” says Dr. Barr.

Research studies involving paramedics in both Australia and the United States demonstrate the unique benefits of qualitative research through interviews. By employing paramedic researchers to engage directly with their peers on topics that deeply impact them, these studies reveal the nuanced understanding that only rich, narrative-driven descriptions can provide. Qualitative interviews shed light on the human side of medical practice, revealing details and challenges that numbers alone might miss. These interviews help us understand the deeper aspects of healthcare, offering insights that go beyond traditional numbers.

References

1. https://youtu.be/_lBTF-8x7p4
2. Howarth, U., Zimmerman, P. A., van de Mortel, T. F., & Barr, N. (2024). Paramedics’ experiences of barriers to, and enablers of, responding to suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases: a qualitative study. BMC Health Services Research, 24(1), 678.
3. Duffee, B. (2023). COVID-19 and paramedic response: Overcategorization concerns in respiratory patients. Journal of Paramedicine and Emergency Response. Available online https://www.airitilibrary.com/Article/Detail/P20210804002-N202311070009-00029

Doug Randell speaks with Nathaniel Metz, president of Phoenix Paramedic Solutions and the Indiana EMS Association, Tadd Whallon, the behavioral health and addiction program director at Phoenix Paramedic Solutions, about the importance of Mental Health Awareness Month.

During EMS Week and Stroke Awareness Month, JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee speaks with MedicZero Inc. about the significant delays in stroke care arising from a lack of bystander stroke awareness and recognition.

Daniel Gerard joins the Not A-Fib Podcast to discuss the articles he wrote for JEMS on EMS as a human right and an essential service. He also discusses the International Association of EMS Chiefs, of which he was immediate past president. He also talks about the uniqueness of ALS in New Jersey and the value in going to conferences.

You are dispatched to a pedestrian struck approximately seven blocks away at an off the beaten path intersection. You hop in the rig look over to your partner and voice your satisfaction with tonight‘s dinner choice. They nod in agreement and also highlight the fact you both were able to finish uninterrupted.

It’s an uneventful response and you arrive on scene to find what appears to be a male lying in the roadway. There is a minivan next to the patient with the headlights shining over where they’re lying. You see the patient moving their arms and legs ever so slightly and a group of people around them trying to talk to him.

Read the full article on EMS Airway.

Bradley Dean sits down with paramedic and lawyer Matt Streger at the North Carolina EMS Expo to discuss a critical issue facing the healthcare industry: the criminalization of healthcare professionals, particularly in the context of medication errors and other inadvertent mistakes. Streger provides an in-depth look at the legal landscape, sharing his unique perspective as both a paramedic and an attorney.

In this episode, we interview Will Chapleau, RN, EMT-P, from the International Prehospital Medicine Institute about research related to falls.

This podcast is sponsored by ESO.

It’s that time again! ESO just dropped their 2024 EMS Index — a must-read benchmarking tool for every EMS agency. With insights from over 12 million EMS responses in 2023, it covers topics like bystander CPR, ambulance offload times, and opioid overdoses. Your FREE copy is available now at eso.com/ems-pod.

Chief Douglas Randell reviews the 2024 legal issues in EMS with Attorney Douglas Wolfberg.

JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee talks with Dr. Mandy Gattis, project and grants manager for the South Carolina EMS Association, about the special plans for the 50th anniversary of EMS Week.

ESO's Electronic Health Record makes it easy to produce high-quality EMS clinical documentation, saving your team time and ensuring accuracy. To learn more, visit eso.com/ehr/pod.

Curtina Blalock shares her family’s cancer journey with Chief Douglas Randell.

EMS P.O.D. host Doug Randell discusses the EMS Commission in Indiana, the gubernatorial-appointed group that advises EMS on issues that affect EMS in the State of Indiana. 

Chief Douglas Randell speaks with St. Louis Paramedic (Ret.) Chuck Bennett about working in a large city where anything can happen.

JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee speaks with Matt Merino, chief executive officer of Education Management Solutions, about its Training in Motion platform.

Find out more about the Training in Motion platform here.

ESO's Electronic Health Record makes it easy to produce high-quality EMS clinical documentation, saving your team time and ensuring accuracy. To learn more, visit eso.com/ehr/pod.

Dr. Zachary Tillett, a paramedic who works as an emergency department physician in Maryland, talks about his new article, “Breaking Bad News in the Prehospital Setting: A Guide for EMS Clinicians.”

