Vaccinated!
The American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association, and the American Nurses Association issued a joint release today urging health care professionals “to get the COVID-19 vaccine and share your experience with others.” They wrote: “While the arrival of vaccines is good news in the fight to defeat COVID-19, it does not signal an immediate […]
Priority 1A
With the first shipments of the COVID-19 vaccine expected to arrive in our state shortly, two announcements from the Connecticut State Health Department today. The first affirming the EMS responders are considered priority 1A in receiving the vaccine. The second empowering paramedics and EMTs with training in IM administration (epinephrine) to be able to administer […]
Refresh2021-Free EMT/Paramedic Refresher
How would you like to have a FREE on-line NREMT-Paramedic and EMT refresher (good for 30 hours), available to you ON DEMAND? CAPCE Approved. Thanks to Tom Bouthillet (of EMS 12-Lead fame) and his assembled crew of top educators in the country, it is becoming a reality starting on December 15. The course is presented […]
COVID and Harm Reduction
Just Say No didn’t work for the War on Drugs and it doesn’t seem to be working for COVID messaging. Maybe it is time for a harm reduction approach. This according to a thought-provoking article in the LA Times today. Many aren’t buying public officials’ ‘stay-at-home’ message. Experts say there’s a better way “Harm reduction […]
Self-Service
I had my third COVID test of this pandemic today. It was part of the hospital survey of asymptomatic clinical employees to gauge the prevalence of COVID. Last time I did this they went medieval on my nose and brain, shoving that swab all the way down and scrapping. Ohh, it was unpleasant. Today, was […]
Stress in EMS
Based on my twenty-five years as a full-time street paramedic, here are the five most stressful situations in EMS (for me, at least). 5. Pedi Codes. There are two kinds of pedi (pediatric) codes. Those were the patient is dead and is not coming back and those where you have a chance. The second are […]
Anti-Black Racism Class Thoughts
I had some trepidation about taking an Anti-Black Racism course (which was offered free to employees at our hospital, and all students, faculty and staff affiliated with the University of Connecticut) but I was enthused to engage and learn so I could better understand what is going in America and how I could better help […]
Black Friday/EMS Books
It’s Black Friday. When thinking of Christmas gifts, consider supporting EMS authors. My new book, Killing Season: A Paramedic’s Dispatches from the Front Lines of the Opioid Epidemic, is coming out on April 6, 2021, but if you order two books (or spend $50 now, you can get them for 40% off under a special promotion. […]
Peter Canning
Assassin
As cases have risen in recent weeks, Officials should have given warning residents to be particularly cautious over their Thanksgiving breaks this week as families gather to celebrate.
2020-11-25 06:06:17
Passengers
Breathtaking to read. I can not imagine what you are going through night after night. Stay strong and thank you for your service.
2020-11-25 06:02:17
EMS Drugs
In the calls that I have seen Narcan, Oxygen, Nitro, Dextrose are the top 4.
2020-11-07 00:32:28
Help is Always Right
I was inducted into street work in the late 80s by a Catholic Worker whose brother was an addict. He died on the street here in Austin in the mid-90s and that's where she got her bias against giving money, which she inculcated into me. My policy still to this day, but you have given…
2020-10-20 01:26:41
Maps
