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INSIDE: MESSAGE FROM THE 4 Your Association at PRESIDENT Work NAEMT NAEMT joins with Advocates for EMS to help EMS workers Offers nationwide

10 Members EMS Week 2008 Celebrate your service and Educational honor those who gave all Benefits 12 EMS Toolbox: Web Sites You Can Use By Jerry Johnston In this issue, we feature safe lifting and back-strengthening A Little Bit About A exercises Lot of Things… embership has its privileges may be the catch- There is a lot going on phrase for a certain green-and-white credit card, with NAEMT these days; both M but the same catchphrase could apply to mem- internally as well as external- bership in NAEMT. Now, active, dues-paying NAEMT ly. I thought I would take this members can take advantage of free continuing education opportunity to brief you on units, discounted distance learning programs or scholar- the status of our many initia- ships. “NAEMT is pleased to add these new educational tives… membership benefits,” said NAEMT President Jerry I am pleased to report Johnston. “With education at the core of our mission, these that the Bylaws Committee provide NAEMT members the opportunity to gain free con- has completed their work. I tinuing education and to further their education in the colle- cannot begin to tell you how giate environment.” proud I am of the product they produced under the leadership Free CEUs for Individual Active Members of Past President Nathan Williams. The details of their The newest member benefit is the free continuing educa- work are highlighted in other tion units that were made available this year through an agree- articles within this newsletter. Visit ment with CentreLearn Solutions LLC. Of note is the move to a NAEMT will provide two hours of free, online, continu- www.naemt.org Board of Directors that ing education credits through its NAEMT Online Education eLearn encompasses eight directors for the latest System developed by CentreLearn. These credits are valued at from four geographic regions, $6.95 each, and are awarded annually to individual, active

association news. tesy Centr as well as two at-large direc- NAEMT members. These credits may be applied to take tors. The executive committee available online courses, or could be applied to the cost of an will be comprised of the Continued on page 14 Spring 2008 Photo Cour Continued on page 3

and Special Operations, our intent to provide you bet- of EMTs and paramedics. As Message from chaired by Greg Chapman. ter, more seamless service. you’ll recall, the IOM recently the President We have made a concerted released a report regarding the Continued from cover effort to reach out to the Maintaining state of emergency care in the membership to engage you in US. This project will highlight President, President Elect, an effort to re-energize our Relationships the current state of prepared- Secretary, Treasurer, and committees. Look for many NAEMT continues our ness in the US from many Immediate Past President. In improvements as this effort work of fostering our external facets. NAEMT was pleased addition, the former Board of progresses. PHTLS will con- relationships. We are now to be invited to participate in Governors will now be this and takes this participa- referred to as the Affiliate tion very seriously. Advisory Council. I am NAEMT continues to be involved with pleased to report that former the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) NAEMT governor from Forum on Medical and Public Health Advocates for EMS Kansas, Doug Meyer, has NAEMT continues to accepted my appointment to Preparedness for Catastrophic Events. play a vital role in Advocates be the first chair of this group. We are the only national organization for EMS (AEMS). By playing Look for a very active group at the table representing the interests such an important role, it that will engage and challenge of EMTs and paramedics. affords NAEMT the opportu- all affiliated associations. nity to be a part of a larger legislative and advocacy Committee Chairs effort. We enjoy our autono- Named tinue to be chaired by Will invited to participate in more my when desired, yet share in Chapleau; AMLS by Linda meetings and forums than a much broader EMS picture I am also pleased to Abrahamson; and EPC by ever before. While this can be with NAEMSP, NAEMSE, report that the Board of Tommy Loyacono. costly, it is imperative that we and NASEMSO. In addition, Directors has approved its This work has provided be present at these meetings to we enjoy the benefits of a committee structure. Our our administrative staff the represent your interests. Allow very active lobbying firm committees will consist of the opportunity to either create or me to take a moment to high- (Cornerstone Government following: Advocacy, chaired revise NAEMT operational light a few of the most recent Affairs). This is something by Kurt Krumperman; policy relative not only to our events. that NAEMT would not have Education, chaired by Heather bylaws revisions, but the day- NAEMT continues to be the resources for without our Davis; Finance, chaired by to-day operational aspects of involved with the Institute of relationship with AEMS. You NAEMT Treasurer Ed the association. No stone has Medicine’s (IOM) Forum on may want to go to our website Sawicki; Health and Safety, gone unturned. We are fortu- Medical and Public Health and view their annual report chaired by Bruce Evans; nate to have such great staff Preparedness for Catastrophic that is posted there. Membership, chaired by who are deeply committed to Events. We are the only Speaking of NAEMSP, I Director Rick Ellis; Military NAEMT. By re-organizing national organization at the once again had the opportuni- Affairs, chaired by Mike Hay; their job responsibilities, it is table representing the interests Continued on page 13