In honor of National CPR and AED Awareness Week, JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee speaks to Courtney Schwerin O'Reilly, the executive director of Illinois Heart Rescue. You can reach out to Courtney at courtney.ilhr@gmail.com.

Kim Vest joins the podcast for Mental Health Awareness Month to discuss the importance of mental health for EMS providers. She discusses mental health screenings as part of an annual physical examination, the importance of selecting a therapist familiar with the specific needs of first responders and different types of therapies used when treating someone in a mental health crisis.

Chief Douglas Randell talks with EMS researcher Dr. Remle Crowe about the achievements of women in prehospital care and elsewhere.

In this episode, we interview Paramedic Jessica Thompson to talk about ambulance services closing in rural areas. The financial struggles faced by EMS providers, coupled with outdated reimbursement rates, have led many to economic collapse, forcing them to reduce staff or halt services altogether.

This reduction in services not only impacts the immediate area but also places additional strain on neighboring services, creating a domino effect that worsens response times and stretches resources thin across wider regions.  

Breaking the toxic cycle takes grit, grace and gratitude. Eric Chase has a real, raw and honest conversation with MaKenzie Tiegs, host of Raw Thoughts Podcast & Mindbase Podcast.

Dov and Raphael delve into some of the effects of the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel and how it is affecting the people.

The episode focuses on how first responders on the home front are dealing with the fallout of war, both the physical injuries, as well as the psychological traumas. Each person in Israel is carrying around with them a lot of trauma from the war.

How does this play out among the first responders who are already running into often dangerous situations? 

Listen to the episode and be inspired by some stories of resilience that can only happen in war. 

REMSA Health’s Regional Emergency Communications Center in Reno, Nevada, is triple accredited by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED). The center's director, Shannon Popovich, speaks to the accreditation process and how REMSA Health upholds and exceeds standards to enhance safety for the citizens it serves.

This podcast is sponsored by LogRX. For all your medication and narcotic tracking needs, check out the LogRx App, created by career EMS professionals. Visit www.logrx.com to learn more.

JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee speaks with T. Ryan Mayfield and Andrew Pearson of Hennepin EMS on how the agency is addressing its staffing shortage and empowering its education program.

Listen to Part 1 here.

Clarion Events is pleased to announce today that the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS) and the National Association Of Mobile Integrated Healthcare Providers (NAMIHP) have partnered to advance community paramedicine and mobile integrated healthcare (MIH) in the prehospital setting.

Read the announcement here.

Susan Bailey, director of the Louisiana Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and president of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) joins the podcast to discuss the association’s role in EMS. We discuss what got her involved in the association and how she ascended to the position of president. We discuss the benefits of being part of the association, the association's advocacy efforts at the federal level, and reimbursement issues for EMS. We also discuss being the director of EMS in a state prone to hurricanes.

Brian Paul, president of Veterans for Life USA, shares his story of addiction, suicidality and how he now serves with hope and understanding through inspiration.

JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee talks to Capt. Rommie Duckworth about about his JEMS article, "Debriefing Tips for EMS Professionals."

JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee speaks with Stephanie DeLorenzo about her career in emergency management.

It’s a warm Friday evening in July. You’ve just wrapped up a transport and cleared the hospital. As your partner turns out of the hospital parking lot, your ambulance is dispatched to a local distribution warehouse for a worker complaining of shortness of breath.

On arrival, you load your stretcher with all your gear and prepare to get some steps in while traversing the expanse of the warehouse. As you know, warehouses are never built small, and there is always a possibility that the scene awaiting you at the patient is not what you expect.

Read the full article here.

Hosts: Bradley Dean & David Blevins Guest: Jonathan Jenkins, Mutual Aid EMS

Summary: In this episode, Bradley Dean and David Blevins are joined by Jonathan Jenkins from Mutual Aid EMS to explore the integration of customer service principles into the EMS profession.

Does service excellence in EMS translate to better patient outcomes, more repeat business and stronger collections?  The evidence of this in other areas of health care is well documented, so it’s logical to assume those results could be possible in EMS.

The age-old argument, “Those who summon our service are patients and not customers,” completely misses the point. It really doesn’t matter what we call them; individuals who seek medical assistance from EMS deserve to receive excellent service from those who provide care.

Questions….that patients often ask that measure our customer service.

