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Gratitude for developments that improve safety

On one hand, we know that safely transporting child is crucial, but often that creates situation where it is difficult to treat patient

Editor’s Note: Inspired by a problematic pediatric call a few years ago, a state-of-the art ambulance was unveiled Monday that was designed by two EMTs to help keep emergency crews safer. Our Editorial Advisor Art Hsieh welcomes their initiative — and offers more words of thanks during this holiday.

It’s the week to give thanks, and one of the developments in EMS for which I am thankful is the ongoing effort to make ambulances safer for both patients and caregivers.

This article points out another effort to improve the safety of pediatric patients being transported, an event that always presents a challenge and trade off for EMS providers.

On one hand, we know that safely transporting the child is crucial, but often that creates a situation where it is difficult to treat the patient. We often sacrifice one for the other.

Speaking of gratitude, here are a few items for which I am particularly thankful:

- My family and friends whom I cherish
- Our military folks who again serve this holiday season in hostile places to protect the concept of freedom
- Those in our profession who will serve to protect the community on this Thanksgiving and every holiday, every year
- You, for taking the time out of your day to read this column, the occasional rant, and even posting a comment or two and contributing to the dialogue. I cherish that very much!

This weekend, be safe, be close to family and friends and hug a stranger or two!

Art Hsieh, MA, NRP teaches in Northern California at the Public Safety Training Center, Santa Rosa Junior College in the Emergency Care Program. An EMS provider since 1982, Art has served as a line medic, supervisor and chief officer in the private, third service and fire-based EMS. He has directed both primary and EMS continuing education programs. Art is a textbook writer, author of “EMT Exam for Dummies,” has presented at conferences nationwide and continues to provide direct patient care regularly. Art is a member of the EMS1 Editorial Advisory Board.