This Week in EMS: D.C. Fire Department Running Millions Over Budget

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D.C. Fire Department Running Millions Over Budget

The D.C. fire department failed to include seniority pay in its fiscal 2010 budget proposal, is on pace to more than double its overtime spending and is projected to run nearly $2 million short in fringe benefits--setting up an $11 million-plus shortfall for the year.

Haiti Survival Stories No Shock to Experts

The fact that survivors have been unearthed more than a week after being entombed without food or water in quake-stricken Haiti is no surprise and simply underscores the body's resilience in the face of adversity, say emergency medicine experts.

Kansas EMS Crews Adopt Therapeutic Hypothermia

Emergency crews in Johnson County, Kan., are using therapeutic hypothermia to help keep heart attack victims alive. Each ambulance is now equipped with a chilled IV unit that can be used on heart attack patients.

National EMS Memorial Bike Ride Routes Announced

The Board of Directors of the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, Inc.,--"Muddy Angels"--have announced the routes for the 2010 ride, which is scheduled for May 15-22.

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EMS Revisited

Why EMS Belongs in the Fire Service

In the March/April 1979 issue of EMS Magazine, Eugene Nagel, MD, featured an essay by K.E. McCullough on the role of the fire service within EMS. In the essay, Chief McCullough argued why the fire service should provide EMS, as well as claiming that an EMS background would soon be imperative for top fire department administrators. "Chief McCullogh identified a key obstacle to EMS in many fire, ambulance and EMS organizations. He called it tunnel vision, but it is narrow-mindedness, self-interest, fear of anything new, and other such synonyms," says Nagel.

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Training & Resources

Radio Training: An Essential Tool for the Informed EMT

Without a comprehensive knowledge of the communications tool on his or her hip, an EMT may not have the knowledge to use it effectively to call for help or speak with fellow EMTs. That could get in the way of administering care.

HARM Students Drive Training Procedures

Few training courses require students to demonstrate solid response skills, while providing parameters and developing plans for a hazardous materials or weapons of mass destruction (WMD) response. The Hazard Assessment and Response Management (HARM) course, out of the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP), located in Anniston, AL, does just that.

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Featured Article

Professional Behaviors

Patients and families who complain about EMS practitioners most often complain about attitude. Even though most people really know little about medicine and even less about EMS, every person knows when they are dealing with an EMS practitioner who is rude, inconsiderate, apathetic or distracted. Complaints can arise from a practitioner's posture, tone of voice or facial expression. There is little or nothing in the NHTSA EMT-B or EMT-P curricula that addresses these aspects of our practice.

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Continuing Education

Abdominal Pain

Because EMS agencies respond to requests for assistance due to abdominal pain, providers should have a basic understanding of abdominal anatomy, as well as the conditions that can result in abdominal pain or discomfort. This month's CE article provides a general overview of abdominal pathology.

This CE activity is approved by EMS Magazine, an organization accredited by the Continuing Education Coordinating Board for Emergency Medical Services (CECBEMS), for 1.5 CEUs.

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Industry News

Launch Of Nation's First Exclusive-For-Home Retailer Of AEDs

Good To Be Alive--the nation's first exclusive-for-home seller of AEDs--has launched its primary retail channel, www.GoodToBeAlive.com and toll-free number 1-888-OWN-1-AED (1-888-696-1233).