Officers Special Operations Committee Candace Barnett Photocopying articles for non-commercial use is Jerry Johnston Membership Coordinator permitted. Reprinting articles in other publica- President Heather Davis tions is not permitted without the express per- Education Committee Keshia Robinson Patrick Moore Office Coordinator mission of NAEMT. For reprint permission, President-Elect Richard Ellis contact NAEMT at the addresses below. Membership Committee Sylvia McGowan Robert A. Loftus Education Coordinator All NAEMT News correspondence should be Secretary Bruce Evans directed to NAEMT Headquarters by fax: 601- Edward Sawicki Health and Safety Committee Production 924-7325, by e-mail: [email protected], or Treasurer Mike Hay Kent Mummert by mail: NAEMT News, P.O. Box 1400, Clinton, MS 39060-1400. Ken Bouvier Military Affairs Committee RiverWorks Immediate Past President Kurt Krumperman Connie Meyer, NAEMT News Committee For membership info contact NAEMT by Advocacy Committee Chairperson e-mail at [email protected], by mail: P.O. Board of Directors NAEMT News, Volume 20, Number 2, is an Box 1400, Clinton, MS 39060-1400, by fax: Will Chapleau Tommy Loyacono 601-924-7325 or by phone: 800-34-NAEMT. To EPC Committee official publication of the NAEMT Foundation, Richard Ellis a not-for-profit corporation associated with the reach NAEMT online, go to www.NAEMT.org. Jennifer J. Frenette Edward Sawicki National Association of Emergency Medical To reach NAEMT News online, e-mail Finance Committee [email protected]. Don Lundy Technicians (NAEMT). This newsletter is pub- Connie Meyer NAEMT Staff lished four times yearly as a service to the asso- Jim Slattery ciation’s members and the national EMS com- Pamela Cohen munity. Only the officers or the Board of NAEMT Committee Chairs Executive Director Directors may make official statements on Linda Abrahamson Lisa Lindsay behalf of the National Association of AMLS Committee Business Manager Emergency Medical Technicians. Advertisement in NAEMT News does not constitute endorse- Will Chapleau Corine Curd ment by the Association of any particular prod- PHTLS Committee Education Manager uct or service. © 2008 by The National Greg Chapman Association of EMTs. All rights reserved. NAEMT News Spring 2008 / 3

NAEMT Advocates in Washington for Its Members dvocacy is one of the and Rep. Charles Boustany • Considering the creation Faculty: AMLS National most important mis- (R-LA). of voluntary national Faculty A sions NAEMT has The education of standards for EMS; and Fee: $195 (includes text- undertaken on behalf of its Congressional leaders regard- • Continuing efforts to book) members. NAEMT represen- ing the importance of have a robust national Advanced Medical Life tatives regularly meet with increased funding for first EMS data collection Support (AMLS) offers a prac- state and federal officials to responders through the system. tical approach to adult medical discuss EMS issues such as Department of Homeland NAEMT members hold emergencies. The course for- worker safety, recruitment and Security. three seats on the Advocates mat facilitates participants’ retention, compensation and The reinstatement of for EMS board of directors. ability to assess and manage a the special challenges facing essential programs into the Serving on the board are medical patient from an initial rural EMS. president’s Fiscal Year 2008 Nathan Williams, Kurt field impression through deter- In addition to face-to-face budget, including Rural and Krumperman and Tommy mining a differential diagnosis. meetings, NAEMT also advo- Community Access to AEDs, Loyacono. Williams is a past The AMLS provider course is cates in Washington D.C. for Preventive Health and Health president of Advocates, designed for advanced-level issues of importance to EMS Services Block Grants and the Krumperman was recently providers and allows for a min- workers nationwide by being NHTSA EMS Division. elected president-elect of the imal amount of lecture and part of Advocates for EMS. The continued implemen- group, and Loyacono is a ample actual hands-on physical NAEMT is a supporter of tation of the National EMS board member. assessment of the medical Advocates, which was found- Information System (NEM- According to Johnston, patient. Successful completion ed in 2002 as a nonprofit SIS), including securing fund- Advocates began as a group awards 16 hours of continued organization that promotes, ing for the program in 2008. aimed primarily at EMS education in the area of patient educates and increases aware- Priorities for Advocates physicians and state officials. assessment and medical emer- ness among decision-makers for 2008 include: The group soon found that it gency. Qualified participants on issues that affect EMS • Recruiting members to couldn’t fully engage the EMS may attend the 4-hour instruc- workers. It is now a coalition assist with educating community and restructured tor course following the working with 26 national and Congressional members itself to allow participation by provider course on Wednesday regional EMS-related organi- and staff about EMS NAEMT and the National evening. Instructor books may zations and corporate spon- issues; Association of EMS be purchased on-site. sors. • Continuing to strengthen Educators. Emergency Pediatric Care “NAEMT values its role relationships with EMS Being an integral part of (EPC)* with Advocates for EMS,” oversight, such as HHS, Advocates for EMS has been Session P4 said NAEMT President Jerry DHS and NHTSA; “a huge step for us and a real- (Two-day provider course) Johnston. “We believe in the • Continuing to promote ly good step,” according to Faculty: EPC National collaborative advocacy efforts the EMS message and Johnston. “It’s the centerpiece Faculty and strategies they employ. recruit more EMS com- of our advocacy efforts,” he Fee: $195 Through our newly formed munity representatives added. The EPC curriculum Advocacy Committee, chaired to the advocacy cause to focuses on the care of sick and by Advocates board member ensure that EMS is NAEMT to Host injured children and gives stu- Kurt Krumperman, we hope to included in important dents a practical understanding engage the membership fur- policy decisions on an Preconference of respiratory, cardiovascular, ther in our advocacy efforts equal basis with police Workshops at EMS medical and traumatic emer- and strengthen our role with and fire at the federal at Firehouse Expo gencies in the pediatric patient Advocates.” and state levels; NAEMT will offer the fol- population. Assessment is In January, Advocates • Advocating for lowing preconference courses based upon the Pediatric hosted its Annual Meeting in increased funding to at EMS Firehouse Expo: Assessment Triangle (PAT), Phoenix. Among the group’s support EMS infrastruc- Tuesday, July 22 & and lessons are consistent with achievements in 2007 were: ture and disaster Wednesday, July 23, 8 am to current pediatric knowledge The formation of an EMS response; 5 pm and skills. The 16-hour pro- caucus on Capitol Hill. This • Recruiting Members of Advanced Medical Life gram incorporates Family caucus will be co-chaired by Congress to join the Support (AMLS)* Centered Care throughout all Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN), Rep. Congressional EMS Session P3 scenarios, and includes a com- Dutch Ruppelsberger (D-MD) Caucus; (Two-day provider course) ponent on caring for children 4 / Spring 2008 NAEMT News

