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How I've been celebrating EMS Week 2012

Art Hsieh — Thu, 24 May 2012 19:33:29 UTC

EMS systems and communities marked this year's National EMS Week with ceremonies and events

"More than a job. A calling": An accurate slogan?

Art Hsieh — Tue, 22 May 2012 21:37:57 UTC

Welcome to National EMS Week 2012. The theme this year is "EMS: More than a Job. A Calling." Really" Some in the blogosphere have questioned the assumption of the tagline. I wonder aloud if it's really the case. For the folks who were around at the beginning of the industry, EMS did probably feel like a noble profession, providing a sense of purpose and unique satisfaction during the stage ...

Ark. celebrates EMS Week with 'Parade of Lights'

Mon, 21 May 2012 13:40:34 UTC

Events will also encompass the opening of the state's 'EMS Hall of Fame'

When I knew EMS was my calling

Art Hsieh — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:35:13 UTC

Like many in my generation I grew up watching the seminal television show "Emergency!" While my childhood classmates dreamed of being firefighters or police officers, I was fascinated by the work of Johnny Gage and Roy DeSoto. At that time EMS was being provided by volunteers, and I assumed that I had no future as a paramedic in my hometown. So I began college as a premed student, assuming I could parlay ...

Why we celebrate EMS Week

Tue, 15 May 2012 19:33:00 UTC

By Pat Elmes, EMT/P (Ret.) EMS Manager, American College of Emergency Physicians The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) kicks off the 39th annual EMS Week May 20 with this theme: "EMS: More than a job. A calling." EMS Week brings together local communities and medical personnel to publicize safety, educate the public about their EMS system and to honor the dedication of those ...

In defense of EMS advocacy

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 19:10:04 UTC

A news report out of Tulsa, Okla., highlights how the local system spent almost half a million dollars on EMS lobbying efforts in 2009, some of that on first-class travel and expensive hotel rooms. Editorial Advisor Art Hsieh says that EMS advocacy takes money and time, and the bottom line is that it doesn't happen enough.

Calif. fundraiser aids injured paramedic

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:24:56 UTC

Under fire for their stadium's coarse atmosphere since the severe beating of a Giants fan on Opening Day, the Dodgers and Los Angeles baseball fans displayed their soft side Monday, supporting the victim with financial donations and tears.

Fund set up for Calif. medic attacked after Giants-Dodgers game

Mon, 4 Apr 2011 18:37:24 UTC

A fund was set up Saturday to help pay the medical bills of Bryan Stow — the Santa Cruz man who was left in a medically induced coma when he was beaten outside Thursday night's Dodgers-Giants game in Los Angeles.

UK medic could lose job for speeding to save a life

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 21:23:12 UTC

A medic could lose his job and his licence after he was clocked at 112mph while delivering an organ for emergency surgery.

Paul Bex was speeding under blue lights after a surgeon told him the liver was needed within three hours. But a speed camera caught him over the limit and police sent him a letter saying he faces prosecution.

9/11 marked with mourning and a spirit of service

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:04:30 UTC

Cold rain mixed with tears as mourners collected under umbrellas and a dreary sky Friday

Should you light it up?

David Givot — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 22:52:30 UTC

Whether you call it "running hot" or going "priority" or "code-3" or anything else, driving with lights and sirens is serious, dangerous business. In many cases, it is also very necessary. So how do you know when and when not to light it up?

The question every new paramedic has to answer

David Givot — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 19:03:20 UTC

Unlike even other EMS providers, it is the paramedic who willingly puts himself or herself smack in the middle of tragedy. It is the paramedic who willingly seeks out life's worst moments and brings hope and comfort.

Defragmenting EMS

Jules Scadden — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 21:29:05 UTC

There is one glaring fact in EMS � we are fragmented. While we actually agree on almost everything that is wrong with EMS, addressing how to fix those challenges and who should lead that charge is where dissention occurs.

The volunteer sword cuts both ways

David Givot — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:35:55 UTC

If you're a volunteer responder, do you consider yourself less accountable than your professional counterparts? If you're a paid medic, do you hold yourself to higher standards than your unpaid peers? Where is the line between these two groups? You may be surprised to hear what the law says.

Trial by Media: The FDNY EMT Case

David Givot — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:45:26 UTC

It's easy to lay blame once a rumor starts, as in the case of the two FDNY EMTs accused of letting a pregnant woman. However, we must remember to reserve judgment until the facts are in, because the fingers pointing at them can just as quickly be pointed at you.

EMS professionals meet with members of congress at EMS on the Hill Day

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:06:51 UTC

Contact: Rebecca Dinan Schneider Clinton, Miss. — To help ensure that emergency medical services (EMS) has a strong voice in the nation’s capitol and in government decisions that affect the field and its practitioners, 120 EMS professionals from 40 states and Puerto Rico advocated for EMS at the first EMS on the Hill Day, which took place May 3-4 in Washington, D.C. The event was hosted ...

National EMS Memorial Bike Ride Announces 2010 Routes

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:25:19 UTC

The Board of Directors of the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, Inc "Muddy Angels" would like to announce the routes for the 2010 ride. The vision of the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride is see recognition of EMS as a profession, a reduction in debilitating injuries and LODD in EMS and a national EMS accountability system. It is our hope that these events will focus attention on the accomplishments ...

Fight for equal benefits for ALL EMS practitioners!

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:31:58 UTC

NAEMTQuestion: If you died in the line of duty, would your family receive a federal benefit" Answer: Only if you work for a governmental entity. NAEMT believes that ALL EMS practitioners who die in the line of duty deserve the same benefits. Don't you agree"Congress established the Public Safety Officer Benefit (PSOB) program to provide a one-time financial benefit to eligible survivors of governmental ...

Ektelon Announces Formation of the World Firefighter Racquetball Association

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 22:02:39 UTC

BORDENTOWN, NJ — Ektelon is proud to officially announce the formation of the World Firefighter Racquetball Association. Developed in conjunction with founders Peter S. Berger and Jeff Weinstein two racquetball playing Firefighters, the global equipment leader has provided its expertise and resources to help grow an organization focused on connecting and providing competitive play to racquetball ...

EMS1 Extends Deadline for Excellence Writing Contest

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:17:47 UTC

SAN FRANCISCO – EMS1.com, a leading online resource for EMS professionals, is extending the deadline for its second annual 2009 Excellence in EMS Award competition to April 30.EMS1 invites all EMS providers from across the nation to submit a short, original story that exemplifies this year’s EMS Week theme, “A Proud Partner in Your Community.” Submissions may include short stories ...

3 ways to mark EMS Week

Tue, 18 May 2010 21:32:11 UTC

I really like the theme for EMS Week 2010 � Anytime, Anywhere, We'll be There � because it reflects the importance of personal and organizational readiness. Here are a few of my ideas for taking inventory and making a plan to live the theme of EMS Week for the rest of the year.

Become an EMS Author

Tue, 4 Aug 2009 17:29:21 UTC

With an increase in online publishing activity, there's no better time to share your knowledge and become an EMS author

Make advocacy your New Year's resolution

American Heart Association — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 22:15:51 UTC

The AHA suggests becoming an advocate for change in 2008