EMS mental health Archives

Rising EMS Violence: A Growing Crisis for Emergency Responders

Violence against EMS providers is on the rise, with studies showing that up to 93% of paramedics experience verbal or physical assaults during their careers. In Indianapolis alone, paramedics face more than 350 calls a day and report at least one violent encounter per week. These incidents often go unreported, leading to burnout, PTSD, and higher turnover among frontline responders. Addressing EMS workplace violence requires better reporting systems, safety training, protective equipment, and stronger organizational support to keep providers safe and ensure patients continue to receive life-saving care.

Life After the Sirens: Retirement for EMS Providers

For many EMS providers, the job isn’t just a job—it’s an identity. We don’t simply work in EMS; we live it. The pager tones, the adrenaline, the teamwork, and even the tough calls become part of who we are. That’s why the idea of retirement can feel strange, even unsettling, especially when your not ready to [...]

When Strain Turns to Injury: A Case Reminder to Follow Protocols and First, Do No Harm Case Overview

Does Your State Require Live Education for Recertification? If you're an EMS professional preparing for recertification, one of the first questions you might be asking is, “Does my state require live education hours?” The answer varies depending on where you practice, but regardless of the rules in your area, DistanceCME has you covered. Whether your [...]

Common Question – Are DistanceCME Courses CAPCE-Accredited?

Common Question – Are DistanceCME Courses CAPCE-Accredited? If you’re an EMS professional searching for continuing education options, one question that comes up often is: Are DistanceCME Courses CAPCE-accredited? It’s a smart question and a critical one, especially if you’re relying on these courses to fulfill your state or National Registry recertification requirements. Let’s clear up [...]

When Strain Turns to Injury: A Case Reminder to Follow Protocols and First, Do No Harm Case Overview

In a lawsuit filed in July 2025, Jack Nastahowski, a Stamford resident, accuses Greenwich police and Emergency Medical Service personnel of causing serious health consequences after they forcibly injected him with ketamine during a May 28, 2023 incident. Nastahowski, who had been struck in the head earlier that evening and was visibly agitated, refused ambulance transport. The lawsuit [...]

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 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. [...]

Work Affecting Home

What do you do when your family is not supportive of your EMS work schedule? We work long hours, never knowing for sure what time we will get off. We work holidays, birthdays, and many other important days and nights. We can’t just call in sick or demand to get off work on time, just because [...]

Commotio Cordis, a discussion

On January 2, 2023 like many of you, I was watching the Buffalo Bills vs. Cincinnati Bengals play on Monday Night Football (MNF). At 1755 hrs. PST Damar Hamlin made what seemed to be a routine tackle on Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. After the tackle Hamlin immediately stood up, but then fell to the ground [...]