with special needs. The target need to be monitored by Costa Rica hosted its inaugural the combined delivery format. audience for the accelerated PHTLS Affiliate Faculty to course in February. If you are interested in hosting two-part EPC Provider- finalize their instructor training. Discussions continue with a rollout or would like a CD- Instructor program is experi- PHTLS providers and/or ITLS Austria, Slovakia and Oman ROM, contact Sylvia enced EMS educators with instructors are eligible for par- for courses later this year. McGowan at NAEMT head- prior pediatric CME experience ticipation. Proof of current Other plans include European, quarters. Call 800-346-2368 or or interest. Qualified partici- PHTLS provider or ITLS Latin American and write pants may attend the 4-hour Instructor status required. Australasian PHTLS courses. [email protected]. instructor course following the *Enrollment is limited and The PHTLS Committee is –Tommy Loyacono, EPC Chair provider course on Wednesday preregistration is required for planning a symposia within the evening. Proof of recognition all NAEMT preconference next two years. The AMLS as an instructor in any EMS courses. Courses are recog- Committee has completed the certification licensure or CME nized for CECBEMS accredita- strategic planning consultation How can the quality CME course is required. tion. NAEMT reserves the process and is implementing of the AMLS course enhance Wednesday, July 23, 8 right to cancel if minimum reg- its strategic plan. –Will the knowledge of the healthcare am to 5 pm istration is not met. Visit Chapleau, PHTLS chair practitioners in your communi- PHTLS Combined www.emsexpoevents.com to ty? Instructor and Transition register. EPC The AMLS course is rec- Course (PHTLS)* ognized for: Session P5 Educational The CD-ROM of the new • Integration of BLS and Faculty: PHTLS National classroom version of the ALS prehospital care and State Faculty Programs Roundup course is now available to providers, nurses and Fee: $135 (includes text- course coordinators from the physicians as a team for book) PHTLS NAEMT office. the assessment and man- This unique PHTLS The EPC Committee met agement of patients. Instructor and Transition course Work has begun on the in February to finalize changes • Interactive practical sta- is designed to orient PHTLS 7th edition process. Watch for to the hands-on skills portion tions which focus on instructor candidates and ITLS more information as the of the revised course. comprehensive, efficient instructors to PHTLS philoso- process progresses. NAEMT will provide sev- assessment skills and dis- phy, administration and course US and Dutch Faculty eral regional rollouts of the cussion of multiple path- taught the inaugural course in new EPC course in 2008 utiliz- content. After completion of Continued on page 6 the course, candidates will the Philippines in January. ing the updated materials and

The Innovator “We must tailor how medics respond and give them the right equipment for the right event.”

