Happy New Year

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the new publisher of EMS Magazine. I am excited to be working in an industry known for its commitment to excellence and dedication to helping others. After spending nine years as a publisher for another company, I am excited to be working for people who are actively making a difference in the lives of others. I look forward to meeting you at industry events and welcome your feedback about EMS Magazine. Feel free to drop me a note any time at kate.kenny@cygnusb2b.com.

A balanced budget is a fairly common New Year's resolution (at least in my house). Therefore, we are kicking off 2006 with a special focus on balancing your budget. With increasing demands on EMS systems and without supporting funding in place, how can we do more with less? Kathryn Robyn explores the options in Money Matters on page 73. In addition, our cover story takes a look at how to make EMS work in the fire service. The 2005 Article Index starts on page 93, and clinical content in this issue focuses on airway management.

Now is also a good time to let you know about some of the exciting plans we have for 2006. We were too excited to wait, so we launched a comprehensive redesign of EMS Magazine in the December 2005 Buyer's Guide. I hope you enjoy the new format and find it easy to use. Throughout 2006, we will distribute EMS Magazine at numerous national conferences and meetings, including our own EMS EXPO, scheduled for September 25 - 29 in Las Vegas, NV. I hope you make plans to attend EMS EXPO as you start filling in your 2006 calendar. For more information, visit www.emsexpo2006.com.

While online, be sure to check out EMS Magazine's new home on the Internet: emsresponder.com. This website features breaking news relevant to the EMS industry, plus exclusive columns and articles you won't find anywhere else. You can also access the EMS Magazine archives online, so now you will be able to read your favorite industry publication anytime, anyplace.

In closing, I wish you peace and prosperity in 2006.