>> Click to play this webcast.

New CPR research suggests something that goes against common sense.  What is it?  Well, let's start out by asking a question.  In what position would offer the patient the best cardiac circulation and flow to the brain when performing CPR?  a) supine, b) shoulders raised 30 degrees, c) shoulders raised 90 degrees, d) both legs elevated 30 degrees?  To get the answer you'll need to listen to the webcast.  I must admit, this was one of the more fascinating interviews I've ever done.  It's worth a few minutes of your time.

This new CPR revelation was brought to my attention by Dr. Joseph Holley, an expert in CPR resuscitation known worldwide.  He is also the EMS Medical Director for the State of Tennessee and EMS Medical Director at Memphis Fire Dept. 

If you are like me, and thought the mechanics, adjuncts, and delivery to CPR couldn’t be improved much more after all the other improvements we have seen over the years, well, think again.

>> Click to play this webcast.

>> Listen at http://tobtr.com/8064951

On Tuesday, December 8, PAAW completed a one hour EMS Live in Wisconsin webcast, which was dedicated to discussing community paramedicine in Milwaukee Co.  Several fire departments, along with Aurora Health System and other public health agencies, have teamed up to work in this new and emerging area of healthcare delivery for Wisconsin.

If you're wanting to learn more about community paramedicine/MIH or starting to implement these concepts, listening to this group discussion is a good use of your time.

We discussed with several fire departments and Aurora Healthcare how they have approached Community Paramedicine with their 2015 trial programs, what they have realized so far, and what's next.


Fred Hornby also discussed the upcoming Working Together Conference taking place January 26 to 31in Milwaukee.   They are also offering a Community Paramedicine/MIH Symposium on one of the days.

>> Listen at http://tobtr.com/8064951

Short stories by featured EMS writer and La Crosse paramedic Crystal Wallin

The husband leads us to the basement, where she’s sitting. Trendy sweatpants and a shell shocked expression are my first impressions. He’s keeping the small ones at bay as they try to see around him, wondering “what’s wrong with Mommy?” Mommy’s stomach hurt and she was closer to the basement restroom when she sat down and she hasn’t gone far. There’s a small throw rug in front of the toilet that matches the shower curtain and the valance at the small half window. A hand towel, in keeping with the scheme, lies folded in half a short distance away. My partner, a male, steps outside at my nod and begins to get demographics. The pt and I regard each other, then the towel.  >> Click to read more...

A one-day (7 hour) course designed specifically for EMTs and Paramedics

>> Click for event information flyer.

Upon completing the workshop, participants will be able to utilize Spanish to:

• Identify self and patient

• Render immediate emergency aid

• Determine patient’s chief complaint

• Issue controlling phrases and commands • Obtain pertinent information
• Explain treatments performed by EMS

• Make assessment of patient through interview • Facilitate transport of injured or ill person

• Engage in triage protocol • And much more!!!

Each participant will receive a 54-page manual with 2 accompanying CDs and a laminated quick-reference card, PLUS a Certi cate of Completion.

Where:  University of Wisconsin - Whitewater, Whitewater, WI

When:  Saturday January 16, 2016 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Cost:  $99.00

Register online:  www.CommandSpanish.com/schedule.html

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved Narcan nasal spray, the first FDA-approved nasal spray version of naloxone hydrochloride.

Drug overdose deaths, driven largely by prescription drug overdoses, are now the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. — surpassing motor vehicle crashes.

"Combating the opioid abuse epidemic is a top priority for the FDA," said Stephen Ostroff, M.D., acting commissioner, Food and Drug Administration. "We cannot stand by while Americans are dying. While naloxone will not solve the underlying problems of the opioid epidemic, we are speeding to review new formulations that will ultimately save lives that might otherwise be lost to drug addiction and overdose."

>> Click to read more.

Source:  EMS1

The National Association of EMTs (NAEMT) is currently conducting a survey that will provide a picture of the current state of EMS data, and will be used as a starting point for drafting a national EMS data strategy.

>> Click to take a few minutes to complete the survey.

Governor Scott Walker made it official on November 11, signing into law 2015 Wisconsin Act 113 / Senate Bill 143, which allows a First Responder to operate at their level of license as one member of a two-person legal ambulance crew.

The process began when Assembly Rep. Jeff Mursau from Crivitz, author of the legislation, was contacted by area emergency departments.  Many fire and ambulance departments, especially in the rural areas, see utilization of first responders as the lifeline they need to get the ambulance out the door to a 911 medical call.  However, there is mixed review as others in the profession see this measure as a "band-aid" fix to a larger problem and dwindling volunteers.

As drafted in the Assembly and Senate bill writing process, Act 113 signed by Gov. Walker contains a population component.  Population less than 10,000 can automatically staff a first responder as a legal crew member, and doesn't require a staffing plan waiver. More than 20,000 population can't use first responders as a legal crew staffing option. Population is defined by the single largest municipality in the ambulance service's coverage area.

Population 10,000 or more but not more than 20,000 may apply to the Department of Health for a staffing plan waiver; however, certain conditions must be demonstrated to include all of the following:

• The ambulance service provider has undertaken efforts to recruit and train emergency medical technicians capable of being licensed under this section.
• Despite efforts under subd. 2. a., licensed emergency medical technicians are not available in sufficient numbers for staffing for the ambulance services provider.
• Without a waiver under subd. 1., the municipality that the ambulance service provider serves is unable to meet staffing requirements for ambulances that require 2 emergency medical technicians on every service call.
• The department shall provide a written staffing waiver to any ambulance service provider it approves under subd. 2.
• A waiver under subd. 1. is valid for 48 months after the date of issuance, and an ambulance service provider may apply to renew the waiver.
• An ambulance service provider with a waiver under subd. 1. shall attempt to staff an ambulance with 2 licensed emergency medical technicians whenever possible.

>> Click to listen to an audio interview with Rep. Jeff Mursau regarding First Responder legislation, the population component, and what led to drafting the legislation.

>> Click to listen now.

Topics Discussed:

At 5 minutes First Responder Legislation author Representative Jeff Mursau

At 15 minutes HealthString's innovative approach to patient transport surveys - Buck McAlpin and George Willock

At 30 minutes Savvik Buying Group contract updates with Executive Director Mickey Schulte

At 45 minutes EMS stretcher cot quilt blanket to beat cold, harsh Wisconsin winters - Alpha Medical Equipment's CEO Jeff Grasto

   

The live program was recorded with on-demand playback available at http://tobtr.com/8014879.

Don't miss a beat of Wisconsin EMS action - listen to EMS Live!