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NAEMT News Spring 2008 / 5

ways of management strategies. • Dynamic, scenario-based Former Football Star Raises Money lecture presentations that engage the participants in for Rescue/Recovery Workers discussion related to pos- sible and probable diag- noses. • Establishing standards of care for adult medical patients by practical application of the core course knowledge, both domestic and internation- ally. •Ability to integrate inter- nationally recognized measurements for diag- nostic information in lec- ture and practical stations. • BLS and ALS written NAEMT President-Elect Patrick Moore and former NAEMT Arkansas Governor Terry Bracy took pre-test and post-test part in a special ceremony in Little Rock on January 10 to honor former football star George evaluations. Martin’s efforts to raise money for rescue and recovery workers affected by their work at Ground • Achieving 16 hours of Zero. Pictured in the rotunda of the state capital in Little Rock are, from left, George Martin, medical CME for Patrick Moore, Arkansas Secretary of State Charlie Daniels, Terry Bracy and National EMS NREMT provider re- Memorial Service Public Information Officer Kevin Agard. Martin, former New York Giants co- recognition. captain and Super Bowl XXI champion, is walking across the country in a journey for 9/11 to Meets requirement for raise money to benefit thousands of Ground Zero rescue and recovery workers now in failing Mandatory Core CME (3 health. Martin began on the New York side of the George Washington Bridge on September 16, hrs): allergic reaction, 2007, and will end at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco in Spring 2008. environmental and over- Photo courtesy of the Arkansas Secretary of State's Office dose. Meets requirement for the AMLS course will: implements the AMLS course and then return to duty. Flexible Core CME (5 • Implement greater cre- in blocks of time without over- For more information on hrs) altered mental status, ativity in utilizing the time for personnel. Local EMS obtaining AMLS provider seizure, behavioral, diverse technology avail- provides coverage for on-duty and/or instructor status, visit endocrine, and communi- able to practitioners and personnel as one or two trucks our Web site at www.amls.org . cable disease. course coordinators. (crews of two to four) at a time –Linda M. Abrahamson, BA, • Complimentary • Offer opportunity for drive to their local education RN, EMT-P, AMLS chair PowerPoint lecture pre- instructors, course coordi- center for four hours of CME sentations for Course nators and affiliate facul- Coordinators. ty to offer suggestions for • Diminished emphasis on potential practical lab “skills” and greater focus scenarios that are relevant Mark Your Calendar! on comprehensive assess- for domestic, military and ments and treatment for international personnel. challenging medical Here are two examples of July 22-23: NAEMT AMLS, EPC and PHTLS pre- patients with subtle pre- how EMS agencies have suc- conference workshops at EMS at Firehouse Expo, sentations. cessfully implemented AMLS Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, • Integration of anatomy, in their CME programs: Maryland. Visit www.emsexpoevents.com to register. physiology and patho- The Newton Fire physiology as it relates to Department in Iowa has three a patient’s signs, symp- 24-hour shifts with five July 22-27: EMS at Firehouse Expo, Baltimore toms, assessment and EMS/fire personnel. AMLS is Convention Center, Baltimore, Maryland. Visit management strategies. offered on each shift over a six- www.emsexpoevents.com to register. • Utilization of critical week timeframe. Shift A on 1st thinking skills in deter- and 4th days, Shift B on 2nd mining relevant assess- and 5th days and Shift C on 3rd October 13-17: NAEMT Annual Meeting, co-locat- ment information to and 6th days. This allows for ed with EMS EXPO 2008, Las Vegas, Nevada. Visit determine initial and added coverage during the www.naemt.org for details on the Annual Meeting ongoing treatment course by on-duty supervisors or visit www.emsexpoevents.com for details on options. and provides dynamic CME. As we look to the future, Johnson County, Kansas, EXPO.

