EMS P.O.D. host Doug Randell discusses the EMS Commission in Indiana, the gubernatorial-appointed group that advises EMS on issues that affect EMS in the State of Indiana.

In late September of this year, Hurricane Helene struck the mountains of Western North Carolina, bringing devastating flooding, mudslides and damage to the area. Host John Sammons is joined by Paramedic Garry Pomerleau to talk about his experience during and after the storm as not only a responder, but a resident of the area. You can read his article in JEMS as well.

After six doses of epinephrine, it may be too late for the CPR patient. Emergency physicians Dr. Zachary Boivin and Dr. Trent She, both from Connecticut, discussed their recent study entitled "Epinephrine in Cardiac Arrest: Identifying a Potential Limit for Resuscitation."1 This research sought to determine if there is a ceiling to the effective use of Epinephrine during resuscitation.

Peter Antevy, MD, who created the Handtevy System, a software-based pediatric resuscitation method and bag system is also an EMS Physician for Palm Beach County (FL) Fire Rescue and he made a post on LinkedIn advocating for abolishing Epinephrine in shockable rhythm protocols. He posts about how his protocol does not follow standard AHA guidelines at Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and their plan for ventricular fibrillation is to use esmolol, but no Epinephrine.

References

1. Boivin, Z., Duignan, K. M., Doko, D., Pugliese, N., & She, T. (2023). Epinephrine in Cardiac Arrest: Identifying a Potential Limit for Resuscitation. Western Journal of Emergency Medicine, 24(6), 1025.

It appears that Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers – Lassa Fever, Ebola and Marburg virus are getting all the press. However, Pertussis (whooping cough) is an area that needs focus.

The cases for 2024 are at least four-times higher than in 2023, and many departments have not offered the required Tdap booster to protect healthcare personnel.

An additional dose of Tdap was first recommended in 2005 and then again in 2011. Pertussis is not on the radar, and we need to ensure that healthcare providers are protected. This session addresses vaccine, personal protective equipment and post-exposure medical follow up.

JEMS Editor-in-Chief Dr. Ted Lee speaks with Global Medical Response’s Natalie Jobst about training veterans for EMS careers.

Every month, North American Rescue (NAR) hosts a unique event called "Coffee with Veterans and First Responders." This initiative, now in its fifth year, offers a valuable space for local heroes to connect, network and discover new career opportunities.

Led by Anna Harris, a veteran and the director of Human Chemistry and Talent at NAR, Coffee with Veterans aims to bridge the gap between veterans and first responders and the civilian job market. With many NAR team members hailing from military and first responder backgrounds, this program is a personal passion for the company.

Brian Paul, president of Veterans for Life USA, shares his story of addiction, suicidality and how he now serves with hope and understanding through inspiration.

Susan Bailey, director of the Louisiana Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and president of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) joins the podcast to discuss the association’s role in EMS. We discuss what got her involved in the association and how she ascended to the position of president. We discuss the benefits of being part of the association, the association's advocacy efforts at the federal level, and reimbursement issues for EMS. We also discuss being the director of EMS in a state prone to hurricanes.