EMS.Gov | Know the Signs of Monkeypox
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Author: Amanda Riordan
Amanda Riordan serves as the Vice President of Membership of the American Ambulance Association. She joined AAA as Director of Membership in May of 2015. She has 15+ years of progressive experience in non-profit operations, membership development, marketing, operations, and credentialing.
US DOL | Building Mental Health-Friendly Workplaces
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Savvik Savings
There are 11 FREE seats left for Savvik Members to attend the Lifeguard: Train-the-Trainer Workshop.
Register soon; they’re going fast!
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Happy Holidays!
As we reflect on the challenges and triumphs of 2021, we wish #EMS providers and their families a happy holiday season and a joyous New Year. Thank you for your service to our communities, 24/7/365. #SupportEMS #mobilehealthcare #alwaysopen #NotJustaRide pic.twitter.com/hHxRqtbrkr
— AmericanAmbulanceAsc (@amerambassoc) December 20, 2021
CMS | Open Door Forum on Prior Authorization for RSNAT
From CMS on October 5, 2021
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation
Special Open Door Forum: Repetitive, Scheduled Non-Emergent Ambulance Transport Prior Authorization Model National Expansion
Thursday, October 28, 2021
2:00-3:30 pm Eastern Time
Conference Call Only
Participant Dial-In Number: 1-888-455-1397 | Conference ID #: 8604468
CMS will host a Special Open Door Forum (SODF) to allow ambulance suppliers, other Medicare providers, and additional interested parties to learn about the upcoming national expansion of the Repetitive, Scheduled Non-Emergent Ambulance Transport (RSNAT) Prior Authorization Model in Medicare fee for service. CMS is implementing the national model in multiple phases beginning with Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas on December 1, 2021. The RSNAT Prior Authorization Model is currently operating in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina since 2014 and in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia since 2016. This Special ODF will include information on national expansion, the prior authorization process, and a Q&A period.
You can find more information on the model and slides for the ODF presentation by going to:
Questions on the model can be sent to: AmbulancePA@cms.hhs.gov
We look forward to your participation.
Special Open Door Participation Instructions:
Participant Dial-In Number: 1-888-455-1397
Conference ID #: 8604468
Note: TTY Communications Relay Services are available for the Hearing Impaired. For TTY services dial 7-1-1 or 1-800-855-2880. A Relay Communications Assistant will help.
A transcript and audio recording of this Special ODF will be posted to the Special Open Door Forum website at https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-
For automatic emails of Open Door Forum schedule updates (E-Mailing list subscriptions) and to view Frequently Asked Questions please visit our website at https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-
Thank you for your interest in CMS Open Door Forums.
EMS Week is May 16–22
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EMS Cybersecurity Networking Group
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Lytx | Free Fleet Webinar January 28
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Oregon | President Baird Joins OHA COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee
From the Oregon Department of Human Services on December 31
OHA completes recruitment for COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee
27-member group to create sequencing for COVID-19 immunizations
PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon Health Authority has completed recruitment for its Vaccine Advisory Committee (VAC) that will determine the sequence in which new COVID-19 vaccines are distributed around the state.
The 27-member committee will advise OHA on vaccine sequencing for phases 1b, 1c and 2 of the state’s vaccine distribution plan, with the goal of prioritizing communities most affected by COVID-19. The COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee will be grounded in OHA’s definition of health equity, which—as cited in this excerpt—is a health system where “all people can reach their full health potential and well-being and are not disadvantaged by their race, ethnicity, language, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, social class, intersections among these communities or identities, or other socially determined circumstances.”
To advance health equity, and counter unjust COVID-19 inequities, the COVID-19 VAC will:
- Advise OHA on the ethical principles that should guide decisions on sequencing of COVID-19 vaccines.
- Review data on COVID-19 and immunization inequities.
- Advise OHA on which workers, high-risk groups or critical populations should be sequenced at what time, taking into consideration where they are located across the state.
