-----

This is a file in Adobe Acrobat format discussing an August 27, 2010 conference in Lafayette, LA.

-----

This is a file in Adobe Acrobat format discussing a July 9-11, 2010 conference and equipment show in Sulphur, LA.

-----

This is a file in Adobe Acrobat format very broadly outlining changes underway at BEMS that will affect you.

-----

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.

-----

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.

-----

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.

-----

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

-----

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:

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.

-----

When Should Employees Be Paid for Being On-Call?

The FLSA Clears Up Confusion

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.

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)

-----

American College of Physicians Recommends Flu Vaccine for Health Care Workers

Influenza vaccination of health care workers results in improved patient safety, improved employee safety, and decreased health care expenditures

PHILADELPHIA, October 3, 2007 - The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends that an annual influenza vaccine should be required for every health care worker with direct patient care activities.

Only 36 percent of all health care workers are immunized against influenza each year. Transmission of influenza from health care workers to patients has been documented in nearly every health care setting, and multiple studies show that 70 percent or more of health care workers continue to work despite being ill with influenza, increasing exposure of patients and co-workers.

"Immunizing health care workers safely and effectively prevents a significant number of influenza infections, hospitalizations, and deaths among the patients they care for, as well as preventing workplace disruption and medical errors by workers absent from work due to illness, or present at work but ill," said Vincenza Snow, MD, FACP, Director, Clinical Programs and Quality of Care at ACP.

Every year, flu infects up to 20 percent of the population, causes the hospitalization of about 200,000 people, and kills 36,000.

Major professional medical societies have endorsed and published recommendations requiring health care workers with direct patient care to be immunized, unless they sign an informed declination. ACP encourages organizations to establish an annual influenza vaccination program, educate staff and physicians about flu vaccination, evaluate vaccination rates and reasons for nonparticipation in the immunization program at the unit level, and implement enhancements to the program to increase participation.

ACP's influenza vaccination policy exempts health care workers if a medical contraindication to influenza immunization exists, a religious objection to immunization exists, or an informed declination is signed by the health care worker.

The full text of the policy can be viewed online.

The American College of Physicians (www.acponline.org) is the largest medical specialty organization and the second-largest physician group in the United States. ACP members include 124,000 internal medicine physicians (internists), related subspecialists, and medical students. Internists specialize in the prevention, detection, and treatment of illness in adults.

-----

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

-----

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.

-----

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.

-----

Verathon Inc. Introduces Free Grant Writing Kit for First Responder and EMS Health Care Providers

Verathon Inc., the maker of GlideScope Video Laryngoscopes, is pleased to make available to EMS health care providers a First Responders’ Grant Writing Kit. The kit, which is free to EMS personnel, contains helpful information to seek out available grant monies, and tips to successfully apply for government grants and, private funding, in order to purchase EMS-related equipment and supplies.

“We’re pleased to offer this new grant writing kit to EMS professionals,” stated Gerald McMorrow, CEO, and Founder of Verathon. “With improved medical equipment and related funds both available, this kit is designed to offer First Responders the needed “bridge” to match these two resources,” McMorrow continued. “EMS personnel deserve the best tools available to do their jobs. Successful grant writing can help them get the equipment and supplies they need.”

EMS personnel interested in receiving this free First Responders’ Grant Writing Kit may call Verathon Medical Customer Care at 800-331-2313 or email Customer Care at customerservice@verathon.com.

-----

Emergency Responders At High Risk To Miss Work Because Of Injuries

ScienceDaily (Jan. 8, 2008) - New research suggests that at any given time, almost 10 percent of the emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics in the United States miss work because of injuries and illnesses they suffered on the job.

A study examining how common these injuries are and tracking new cases of work-related injuries and illnesses in these professionals also suggests that in one year, an estimated 8.1 of every 100 emergency responders will suffer an injury or illness forcing them to miss work. Compared to data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate of injuries requiring work absence among these first responders far exceeds the national average of 1.3 per 100 lost-work injury cases reported in 2006.

The study also identified work-related and health conditions most likely to lead to injuries, which included responding to a high volume of emergency calls, working in bigger cities and having a history of back problems. Researchers conducting the study say that knowing how common severe injuries are in this population will help guide interventions designed to reduce the risks of injury.

(For more information, select this link.)

-----

FDA - MedWatch - MRL/Welch Allyn AED 20 Automatic External Defibrillators Class I Recall Due To Error Message On Device Display

FDA issued a Class I recall for MRL/Welch Allyn AED 20 Automatic External Defibrillators manufactured between October 2003 and January 2005, serial numbers 205787 through 207509. These devices are used by emergency or medical personnel to treat adult and pediatric patients in cardiopulmonary arrest (heart attack). The recalled devices may display a "Defib Comm" error message on the device display during use which may result in a terminal failure of the device to analyze the patient's ECG and deliver the appropriate therapy.

FDA advises healthcare professionals and patients to stop using the recalled product and contact the manufacturer for a replacement.

Read the complete MedWatch 2007 Safety Summary including a link to the FDA recall notice at: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007/safety07.htm#mrl

-----

Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health has recently launched an online volunteer registry-Louisiana Volunteers in Action (LAVA). LAVA serves as a state-based registry of volunteers (medical and non-medical) to assist during emergencies and day to day activities by providing additional staff to meet health/medical surge needs.

The Bureau of Emergency Medical Services is assisting the program in its recruitment efforts of Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics. Many of you have shown interest in volunteering on your license renewal application. Please take a moment to formally register with us at www.lava.dhh.louisiana.gov. You must register on the LAVA website to volunteer. After registering, you will receive information about upcoming volunteer and training opportunities. Currently, we are seeking ACLS-level teams of Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians to provide assistance during the Mardi Gras Season.

If you have previously indicated your willingness to volunteer your services on your re-certification form, please note that you must now officially register through the statewide volunteer registration site at: http://www.lava.dhh.louisiana.gov.

Thank you in advance for helping us take care of the citizens of this great state!

Respectfully,

Ross Pottschmidt

Program Director, Bureau of EMS

-----

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.

Newsletters: