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News and Events

Alternate Posting Location: Medic kills shooter

On December 17, 2020, two Arkansas paramedics were shot on duty. Officials say one of the paramedics returned fire, killing the gunman who shot them after an argument.  Read Rapid response: EMS needs to anticipate, prepare for violent attacks on EMS1. While you are there, answer this poll question.

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News and Events

Active Shooter Survival

Nearly 20 years since Columbine I am distraught that we aren’t better prepared to survive an active shooter incident at a school. The Parkland commission released a lengthy and comprehensive report of the February 14, 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. A single gunman entered the school campus carrying a cased rifle. He walked into […]

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EMS Tips News and Events Operations

What if a mass murderer survives shootout with police?

The Tree of Life shooter survived his shootout with police. Many, but not all, active shooters have suicide as the final act in their despicable, murderous plan. For those who don’t EMS may be called upon to triage, treat and transport the shooter. Read Rapid Response: Is EMS response different when the active shooter survives? on […]

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News and Events

Teach kids to use tourniquets

Now on EMS1 … As we continue to cast about for solutions to prevent mass murder inside our schools, it’s unsurprising that the Department of Homeland Security is offering a $1.8 million grant to an awardee to develop a program and training curriculum to teach high school students to use tourniquets. The School-Age Trauma Training grant aims to […]

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EMS Tips

EMS in the Warm Zone, Ambulance Collisions

EMS belongs in the warm zone Florida officials and anonymous first responders are disputing if paramedics were blocked from entering the Parkland high school scene, delayed from caring for victims or simply doing what they had been trained and ordered to do. “What’s going to come out is, in the communications on several circumstances, there […]

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EMS Tips

No, It’s Not too Soon to Discuss This Mass Shooting

I write about mass shootings, mass murders and school massacres. It’s not a morbid curiosity. It’s part of my job to share insights, share resources and put a local event into context for a national audience. One the most frequent critiques I receive from headline readers is the “It’s too soon” with variations of grieving […]

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EMS Tips

Mass Shooting Tip – Get There Quicker

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Parkland, Fla., shooting is: Most deadly school shooting since Newtown. More killed than Columnbine. There are two sides of the mass shooting equation our society could work on: Before the shooting starts After the shooting starts There doesn’t seem to be any will or desire to do anything about the […]

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EMS Tips

EMS Tips – Active Shooter NFPA Standard – Retirement Age – Failure to Yield

1. Active Shooter NFPA Standard 3000 NFPA 3000, Standard for Preparedness and Response to Active Shooter and/or Hostile Events, gives guidance on active shooter or active threat preparedness and response (EMS1.com). “Hostile events are happening with greater frequency and ferocity today. It’s critical that we take steps to protect people from this increasing threat,” NFPA president […]

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EMS Tips

EMS Tips – Body Armor – Airway Management

1. EMS body armor (EMS1.com) A Pa. EMS agency announced a purchase of 15 ballistic vests for it’s personnel. “The department recently purchased 15 ballistic vests. (EMS Chief Robert) Weidner said that is enough vests for all personnel on Yellow Breeches’ five ambulances.” That likely means the vests are assigned to rigs not people. “Weidner […]

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EMS Tips

EMS Tips – 2017 Top News – 2018 Predictions

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, […]