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Notice of EMS Certification Commission Vacancies
This is a file in Adobe Acrobat format discussing anticipated vacancies on the Commission.
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Louisiana Bureau of EMS Presentation to LANREMT 2010 Educational Conference
This is a file in Adobe Acrobat format very broadly outlining changes underway at BEMS that will affect you.
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EMERGENCY PARTIAL SUSPENSION OF CERTAIN EMT LICENSING LAWS
This is a file in Adobe Acrobat format of EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. BJ 2010 –9 signed by Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal that temporarily and partially suspends Louisiana state EMS licensing requirements under certain conditions for persons licensed at EMT-B, EMT-I and EMT-P in other states.
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NAEMT: New Position Statement Opposes EMS Participation in Executions
In a new position statement, NAEMT states its strong opposition to participation in capital punishment by EMTs, paramedics or other emergency medical practitioners. Participation in executions is viewed as contrary to the fundamental goals and ethical obligations of emergency medical services.
Historically, the role of EMS practitioners has been to promote, preserve and protect human life. NAEMT’s EMT Oath is based on the basic principles of saving life, respect for human life and the non-infliction of harm to all recipients of emergency medical services. Participation in capital punishment is inconsistent with the ethical precepts and goals of the EMS profession.
NAEMT strongly opposes all forms of EMS participation in executions, by whatever means, whether under civil or military legal authority. EMTs and paramedics should refrain from participation in capital punishment and not take part in assessment, supervision or monitoring of the procedure or the prisoner; procuring, prescribing or preparing medications or solutions; inserting the intravenous catheter; injecting the lethal solution; and/or attending or witnessing the execution as an EMT or paramedic.
The fact that capital punishment is currently supported in many segments of society does not override the obligation of EMTs and paramedics to uphold the ethical mandates of the profession. NAEMT recognizes that endorsement of the death penalty remains a personal decision and that individual EMTs and paramedics may have views that differ from the official position of the profession. Regardless of the personal opinion of the EMT or paramedic on the appropriateness of capital punishment, it is a breach of the foundational precepts of emergency medical services, and a violation of the EMT Oath, to participate in taking the life of any person.
Although we cannot forbid an EMT from participating in capital punishment, we voice our concern that the participation violates the medical ethic of beneficence. "NAEMT was approached by one of our state affiliates to look at the issue of EMT involvement in capital punishment because they felt new legislation in their state may force them to participate,” says Connie Meyer, NAEMT President-Elect. “Although NAEMT believes each EMS practitioner has the right to personal views on capital punishment, we also believe that for an EMT or paramedic to participate would violate the EMT Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics states: A fundamental responsibility of the Emergency Medical Technician is to conserve life, to alleviate suffering, to promote health, to do no harm, and to encourage the quality and equal availability of emergency medical care.”
To view the full position statement, please go to the NAEMT Positions page.
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Next of Kin Registry Assists both Local and State Emergency Agencies
The Next of Kin Registry (NOKR) was established as a free tool for daily emergencies and national disasters. The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) learned that this free proactive service stores emergency contacts, next of kin, and vital medical information, which could be useful to emergency response agencies and their family members.
NOKR’s system has proven effective for missing, unconscious injured or deceased community members. Next of kin can be immediately contacted if seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s are found carrying a registration card. The system has been utilized for national disasters including the 2009 Washington State Flooding, 2008 California Wildfires, 2008 Hurricane Disasters, and the 2008 Iowa Flooding Disasters. 92% of all state websites list NOKR as a resource for the public and emergency agencies.
Stored information is accessible only by Emergency Services Sector (ESS) agencies that have registered with NOKR at http://nokr.org/nok/restricted/agencies.htm, where system information and directions for the ESS can be found. The general public can click on http://nokr.org to obtain more information about NOKR or apply for its service. NOKR has available an optional registration card that indicates the person is registered with them.
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First Responder Awareness
According to a recent report seen at PoliceLink.com, a way of committing suicide popular in Japan has now occurred at least twice in the United States. The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) learned that the methodology involves mixing two chemicals (i.e., bonide and hydrochloric acid) purchased without restrictions in local stores. When the chemicals are mixed, they quickly produce heat and a flammable, noxious gas causing loss of consciousness and heart stoppage within minutes.
Usually concentrated within a small space (e.g., car, bathroom, closet), the resulting hydrogen sulfide gas could easily compromise an emergency response if the gas is released without the proper safeguards in place by trained and equipped hazardous materials personnel. Therefore, the EMR-ISAC agrees that awareness regarding this suicide method is essential to mitigate or eliminate the threat to the health and safety of emergency responders.
For more information and precautions to promote awareness, see the PoliceLink web site
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Governor Bobby Jindal Announces Appointments to the Louisiana Emergency Medical Services Certification Commission
BATON ROUGE -- Oct 20, 2008 -- Governor Bobby Jindal today announced appointments to the Louisiana Emergency Medical Services Certification Commission.
The Louisiana Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Certification Commission serves to identify, define and implement the appropriate functions and authorize pre-certification and post-certification training programs for emergency medical personnel.
