EMS career Archives

Environmental Emergencies….Whew! This is hot stuff.

Why Talk Heat in April? You might be thinking, “Scott, it’s April—why talk about heat? It’s cold where I am!” But with a mild winter behind us and an extreme summer ahead, it’s the perfect time to brush up on heat-related emergencies. From basic thermoregulation to the challenges of diagnosing and treating environmental heat illnesses in the field, this article revisits the essential physiology and prehospital considerations every provider should know. 🌡️🚑

PTSD and EMS

EMS World recently posted a poll regarding first responders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The question asks if a first responder is suffering from PTSD, are they ‘built” for the job? You can access the poll by following this link to answer and view the results, EMS World - PTSD Poll. As per the Substance Abuse [...]

Dinosaur of EMS?

Florida is Looking for Teachers! Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced that he is introducing legislation that would allow an avenue for retired law enforcement, fire fighters, and emergency services (EMS) personnel to become teachers. DeSantis stated that after serving for 20 years that these individuals who have lived a life of service are going to [...]

EMS departments and COVID-19: Industry undergoing serious change

EMS departments are seeing a huge change in procedure due to COVID-19. Will the changes in PPE use, education and call volume persist after the pandemic?

Essential service and EMS: Why aren’t first responders recognized?

EMS providers have an exhausting, difficult, and dangerous job. Yet, they are not recognized as an essential service. We explore the implications.

EMS pay, do we really deserve better?

I read it all the time: “They need to pay us better.” But do they need to increase EMS pay? Across the board, there is a lack of professionalism in our industry. I spent several years working in the field before moving to the administrative side of the house. It was an eye-opening experience to say the least.

How to implement crew resource management within your agency

Crew resource management includes everyone from dispatch to the emergency room staff. If we use it appropriately, we can improve teamwork, communication and problem solving; promote input from all team members regardless of level of certification or experience; and decrease the likelihood of a sentinel event.

Tips to tackle holiday stress during your EMS career

Thoughts of trying to make everyone happy during the holidays while making ends meet and not working oneself to death can cause major holiday stress. I’m certain many of us have this in the back of our minds as the holiday season approaches.

Credentials, courtesy and community form your EMS reputation

It's important to remember people react to you based on judgments about your real life and your digital life. What you share on social media networks forms your personal and professional EMS reputation and brand.

The role of paramedicine moving towards the future

The role of paramedicine is changing. While traditional EMS and paramedic roles still abound, more professionals are becoming community paramedics. Community paramedicine appeals to many paramedics because it allows them to provide more personalized care, often in underserved areas.