Safety
The safety topic provides news, information and resources to keep EMS providers informed about key safety issues, developments and technology, including research and initiatives focused on violence against EMS professionals, how to prevent an injury, near-miss reporting and risk mitigation.
Graham Hoffman’s death underscores the unpredictable risks and the need for stronger safety measures in EMS
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MedStar increased staffing and “dispatchers used ... pen and paper to keep track of where paramedics and ambulances were”
The ERSI has already tracked 34 first responder roadway-incident deaths in 2022 and an average of two struck-by incidents daily
Sandwich (MA) Fire Chief John Burke reflects on how properly disposing medical waste has helped safeguard his community against COVID-19, the opioid epidemic and in-house medical care
Four local agencies responded to the North Warren Emergency Squad incident, which was reportedly caused by a driver failing to yield the right of way
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The EMT suffered significant injuries in the assault almost a year ago
The Washington County Board of Supervisors held closed-door sessions about personnel and management issues
The captain who was driving was not injured, but the rig is now out of service
Following the shots, the Med Express Ambulance employees noticed a man on a bicycle hit the ground, and made a U-turn to render aid
Brian Harbaugh said he went to pick up paperwork Sunday, exited the building fast and called for NorthStar EMS to help him; he quit on Monday
The two EMS providers were loading a patient into a rig at the time of the incident; the knife-wielding man was charged with attempted murder
Response to these medical emergencies should focus on intervention and treatment of the patient
In Pennsylvania, “the lowest form of government is responsible for public safety,” said Eric Henry, who operates Meadville Area Ambulance Service
Doug Dick, EMS chief and founder of Superior Ambulance Service and Education Institute, is looking to county and state legislators and 22 municipalities for funds
Safety Director Karrie Howard: Nicole Carlton “has proven herself an effective leader during several major events within the city. Carlton is a dedicated public servant”
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Rochester police officers are searching for the driver of an SUV who ran away after the collision
Vincent Variale, president of the Uniformed EMS Officers Union Local 3621, says Capt. Alison Russo might still be alive if someone had been with her
The stabbing death of Capt. Alison Russo-Elling brings up new fears for providers in the field and raises old questions regarding personal safety
According to a police report, Mark Denton told EMS providers that he cut his toes with a lawnmower, but he later admitted that happened in 1971
Off-duty officer Chas Kulow was with his girlfriend as she was being treated at a Five Finger Death Punch show
Incident videos help responders identify the physical and behavioral cues of a severe behavioral emergency that may or may not have a criminal component
One person was detained by police, and several people were transported to nearby hospitals, including three who were listed in critical condition
Dozens of EMS providers watched from a courtroom gallery as Peter Zisopoulos entered his plea in a video feed from a Bellevue Hospital bed
“That man murdered my daughter, and she would be the first one to come to his aid if he needed help,” her father said at the service
The dangers to EMTs/medics are less well known to the general public than firefighting, even at times to the agencies where they work
Acting Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said Russo “mentored many new EMTs and paramedics, cared deeply for the communities she served, and set an incredible example”
“It’s hard to imagine the squad without her,” said Huntington Community First Aid Squad Chief David Kaufman
“We are so sad,” said FDNY Chief of Department John Hodgens. “The members of her station looked up to [Alison Russo]. She kept them in line.”
“She knew how to do her job, and she knew how to do your job too,” said Michael Greco, now vice president of EMS Local 2507