6 / Spring 2008 NAEMT News

NAEMT to Hold Special Election

he NAEMT Board of a maximum of 500 words. generally equal in terms of the Carolina, North Carolina, Directors has approved Candidate’s estimated number of emer- Mississippi, Louisiana, T new operational policy Background Information– to gency medical services Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, and a transition plan recom- include educational and pro- providers. For each geograph- Delaware, West Virginia, mended by the Bylaws fessional accomplishments, ic region, two directors will Kentucky, and the District of Committee that will increase recognition, and any other be elected by the active mem- Columbia. the number of directors in the information that may be rele- bers in their region for a two- Region III, Northwest association. This plan was vant to the position being year term. The terms of these and Midwest United States: created to comply with the sought. directors will be staggered. Alaska, Washington, Oregon, bylaws changes voted on by Letter of Nomination– a Directors who represent a Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, NAEMT members in August supporting letter of nomina- region will need to reside North Dakota, South Dakota, 2007. tion from another active mem- within the territorial bound- Minnesota, Wisconsin, Part of the transition plan ber of the association. aries of that region. In addi- Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, includes a special election to Photo– color photo of the tion, two at-large directors Indiana, Michigan, and fill board seats created by the candidate. will be elected by all of the Missouri. bylaws changes. The election Prospective candidates active members of the associ- Region IV, Southwest will be held from April 14 to must be active members in ation for a two-year term. The United States and U.S. 27 to elect one director for good standing of the associa- terms of these directors will Territories in the Pacific: Region III, two directors for tion who are certified as an also be staggered. California, Nevada, Arizona, Region IV, and one at-large emergency medical technician New Mexico, Texas, Hawaii, director. Three of these direc- by one of the states of the Establishing Utah, Colorado, Oklahoma, tors will hold two-year terms, United States of America, in Kansas, and Arkansas. while one (the second-highest their country, or is duly regis- Regions vote-getter in Region IV) will tered as an Emergency Here are the regions Election Cycle serve a one-year term. Medical Technician by the established by the Board: Member voting instruc- National Registry of Region I, Northeast Changes tions will be provided elec- Emergency Medical United States: Maine, New Following the special tronically to members and will Technicians, Inc. Hampshire, Vermont, election in the spring, a regu- be posted on the NAEMT Massachusetts, New York, lar election this fall will see Web site. See page 14 for New Policy Rhode Island, Connecticut, candidates from Regions II details. New Jersey, Pennsylvania and and III, as well as one at-large The nomination period Our bylaws now provide Ohio. candidate, vying for director opens March 3 and runs until for five officers and 10 direc- Region II, Southeast positions. Elections will also March 30. Interested candi- tors elected by the United States, Puerto Rico, be held for the officer posi- dates should submit the fol- active members of U.S. Virgin Islands: tions of president-elect, treas- lowing information to the association. The Florida, Georgia, urer and secretary. All of these NAEMT Headquarters in print new policy adopt- Alabama, positions are two-year terms. or electronic format to nomi- ed by the Board South In the fall of [email protected]: calls for eight 2009, candi- Statement of of these Continued on Candidacy– to include the directors to page 14 position being sought, why represent the candidate is seeking the the position, what the candidate’s mem- goals will be if elected, the bers in key challenges and opportuni- a region ties that the candidate feels of the United that NAEMT and EMS are States. The other facing, how the candidate two directors shall be believes that the association at-large, representing all of should address these issues, our association’s members. and why the candidate is the For the purpose of elect- best person to fill this posi- ing our directors, the United tion. The statement should be States was divided into four geographic regions that are NAEMT News

EMS Week Events Celebrate Services, Honor Fallen Workers

MS: Your Life Is Our bear clinic at your service, part- from 44 states and the District National EMS Mission is the theme of nering with a local children’s of Columbia have been recog- Memorial Bike Ride E the 35th annual museum to present a special nized at this annual event, National EMS Week, set for safety exhibit or hosting a bike which will take place at 7 pm After a reorganizing year May 20 to 26. The American safety rodeo. May 24, 2008, in Roanoke, in 2007, the National EMS College of Emergency Virginia. The 2008 honorees Memorial Bike Ride is set to Physicians will sponsor the Remembering Those will be announced in April. kick off on May 17 in New nationwide event Visit www.nemsms.org for York and May 18 in Once again, NAEMT is an Who Gave All more information on this year’s Kentucky. The goal of the ride association sponsor of the EMS EMS Week is a great way service. is to achieve recognition for Week Kit, which offers sugges- to get your service recognized EMS as a profession, to tions and advice on ways you in your community, but it’s also National Moment of reduce the number of debili- and your service can observe an ideal time to remember tating injuries and deaths in the week and celebrate your those EMS workers in your Silence EMS and to create a national service’s role in the communi- area who have died in the line Providers around the coun- EMS accountability system. ty. of duty. Here are ways you can try can observe the National Ride organizers hope that Kits have been distributed participate locally and national- Moment of Silence, which is the ride will focus attention on to state EMS offices and can be ly in EMS Week events: set for 8 pm Eastern time on the accomplishments of all obtained by contacting those May 31. The National Moment EMS personnel, and educate offices. NAEMT members with EMS Memorial of Silence offers EMS the community at large about Internet access may download providers and agencies around the need for improved safety copies of the EMS Week kit Service the nation the opportunity to standards, injury prevention, directly at www.acep.org/ One national observance honor those EMS providers disability tracking and death emsweek. that takes place during EMS who have made the ultimate benefits for EMS personnel Week is the National EMS sacrifice and given their lives and their families. Memorial Service. This annual in the line of duty. The 2008 ride will feature Celebrating Your service honors EMS providers Visit http://nemsms.org/ two routes. The first will run Service who have died in the line of silence.htm for more informa- from New York City to This year’s kit provides duty. To date, 350 providers tion on this year’s observance. Roanoke, VA. The announced information on some unique ways to get the word out about Establish an EMS Honor Guard your service. Have you ever considered recruiting an EMS If your service has suffered a loss, you may want to help honor your fallen comrade by mascot to represent your serv- establishing an EMS honor guard. Honor guards participate in parades, memorial services, ban- ice at community events? The quets, dedications and other observances. kit features a story about the The first step in organizing your honor guard is recruiting volunteers to serve in the guard. mascots of several services that Next, you need to decide if you will participate in only one type of observance, such as funerals, range from a Labrador retriever or if you will participate in many different types of observances. to a trauma-saurus. In addition to selecting uniforms for the guard, your next steps should be to establish a prac- A service in Prince Albert, tice schedule all guard members can stick with so that the guard executes its duties in a profes- Saskatchewan, has found an sional, polished manner. Finally, don’t forget the organizational details, such as policies and pro- innovative way to promote cedures. itself: black-and-white place- For more information on EMS honor guards, visit the following Web sites: mats distributed to children at Sedgwick County, Kansas, EMS Honor Guard: www.sedgwickcounty.org/ems/honor_guard.html local restaurants. The kids Wisconsin EMS Honor Guard: www.wisconsinemshonorguard.org entertain themselves by color- Gaston EMS Honor Guard: www.co.gaston.nc.us/GEMSHP/teams/Honor.htm ing the mats while waiting for Forsyth County EMS Honor Guard: www.fcems.com/honor_guard.htm their meals to arrive, and both Gordon EMS Honor Guard: www.gordonems.com/HonorGuard.html they and their parents learn Pittsburgh EMS/FAPP Honor Guard: www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/ems/html/honor_guard.html about EMS while reading and Winchester, Kentucky, EMS Honor Guard: www.winchesterfireems.com/hguard.phtml coloring the mats. Martinsville Fire and EMS Honor Guard: www.ci.martinsville.va.us/FireEMS/honor.htm The kit also features a spe- Minnesota EMS Honor Guard: www.mnems.org/HonorGuard/tabid/446/Default.aspx cial section on how you can Detroit EMS Honor Guard: https://detroitemshonorguard.org make EMS a little more kid- friendly by hosting a teddy 10 / Spring 2008 NAEMT News

