1. All 50 states opt in to FirstNet All 50 states, two territories and Washington, D.C. opted into the FirstNet network before the 12/31/17 deadline. In the current age of hyper-partisanship and strong belief in local practices this is a remarkable accomplishment and sign of good things to come for FirstNet. “With every state saying […]
Category: EMS Tips
1. Driverless ambulances and other thoughts on EMS Safety Jim Hoffman conducted a series of year-end interviews about EMS education, wellness and safety. Listen and watch interviews with Rom Duckworth, Chris Cebollero, Bryan Fass, Tim Nowak and myself. 2. Top 2017 EMS news and 2018 predictions On the Medic2Medic podcast host Steve Cohen, Carey EMS, […]
1. Distracted (dangerous) driver? Of the environments emergency respsonders regularly operate there is place more dangerous than the roadside. The Adams County (Wis.) Sheriff’s office shared this dashcam video of a deputy who was nearly hit by pick-up truck. An explanation for the driver’s behavior wasn’t shared in the post. It’s not a leap to […]
1. Submit to Speak at EMS World Expo Applications to speak at EMS World Expo 2018 are due January 15. Here are three reasons to apply to expo or other conferences. You do work that matters. Share it with others. The best way to test out your ideas is to present them to your peers. […]
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Ambulance Siren Doesn’t Help Patients
Turn off the lights. Turn off the sirens. Get to the patient safely and alive. The evidence for ambulance siren and red light use was the subject of a NHTSA Office of EMS Focus webinar. The most interesting (and new to me) discussion point is that ambulance siren and red light use may discourage some […]
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Email Tips to Manage the Tidal Wave
A colleague told me on Saturday he had already received 700 messages by mid-afternoon. I don’t have that same volume of inbound messages, but this is how I do my best to manage the tidal wave. 1. Unsubscribe from low value and no value messages At least once a day I unsubscribe from a news […]
Today is the 4th anniversary of the terrible mass killing of children and teachers at the Sandy Hook elementary school. On December 12, 2012 I wrote Newtown school shooting: 3 things I’ll be doing. Those three things were: Sending appreciation Planning reminders Teaching my kids There is more to do In the four years since Sandy […]
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EMS Habits for Life
On-the-job habits can quickly become life habits. The habits I learned and developed as a paramedic didn’t get left in the ambulance. A commitment to PPE, avoidance of alcohol-fueled stupidity and geriatric fall prevention are habits I carry into my personal life. Read at EMS1.com 3 paramedic habits I can’t shake
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It’s time to rethink roadway safety
In 2016 two medical helicopters (Florida and New Mexico) have been struck by drunk drivers. Also struck by drunk drivers: Tow trucks and operators Police cruisers and law enforcement officers Ambulances and paramedics Fire trucks and firefighters It’s time to rethink roadway safety and apply hazardous materials concepts of time, distance and shielding. Read my […]
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Enduring Life Advice
Since my kids started to going to daycare, pre-school and now school I have offered them this advice on their way out the door: Be a good listener Make good choices Work hard Be a good friend I hope it sticks. The opposite behaviors in kids, paramedics, police or politicians are frightening.