Registration Open for CMS’ Person-Centered Listening Sessions on Improving Health in Rural Communities on November 20 On November 20, the CMS Innovation Center will host a Person-Centered Listening Session on Improving Care Experience, Outcomes, & Equity in Rural Communities This listening session will focus on access and delivery in rural health care, and key takeaways from CMS Innovation Center Rural Health Hackathons and a listener Q&A. Insights from this session will help inform the Innovation Center’s strategy on addressing common rural health issues. The listening session will take place on Wednesday, November 20 from 12:00-1:00 PM ET. Registration is open. Please Note: Attendees may submit written comments or questions before the webinar via the registration page or during the Q&A session. Please indicate if you would prefer not to have your comments read or wish to remain anonymous. For more information, please visit the following links: Sign up for the CMS Innovation Center listserv for details on future events, model updates, and more Follow us on X   Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has sent this update. To contact Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) go to our contact us page.

Marburg Virus Disease: New EMS Guidelines

Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs) are severe illnesses caused by a range of viruses, some of which have high fatality rates. Although cases are rare in the United States, these viruses are becoming more prevalent internationally. Examples of VHFs include Marburg virus disease (MVD), with a fatality rate averaging around 50% (ranging from 24% to 88%), Lassa fever, with a hospital fatality rate of 15% to 20% (and as high as 50% in pandemic settings), Ebola virus disease (EVD), and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). The recent national attention surrounding a fatal Lassa fever case in Iowa underscores the importance for EMS clinicians to stay informed about VHFs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of EMS strongly encourages EMS clinicians to familiarize themselves with VHFs, including where they occur, how they spread, what questions to ask patients, and how to protect themselves. The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training & Education Center (NETEC) provides guidance for the management of VHFs and has recently updated the MVD NETEC guidelines for EMS clinicians, in October 2024 to align with current CDC recommendations. These guidelines for EMS clinicians emphasize the "Identify, Isolate, and Inform" paradigm, previously used for diseases like Ebola and mpox. Review Guidelines Here Emergency responders are encouraged to learn the signs and symptoms of VHFs and to assess patients with travel-related questions when appropriate. While most EMS clinicians in the United States are unlikely to encounter a VHF case during routine operations, international outbreaks heighten the risk of encountering an infected patient who may have traveled from an affected region. EMS agencies serving areas with international ports of entry should be especially vigilant.

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Register now for our upcoming National Rural Health Day webinar The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) invites you to celebrate National Rural Health Day on November 19 at 2 p.m. ET with a webinar highlighting the latest resources from CMS including reports and information on rural, tribal, and geographically isolated communities. We’ll also get to feature the work of a 2024 CMS Health Equity Awardee Augusta Health to improve health equity within the Shenandoah Valley. When: November 19 from 2 – 3 pm ET Where: Virtual webinar, please register Registration:https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8e5JeFaiTfOH8sWvPKwsiQ#/registration We’re proud to have recognized Augusta Health as a 2024 CMS Health Equity Award winner for their work in helping to improve health care access in rural communities. Augusta Health is a non-profit, independent hospital serving communities of the Shenandoah Valley in Virgina. Since its launch in 2022, their Primary Care Mobile Clinic program has grown to 14 different sites every month including community centers, churches, fire houses, the mayor’s office, and homeless shelters. In one year, the program provided over 1,700 primary care visits for 825 patients at 17 different sites. Augusta Health’s Primary Care Mobile Clinic program illustrates the impact of community-driven interventions in addressing health disparities. Click here to register.   Paid for by the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Dear Ground Ambulance Providers and Suppliers, We wanted you to be aware that we posted the following announcement on our Ambulances Services Center website: CY 2025 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule CMS issued the CY 2025 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) final rule that announces finalized policy changes for Medicare payments under the PFS and other Medicare Part B payment policy issues, including ambulance services. For CY 2025, we proposed to modify the definition of advanced life support level two (ALS2) at § 414.605 by adding the administration of low titer O+ whole blood transfusion (WBT) to the list of ALS2 procedures. We also solicited comments on whether we should add alternative blood product treatments, such as the administration of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) and plasma, to the list of ALS2 procedures. After consideration of public comments, and considering further that the indications for use, storage requirements, administration, monitoring, and training for the use of PRBCs and plasma are similar to those previously described for WBT, we are finalizing our proposal to modify the definition of ALS2 at §414.605 by adding the administration of prehospital blood transfusion (PHBT) which includes low titer O+ and O- whole blood transfusion therapy, PRBCs, plasma, or a combination of PRBCs and plasma. A ground ambulance transport that provides one of these PHBTs would itself constitute an ALS2 level transport.

