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.

EMS Education Tips

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.