Editors` Expressions: Still So Many Reasons for Thanks

"Editors' Expressions" is a recurring feature in which the EMS World editorial staff ruminates on current news, noteworthy events and everyday happenings with relevance to healthcare and EMS delivery. Feel free to react in the comment box below or e-mail editor@emsworld.com.

Some might say that giving thanks this year has been more challenging than in prior years. EMS has faced significant obstacles in 2020—certainly more than any other year in my 20-plus year career in EMS. Even Hess has recognized our plight, dedicating their Hess Toy Truck with an EMS focus in 2020.

But despite the challenges, the uncertainties and the heartbreaks, there are still so many reasons to be thankful if you take a look around. For example we have seen the “EMS World” join with other EMS teams traveling long distances for extended periods of time to help each other out. In my department in New Jersey, we hosted crews from South Carolina, Illinois, and Ohio for a couple of months, integrating them into our EMS system and family.

I am personally thankful for the recuperation of my daughter from COVID-19. I am thankful that the rest of our family has (at least thus far) dodged the COVID-19 bullet (making me grateful for my PPE). I am thankful for having a job and for the team I have the pleasure to work with every day. Finally, I am thankful for the privilege and ability to be “out there” as a paramedic treating people in their time of need.

At EMS World, we are thankful to have built the largest network of out-of-hospital thought leaders anywhere in the world. We are grateful to them for the time and dedication they have shown to provide education through EMS World to their brothers and sisters in EMS.

We are looking forward to thanking them again, as we announce the exciting launch of EMS World Spring. EMS World Spring is a completely digital, CE-accredited educational initiative brought to you by EMS World and some of the most influential EMS leaders from around the world.

Following the resounding success of EMS World Virtual in September, we have further refined our capabilities to bring you a three-day event covering topics important to you—and topics that will help you recertify your license/certification prior to the March 31 NREMT deadline.

Like our virtual event last September, EMS World Spring will feature engaging presentations with live discussions and participation through our interactive chat and polling functions. We will host small group interactions and networking opportunities as well as deliver access to the newest and most innovative products in EMS. Registration is set to open in the next few weeks. We hope you will join us!

Finally, on the topic of Expo, we are just two weeks away from closing the submission period for session proposals for EMS World Expo 2021, to be held next October in Atlanta. If you'd like to be a featured speaker at the world's largest EMS-dedicated event, organize your thoughts into a strong submission proposal and enter it here.

As always I appreciate hearing feedback from our attendees and viewers so please reach out to me with any comments and feedback at josh@emsworld.com.

Joshua D. Hartman, MBA, NRP, is senior vice president of the Cardiovascular and Public Safety divisions at HMP, the parent company of EMS World.