11/30/11

Features

Dept. of Homeland Security Ambulance Safety Design Survey

The Dept. of Homeland Security is conducting a survey to develop design guidance for ambulance patient compartments to address crash worthiness. The survey is available until December 28, 2011.


Nov 30, 2011, 10:56:16 AM

Special Report

Lab at Hershey Medical Center identifies a virus that could kill cancer - Pennsylvania

"What the virus seems to be doing is turning on [a gene in] all these cancer cells that causes them to die, to turn on themselves and commit suicide," Meyers said.

Nov 30, 2011, 10:51:39 AM

Ambulance Crash Log

Medical flight radioed low fuel before crash that killed three - Illinois

The twin-engine Piper Navajo crashed in north suburban Riverwoods late Monday night, killing the pilot and an elderly couple with deep ties to the Chicago area, but sparing the lives of a medic and a co-pilot on board.

Nov 30, 2011, 10:17:25 AM

Criminal

Judge to rule on testimony in death of paramedic’s wife - Missouri

The attorney for the Kansas City-area man – and former Independence Fire Department paramedic – accused in the disappearance and murder of his wife nearly three years ago tried to convince a judge that a confession from one jail inmate to another should be admitted during the upcoming trial.

Nov 30, 2011, 10:15:00 AM

Ambulance Crash Log

One injured, ambulance totaled in accident - Nebraska

YORK - One person was injured and an ambulance was totaled in an accident Monday night at the intersection of the Highway 81 bypass and Highway 34, just east of the airport.


Nov 30, 2011, 10:06:29 AM

Ambulance Crash Log

Cause of ambulance wreck still under investigation - Alabama

Authorities on Monday continued investigating the cause of a collision between an East Alabama Medical Center ambulance and another vehicle Friday, said Sgt. Steven Jarrett, Alabama Department of Public Safety public information/ education unit commander.

Nov 30, 2011, 10:04:53 AM

ER /Hospital

Flying Squirrel Invades Emergency Room - New Jersey

Firefighters were needed stat after a flying squirrel went nuts in a New Jersey hospital's emergency room.

Nov 30, 2011, 10:00:50 AM

Legal

D.C. paramedic on leave after elderly woman dies - Washington DC

According to sources familiar with the investigation, the paramedic who arrived on the fire engine determined the woman's condition was not serious and declined to accompany her to the hospital, despite the request of ambulance personnel that the paramedic stay with the patient.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:49:43 AM

Medevac

Gov't aircraft operations often lack FAA oversight

Nonmilitary government agencies own or lease thousands of aircraft, but they are often on their own when it comes to safety oversight of their operations — a situation that accident investigators say has contributed to air crashes and deaths.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:47:55 AM

Ambulance Crash Log

NTSB plans public flight safety forum; concerns include 2008 helicopter crash that killed 9 in Trinity County - California

Acknowledging no one currently provides oversight for aircraft flown for government work, the National Transportation Safety Board is holding a two-day forum starting today in Washington, D.C., to discuss who should address safety concerns raised after a spate of recent "public aircraft" crashes, including a 2008 helicopter crash that killed nine people in Trinity County.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:47:52 AM

Medevac

'Air ambulance' service an option for Shelby Township Fire Dept. - Michigan

At a Shelby Township Board of Trustees meeting last month, Shelby Township Fire Chief Gene Shepherd announced that the department's paramedics have a new "tool" that could help save lives.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:47:04 AM

Medevac

Nebraska-based air ambulance to serve Rosebud - South Dakota

An air ambulance will be stationed just seven minutes from the heart of South Dakota's Rosebud Indian Reservation starting Wednesday, when it begins flying out of nearby Valentine, Neb.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:46:56 AM

Human Interest

Firefighter To Run 26.2 Miles Wearing Gear - California

Normally, Team Firefighter athletes do endurance events like the Ironman Triathlon. But Hamilton decided to challenge himself by running CIM in his work clothes.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:45:19 AM

Human Interest

Actor Thanks Paramedics after On-Stage Heart Attack - Minnesota

Even though Boles has no memories of the week surrounding the cardiac arrest that caused the collapse, but it was an emotional evening as he met those who helped him in his moment of great need.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:43:43 AM

