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This Week in EMS: 9/11 Memorial Events...National Preparedness Month...EMS Education Critical Issues
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A Nation Keeps Its Promise To Never Forget
From sea to shining sea, memorial ceremonies are taking place today to commemorate the terrorist attacks that happened eight years ago. Simple services will be counted in the hundreds, like East Naples and North Naples Fire Rescue's 30-minute ceremony in Florida featuring the Pledge of Allegiance lead by elementary students, the National Anthem and a rendition of "Amazing Grace" played on bagpipes. And, of course, there will be the big ceremonies, like the one at the Pentagon with President Obama speaking.
FDNY Fire Boat to Honor 343 Bravest
More than a thousand miles away from Ground Zero on Florida's Gulf Coast, FDNY officials will be honoring their fallen comrades in a different way this Sept. 11. At 10 a.m., members of the department's special operations and marine operations divisions will attend a ceremony in Panama City to launch the FDNY's first new fire boat of its size in 50 years.
WTC Steel Leaves Storage for Far-Flung Memorials
As we acknowledge the eighth anniversary of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, pieces of the World Trade Center rubble from that day have never been more accessible. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which owns the steel, has invited police and fire departments and mayors and other leaders of cities and towns across the United States to ask for pieces for memorials. The Port Authority has filled about 25 requests in the last year, and has about a dozen more pending, including one from France.
Federal Officials Rally Support for Preparedness Month
Federal officials from the U.S. Fire Administration, FEMA and DHS are asking responders to join them in recognizing National Preparedness Month, taking place throughout September. U.S. Fire Administrator Kelvin Cochran is calling upon rescue personnel "...across the nation, working with their PIOs, community civic groups, school and local media outlets to join him in supporting this national effort," according to the USFA.
Point of View
Why We Need Critical Thinking in EMS
One of the most difficult challenges in EMS education is teaching critical thinking and the ability to apply it in the field. Unfortunately, much EMS education has centered upon rote learning, regurgitation of facts and passing multiple-choice exams. None of these promote excellent prehospital care. Educators have struggled for decades to learn how to teach critical thinking skills. Unfortunately, many EMS educators have lacked a firm foundation in education theory and process. This is not a criticism but a fact.
Training & Resources
EMS Field Instruction: A Multi-Part Series
The first article in a four-part series, Elements of an Effective Field Instruction Program, is written for managers who want to start or improve a field instructor program. Field instructors need a director, education on how to do their job, and quality assurance and quality documentation tools. This article outlines all the steps needed and includes a list of forms and tools that can be downloaded so you can easily implement an effective FI program.
Real World Skills for Scene Safety: Part 4
The fifth of DT4EMS' six steps, basic ground defense (BGD) is used to give the provider a moment to protect him- or herself if knocked to the ground.
This month, EMSResponder offers daily tips and techniques for EMS educators. Today's Tip: Know the level/training of those to whom you are lecturing. If you are speaking to first responders, they may not be as familiar with pathophysiology and treatment regimens as would RNs and critical care medics.
Check out the archives and look for EMS management top tips next month.
Industry News
New Tools for Communications Centers Available
The IJIS Institute, a nonprofit organization that focuses on mission-critical information sharing for justice, public safety, and homeland security, announces the release of the Guide to Information Sharing and Data Interoperability for Local Communication Centers and the Priority Data Exchanges for Local Communication Centers.
Featured Job
Instructional Systems Specialist and NREMT-P
The District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department is one of the busiest emergency medical services systems in the world. We are actively recruiting qualified Instructional Systems Specialist and National Registry Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedics who are ready for the challenge of delivering high-quality EMS training and care in a unique and demanding urban environment.
Click above for details and visit www.EMSResponder.com/jobs for additional listings.
Sign up here to receive the new EMS Jobs e-newsletter.
Featured Forum Thread
medic3416 says: Check out this new TV show starting in the fall on NBC! Let's keep our fingers crossed that it really represents us and what we do every day. Maybe we can break away from the "drunken and burned-out jar head" image that other movies and shows have portrayed us as.
Follow the link to read more, or browse other topics at www.emsresponder.com/forums.
Poll Question
This week we ask our readers: Have you ever communicated with your elected representatives about things your agency or system needs?
EMS Grant Information
Have you recently written a successful grant proposal? Then we would like to hear from you for an article we are preparing on grantwriting best practices. Please e-mail your experiences to Nancy Perry, Editorial Department.
Also, be sure to check out the latest resource from EMSResponder--our EMS Grants page--which offers a variety of resources for grant-writing and fundraising.
Reminders
7th Annual National EMS Systems Survey
EMS Magazine and EMSResponder.com are proud to offer the 7th annual comprehensive survey of EMS systems in the United States. Survey results will be published in the December 2009 issue of EMS Magazine, as well as featured online, and are designed to provide an overview of the EMS profession as it exists today across the spectrum of EMS delivery systems. Surveys must be completed by October 9, 2009.
Last Call for EMS EXPO Photo Contest
For the second year, EMS EXPO is looking for photos of EMS/rescue/fire professionals in the field, at training events or in the workplace. Photos must be received by September 18, 2009.
The latest issue of EMS on the Hill is now available, featuring articles on pandemic flu preparedness, legislator ambulance ridealongs, surge capacity and rural EMS issues.
Upcoming Events
Visit our Events Calendar to see what educational opportunities are in your area, plus post your own listings. Here are a selection of EMS training events in October:
- FEATURED EVENT: October 26-30: EMS EXPO 2009/NAEMT Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA
- October 15-18: Vital Signs 2009, Rochester, NY
- October 19-23: Tactical Operational Medical Support, Reno, NV
- October 26-28: Air Medical Transport Conference, San Jose, CA
Other top headlines this week on EMSResponder.com
- Ore. Jury Awards $2.25m in Paramedic Molest Case
- Ohio Responders to be Trained to Give Swine Flu Shots
- Health Workers Under Pressure to Get Flu Shots
- Patient Killed Jumping from Ambulance on Calif. Freeway
- Lawrence, Mass. FD Halts EMS Due to Budget Woes
- New Orleans EMS Remains Homeless
We Want to Hear From You
If you have a news lead or story idea you would like to submit to EMSResponder.com, please e-mail Nancy.Perry@cygnusb2b.com.
