Oversleeping or sleeping through an alarm is not a waking up problem. Oversleeping is a going to bed problem. Read my tips for going to bed and falling asleep on EMS1.
Tag: Fatigue
1. Police say driver asleep at the wheel “An EMS provider driving an ambulance that crashed and resulted in the death of an EMT fell asleep behind the wheel, according to police.” This tragic incident happened just a week after the release of 5 evidence-based guidelines for fatigue management in EMS. Recommend using fatigue/sleepiness survey instruments to […]
1. EMT Mousa Chaban, 32, died of injuries after ambulance collision (EMS1.com) “Chaban was partially ejected from the ambulance and died from his injuries.” The driver of the ambulance, Christine Wesner, failed to stop at a red light, and “allegedly fell asleep and crashed into another vehicle.” Resource: 5 evidence-based guidelines for fatigue management in EMS 2. […]
1. Evidence-based fatigue management guidelines NASEMSO teamed up with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine to perform a comprehensive evaluation to provide recommendations on how to fight EMS fatigue, such as napping during shifts and using caffeine. The guidelines recommend five practices: Use of fatigue/sleepiness surveys to measure and monitor EMS personnel fatigue. Limit […]
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 […]
Blog posts, articles, news reports, and audio podcasts…some of my favorite reads from August 2014. Blog news from MedicSBK…new website layout. Check it out. Steve Whitehead lays out the reasons you should quit your crappy EMS job. This article, I found a gun on my patient. Now what?, struck me as a common sense and […]
This video asks paramedics: What causes burnout? How can we avoid or manage burnout? For many paramedics, EMS Week might be a reminder that they are overworked, under appreciated, under paid, and gone from home way too much. Add to that sleep deprivation, nagging back pain, and not enough time between calls to eat a […]
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EMS Shift Sweet Spot
This guest post was submitted by blogger, podcaster, and paramedic Jim Hoffman. If you would like to submit a guest post review the submission guidelines. Connect with Jim on the EMS Office Hours Facebook page or listen to the EMS Office Hours podcast. How long is your shift? Mine is usually 24 hours these days and at times have even […]
After reading “3 Tips to Stay Mentally Alert During Long Shifts” an Everyday EMS Tips reader wrote: “What do you suggest for crews that are running all night? How can we stay mentally alert after the 12th call? Or the 2oth hour?” I would like your help and suggestions for this reader. I have made […]
You work 12 hours (or even 24 hours) during a very busy ambulance shift and are ready to be home, go for a run, eat dinner and get to bed. However, on your way out the door your supervisor stops you. She tells you that someone has called in sick and wonders if you could […]