Human Interest

NY kids call 911, ask for Santa - New York

Nov 30, 2011, 9:42:13 AM

America

EMS calls across county lines are issue in Newland area - Virginia

Despite allegations that some officials have advised residents to call outside their service area for medical help, local emergency personnel in Richmond County are assuring the public that the quickest way to receive medical care consists of three easy numbers: 9-1-1.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:36:25 AM

America

Ambulance service debate resumes - California

Riverside officials again will be asked to decide whether the city needs more than one ambulance service, after voting in October to stick with a single company.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:35:19 AM

America

Non-emergencies affect ambulance service, too - New York

Like emergency room staff, ambulance crews frequently encounter patients who aren’t in the throes of an emergency, said Dan Broedel, director of the Midstate Regional Emergency Medical Services Council.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:34:23 AM

America

Norton will try again to pass fire and EMS levy - Ohio

City Council approved a resolution Monday deeming it necessary to go back to voters in the March 6 primary.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:33:21 AM

America

Ambulance service carries on holiday tradition - Colorado

More than 15 years ago AMR (American Medical Response), one of the nation's leading ambulance transportation companies, started the "Home for the Holidays" program that was designed to provide an answer to the issue of getting home for a family gathering.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:29:42 AM

America

National EMS Academy Update in CPR Training Method: CPR-HD - Louisiana

In addition to traditional CPR training, employees will learn a new method termed CPR-HD ("highly defined") by Acadian Ambulance.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:28:04 AM

America

Saratoga EMS dissolve put on hold - New York

The deal to transfer the operating certificate from the squad to Empire Ambulance was tabled by the Regional EMS Council at its meeting Monday night.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:25:25 AM

America

Ambulance service raising funds - Colorado

For its 30th birthday, the Arkansas Valley Ambulance service would love a new set of wheels.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:24:37 AM

America

Commission looks for EMS solution - Florida

A majority of Pinellas County Commissioners are poised to chart a course around a probable legal minefield.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:21:55 AM

America

Allentown City Council debates adding EMTs - Pennsylvania

Some fear less highly trained emergency workers would leave the city compromised.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:20:10 AM

America

EMTs are in high demand - Georgia

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth for paramedics is expected to increase much faster than average.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:18:48 AM

Job Listings

Texas: Public Information Officer

Nov 30, 2011, 9:13:52 AM

Canada

Saskatoon’s MD Ambulance celebrates 35 years - Canada

The service started in 1976 with just three employees.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:00:56 AM

Canada

Cobble Hill driver ticketed for chasing ambulance - Canada

As a speeding ambulance raced through rush-hour traffic, a driver from Cobble Hill tried to slip into the wake of the flashing lights and blaring siren

Nov 30, 2011, 9:00:15 AM

11/28/11

Military

Red Air

The US Army burdens its Dustoff helicopters with Red Crosses due to internal political struggles about who controls the helicopters. This leaves patients bleeding on battlefields.

Ambulance Crash Log

Omaha ambulance En Route To Call Collides With Car - Nebraska

An EMT said the ambulance almost rolled in the crash.

Plainsboro Rescue Squad Ambulance Involved in Accident on Ridge Road Sunday - New Jersey

An ambulance from Plainsboro was heavily damaged in a traffic accident Sunday morning on Ridge Road.

Nov 28, 2011, 6:07:19 PM

America

Woman Falls From Ambulance, Dies At Hospital - Pennsylvania

As the men were lifting the stretcher into the ambulance, Dianne Wills allegedly slumped to her side and fell from the stretcher, hitting her head on the pavement.

Nov 28, 2011, 6:05:51 PM

Human Interest

Trauma center director started as volunteer EMT - North Dakota

He was originally a volunteer firefighter in Velva, but through acquaintances of his who were affiliated with the ambulance service, Sather switched to the other side. That was in 1979.

Nov 28, 2011, 5:54:37 PM

Human Interest

Jessica Finley is a real lifesaver for JoCo Med-Act - Missouri

Some people think being a paramedic is a “superhero job,” she said. Others think it’s all blood and sadness. Actually, it’s somewhere in the middle.