IV Fluid Conservation Briefing and Supply Update On Monday, October 28th, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services hosted a briefing on intravenous fluid (IV) conservation best practices.  This session was recorded and is now available at the link below.  Up-to-date information on shortages related to Hurricane Helene’s impact on Baxter’s North Cove, NC, facility can be found on the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s Hurricane Helene webpage, as well as on Baxter’s website. View the Recording

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Contact Us 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 nhtsa.ems@dot.gov

Time to Register: NEMSAC Meeting November 6-7, 2024

The National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC) will host a hybrid meeting on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 1:00 pm ET, and Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 12:00 pm ET. Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting virtually or in person and offer public comment. Location: Hotel Washington, 515 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 Due to limited space, virtual attendance is encouraged NEMSAC meets throughout the year to deliberate on specific policy issues affecting EMS systems across the nation. NEMSAC members provide counsel and recommendations to the Federal Interagency Committee on EMS (FICEMS) and the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).   Register Now Agenda Highlights: Updates from OEMS and FICEMS Chairperson   NRSS and Post-Crash Care update Reports on advisories in progress from the Subcommittees on: Adaptability & Innovation Equitable Patient Care Preparedness & Education Professional Safety Sustainability & Efficiency Integration & Technology Guest Presentations (Day 1 & 2) Behavioral Health in EMS with John R. Niemiec (IAFF) Applications for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare with Stephen J. Konya, III (ASTP, formerly ONC) Updates from the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) with Jose Cabanas, MD, MPH, FACEP, FAEMS Updates from the National Association of EMS Educators (NAEMSE) with Arthur Hsieh, MA, NRP Updates from the American Ambulance Association (AAA) with President, Randy Strozyk Registrants who wish to address the Council during the public comment periods can submit comments in writing to NHTSA.NEMSAC@dot.gov by October 31, 2024. Questions and comments for the Council may also be presented during the meeting using the live chat feature. We are committed to providing equal access to this event for all participants. People with disabilities can submit an accommodation request, and people with limited English proficiency can submit a language access request. Please submit any request to Clary Mole by phone at (202) 868-3275 or by email to Clary.Mole@dot.gov no later than October 31, 2024. A sign language interpreter and closed captioning services are available, through the Zoom virtual meeting platform, but only upon request.

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• News Release

   

  September 10, 2024

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  Contact: Samantha Hilker
  920-202-2955
  shilker@ambulance.org

  EMS Heroes To Be Honored in Madison as 2024 Wisconsin Stars of Life

  Madison, WI—This week, the Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin announced the 2024 Wisconsin Stars of Life honorees; extraordinary EMS professionals who have gone above the call of duty to serve their communities. 23 individuals from across the state will be recognized as the 2024 Wisconsin Stars of Life at an October 16, 2024 banquet.

  Stars of Life pays tribute to the dedication of these hometown heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure. The Madison Concourse Hotel will host an awards ceremony where executive hosts and family members will join in the recognition and celebration of the Stars’ contributions to the field and their community. 

  Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin President Chris Anderson noted that, “EMS professionals work tirelessly to provide round-the-clock healthcare where and when it is needed most.” He continued, “We look forward to this event all year, and look forward honoring our 2024 recipients in October.”

