EMS career Archives

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 [...]

ICP: What is All The Fuss About?

The human brain is an incredible organ. It contains billions of neurons and is responsible not only for the higher functions that set us apart from all other living things, but also is responsible for maintaining all of our life sustaining functions. It weighs about 3 pounds (approximately 2% of total body weight) yet it consumes [...]

Responding to Terrorist incidents: An EMS Perspective part 2

Scene Safety and Situational Awareness Scene safety is always the top priority on any EMS call, and this cannot be overstated when responding to a potential terrorist incident. Major incident training ingrains in us that we must “prioritize [our] own personal safety above that of the scene and survivors” ( Risks to emergency medical responders at [...]

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.

The Bridge from Military Medic to Paramedicine

As time passes some things get worse and some things get better. With the transition from active-duty military service to a civilian career many times service members are starting over, which as many know is a daunting task. I got off active duty in 2014 and at that time I saw no clear path to utilizing [...]

How Advanced Certifications Can Elevate Your EMS Career

Your Path to Promotion: How Advanced Certifications Can Elevate Your EMS Career In the fast-paced world of emergency medical services (EMS), staying ahead of the curve is essential for career growth and job satisfaction. As an EMS professional, you're already well-versed in the fundamentals, but did you know that pursuing advanced certifications can significantly [...]

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 [...]

Terrorism and EMS

Most people in EMS didn’t really think about terrorism before September 11th, but because of my military experience and being sort of a history nerd, it has been a topic that I have worried about since my late teens. Terrorism by definition is any act to create fear or disrupt a society. The motivation for [...]

EMS Fitness

When it comes to working as a first responder, EMT, Paramedic, firefighter, or something else, how do you feel about your personal level of fitness? Do you feel like you are physically and mentally ready for whatever the job throws at you, or do you think there is room for improvement? I think for most [...]

Getting involved early, Explorer Programs.

Most people don’t know what they want to be or do when they grow up. Even adults are often lost, when it comes to picking a career. When you are close to finishing high school or college it becomes the number one topic, what are you going to do? Many people feel the pressure to [...]