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This Week in EMS: Brain Injury Case Captivates Nation
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Paramedics Turned Away in Richardson Skiing Accident
The death of famed actress Natasha Richardson caused a national news sensation this week, with interest mounting as it was revealed that EMS was initially dismissed from the scene. Richardson's head trauma, sustained under supervision on a beginner ski slope, only became apparent as her condition later deteriorated.
The incident has brought wide attention to the risks and symptoms of brain injury. Also see Richardson Death Raises Brain Injury Awareness.
Largest Ever National EMS Memorial Service Announced
On May 23, the largest ever National EMS Memorial Service will be held in Roanoke, Va. NEMSMS officials will honor 91 responders who died in the line of duty in 2008 or in previous years but had yet to be included.
This will be the last service held in Roanoke. In 2010, the annual observance will move to Colorado Springs, where a permanent memorial is to be built. Click for memorial details and a list of this year's honorees.
New Study: Boston-Area EMS and Fire Recruits Too Fat
Researchers report that three out of four paramedic, EMT and firefighter recruits in the Boston area are overweight, "A troubling trend that shows the obesity epidemic is weighing down even young rookies."
Nearly 44 percent were found to be overweight and 33 percent were obese. The study authors hope the report will serve as a red flag to EMS and fire leadership. They recommend providing workout time, counseling on nutrition and exercise, and health surveillance monitoring.
NYC: No Workplace Protection for 9/11 Responders
The saga continued this week on the issue of 9/11 illness and injury claims. The city is looking to dismiss claims by 4,600 cops, firefighters and paramedics, arguing that "uniformed" personnel are not entitled to workplace protection under state labor laws.
"Uniformed" workers make up about half of those who have filed suits against the city following their involvement in the toxic World Trade Center cleanup. Responders announced a press conference in opposition this week and are calling the city's move "a slap in the face."
Industry News:
EMSResponder.com Joins LinkedIn Professional Network
EMSResponder.com has a new group on the LinkedIn professional network. We invite you to join us; sign in to become a member of the group and connect with other EMS Magazine and EMSResponder.com readers.
Don't forget about our growing group page on Facebook as well -- stop by and become an official fan!
Featured Podcast:
In this installment of "Open Airways: Stories from the back of the ambulance," EMS instructor George Perry discusses constructive ways to give feedback to students, beginning with a story about a patient who was dropped.
Education Feature:
"For many individuals, email has become a routine part of life," writes EMS management expert Paul Murphy. "When replying to emails, especially at work, remember that what you write may become an 'official' document... With email, little things can add up quickly." The following offers some quick ideas to help you avoid common email pitfalls.
Featured Job:
EMS Brigade Officer - Virginia Beach, VA
Position typically commands an EMS brigade consisting of multiple stations, medic groups and/or specialty teams and is responsible for all personnel, equipment, apparatus, and facilities under their direction.
Click above for details and visit www.EMSResponder.com/jobs for additional listings.
Sign up here to receive the new EMS Jobs e-newsletter.
Featured Forum Thread:
Medics w/ individual (1 person) response vehicles?
"I have seen a few blogs of people (some in Europe, some on the East Coast) where the 911 system is made up of BLS ambulances and paramedics with individual (one person) response vehicles," writes forum user Urnicus. "Where in the US are they using this system?"
Follow the link to read more, or browse other topics at www.emsresponder.com/forums.
Poll Question:
As an EMS provider, do you support the talks on U.S. universal health care coverage?
Click to vote!
Reminders:
Call for Nominations: Heart Safe Community and STEMI Awards
Physio-Control and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), EMS Section, will sponsor three awards to recognize Fire EMS Systems that are helping their communities be more Heart Safe. The application deadline is April 3, 2009.
Other top headlines this week on EMSResponder.com:
- North Dakota EMS Association Misspends Disaster Funds
- Emergency or Not, Use 911, Minnesota County Says
- FDNY EMT Charged for Forgery, Abandonment
- Arkansas Passes Trauma Care Bill
- Wash. Paramedic/Firefighter Pioneers Guatemalan EMS
- Ireland Responders Attacked in St. Patrick's Mayhem
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.