  This year’s distinguished Stars of Life honorees are:

• Brent Bischoff | Operations Manager – EMT | Midwest Medical Transport
• Travis Downing | Team Leader – Critical Care Paramedic | Midwest Medical Transport
• Diana Frances | Assistant Station Manager, Norther Wisconsin | Superior Ambulance
• Mariana Gonzales-Walker | EMT | Bell Ambulance
• Katie Halbach | Operations Manager | Gold Cross Ambulance
• Brian Heisz | Paramedic | Gundersen Health System Ambulance
• Patrick Janzen | Field Training Officer, EMT | Bell Ambulance
• Mary Johnson | Cadet & Outreach Supervisor/AEMT | Bell Ambulance
• Tom Loescher | Physician, Posthumous Recognition | Gold Cross Ambulance
• Cindy McDonald | Critical Care Paramedic | Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance
• Nicholas (Niko) Oehlenschlager | Paramedic | Ryan Brothers Ambulance
• Tariq Sabbah | EMS Dispatcher | Superior Ambulance
• Natasha Sager | Supply & Logistics Officer | Orange Cross Ambulance
• Jason Santos | Paramedic | Mayo Clinic Ambulance
• Greg Schaefer | AEMT | Ryan Brothers Ambulance
• James See | Field Supervisor | Orange Cross Ambulance
• Dee Dee Thornton | Dispatch Call Taker/EMD | Bell Ambulance
• Mariah Ullrich | EMT | Gold Cross Ambulance
• BJ Van Engen | Shift Supervisor, Critical Care Paramedic | Bell Ambulance
• Carol Varys | EMT Field Training Officer | Superior Ambulance
• Casey Welsh | Paramedic Shift Lead | Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance
• Brittany Wirth | Dispatch Manager | Ryan Brothers Ambulance
• Travis Wright | Paramedic, Dispatch Call Taker/EMD | Bell Ambulance

Please note that members of the media are welcome to attend the Stars of Life Banquet at the Madison Concourse hotel on October 16 from 5:00–9:00pm. Interviews with Stars of Life as well as state EMS leaders will be available.

# # #

About The Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin

The Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin (PAAW) is a leading organization dedicated to advancing the quality and professionalism of emergency medical services in Wisconsin. Founded with a mission to support and advocate for the state's ambulance services, PAAW provides essential resources, training, and legislative representation to its members. Through collaboration, education, and innovation, PAAW strives to ensure that all communities in Wisconsin receive the highest standard of pre-hospital care. For more information, visit paaw.us.

Matt Kussow, PAAW Lobbyist 
MK Lobby

On August 1, Governor Evers announced the first payments to Wisconsin Counties and municipalities under 'historic' shared revenue increases. Read the full press release here.

The State of Wisconsin made an "historic" commitment to county and municipal governments in the last budget, ending decades of stagnant or declining revenues in Shared Revenue payments.  Now it is up to local governments to actually make history and address the problems the Legislature intended with the new funding.  Fortunately, lawmakers tipped the scale in our direction in a handful of important ways.

First, to receive the new funding. local service providers had to certify they are not reducing staff or funding for police, fire or EMS services.  (You probably recall the one-page form you had to complete in June certifying these numbers.)  Avoiding more funding cuts seems obvious to building up such services yet you might be surprised how many municipalities were considering such cuts.

Second, a big portion of the new Shared Revenue payments are specifically allocated to "support essential services such as law enforcement, fire protection, emergency medical services, emergency response communications, public works, courts, and transportation".   While this definition is beneficial, inclusion of "public works, courts, and transportation" was a significant discussion among lawmakers and will undoubtedly draw funds away from EMS, fire and police.  In some communities, the "historic" investment might be a new snowplow or section of road. 

And finally, a future challenge with the new funding that could directly affect PAAW members still awaits county and municipal governments.  Lawmakers created a $300 million Innovation Fund specifically targeting efforts to consolidate county and municipal services.  This includes EMS but it also includes everything else from library services to human resources.  As such, communities could apply for funding to combine or expand EMS services if a cost-savings is demonstrated.  This might open a door for some PAAW members to expand into new communities.  

