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This Week in EMS: A Recap for April 28 - May 4, 2007
The latest exclusive feature on EMSResponder.com outlines the issue of human trafficking in the U.S. and how it is relevant to EMS responders.
As staff writer Lisa Snowden reports, these victims of modern-day slavery lead difficult lives that may sometimes put them in the hands of EMS responders. However, due to fear and psychological control by their captors, they are not likely to reveal their situation.
If responders know the signs to recognize a human trafficking victim, they can better help the patient by knowing what other common illnesses and injuries to look for. They can also do more than treat that patient -- they can report their concerns to a 24-hour hotline, and possibly help that victim get his or her life back.
This hotline, as well as information specifically for health care providers, is provided by the National Human Trafficking Resource Center.
To learn more about how responders can better aid these victims, read the full article and its linked resources: Human Trafficking: the Implications for EMS Personnel.
There were two major updates this week to ongoing EMS news issues in D.C. and Chicago.
In D.C., the new chief of the fire/EMS department announced the firing of one responder and the suspension of another, who were involved in the botched response in January 2006 to New York Times reporter David Rosenbaum, who died after he was beaten by muggers. The firefighter/EMTs mistakenly treated him as drunk rather than injured.
Chief Dennis Rubin announced that this decision demonstrates the beginning of reform and accountability in the department. For further details visit: D.C. Chief Fires Employee in Botched EMS Case.
In Chicago this week, a high ranking paramedic official announced his resignation amid racism allegations resulting in the fire/EMS department's decision to fire him.
Donald W. Walsh, an assistant deputy chief paramedic, has denied that he improperly inquired about the race of an employee. He says the firing is political retribution for an investigation in which he held the former fire commissioner -- the father of the current fire commissioner - accountable for a poor response to the 1995 heat wave.
Walsh, a 30-year veteran of the department, was the winner of the 2002 James O. Page Award from the International Association of Fire Chiefs for his dedication to fire-based EMS.
To read more visit: Chicago Paramedic Official to Retire Amid Racial Allegations.
News You Can Use
May 20-26, 2007 will be the 34th Annual National EMS Week.
This week of activities to honor EMS is organized by the American College of Emergency Physicians, and this year's theme is: EMS: Extraordinary People, Extraordinary Service. The event is also intended to raise public awareness about health and safety issues, including how to prevent injuries and what to do in a medical emergency.
Each year, ACEP develops and distributes EMS Week organizational kits to help plan and promote activities. The kits are made available free to the public thanks to this year's EMS Week 2007 corporate sponsors, including EMS Magazine.
For more information on this event and how to obtain program materials, visit National EMS Week 2007 to Run May 20-26.
If you would like to share your organization's EMS Week activities and successes for an article on EMSResponder.com, email website editor Heather Caspi at Heather.Caspi@cygnusb2b.com.
Website Updates:
EMS Magazine is now accepting nominations for the 2007 EMS Magazine/National Association of EMTs Gold Service Award. For contest rules and entry information, and to submit nominations online, go to www.emsresponder.com/goldaward. Nominations must be received by August 1, 2007.
Next week's poll on EMSResponder.com asks, "Does your EMS agency require field providers to undergo physical fitness testing?" Visit the website to answer and to see incoming poll results.
Reminders:
Today, May 4, 2007 is the last day to submit applications for the Department of Homeland Security's 2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grants program, for fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations.
For more information visit: Application Period Opens for Federal Fire and EMS Grants.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is now accepting applications from emergency response agencies for its 2007 Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP). The application submission period is open from April 25 through May 29.
For more information on program eligibility and how to apply, visit Application Period Opens for DHS's 2007 CEDAP Grants.
The 15th annual National EMS Memorial Service will be held in Roanoke, Virginia on May 26. For memorial details, visit the article: Honorees Announced for the 2007 National EMS Memorial Service.
Nominations continue to be accepted for EMS Magazine's 22nd Annual EMT/Paramedic of the Year Award, sponsored by Braun Industries and ZOLL Medical Corporation. Nominations must be received by July 2, 2007. For full contest rules and instructions please visit www.emsresponder.com/paramedic.
Other top headlines this week on EMSResponder.com:
