About Scott F. McConnell, RN, BSN, CEN, NRP, PHRN

I started in EMS just wanting to hang around with my friends who were volunteering at the local ambulance, coming home once in awhile from the Navy I thought it would be fun so in 1991 I became an EMT-M (In PA EMT MAST) then in 1993 an EMT-B, 1995 Paramedic and in 2002 an NRP. 2008 saw me finishing nursing school and working in EDs as well as EMS. I founded DistanceCME in 2010 and here we are!

The Lifesaving Role of Community Paramedics: A Closer Look

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, one crucial profession often remains in the shadows but plays a pivotal role in saving lives and promoting community well-being. These unsung heroes are known as community paramedics. In this blog, we will delve into the world of community paramedics, exploring their vital role in healthcare and the impact they [...]

The Value of Emergency Medical Services: Paying the Price for Lifesaving Care

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals are the unsung heroes of our communities, providing crucial lifesaving care during some of life's most critical moments. From paramedics to emergency medical technicians (EMTs), these dedicated individuals work tirelessly to ensure that patients receive the best care possible, often in high-stress and life-threatening situations. However, despite the vital role they [...]

Sepsis: A Paramedic’s Guide to Rapid Recognition and Lifesaving Interventions

As a paramedic or AEMT, you are on the frontlines of Sepsis care, providing crucial care in emergency situations. One condition that requires swift recognition and immediate action is sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can develop rapidly, making early detection and intervention essential. In this blog, we will explore what sepsis is, its [...]

Heat-Related Respiratory Emergencies: Understanding and Managing the Risks

As temperatures rise, heat-related emergencies become a significant concern for emergency medical service (EMS) providers. While most people associate heat-related incidents with dehydration or heatstroke, respiratory emergencies induced by heat exposure are often overlooked. I would like to shed light on the topic of heat-related respiratory emergencies, providing EMS providers with essential knowledge and strategies to [...]

Whats new? Open AI and its surprising outcome.

I am a bit of a computer geek, ask anyone who knows me. When I was in the Navy, living on board ship,  my weekends off were spent with the brand-new computer system learning how to organize everything from storeroom supplies to schedules of the S2 division. My supervisors and shipmates all thought I was crazy [...]

Environmental Emergencies….Whew! This is hot stuff.

You may be thinking, Scott, its March why are you talking about heat, its COLD where I am, and I just wanted to get ahead of this unusually mild winter and expected extreme summer, besides I always enjoy the clinical aspects of treating environmental emergencies, whether it is a cold issue, or a heat related emergency, [...]

Frostbite season is upon us. Stay safe!

This time of year, as pre-hospital providers go forth to save lives, cold-related injuries such as frostbite should be top of mind. Learn how to avoid frostbite while caring for patients in the extreme cold.