route is as follows: May 23: Lexington, VA, May 17: New York City to Roanoke, VA (with possible to Princeton, NJ, via Staten side tour to Blacksburg, VA) Island The second route will run May 18: Princeton, NJ, to from Lexington, KY, to Wilmington, DE Roanoke. At press time, the May 19: Wilmington, DE, second route was as follows: to Annapolis, MD May 18: Lexington, KY, May 20: Annapolis, MD to Paintsville, KY to Manassas, VA, via May 19: Paintsville, KY, Washington, DC to Pikeville, KY May 21: Manassas, VA to May 20: Pikeville, KY, to Skyland Resort, VA Grundy, VA May 22: Skyland Resort May 21: Grundy, VA, to to Lexington, VA Bluefield, VA May 22: Bluefield, VA, to Blacksburg, VA May 23: Blacksburg, VA, to Roanoke, VA NAEMT is a sponsor of the ride, and NAEMT board member Jennifer Frenette is the group’s president. Visit www.muddyangels. org for more information on participating in this year’s ride.

SCOTT B. FRAME MEMORIAL LECTURE

EMS: Past, Present, & Future presented by John E. Campbell, M.D., FACEP Thursday, October 16, 2008, 4:30pm

Drawing on 37 years of experience, Dr. Campbell will discuss the forging of prehos- pital EMS in the crucible of war, its early years in the U.S., some of the giants upon whose shoulders it was raised, the current state of the profession, and the future challenges that must be faced. Dr. Campbell will present the Scott B. Frame Memorial Lecture as a part of the NAEMT Annual Meeting/EMS EXPO in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information contact NAEMT at 800-34-NAEMT or www.naemt.org.

