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2020 Year in Review

2020 was a year unlike any other in recent memory; a year worthy of being associated with the oft-referenced ominous warning: “Hindsight is 20/20.”

This year, EMS was on the front lines of yet another public health crisis in the United States as a worldwide pandemic was declared due to the discovery of a novel coronavirus: SARS-CoV-2, or COVID-19. As it spread across the country, emergency systems nationwide grappled with severe staffing issues, PPE shortages and fatigue.

During the uncertainty of a pandemic, EMS personnel also responded to widespread civil unrest as a result of the death of George Floyd while in police custody.

Throughout the chaos and confusion of the year, EMS professionals did what they do best – answered the call. They persevered.

If hindsight is 20/20, then we expected nothing less.

From roadside safety, to recommitting to universal precautions, to promoting public health, reflecting on our journey
EMS leaders reflect on the lessons learned and how to continue EMS growth in the year ahead
Sharing our gratitude and respect for the EMS providers who have sacrificed so much in the fight against COVID-19
Their dedication, commitment and sacrifice to the communities they served will never be forgotten as we look back on this unprecedented year
A driver suspected of driving under the influence plowed into Erik Bedwell’s ambulance, sending him, his patient and his future into a tailspin
2020 has been a tough year; take a break with this collection of heartwarming stories
Daniel O’Beirne and Jordan Reed, two strangers with fire and EMS backgrounds, worked together to save a driver whose semi-truck struck a pole and burst into flames
Join Jay Fitch, PhD; and Anthony Minge, EdD, for an encore of John O’Leary’s powerful Pinnacle Keynote
Taigman discusses his 5-step wellness checkup, how to look after the welfare of others, as well as coping strategies, including his own journey into meditation
Bob Stanczyk was putting out hot spots when he noticed discomfort in his left shoulder; alerting EMTs he didn’t feel right saved his life
Focus on the 9,000 things you can do, rather than the 1,000 you can’t and follow these tips to reduce stress
Dr. James Betts had been working 80-hour work weeks at the hospital; 10 years ago, he committed to getting back to his fire service roots
This holiday season, focus on the gifts you can give and receive every day with true connections
Darrell Jennings and his family aided 28 neighbors in their living room after a violent EF-4 tornado tore through their Putnam County, Tennessee, neighborhood
There was a lot to talk about last year, so don’t miss these must-listen episodes for a second time
From a marathon runner who performed CPR on the course to a college student who stopped class to help his professor, these EMS providers stepped up to render aid in unexpected circumstances