Nov 28, 2011, 5:54:25 PM

Awards-Honors

Flagler County personnel sweep university competition - Florida

Nov 28, 2011, 5:53:20 PM

America

Butte County ambulance taxing district discussed by commission - South Dakota

Butte County voters may be asked to add an ambulance taxing district to their governmental agencies in the next county-wide election.

Nov 28, 2011, 5:51:54 PM

America

Glencoe gains 24/7 EMT service for the first time - Alabama

The city's police and fire chiefs were able to do it with volunteers and part time workers.

Nov 28, 2011, 5:50:19 PM

America

Firefighter loses arm in tanker accident - Texas

Officials say a volunteer firefighter lost her left arm in an accident while assisting at the scene of a fiery tanker truck crash in southeast Texas.

Nov 28, 2011, 5:49:58 PM

America

Gold Cross to add 7 new ambulances - Georgia

Seven new Gold Cross ambulances will roll out onto the streets of Richmond and Columbia counties in about two weeks.

Nov 28, 2011, 5:47:04 PM

America

Pilot Knob Fire Department first in region with female chief - New York

Paris, who was elected to the position in July, is believed to be the first female fire chief in the area.

Nov 28, 2011, 5:45:25 PM

America

Not-for-profit ambulance service ending its run in Saratoga Springs, Greenfield - New York

The ambulance service serving the Spa City and neighboring Greenfield is calling it quits amid financial trouble and plans to hand the reins over to a for-profit company.

Nov 28, 2011, 5:43:54 PM

America

Steelton ambulance service could be contracted to Community Life Team - Pennsylvania

“Emotionally, nobody really wanted to think about it, especially me,” she said. “In the early 1970s, I was the first female EMT in Steelton. ... The ambulance is near and dear to my heart.”

Nov 28, 2011, 5:37:16 PM

America

Medicare back on the brink over cuts to doctors

It's become a symbol of sorts for the federal government's budget dysfunction: Unless Congress acts before Jan. 1, doctors will again face steep Medicare cuts that threaten to undermine health care for millions of seniors and disabled people.

Nov 28, 2011, 5:36:24 PM

America

Jewish women want to join all-male EMT group - New York

Most Orthodox Jewish women avoid touching men except direct relatives. They don't sit next to men on buses or even at weddings. They have separate swimming hours at indoor pools. But for an emergency birth, Orthodox Jewish women will usually turn to the all-male volunteer ambulance corps known as Hatzolah.

Nov 28, 2011, 5:33:31 PM

America

No ER closure could improve patient choice - California

Opponents say the proposal could burden already overcrowded emergency rooms that don't have space for more patients. But, advocates say the change would force hospital staff to be more efficient throughout the facility, ensuring that patients like Arthur Handy have a choice.

Nov 28, 2011, 5:31:31 PM

11/26/11

Public Affairs: Matt Zavadsky, Senior Editor

Hospitals, insurers would bear brunt of automatic Medicare cuts

Nov 23, 2011, 8:21:37 AM

Military

State-of-the-art helicopters

The Lakota is a twin-engine helicopter with a single four-blade rotor system. It is being fielded in Army National Guard units across the United States for homeland defense missions.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:39:24 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Four injured after ambulance, car collide in Opelika - Georgia

The collision occurred at about 6:20 a.m. on Marvyn Parkway in Opelika, according to EAMC spokesman John Atkinson. At the time of the collision, the ambulance was already transporting a patient to EAMC.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:36:56 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Pedestrian killed in collision with ambulance near Silverdale - Washington

A man was killed near Silverdale on Monday after he wandered onto State Route 3 and was struck by an ambulance, the Washington State Patrol said.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:35:13 PM

Criminal

City fire instructors cleared in EMS cheating probe - Maryland

The scandal originally implicated five training staff members, but all charges were dismissed in October. Redacted versions of the October disciplinary hearing records and the 36-page investigation report, completed in August, were released Tuesday.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:32:21 PM

Criminal

4 firefighters charged with arson -- New Mexico

Four Dona Ana County volunteer firefighters who were putting out what was left of the huge hay fire that lighted up the night sky just south of Las Cruces have been arrested.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:29:06 PM

World

Paralyzed paramedic home from hospital - UK

He finally came home today from the hospital. The family home isn't handicap accessible. Friends are pitching in to change that.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:26:02 PM

