The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on Mar. 11, 2020.
The CDC began closely monitoring the outbreak caused by a new coronavirus strain first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019, which quickly spread to southeast Asia, Europe, Canada and the U.S. The first case in the United States was announced on Jan. 21, 2020, in the state of Washington, where the patient recently returned from Wuhan.
The World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a global health emergency on Jan. 30, 2020. The announcement came shortly after the first human-to-human transmission of the virus in the U.S. was confirmed by the CDC.
EMS has taken the global stage with its frontline response to the pandemic. The EMS1 COVID-19 includes the latest news, videos, podcasts and analysis about EMS training, safety measures, assessment and treatment of patients with COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccine development and supporting the mental health of providers through the pandemic.
(Photo/American Ambulance Association)
The unmistakable whiff of smoke is often what first alerts someone to a nearby fire. But what if you can’t smell?
Through nearly two years of pandemic, the HEMS industry has been hit hard but proven resilient
Boston-based Cataldo Ambulance’s Ron Quaranto discusses leading a large EMS organization through the pandemic, recruitment and retention, and vaccine mandates
Using funds allocated to Kern County from the American Rescue Plan Act, thousands of county workers now stand to receive $3,000 bonuses
Officials are using American Rescue Plan funds to pay a $250 vaccination incentive for full-time EMS employees
Use of PPE and following infection control practices, especially during aerosol-generating procedures, credited for low rate of on-the-job infection
Hospitals, ICUs are filled with patients from the fourth COVID surge, sparked by the highly contagious delta variant and low vaccination rates across the state
Grant programs and relief funding to support telemedicine initiatives, technology and training offer continued financial assistance to eligible agencies
I can’t presume to know what’s in the heart of this vaccine resister, but each preventable firefighter, paramedic and cop COVID-19 death is heartbreaking to me
The governor said 808 nurses, three certified registered nurse anesthetists, 22 nurse practitioners, 193 respiratory therapist and 20 paramedics will be deployed to 50 hospitals across the state
“A vaccination ensures that our personnel ‘do no harm’ to those who call upon us,” reads the association’s position statement
Lancaster County EMS Paramedic Richard McKinney died of complications from the virus
“This is our situation. This is our reality. We are not crying ‘wolf,’” said Robert Kenagy, president and CEO of Stormont Vail Health
Dozens of EMS workers spoke in opposition to mandatory vaccinations during a public meeting on Monday, saying they or their colleagues may quit
Fla. counties are launching new ambulances, using fire rescue vehicles to transport patients amidst, high volumes, hospital bypasses
The U.S. is the first country to fully approve the shot, in a move that may pave the way for additional mandates
The vaccine requirement applies to salaried and volunteer responders in Skagit County fire districts
NAEMSP, NEMSMA agree that “it is critical” for paramedics, EMS physicians and other EMS providers to get COVID-19 vaccine
There is increased worry among behavioral health agencies and paramedics that the vaccine mandate will add to long-standing staffing shortage
Community members and first responders held a prayer vigil for Paramedic Richard McKinney, who was placed on a ventilator this week
In Santa Ana, City Manager Kristine Ridge announced this week plans to mandate vaccines against COVID-19, except for city employees who request to be exempted for health or religious reasons
Glynn County Fire Chief R.K. Jordan said the call volume is about 23 percent above normal so far in August, a month that has seen a rise locally, statewide and nationally in COVID-19 cases
Volusia County EMS is down 21 paramedics from the beginning of the year, and is offering up to $5,000 recruitment and retention bonuses
Many EMS departments in the state are already short staffed, and officials say the vaccine mandate will exacerbate the situation
Oak City Fire Department FF-EMT William Stalls died Aug. 15, and Lt. Willie Bunch died Aug. 16; both men contracted the virus while on duty
First responders will begin receiving their vaccination booster shots, followed by the elderly and those considered high risk
County officials say 911 calls are up by roughly 42%, stretching area first responders to the limit, particularly amid staff shortages and quarantines
On Friday, attorneys who said they represent more than 1,200 first responders filed a class-action lawsuit in federal court, asking that the city’s mandate be voided
High call volumes and medical transports in Seminole County due to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases has put ambulance availability “below acceptable levels” in recent months
All healthcare workers in Washington, D.C., must be vaccinated by Sept. 30, with some exemptions available for medical or religious reasons
Barrow County EMS Firefighter-EMT Tim Watson died from complications stemming from COVID-19
“This has been a problem that’s been brewing for several years and the pandemic kind of accelerated it,” said Monroe Community Ambulance CEO Ron Slagell
Unions representing first responders in Sacramento voice concerns over vaccine mandate
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