Scott McConnell, MBA, BSN, RN, NRP, CEN, EMS Instructor, Author at DistanceCME

About Scott McConnell, MBA, BSN, RN, NRP, CEN, EMS Instructor

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!

Tragedy in Boulder: What Every EMS Provider Should Learn from the McClure Manslaughter Case ⚠️

On December 27, 2024, Boulder paramedic Edward McClure responded to a call involving a disturbed individual at the University of Colorado. Jesus Lopez Barcenas, 36, was found disoriented, handcuffed, and in a prone position after resisting arrest and allegedly grabbing an officer’s gun. McClure administered 5 mg of Droperidol—without a documented assessment—placed Barcenas prone on a gurney, elevated [...]

The Shift Is Changing – Are You Ready for the Future of EMS

Whether you just finished a 12 or 24-hour shift or you're sipping coffee before your night tour, there's one truth every EMS provider knows: this job never stops changing. From protocols and equipment to patient expectations and public health challenges, EMS is a dynamic beast. And while we thrive in chaos, the evolution we're experiencing now is bigger than a new monitor or a tweak to ACLS—it’s a full-on brand new shift.

Compact WHAT?

What Is the EMS Compact? A Pathway to Stronger Emergency Medical Services Nationwide Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are crucial to the health and safety of communities everywhere, but the systems that provide them are often limited by geography and state borders. That’s where the EMS Compact comes in — a groundbreaking agreement designed to create more [...]

The Vital Connection Between Healthcare Providers and Self-Care

Healthcare providers are often seen as the epitome of wellness, the go-to experts for advice on maintaining physical and mental health. They are the ones who diagnose, treat, and guide patients through complex medical journeys, offering compassion and expertise along the way. However, in the midst of caring for others, healthcare providers frequently neglect a [...]

Life on the Ambulance: The Unsung Heroes – Balancing Work, Home, and Mental Well-being

In the realm of emergency medical services (EMS), there exists a group of unsung heroes who navigate the thin line between life and death on a daily basis - paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Their job is not just a profession; it's a calling, a commitment to serving their communities in times of crisis. [...]

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 [...]

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