1. Did we arrive in a timely manner?
2. Did we explain the treatment they received?
3. Did we treat them in a respectful manner?
4. Did we take care of their pain and make them comfortable?

The top 10 things for delivering good customer service…..

1. Work together as a team to care for the patient.
2. Control the patient’s pain and suffering.
3. Include patients in their decision about their treatment.
4. Have good skills…. Be able to perform smoothly….
5. Have a good attitude toward the patient’s requests.
6. Address the patient’s emotional needs.
7. Keep the patient informed during your time with them.
8. Be responsive to patients concerns and complaints.
9. Be positive and interact with family when caring for the patient.
10. Be friendly and courteous.

On the first episode of The Patient Centered Paramedic Podcast, Matt Streger joins John Sammons to talk just culture and leadership! Just culture is often used as a buzzword and is often misunderstood. Matt helps us dig deep and get a better grasp on just what this concept is and what just culture truly means.

In this season finale episode, we talk about mental health in emergency medical services and interview Researcher and Psychologist Jacqueline O'Hagan, along with mental health counselor and host of the Enroute Podcast, Joseph Brigandi.

This podcast is sponsored by LogRX. For all your medication and narcotic tracking needs, check out the LogRx App, created by career EMS professionals. Visit https://logrx.com/ to learn more.

After six doses of epinephrine, it may be too late for the CPR patient. Emergency physicians Dr. Zachary Boivin and Dr. Trent She, both from Connecticut, discussed their recent study entitled "Epinephrine in Cardiac Arrest: Identifying a Potential Limit for Resuscitation."1 This research sought to determine if there is a ceiling to the effective use of Epinephrine during resuscitation.

Peter Antevy, MD, who created the Handtevy System, a software-based pediatric resuscitation method and bag system is also an EMS Physician for Palm Beach County (FL) Fire Rescue and he made a post on LinkedIn advocating for abolishing Epinephrine in shockable rhythm protocols. He posts about how his protocol does not follow standard AHA guidelines at Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and their plan for ventricular fibrillation is to use esmolol, but no Epinephrine.

References

1. Boivin, Z., Duignan, K. M., Doko, D., Pugliese, N., & She, T. (2023). Epinephrine in Cardiac Arrest: Identifying a Potential Limit for Resuscitation. Western Journal of Emergency Medicine, 24(6), 1025.

JohnRey Hassan, JD, EMT-P, describes the legal and medical frameworks involved with patient death cases involving restraint and sedation.

JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee speaks with Operative IQ President / CEO EJ Aufderheide.

Operative IQ is committed to serving first response industries with controlled substance tracking, RFID solutions and Operative IQ Front Line to address the need for faster and better answers for managing operational readiness.

For EMS Week, JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee speaks with Dr. Jeff Jarvis about resiliency in EMS.

Training EMS for field ultrasound is discussed with guest co-host Gordon Johnson, an internal medicine physician from Portland who published an article in POCUS Journal called “Demonstration of a Longitudinal Medical Education Model (LMEM) Model to Teach Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Resource-Limited Settings.”

In this episode, Dr. Johnson leads an engaging conversation with distinguished experts from Norway. We have Dr. Nils Peter Overland, a specialist in air ambulance and anesthesia, and Victoria Vatsvåg, PhD(c), with expertise in ultrasound. Tune in as we explore the intersection of paramedic training, point-of-care ultrasound and resource-limited settings.

JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee talks to Joseph Campbell and David A. Greene about the success of Colleton County's blood program in South Carolina.

Article: https://www.jems.com/patient-care/whole-blood-colleton-county/

JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee talks with CoAEMSP Executive Director Dr. George Hatch about the importance of EMS accreditation. CoAEMSP is the Committee on Accreditation for the EMS Professions.

On this week’s episode of the EMS Handoff Podcast, hosts Bradley Dean and David Blevins are joined by Dr. Tyler McCardell who is currently an EMS Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania and serving as chief resident and assistant medical director for AHN Lifeflight.

During this EMS Handoff, Dr. McCardell discuss the current state of sepsis in the prehospital environment to include SIRS Criteria, continuum of sepsis, early recognition and its effects on morbidity and mortality.

And just when you thought you have enough fluid, think again. About 3% of the calls that EMS agencies run in the United States are related to Sepsis. Putting that into a little more context, that is about 136 calls for service every hour of the day, all year long. Are you ready for that handoff?