America

State agency clears Alameda paramedics of wrongdoing - California

A state agency that regulates paramedics has dismissed complaints that some members of the public filed over the Memorial Day death of Raymond Zack, who committed suicide off Crown Beach while emergency workers remained onshore, city officials announced Monday.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:24:32 PM

America

Pattonville paramedic puts up a fight for BackStoppers - Missouri

Guns 'N Hoses, the pre-Thanksgiving ritual that provides the BackStoppers' major source of funds for the families of first responders who have died in the line of duty.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:22:16 PM

America

8 firefighters, EMT injured in Pennsauken blast - Pennsylvania

Eight firefighters and an emergency medical technician received minor injuries Monday in a basement explosion during an early-morning house fire.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:20:51 PM

America

City shakes up ambulance oversight - Wisconsin

West Baraboo Village Trustee and Ambulance Commission President David Dahlke asked the Council to postpone the change and said the effort is an example of a growing distrust between the city and other commission members.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:19:27 PM

America

Empire Ambulance set to take over ambulance services in Saratoga Springs and Greenfield - New York

With revenue dwindling, the Board of Directors of Saratoga Emergency Medical Services, a nonprofit that has provided ambulance protection to Saratoga Springs since the 1960s, voted to transfer its operating certificate to the for-profit Empire Ambulance.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:18:18 PM

America

Commission Buys Ambulance for Grant Town EMS - West Virginia

Well in light of Grant Town Mayor, and President of Grant Town's Volunteer Fire Department, Robert Riggs Jr., being arrested over accusations that he embezzled money, the Marion County Commission is still providing the town's EMS services with an ambulance.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:16:57 PM

America

County Examining EMS Privatization - Georgia

Two things that are planned is an increase in the rates and to begin charging for the multitude of lifting assistance calls that are free at this time.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:15:35 PM

America

Allentown wants EMTs in ambulance - Pennsylvania

Some say the change from all-paramedics could compromise emergency care.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:14:25 PM

Human Interest

Four Hillsboro firefighters headed to Cambodia to build EMS system 'from the ground up' - Oregon

They're not going on the department's dime, but it's not exactly a vacation for the firefighters.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:13:07 PM

Human Interest

MedStar Paramedics reunite family for Thanksgiving - texas

A North Texas man experienced something on Thursday his family thought might never happen again. He came home for Thanksgiving.

Nov 26, 2011, 1:41:49 PM

11/21/11

Special Report

$1 BILLION for the “Health Care Innovation Challenge”

Last week the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation announced the availability of $1 BILLION for the “Health Care Innovation Challenge”.

Nov 21, 2011, 6:45:37 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance Crew Recovering - Tennessee

It happened on Interstate 240 near the Norris Road exit, this morning around 4:30.

Nov 21, 2011, 6:44:13 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance Involved In 3-Vehicle Accident In Norwich - Connecticut

A man who crashed his vehicle into an ambulance early Sunday morning and then fled on foot has turned himself into police.

Nov 21, 2011, 6:41:37 PM

Bodily Assault Log

Crash victim charged with attacking paramedic in ambulance - Illinois

“He didn’t say anything, he just jumped up and started beating on the paramedic,” a police lieutenant said.

Nov 21, 2011, 6:40:11 PM

Criminal

Paramedic faces 10-year sentence - South Carolina

A paramedic who allegedly took marijuana from a felony DUI suspect at a crash scene and tried to hide it from law enforcement was charged Friday with obstruction of justice.

Nov 21, 2011, 6:34:06 PM

World

Paramedics given bullet-proof jackets over fears of a Mumbai-style terrorist attack - UK

However, body armour and initial guidance has already been given to small teams of ambulance and fire crews in key areas.

Nov 21, 2011, 6:33:00 PM

Canada

Off-duty paramedic saves hockey teammate - Canada

Paramedic Bruce Binda saved his teammate’s life when the man suffered a heart attack while playing hockey

Nov 21, 2011, 6:32:06 PM

Canada

Paramedics Spend 26% of Time in Hospital - Canada

Ottawa paramedics are spending more time in emergency rooms than any other paramedic service in Ontario.

