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This Week in EMS: A Recap for Nov. 4 - 10, 2006
This week's top story on EMSResponder.com was an exclusive follow-up interview with the two paramedics who saved a fellow runner at the Marine Corps Marathon in D.C.
In this article the two medics share their uplifting account of finding themselves in the right place at the right time to attend to a victim of cardiac arrest.
Firefighter/paramedic Jaimee Joroff was running the race in her turnout gear to raise money for charity, and "at the last minute," she says, "I thought 'you never know' and put my CPR mask in my pocket." At the race she met another paramedic, Jason Buttenshaw, and the two began the 26.2 mile run.
Not long after, the two saw fellow racer R.J. Turner abruptly collapse.
"He face planted," Joroff said. She and Buttenshaw rushed to Turner's aid. When they got to him, the 60-year-old was lying face down, in the midst of a seizure.
"We looked at each other like 'uh oh," Joroff said. She said she and Buttenshaw rolled Turner over and checked for a pulse - finding nothing. Turner was exhibiting signs of cardiac arrest.
To read more about the response and the outcome, read the full article: Interview: Quick Response Saves Life at Marine Corps Marathon.
The story to get the most attention this week came out of Boston, where EMS union officials accused a supervisor of having a city mechanic work on his personal SUV ahead of ambulances waiting for repairs.
Management sources countered that the supervisor did put his Lexus SUV on the lift in a government-owned garage, but they say he inspected the vehicle himself.
This is a case where, regardless of whether or not the SUV's presence was going to impact ambulance repair time, appearances and communication needed to be considered. To read the full article visit: Boston EMS Union: Ambulances Took Back Seat to Super's SUV.
Another top article this week covered improvements underway at numerous ER's and doctor's offices to reduce wait times. Some of the solutions discussed were providing test results quickly onsite or online; offering same-day exams to patients who call early; speeding up emergency-room triage; and offering restaurant-style pagers so patients aren't stuck in a crowded emergency waiting room.
Visit the website to read the full article: Hospitals, MDs Addressing Long Wait Times.
News You Can Use
Care providers should be aware that 11 million bottles of acetaminophen were recalled Thursday after a major manufacturer discovered some were contaminated with metal fragments.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or illness. According to the FDA, consumers who swallow any of the contaminated pills could suffer minor stomach discomfort or possible cuts to the mouth and throat, but the risk of serious injury is remote.
To read more visit: 11 Million Bottles of Acetaminophen Recalled.
Other popular news this week:
