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This Week in EMS: A Recap for Aug. 2 - 8, 2008
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A massive tragedy unfolded this week when four people were injured and nine were presumed dead after a firefighting helicopter crash in Northern California.
The aircraft was carrying 11 firefighters and two pilots when it went down Tuesday night in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The survivors - three firefighters and a pilot - were rescued from the burning wreckage by fellow firefighters on the ground, and were flown to hospitals.
Read more at 4 Rescued, 9 Presumed Dead in Wildfire Chopper Crash
Also this week, a medical scandal was revealed when the FBI accused Los Angeles hospitals of using homeless people as fake patients to claim millions in unnecessary health services. A hospital CEO was arrested Wednesday after federal agents raided three medical centers.
The investigation began in 2006 as Los Angeles police looked into reports that hospitals were dumping homeless patients on Skid Row streets.
Read the full story at FBI: Los Angeles Hospitals Used Homeless in Medical Fraud.
Industry News:
DHS Releases National Emergency Communications Plan
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security released the National Emergency Communications Plan to address gaps and determine solutions so that emergency response personnel at all levels of government and across all disciplines can communicate as needed.
The NECP is the nation's first strategic plan to improve emergency response communications, and complements overarching homeland security and emergency communications legislation, strategies and initiatives.
Featured Training Column:
"What a summer it has been so far...We kicked off the season by having an MCI drill," writes EMS book reviewer Norm Rooker. "And we haven't been alone. Across the US and Canada there have been Tornados, floods, more floods, heat emergencies, an earthquake and fires. Despite all this, there has been time for some good summer reading about EMS & rescue."
New Podcast:
Cardiac Arrest in a Rural County
Florida paramedic John Todaro discusses a patient who coded 17 times on the way to the hospital, and then lived to recall his comments. This "Open Airways" podcast is created by Fisdap and EMSResponder.com.
Featured Job:
Regional Sales Manager, Ambulance Manufacturer -- Van Wert, OH
Braun Industries, Inc., manufacturer of custom, handcrafted ambulances, is seeking an experienced ambulance sales professional with strong territory management abilities. The Regional Sales Manager is responsible for sales functions in the region, training and development of the dealer sales force as well as providing leadership and direction.
Click for details and visit www.EMSResponder.com/jobs for additional listings including:
- Corporate Director -- Winchester, VA
- Candidates for Paramedic Training -- New Castle, DE
- EMTs and Paramedics -- Baytown, Houston, Webster, Pasadena, TX
Featured Forum Thread:
In this thread, a lively discussion has developed regarding "People who need to add initials after their name for every class they've attended."
Click above to weigh in, or browse the forums at www.emsresponder.com/forums.
Poll Question:
Does your EMS agency provide bullet proof vests for care providers?
Click to participate, and view previous polls at www.EMSResponder.com/polls.
Reminders:
5.11 Tactical, EMS EXPO & EMS Magazine to Sponsor 2008 Photo Contest
We're looking for photos of EMS/rescue/fire professionals in the field, at training events or in the workplace. Your photos could be featured in advertising campaigns, marketing materials or EMS Magazine. Entries must be submitted by September 16, 2008.
Call for Registration: EMS EXPO 2008!
Registration is open for EMS EXPO 2008. The conference takes place October 13-17 in Las Vegas, NV. Register early for the best conference rates and to guarantee your placement in limited classes.
Registration Open: EMS Study Tour
An EMS Study Tour will embark on a multi-city tour Oct. 7 - 14, 2008 and will end in Las Vegas, where participants will speak with attendees at EMS EXPO.
To learn about the tour and to register visit https://worldemstour.ncemsi.org.
To submit case studies for possible review in EMS Magazine, e-mail Nancy.Perry@cygnusb2b.com.
Free Poster: Do You Care Enough to ICARE?
A poster is currently in design to illustrate the ICARE principles. To request a free copy, e-mail your name, title, agency name and mailing address to nancy.perry@cygnusb2b.com.
Other top headlines this week on EMSResponder.com:
- Oregon Ex-Paramedic Gets Prison for Groping Patients
- Florida Paramedic Accused of Stealing Morphine
- Nebraska Paramedic/Firefighter Arrested for Narcotics Theft
- Georgia Woman Dies After 911 Address Mistake
- Gas Crunch Drives More NYC Bikers to ER
- Gator Outmatched by Louisiana Deputy
- Average ER Waiting Time Nears 1 Hour, CDC Says
- D.C. Fire and EMS Helps Social Workers Check On Children
About Heather Caspi, EMSResponder.com Editor-in-Chief
Heather Caspi has been a public safety journalist since 2000, beginning as a reporter for sister site Firehouse.com. She later became the assistant news editor for Firehouse.com and Officer.com, and led the launch of EMSResponder.com in 2005. She graduated from the University of Maryland with degrees in Journalism and English Language and Literature, and earned her EMT-B at Merritt College in Oakland, California. She can be reached at Heather.Caspi@cygnusb2b.com.