The new Shared Revenue funding is a welcomed development for municipalities, but it comes with new challenges.  EMS is in the front of the money line but our situation is often more complicated than that one road project that has been waiting for funding for several years.  PAAW members already embedded in communities have an advantage to stabilize their delivery systems with the new funding.  If you are looking to expand, local leaders should be a little more susceptible to the numbers you are putting in front of them.

EMS Operations Management & Leadership Course

Wisconsin Office of Rural Health Virtual Class

August 2024

Registration is now open for the August 2024 EMS Operations Management & Leadership Courses, sponsored by the Office of Rural Health.  Over the past five years 500  participants from over 300 Services have completed this popular course and we have received requests from around the State to host more sessions.  We are offering this course virtually, via Zoom.

 Read what past participants are saying:

v It was great!  I learned a lot and the timing was perfect as I was just hired as EMS Chief.

v It was a great course that I will recommend to other officers within our organization.

v I have been the manager since 2004, I've taken this course multiple times and always walk away with something useful.

v There was a wide array of information supplied.  This class should be required before taking a management position in EMS.

 

 

Workshop Sessions

 

The August course will meet according to the schedule below, 6:30 pm - 8:45 pm; six sessions = 13.5 hours total.  Participants who complete a course will receive 12 CEUs.

 

August 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21

 

This virtual Leadership course will dive into the management of Operational and Administrative duties and tasks.  Sessions will include:

 

v Review of Key Attributes of a successful EMS agency

vIdentifying Positive & Negative Characteristics of a Leader/Manager

v Creating meaningful policies and procedures

v Developing and managing an annual budget

v Creating a useful QA/QI process, and assuring involvement of the Medical Director

v Discussion of Recruitment & Retention tools, Human Resources, and Just Culture principles

v Navigating State administrative rules & regulations, statues, and programs

v Demonstration of the various components of the State e-Licensing system

v Understanding compliance requirements in EMS related to the State EMS Office, CMS/Medicare, HIPPA, and other entities

v Current Grants and other funding sources

 

 

 

Who Should Attend?

The course is intended for those currently in EMS management positions, as well as those aspiring to management positions.  Those interested in guidance or clarification on issues, and those interested in becoming a supervisor, manager, or leader in their agency will benefit.

 

Your instructor is Dana Sechler, former Wisconsin State EMS Office Paramedic/ALS program Coordinator, former Chief and EMS Service Director; partner at Strategic Management & Consulting, LLC. 

 

Registration

The registration fee for the course is $45. Participants will receive a link to the Zoom meeting before each session.  This link will take you to the course registration.  Note: This course duplicate some of the material from previous courses, it is not a new or additional course, although you are welcome to register and take it again.  Feel free to post the attached flier.  The registration page can be accessed with the QR code.

 

Questions?

Contact Kevin Jacobson, kmjacobson2@wisc.edu

WORH EMS Ops course flier.docx

Dear Ground Ambulance Providers and Suppliers, We wanted you to be aware that we posted the following announcement on our Ambulances Services Center website: Calendar Year (CY) 2025 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Proposed Rule CMS issued the CY 2025 PFS proposed rule: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2024-14828/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-calendar-year-2025-payment-policies-under-the-physician-fee-schedule that announces proposed policy changes for Medicare payments under the PFS and other Medicare Part B payment policy issues including ambulance services. CMS is proposing to modify the definition of advanced life support level two (ALS2) at 42 CFR §414.605 by adding the administration of low titer O+ whole blood transfusion (WBT) to the list of ALS2 procedures. For patients in hemorrhagic shock, the use of WBT has demonstrated a survival benefit when compared to traditional hemorrhagic resuscitative therapy. Under this proposal, a ground ambulance transport that provides WBT would itself constitute an ALS2-level transport. We are also seeking comments on whether we should add alternative blood product treatments such as the administration of packed red blood cells and plasma to the list of ALS2 procedures. We are aware that some established Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems may already provide WBT to treat patients in hemorrhagic shock, while other jurisdictions, including those in rural areas, may rely on alternative blood product treatments.  We encourage you to submit comments on this proposal by September 9, 2024, to the website provided in the CY 2025 PFS proposed rule.