ESO's Electronic Health Record makes it easy to produce high-quality EMS clinical documentation, saving your team time and ensuring accuracy. To learn more, visit eso.com/ehr/pod.

On this episode of the Patient Centered Paramedic Podcast, Catherine Sanderson joins John Sammons. In her book “Why We Act, Turning Bystanders Into Moral Rebels”, she talks about the psychology of bystander action—or inaction. In this talk, we tie this concept into scene management, interpersonal relations and patient advocacy.

Infectious disease expert Katherine West explains the new procedures for post-exposure medical follow-up and source patient testing that are now being required as EMS expands its role in the community setting.

You can read the article here.

This podcast is sponsored by ESO.

It’s that time again! ESO just dropped their 2024 EMS Index — a must-read benchmarking tool for every EMS agency. With insights from over 12 million EMS responses in 2023, it covers topics like bystander CPR, ambulance offload times, and opioid overdoses. Your FREE copy is available now at eso.com/ems-pod.

JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee talks with Upper Pine River Fire Protection District (CO) Chief Bruce Evans about his role in mentoring.

Infection Control Consultant Katherine West discusses the role of EMS in combating norovirus.

Eric Chase and Brett Lyle have a conversation to help us prepare our minds for the New Year. Let's share positive, contagious growth and development with accountability.

We want to get it! We all desire a better understanding and support from our loved ones. This is a spouse’s call to action. Guest Ashley Pridgeon is a daughter and spouse of first responders.

Capt. Matt Coppin of the Metro West (MO) Fire Protection District joins the podcast to discuss the importance of the public information officer (PIO), building relationships with other agencies and the media prior to an incident or needing something from the media . He also discusses the training opportunities to build the skills to be a PIO and appear on camera. We wrap it up by discussing the importance of providing good customer service to the community.

This podcast is sponsored by LogRX. For all your medication and narcotic tracking needs, check out the LogRx App, created by career EMS professionals. Visit https://logrx.com/ to learn more.

ESO's Electronic Health Record makes it easy to produce high-quality EMS clinical documentation, saving your team time and ensuring accuracy. To learn more, visit eso.com/ehr/pod.

Hosts: Bradley Dean and David Blevins

Guest: Dr. Andrew McCoy, MD, assistant professor of Emergency Medicine; medical director for Shoreline Medic One and AMR Puget Sound Operations; program director for the University of Washington EMS Fellowship; and medical director for the Resuscitation Academy.

Episode Summary: In this episode, Bradley Dean and David Blevins sit down with Dr. Andrew McCoy to explore everything about resuscitation and the Resuscitation Academy (RA). Dr. McCoy shares the history of the RA and its mission to improve survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest in communities.

With a focus on resuscitation science and EMS education, the discussion covers the impact of the CAROL Act, improvements in local EMS practices, and the ongoing growth of the RA, including the innovative Lighthouse Program.

Guest Bio: Dr. Andrew McCoy is an assistant professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Washington and has been a faculty member at the Resuscitation Academy in Seattle for 10 years.

A graduate of the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Dr. McCoy completed his Emergency Medicine residency in Buffalo, New York, before moving to Seattle for an EMS fellowship.

He now serves as medical director for Shoreline Medic One, American Medical Response (AMR) Puget Sound Operations, and the Resuscitation Academy, where he helps EMS professionals improve cardiac arrest survival rates across the country

Points of Discussion:

• What is the Resuscitation Academy (RA), and its history?
• Bradley’s experience with the RA and improvements made in his community.
• The future of the RA: How the CAROL Act will influence resuscitation efforts and the opportunities for growth.
• The Lighthouse Program and its role in driving continuous improvement in resuscitation practices.

Resources Mentioned:

• Resuscitation Academy: www.resuscitationacademy.org
• CAROL Act: Barr's CAROL Act
• American Heart Association – Resuscitation Guidelines: CPR and ECC Guidelines
• CARES Registry: CARES Registry
• RESUSCITATE!: Resuscitate! Book

Key Takeaways: Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death, but survival rates vary significantly from community to community. The Resuscitation Academy's mission is to train EMS personnel and equip them with the tools and knowledge needed to improve survival rates.

With programs like the Lighthouse Initiative and new legislation like the CAROL Act, the future of resuscitation looks promising, offering pathways to reduce preventable deaths from cardiac arrest.

Listen in to learn more about how your community can improve resuscitation outcomes and get involved with the Resuscitation Academy.