NAEMT News Spring 2008 / 11

Safe Lifting Helps Avoid EMS Worker Injuries MS worker health and interventions designed to volume was defined as 40 or patients, a problem com- safety has become such reduce the risks of injury. more calls per week. pounded by the growing size Ean important issue that Along with the average In addition, those work- of patients today. it’s attracted the attention of 9.4 percent of injured or ill ing in an urban environment – Ralph Hatcher, MD, med- the national media. Eric EMTs at any one time among a community with a popula- ical director for a large EMS Nagourney touched on the all participants examined, the tion exceeding 25,000 – were service in Indiana, contacted subject in January in a column researchers found the preva- three times more likely to NAEMT late last year to for The New York Times. lence of lost-work injuries report an injury with missed request information on the He cited a study from was highest among those with work time than their counter- challenges posed by lifting Ohio State University that a very high call volume (22.3 parts in rural communities. bariatric patients to help the noted almost 1 out of 10 percent) and back problems Another common cause providers in his service work emergency medical workers (21.0 percent). Very high call of injuries involves lifting smarter. missed work because of on- the-job injury or illness. Listed below are some of the links we recommended to Dr. Hatcher. We hope you’ll find The study, co-authored by them useful, too. Jonathan Studnek, John Crawford and Amy Ferketich, examined how common these Bariatric Patients injuries are and tracked new Bariatric Patients Pose Weighty Challenges: www.jems.com/news_and_articles/articles/ cases of work-related injuries Bariatric_Patients_Pose_Weighty_Challenges.html and illnesses in these profes- Beyond the Basics: Bariatric Emergencies — Emergency Medical Services: www.emsre- sionals. It suggested that in sponder.com/print/Emergency—Medical-Services/Beyond-the-Basics Southwest Ambulance – Bariatric: www.swambulance.com/bariatric.html one year, an estimated 8.1 of Welcome to Alliance Mobile Health!: www.alliancemobilehealth.org/services/bariatric.shtml every 100 emergency respon- Resource Assessment for Care of the Morbidly Obese Trauma Patient: ders will suffer an injury or www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/emstrauma/download/resource-assess-tool-obese-trauma-pt.pdf illness forcing them to miss News: Yellow Ambulance rolls out first bariatric ambulance: hultgren.org/news/06/06- work. Compared to data com- 010.html piled by the U.S. Bureau of Southside Fire/EMS Announces New Bariatric Ambulance: Labor Statistics, the rate of www.wtoc.com/global/story.asp?s=6787861 injuries requiring work Atec Ambulance Bariatric Unit: atecambulance.com/ambulance.html absence among these first Safe Bariatric Patient Handling Toolkit : responders far exceeds the www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/bar.2006.9996 national average of 1.3 per 100 lost-work injury cases Safe Lifting Techniques reported in 2006. PEMS HSAC: Because one injury is one too many www.paramedicsafety.org The study also identified Safe Lifting Portal: www.safeliftingportal.com/index.html work-related and health condi- Operation Safe EMS: www.operationsafeems.com tions most likely to lead to EMS Field Guides: www.ems-safety.com/index.htm injuries, which included Staying Healthy in EMS: emsresource.net/healthy.shtml responding to a high volume of emergency calls, working Back and Core Exercises in bigger cities and having a Back Pain Exercises: www.bigbackpain.com/back_exercises.html history of back problems. Back Strengthening: www.athleticadvisor.com/Injuries/Head_Back/back_strengthening.htm Researchers conducting the Back Pain Relief: www.spine-health.com/topics/conserv/overview/exercise/ex02.html study say that knowing how Core Workout: www.mayoclinic.com/health/core-strength/SM00047 common severe injuries are in this population will help guide 12 / Spring 2008 NAEMT News

Successful tirelessly (and I mean tireless- believe that these programs Message from ly) to assure the material is certainly help us achieve that the President Education scientifically driven, timely, mission. Continued from page 3 Programs and delivered in an education- NAEMT is a member- Our Educational ally appropriate format. I con- ship-based association. ty to attend their annual meet- Programs continue to enjoy tinue to marvel at their work Without you, we wouldn’t ing and conference. If you success. We have the pre-emi- ethic and success. AMLS con- exist and couldn’t carry out ever get a chance to do so, I nent trauma program, which I tinues to enjoy growth and the very important work that urge you to attend this. This we do. The leadership and association is a group of EMS There’s a reason this program enjoys staff of NAEMT are more physicians, including many the success it does both domestically committed than ever to grow- ing the membership base to medical directors as well as and internationally. The leadership EMS professionals that are the largest in our existence. engaged not only in the prac- works tirelessly (and I mean tirelessly) We have adopted a robust tice of emergency medicine, to assure the material is scientifically marketing and communica- tions plan that will hopefully but the practice of Emergency driven, timely, and delivered in pay dividends for all of us. I Medical Services. That makes an educationally appropriate format. challenge you to seek out your all the difference in the world. I continue to marvel at their co-worker or EMS colleague These folks are involved in work ethic and success. and tell them about us. There nearly every facet of manag- is strength in numbers…liter- ing EMS systems across the ally. Let’s all work together country. The conference pro- toward making NAEMT ceedings are excellent, the believe is unparalleled. I had looks forward to their next stronger and more vibrant committee meetings are very the opportunity to sit in on the textbook/course revision. And, than ever. That small invest- informative and productive, PHTLS Strategic Planning. our newly designed EPC ment will pay back immeasur- and the networking opportuni- There’s a reason this program course will debut shortly with ably in the future. a newly revised curriculum Until next time… ties outstanding. enjoys the success it does both domestically and internation- and format. One of NAEMT’s NAEMT_08 1/30/08 2:01 PM ally.Page The 1 leadership works core values is education. We TION www.medtecambulance.com MEDTEC AMBULANCE CORPORA 2008 ©

