Inside EMS

Traumatic brain injury: How to treat, manage patients with head injuries

In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss traumatic brain injuries, following the recent revelations surrounding the death of comedian Bob Saget. Our co-hosts discuss what providers need to know about TBIs, as well as how to treat and manage patients with suspected head injuries. 

Honoring heroism, courage and enduring sacrifice

This episode of EMS One-Stop is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.

In this edition of EMS One-Stop, Rob Lawrence welcomes Tony O’Brien (Boston EMS), treasurer of the National EMS Memorial Foundation and Tim Perkins (VA Office of EMS), board member of the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride.

Tony identifies a timetable and the progress towards establishing a permanent monument in the national capital to honor the heroism, courage and enduring sacrifice of all past, present and future EMS providers and to remember and celebrate the lives of those killed in the line of duty.

Tim outlines how the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride honors emergency medical services personnel by organizing and implementing long distance cycling events that memorialize and celebrate the lives of those who serve every day, those who have become sick or injured while performing their duties, and those who have died in the line of duty.

Tony explains that H.R. 1037 – the National EMS Memorial bill – was signed into law by President Donald Trump, becoming public law 115-275 in 2018, starting the formal countdown to establishing a memorial. Additionally, Tim reveals the routes and dates of the five 2022 routes covering the East Coast, southern route, Midwest, Colorado and West Coast.

12 onboarding strategies for new hires with Maria Beermann-Foat

In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson are joined by Maria Beermann-Foat to discuss her recent article, "The first 90 days: 12 strategies for laying a foundation for a rewarding career while onboarding new employees," part of EMS1's special coverage package, "Year one: Creating a career path for new EMTs."

The conversation covers Beermann-Foat's 12 strategies, as well as tips for how to make the best impression possible on new employees over the first 90 days and a discussion on how this strategy assists with developing a strong employee culture. 

Read more of the EMS1 special coverage: 

• The first 90 days
• Turnover: We have measured it, but can we manage it?
• Improving personnel performance through evaluations and training
• 3 ways you're losing EMS providers and how to stop the revolving door
• 4 steps to improving EMS retention through onboarding

 

Multi-state EMS solutions, combatting assault on EMS providers

In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss the most interesting industry news of the week.

First, our co-hosts discuss a story about the creation of an EMS council attempting to pool resources to develop a mult-state EMS solution. 

"Good on these states for trying something new and trying to get it done," Cebollero said. "We need role models because there are going to be other states and other counties that need to look at this type of model to sustain for the future."

Next, our co-hosts discuss two stories that focus on safety in EMS and assault on providers by patients. 

Join the discussion: Listen to the episode and share your thoughts in the comments below. 

Top of mind: EMS trends, retirement benefits, emergent response

In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss the importance of the 2022 EMS Trend Report and how every voice in EMS matters as to the future of our field.

"It is our responsibility to leave the profession better than we found it," Cebollero said. 

The conversation then transitions to retirement and how EMS professionals can take advantage of the retirement benefits at every agency they work.

Finally, our co-hosts discuss a recent position paper released by 13 industry groups regarding the use of lights and sirens by first responders. The document lays out the challenge of emergent response, who is being hurt, and gives 10 suggestions on how to change the culture. 

Advancing the EMS legislative agenda

In this edition of EMS One-Stop, Rob Lawrence chats with NAEMT President, Bruce Evans about the upcoming virtual EMS on the Hill Day. 

The online event, which consists of virtual meetings with members of congress, spans the week of April 4-8 with groups organized by state and scheduled into Zoom meetings.

Rob and Bruce discuss the NAEMT legislative agenda and the requests that attendees will be asked to make in their meetings.  Bruce also discusses the collaboration taking place between a number of national associations and the lobbying value that it brings.

Also included: information on the forthcoming workshop to be held at the Pinnacle conference where NAEMT will provide guidance on how to run for public office.  Bruce's aspiration is to have at least one EMS professional in each state house, if not more.

Upgrading EMS education: Goodbye skill sheets, psychomotor exam

In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson discuss the launch of the EMS Trend Survey 2022, which will provide the data for the 7th annual EMS Trend Report. During the conversation, the hosts emphasize the importance of field providers participating in the survey. 

"This is their opportunity to have their voices heard," Cebollero said.

Grayson echoed his sentiment. "This is a chance to take stewardship of our profession," he said. 

The pair also discuss Grayson's recent article, "Whatever will we do without the skill sheets?" regarding NREMT's plan to sunset skill sheets for paramedic certification, and what other changes are needed in EMS edcuation.

Cebollero and Grayson also discuss a recent news item from Lexington, Kentucky, that found a nearly 7% decrease in call volume due to the area's robust community paramedicine program. 

How to accurately listen for heart tones, lung sounds with Eko Health’s Dr. Saltman

This episode of Inside EMS is sponsored by Eko. Learn how CORE stethoscope technology helps EMS providers make confident split-second decisions by clicking here.

In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson are joined by Dr. Adam Saltman, chief marketing officer for Eko Health. The discussion centers on tips and best practices for accurately using a stethoscope to listen to heart tones and lung sounds. According to Dr. Saltman, data gleaned from stethoscopes help providers chart the best path for patient treatment. 

Listen to the group discussion and leave your thoughts in the comments below. Have a comment or suggestion? Send an email to theshow@ems1.com. 

Cyber alert: Public safety systems are currently under attack

This episode of EMS One-Stop With Rob Lawrence is brought to you by Lexipol, the experts in policy, training, wellness support and grants assistance for first responders and government leaders. To learn more, visit lexipol.com.

On Jan. 29, 2022, FirstWatch took an exceptional step in issuing a cyberattack warning as cyber and ransomware attacks in the U.S. were peaking. FirstWatch’s systems identified public safety infrastructure and sites were included in this round of direct attacks.

In this rapidly recorded EMS One-Stop podcast, Rob Lawrence first chats with Mike Taigman as to why FirstWatch decided to send out a far-reaching alert.

He is then joined by FirstWatch cyber security specialist, Bill Ott who discusses the types of attacks observed as well as the up-to-the-minute situation as attempts on public safety systems are continuing.

By way of further example, Bill also discusses the ransomware attack that occurred in Durham, North Carolina, and extracts lessons learned from that event that can be used as strategies in the current elevated threat environment. 

’The great debate’: Are degrees necessary in EMS?

In this episode of Inside EMS, co-hosts Chris Cebollero and Kelly Grayson are joined by Reuben Farnsworth, clinical/operational coordinator for Delta County Ambulance District and EMS1 columnist, to discuss his latest article, "Do we really need degrees in EMS?"

"Bettering yourself and having those letters behind your name gives you a little confidence, gives you a little bit more opportunity to grow, gives you a bit more focus," Cebollero said of pursuing an undergraduate program. 

What are your thoughts? Do you think there should be degree requirements in emergency services?