Bram Duffee, PhD, interviews Sarah E. Fabiano, MD, the medical director for JEMS, about the current EMS landscape in research and practice.

Chief Douglas Randell talks with EMS Attorney Douglas Wolfberg about the Elijah McClain case and what it means for medics.

JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee speaks with National EMS Memorial Bike Ride Board of Directors member Eric Morrison about the sacrifices EMS providers make for the profession.

In this powerful episode, Bradley Dean and David Blevins sit down with Rob Hoadley, a cardiac arrest survivor, to discuss his life-changing encounter with sudden cardiac arrest. Rob shares his personal story of survival, his journey since the event, and his mission to improve community response to cardiac emergencies. From the chain of survival to implementing community-wide education programs and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) availability, this episode emphasizes the importance of preparedness and education in saving lives.

Documentarian Bryony Gilbey joins the podcast to discuss her documentary, "Honorable but Broken: EMS in Crisis." She talks about what led her to make the film, what she found while making the film, and reactions to the film at screenings. She also shares how people can get involved to bring these challenges facing EMS to the attention of legislators. 

JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee talks with MEDIC Deputy Director Sharon Taulbert about the importance of women in EMS.

JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee speaks with Kerry Degen and Jill McCafferty of Hennepin EMS. Through it’s paramedic program, Hennepin has grown its system.

During EMS Week, JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee talks with Rick Ellis, chair of the NAEMT’s Education Committee, on changes to EMS education throughout the years.

Michael Stern, training specialist and curriculum manager for the National Fire Academy's Emergency Medical Services Curriculum, joins the Not A-Fib Podcast to discuss the EMS curriculum at the National Fire Academy, the classes offered and some upcoming changes to the curriculum. Additionally, we discuss some of the advantages of attending classes at the National Fire Academy, how to apply for classes and what to expect when you get accepted into a class.

The night has been nonstop but as you arrive to the latest motor vehicle accident, the trooper waves you off signaling you aren’t needed. You give them a thumbs up, hit the in-service button on your computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system and excitedly ask your partner, “want to grab some food?” She enthusiastically smiles and enthusiastically says “hell yes!” Before you can even ask, “what’cha you want?” The CAD beeps dispatching you to a suicide attempt. You give the first few turn-by-turn directions to your partner and then read out the notes.

Read the full article here.

Indianapolis EMS is hosting a tactical medicine and rescue symposium, being held Sept. 26 – 27, 2024. Those interested can register for the event by visiting this website.

JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee talks about the future of EMS and health care with Col. Michael Wissemann.

This commentary reflects the opinion of the Col. Wissemann and does not reflect those of the Department of Defense, the Defense Health Agency or Army Medicine.

This podcast is sponsored by LogRX. For all your medication and narcotic tracking needs, check out the LogRx App, created by career EMS professionals. Visit https://logrx.com/ to learn more.

For EMS Week, JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee speaks with Garrett Hedeen, chair of the NAEMT’s EMS Workforce Committee, on the importance of safety in EMS.

On this episode, Dr. Erik Axene joins the Not A-Fib Podcast to discuss his passion for teaching, continuing education and the uniqueness of Axene Continuing Education, LLC.

He talks about what led him to create his company and the stellar team he's built to deliver high-quality, engaging continuing education.

Finally, he wraps up by talking about his experience as an airway management physician for the Dallas Cowboys.

Hosts Bradley Dean and David Blevins bring on Kelly Kirk discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on EMS education, the shift to online education, and the challenges and potential solutions in online education, particularly in the context of skills-based courses.

They also explored the concept of competency-based medical education, the use of Learning Management Systems (LMS) in education, and the importance of intrinsic motivation and flexibility in response to changing circumstances.

Lastly, they discussed the upcoming changes in the National Registry and issues related to their respective states, agreeing to further discuss these in the future.

Central Berkeley (SC) Fire and EMS Deputy Chief Justin Miles-Miller talks about his department’s policy of allowing select EMS providers to carry weapons on-duty. You can read more about an armed EMS policy here.

This podcast is sponsored by ESO.

It’s that time again! ESO just dropped their 2024 EMS Index — a must-read benchmarking tool for every EMS agency. With insights from over 12 million EMS responses in 2023, it covers topics like bystander CPR, ambulance offload times, and opioid overdoses. Your FREE copy is available now at eso.com/ems-pod.