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NAEMT News Spring 2008 / 13

University, Regis University, • Guaranteed academic Benefits Bellevue University, and success for the TCN Special Election Continued from cover Indiana University, to provide portion of the program Continued from page 7 degrees to working adults annual subscription to the through distance learning. NAEMT dates from Regions I, II, III CentreLearn online library of Through its and IV, along with one at- CECBEMS-approved online Comprehensive Learning Scholarships large candidate, will compete continuing education courses. Module program, TCN offers The final educational for director positions. All of “I am excited that we are the same quality material member benefit is NAEMT’s these positions will be two- able to provide this opportuni- taught to on-campus students scholarship program, which year terms with the exception ty in addition to the existing by tenured, doctoral profes- allows active, dues-paying of the second-highest vote- programs we have in place, sors with proven knowledge members to advance their getter in Region I, who will such as the scholarship pro- in their fields. EMS education. serve a one-year term. grams and our existing contin- Upon completion of pre- The scholarship program uing education courses requisites and general educa- began in July. So far, five Dates to Remember (PHTLS, AMLS and EPC),” tion courses, NAEMT mem- EMT-Basics—James Casey of said Johnston. bers can enroll in one of Omaha, Nebraska; Lara Nomination period begins “NAEMT serves a vital TCN’s partner universities to Wooley of Yuma, Arizona; March 3, 2008 role in representing the inter- finish their degree online. Rhea Campbell of Asheville, Nomination period ends ests of EMTs and paramedics When NAEMT members North Carolina; Lori Lickly of March 30, 2008 in the U.S. and internationally, pursue their education with Talihina, Oklahoma; and Online Voting begins and we’re honored to have the TCN, they will receive an Nicholas Grasso of Delray April 14, 2008, at midnight opportunity to serve as the academic guidance planner Beach, Florida, will be pursu- EDT association’s learning manage- and an in-depth guidance con- ing EMT-Paramedic creden- Online Voting ends ment technology provider,” sultation from an academic tials with their $5,000 scholar- April 27, 2008, at midnight said James Eastham, Sc.D., advisor. The entire guidance ships; EDT president of CentreLearn. consultation experience will One paramedic, Linda NAEMT members will allow academic advisors to Oldham of Robertsdale, Voting Instructions access the NAEMT online provide a personalized service Alabama, will be furthering education programs directly tailored to each customer’s her EMS education with a Go to www.naemt.org from the NAEMT Web site. unique learning style. $2,000 scholarship; and Click on link to “VOTE The College Network One first responder, Ron NOW” The College offers a total learning solution Luschar of Incline Village, User name is your Network that also includes: Nevada, received a $500 First NAEMT member ID number • Prestigious accredited Responder to EMT-B scholar- Password is your first ini- Another new benefit is university partners ship. tial and last name (no spaces) NAEMT’s partnership with • No classroom atten- Scholarships are available All active members of The College Network (TCN), dance in the following categories: NAEMT are eligible to vote which allows active NAEMT • Personalized academic First Responders (to electronically in the special members to access online edu- support (15 hours per become EMT-Basic): Four election. Voting will begin at cational opportunities at col- day, Monday through scholarships, each in the midnight EDT on April 14, leges around the country at Friday) amount of $500. 2008, and will end at midnight reduced cost. • Asynchronous distance- EMT-Basic (to become EDT on April 27, 2008. “It is exciting for The learning format EMT-Paramedic): Three An active member is College Network to partner • Alliance for nursing scholarships, each in the defined in the NAEMT bylaws with NAEMT and provide education with the amount of $5,000. their organization with the as a dues-paying member who National League for Paramedics (to advance is certified as an emergency means to build skilled mem- Nursing and NADONA their education in the realm of bership who give back to their medical technician or a first EMS): Four scholarships, responder. communities,” said Gary each in the amount of $2,000. Eyler, chairman and CEO of To confirm your status or The next deadline for to upgrade your membership, The College Network. scholarship application sub- “By offering NAEMT the please check your Member missions is June 1, 2008. Visit Profile at: opportunity to invest in its http://www.naemt.org/joinNA https://www.naemt.org/joinNA membership through educa- EMT/scholarshipinfo.htm for EMT/memberapp.htm. Please tion at a reduced cost, details. NAEMT will positively allow one business day for impact EMS recruitment and your profile and voting privi- retention,” he added. lege to be updated. If active TCN partners with col- status is not indicated and you leges and universities around meet the criteria, please con- the country, such as The tact NAEMT at (800) 346- George Washington 2368. University, Indiana State 14 / Spring 2008 Photo courtesy The College Network NAEMT News EMSExpoFirehouseAd_8.5x11.qxd:Layout 1 1/24/08 9:36 PM Page 1

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