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This Week in EMS: July 8, 2009
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Swine Flu Shots May Begin in October
The Obama administration says vaccinations against swine flu are likely and probably will begin in mid-October, assuming soon-to-start studies go well. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says no final decision has been made. But she says first in line for shots likely will be school-age children, young adults with conditions such as asthma, pregnant women and health workers.
Study Examines Best Way to Cool Firefighters
Firefighters from across Allegheny County are participating in a study of cooling equipment designed to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrests, the leading cause of death in firefighters nationwide. The study, done by UPMC, sent groups of three or four participating firefighters into the Allegheny County Fire Academy's "Burn Building." After they put out the fire, participants cooled down using one of three techniques.
Clackamas County Launches DNR Helpline
When EMS responds to a scene for an elderly or terminally ill patient, they may not have much time to look for a DNR or other end-of-life-wishes document. Thanks to forward-thinking individuals in Oregon, that problem has been addressed with a 24-hour hotline where medical personnel can obtain information about their patients' healthcare wishes.
Woman Sentenced in Hawaii Ambulance Theft
A judge sentenced a 23-year-old woman who hijacked an ambulance to nine months in prison on Tuesday. Paramedics were tending to a patient in Kakaako in March when Lopes jumped in the ambulance, claimed she had a gun and started driving.
Online Exclusive:
In this EMS Magazine online exclusive, public safety officials from San Antonio discuss how H1N1 threw everyone off guard: "In recent years, emergency medicine physicians and our partners in emergency management participated in bird flu and pandemic flu preparations with local governmental officials. Yet we never allowed ourselves to entertain the reality of a true pandemic resulting in tens of thousands of American deaths, nor did we imagine the unpleasant task of deciding which patients required EMS transport and hospitalization. These potential realities struck home on April 24, 2009, when the city of San Antonio's emergency manager called and said, 'We need to talk. Have you ever heard of H1N1?'"
Online Exclusive:
They're a familiar sight at funerals, parades, swearing-in ceremonies and other special occasions. Honor guards in full dress uniform are awe-inspiring whatever the setting, eliciting a mood of respect and patriotism wherever they appear. But if you look closely during an event where several honor guards are gathered, you may notice that each group has its own unique look and way of doing things. That was the situation in Canada, until someone had the idea to standardize honor guard protocols across the country.
Online Exclusive:
In this guest editorial, Mark Phillips discusses how public safety agencies need to work together ahead of time to ensure a successful response to calls.
Resource Guide:
This month's Resource Guide focuses on critical issues for rural EMS providers including provider safety, rural best practices and rural billing resources.
Resource Guide:
Check out the latest resource from EMSResponder--our EMS Grants page--which offers a variety of resources for grant-writing and fundraising.
Industry News:
Acadian and Priority One EMS Join Forces
Acadian Ambulance Service and Priority One EMS have joined forces to strengthen and increase the emergency medical services in Southeast Texas.
Featured Job:
Paramedic Crew Leader, Cody, WY
Join an elite team of dedicated EMS providers serving one of the nation's largest response areas, covering 4,500 square miles. West Park Hospital EMS Department is looking for a qualified crew leader with strong teamwork and leadership skills.
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:
Atlanta Councilman Chooses Twitter Over 911 to Report Emergency
edge 1371 says: So this councilman realizes his 911 service is overtaxed, so he sends out a tweet so that instead of just one person (him) calling in, dozens of his twitter followers call in. Way to add to the call load. He should be busy trying to find a way to correct the 911 problem instead of twittering.
Follow the link to read more, or browse other topics at www.emsresponder.com/forums.
Poll Question:
This week we ask our readers: Did you respond to any fireworks-related injuries over the Independence Day weekend?
Reminders:
Call for Nominations: Emerging Leaders in EMS
EMS Magazine and EMSResponder.com are currently accepting nominations for our annual profile of Emerging Leaders in EMS. We are looking for candidates who combine real-world experience, educational achievement, professional development and the qualities of leadership necessary to move our profession forward. The deadline for applications is July 31.
Announcing the Robert G. Nixon Memorial Foundation EMS EXPO Scholarship
The Robert G. Nixon Memorial Foundation was created to provide access to educational opportunities for deserving EMS professionals. The deadline for applications is August 3.
The October issue of EMS Magazine is our Reader's Choice issue. For the first time, we offer you the opportunity to customize EMS Magazine by selecting the content you would like us to feature in the issue. Complete our survey by July 27, 2009, and tell us what you want to see!
EMS EXPO Announces Photo Contest for 2009
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.
Other top headlines this week on EMSResponder.com:
- Paperless Health Care? One ED's Long Journey
- Emergency Physicians Issue Strategic Plan for H1N1 Management in EDs
- Responder Details Disney Monorail Crash
- DEA: Prescription Drug Abuse is Epidemic
- Canadian Man Killed in Crash With Ambulance
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.