Nov 21, 2011, 6:30:23 PM

America

EMT program cuts - California

She states that due to statewide budget cuts, Moorpark College must cut several hundred classes, and EMT is just some of them.

Nov 21, 2011, 6:29:11 PM

America

Stratford EMS expanding to North End - Connecticut

On weekdays, North End residents in need of an ambulance won't have to wait as long for its arrival.

Nov 21, 2011, 6:28:01 PM

America

Lake EMS will review complaints about its ambulance plan - Florida

Just two months into its launch, rebranded Lake EMS will review citizen complaints about its countywide ambulance plan at a public workshop next month

Nov 21, 2011, 6:26:57 PM

Legal

Mummified Patient Can Take Paramedics to Trial - Illinois

Paramedics may be liable for forcibly hospitalizing a man who refused medical attention, a federal judge ruled, recounting an undisputed record showing emergency responders put their patient in a headlock, rammed his head 20 times into an ambulance wall and taped him up "like a mummy."

Nov 21, 2011, 6:25:27 PM

Legal

New reports reveal state ambulance investigations - Indiana

There is new information detailing the failures of a nursing home and ambulance company that refused to call 911 for a cardiac arrest patient, left waiting for help.

Nov 21, 2011, 6:25:18 PM

Medevac

Leaky helicopter stranded at hospital - New Jersey

A medical evacuation helicopter was stranded on the helicopter landing pad of Capital Health Regional Medical Center yesterday because of a leaking fuel tank

Nov 21, 2011, 6:20:08 PM

11/18/11

Features

TV Show Crew Films West Virginia. Ambulance Service

Logan County Emergency Services recently hosted a film crew as they shot a pilot for a possible new EMS reality show.

Nov 18, 2011, 9:50:52 PM

Criminal

Saukville EMT Charged With Stealing From Man He Was Helping - Wisconsin

John M. Marchek, 537 W. Hillcrest Ct., was charged in Ozaukee County Circuit Court on Thursday with one count of theft from a person. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and $25,000 in fines.

Nov 18, 2011, 8:27:19 PM

Criminal

EMS employee arrested after allegedly taking pot from suspect - South Carolina

A Berkeley County EMS employee was arrested Friday after state troopers say she took marijuana from an injured felony DUI suspect last week and then tried to hide it from police.

Nov 18, 2011, 8:25:25 PM

Special Report

Study: Medics' fatigue linked to higher injury rates

Study announced on Thursday by the University of Pittsburgh.

Nov 18, 2011, 6:48:46 PM

America

Council approves EMT pay increase - Texas

The Plainview City Council took action on three items Thursday during their work session at the Plainview Country Club due to the cancellation of Tuesday's regular meeting.


Nov 18, 2011, 6:48:16 PM

America

Frisco Fire Department receives new medical ambulance bus - Texas

Frisco firefighter/paramedics have a new tool that allows them to treat and transport as many as 20 patients at a time with a single vehicle. The Frisco Fire Department's new Ambulance Bus can do the job of 10 of its current ambulances.

Nov 18, 2011, 4:36:41 PM

America

Ambulance company, 300 jobs moving to Brooklyn - Ohio

An ambulance company will move more than 300 employees to Brooklyn - a boon for a suburb facing the loss of American Greetings Corp., its largest employer.

Nov 18, 2011, 3:17:50 PM

America

Firehouse closure in Bethlehem under fire - Pennsylvania

Councilman questions the fiscal wisdom of closing the North Central fire station.

Nov 18, 2011, 3:16:51 PM

America

MedStar: No Change to Red Lights, Sirens - Texas

Ambulance service finds device to change traffic lights doesn't improve response times

Nov 18, 2011, 12:05:24 PM

America

Firefighter's EMS Plan Gaining Support - Florida

A Palm Harbor firefighter's proposal to have Pinellas County firefighters transport medical emergency patients to hospitals is gaining support and attention.

Nov 18, 2011, 12:04:31 PM

Medevac

Pilot praised after ducks down medical chopper - Mississippi

They say it's rare, but operators of the Air Care medical helicopter program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center say their pilots do train for incidents like the one that forced an emergency landing Thursday night.

Nov 18, 2011, 8:19:19 AM