According to the statute, the commission is comprised of nine voting members and one non-voting member, all appointed by the governor. The non-voting member must be a registered nurse and state-certified paramedic and is appointed from nominations submitted by the Louisiana State Nurses Association on recommendation from the Louisiana Emergency Nurses Association. The remaining nine voting members, selected from nominations from the EMS task force, which is comprised of individuals appointed by the assistant secretary of the Office of Public Health, include the following:
* One emergency medical services administrator representing the private sector;
* One emergency medical services administrator representing the public sector;
* Two certified emergency medical technician-paramedics and one emergency medical technician-basic (all must be certified as EMS instructors and at least one must be a full-time employee of a fire department);
* One physician from The American College of Emergency Physicians;
* One physician from The American College of Surgeons;
* One physician from Louisiana State Medical Society;
* One Physician from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Appointments to the Louisiana Emergency Medical Services Certification Commission:
Anthony Bruch, of Mandeville, is the education coordinator for Acadian Ambulance and is a certified emergency nurse and emergency medical technician-paramedic. Bruch will represent the Louisiana Emergency Nurses Association, as required by statute.
Dr. Susan Bankston, of Baton Rouge, is a board certified pediatrician and has worked at The Baton Rouge Clinic for the past 12 years. Bankston will represent the American Association of Pediatrics, as required by statute.
Dr. Robert Chugden, of Mandeville, is the medical director for the emergency services at West Jefferson Medical Center. Chugden will represent the Louisiana State Medical Society, as required by statute.
James Dennis, Jr., of Patterson, is an EMS education coordinator with Acadian Ambulance’s Safety Management Systems. Dennis will serve as an emergency medical technician-paramedic, as required by statute.
Samuel Halphen, of Benton, is the fire chief of the Bossier City Fire Department. Halphen will serve as a public sector Emergency Medical Services Administrator, as required by statute.
Dr. W. Chapman Lee, of Baton Rouge, is the medical director at Earl K. Long Medical Center. Lee will represent the American College of Surgeons, as required by statute.
Dr. Jullette Saussy, of New Orleans, is the administrator and medical director for the New Orleans EMS. Saussy will represent the American College of Emergency Physicians, as required by statute.
Lauri Scivicque, of Prairieville, is nationally registered emergency medical technician-paramedic who has worked for the East Baton Rouge Parish Emergency Medical Services for the past 16 years. Scivicque will serve as an emergency medical technician-paramedic, as required by statute.
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When Should Employees Be Paid for Being On-Call?
The FLSA Clears Up Confusion
* Mannie Garza
* October 2008 EMS Insider Vol. 35 No. 10
* 2008 Oct 1
EMS provider agencies -- especially those in small towns or rural areas -- frequently assign "on-call" duties, during which times EMTs and paramedics are generally free to do as they please, but must wear a pager or other communication device and report for work when notified. When employees are asked to remain on call, the question arises whether the time spent on-call counts as "hours worked" (or "compensable" time) that must be paid and counted toward overtime entitlements under applicable law.
Although the basic rules for determining whether on-call time is compensable are easily understood, they can be difficult to apply, especially in close cases.
Recently, the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor (the government agency that enforces federal wage and hour laws) issued an opinion letter regarding the on-call time of ambulance service employees. This letter provides a useful illustration of the rules in this area.
(continued online at the JEMS hyperlink above)
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Medical Device Recall: LifePak CR Plus Automated External Defibrillators
September 11, 2008 -- Physio Control, Inc., issued a recall of LifePak CR Plus Automated External Defibrillators (AED), used by emergency or medical personnel to treat adults in cardiopulmonary arrest. The product was recalled because the AED instructs the responder by voice prompts to press the shock button which is not visible because it is covered, thereby making the responder unable to provide shock therapy. The AED device should be removed from service, or the manufacturer-provided diagram should be consulted to remove and discard the shock button cover.
Read the entire Recall Notice
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LAVA seeking to update information
Baton Rouge - 5/22/2008 - LAVA, Louisiana Volunteers in Action is seeking to update its information.
Will you be available to help when the next disaster hits the state? Select the hyperlink at left marked "Louisiana Volunteer Opportunities" and enter your contact information. Alternatively, select the link above to download an Adobe .PDF file that can be printed, filled in and mailed.
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National EMS Memorial Service Selects New Host City
Oilville, Va - 5/9/2008 - The National EMS Memorial Service has selected Colorado Springs as the new home of the National EMS Memorial Service and the “Tree of Life,” the National EMS Memorial.
At a special meeting of its Board of Directors the Memorial Service selected Colorado Springs, Colorado as the new host city for the annual National EMS Memorial Service and the permanent location of the new “Tree of Life,” National EMS Memorial.
For additional information, please select the hyperlink above.
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FAIR USE NOTICE
This page may contain copyrighted material that was not specifically authorized by the copyright owner. LANREMT believes this constitutes “fair use” of copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Law. If you wish to use copyrighted material contained within this document for your own purposes that go beyond “fair use,” you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.
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