The committee roster is as follows:
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Aileen Duldulao |
Oregon Pacific Islander Coalition |
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Cherity Bloom-Miller |
Siletz Community Health Clinic |
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Christine Sanders |
Rockwood Community Development Corp. |
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Daysi Bedolla Sotelo |
Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste |
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DeLeesa Meashintubby |
Volunteers in Medicine |
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Debra Whitefoot |
Nch’i Wana Housing |
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Derick Du Vivier |
Oregon Health & Science University |
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Dolores Martinez |
Euvalcree |
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George Conway |
Deschutes County Health Services |
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Kalani Raphael |
Oregon Pacific Islander Coalition |
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Kelly Gonzales |
Portland State University |
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Kristin Milligan |
Community Volunteer Network |
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Laurie Skokan |
Providence Health & Services |
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Leslie Sutton |
Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities |
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Maleka Taylor |
The Miracles Club |
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Maria Loredo |
Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center |
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Marin Arreola |
Interface Network |
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Muriel DeLaVergne-Brown |
Crook County Health Department |
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Musse Olol |
Somali American Council of Oregon |
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Nannette Carter-Jafri |
SEIU Local 503 Indigenous People’s Caucus |
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Ruth Gulyas |
LeadingAge Oregon |
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Safina Koreishi |
Columbia Pacific CCO |
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Sandra McDonough |
Oregon Business & Industry |
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Shawn Baird |
Metro West Ambulance Service |
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Sue Steward |
Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board |
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Tsering Sherpa |
The Rosewood Initiative |
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Zhenya Abbruzzese |
Adventist Health |
“The COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee brings tremendous lived and professional experience to guide OHA’s decisions about vaccine sequencing in a way that upholds OHA’s goal to eliminate health inequities by 2030,” said Cara Biddlecom, OHA deputy public health director.
“Members of this committee represent communities that have been unjustly impacted by COVID-19, including tribal communities and communities of color, and OHA is committed to involving community members in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.”
The committee’s first public meeting is Thursday, Jan. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon. The meeting can be accessed via conference line at 669-254-5252; meeting ID: 160 583 9896.
For more information about the committee, visit the Vaccine Advisory Committee information page. Comments or questions can be emailed to covid.vaccineadvisory@dhsoha.state.or.us.
Stay informed about COVID-19:
Oregon response: The Oregon Health Authority leads the state response.
United States response: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention leads the US response.
Global response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.
Expanded Support for EMS Responding to Natural Disasters, COVID-19
Frontline Impact Project Expands Support for Frontline Heroes, Offers Companies a New Way to Give Amidst Historic Natural Disasters
COVID-19 response platform will now direct resources to first responders facing wildfires, hurricanes and other catastrophes
September 15, 2020 – Frontline Impact Project is expanding its mission and will now also support heroes on the frontlines of major natural disasters including the Western wildfires and Hurricane Laura. The platform, which The KIND Foundation launched in partnership with dozens of companies in response to COVID-19, will activate its existing infrastructure to shepherd resources like meals, snacks, beverages and personal care items to first responders in need. The announcement comes after extraordinary displays of courage and sacrifice from the nation’s firefighters, paramedics and emergency volunteers.
“We started Frontline Impact Project to meet the needs of those on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. While this work will continue, we are cognizant of the many others risking their lives to keep us safe, particularly as peak wildfire and hurricane seasons approach,” says Michael Johnston, President of The KIND Foundation. “Thanks to the generosity of more than 60 companies, we’re set up to respond in real time and help take care of America’s heroes as they take care of us.”
As part of this expansion, Frontline Impact Project has initiated partnerships with two leading disaster response nonprofits, National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) and Good360, to get donated items to workers across the Gulf Coast and Western United States.
“Non-profit staff and volunteers work tirelessly to serve survivors impacted by disaster. Frontline Impact Project’s commitment and efforts to supporting those serving on the frontlines of disasters across the country is a welcome addition to the disaster response community,” says Katherine Boatwright, Director of Operations, NVOAD.
Since April, Frontline Impact Project has matched more than 650 frontline institutions with companies that have products or services to donate. Available resources include food, beverages, personal care items, mental health services and virtual fitness classes. Together with its inaugural partner KIND, the project has donated nearly four million products to date.
“We were looking for a flexible and streamlined way to donate our products. Frontline Impact Project gives us the opportunity to scale our giving as the situation demands and reach a deserving audience whose needs are paramount but not always top of mind,” says Aaron Croutch, Executive Vice President, Lenny & Larry’s.
Kara Goldin, Founder and CEO of Hint, adds, “Now, more than ever, it’s critical that we support first responders and help keep them healthy and hydrated. Hint has donated water to hundreds of healthcare organizations and first responders across the country, and the Frontline Impact Project has made coordination with a number of those groups much easier.”
In addition to Lenny and Larry’s and Hint, a number of companies have signed on to support this effort, including Adrenaline Shoc Smart Energy; Belgian Boys; CLEAN Cause; Just the Cheese; Kabaki Tea; Kodiak Cakes; KIND; La Colombe; Neuro; Paunchy Elephant; RISE Brewing Co; ROWDY; Purely Elizabeth; and ZICO Coconut Water.
To submit a donation or make a request, visit www.frontlineimpact.org.
July 22 | EMS Advocacy Facebook Livestream
July 22, 2020 | 14:00 ET | Register Now for a Reminder!
Join AAA advocacy experts for a fast-paced informal dialogue on Facebook Live! Learn first-hand about EMS advocacy initiatives in the face of COVID-19.
Register to receive a reminder email one hour in advance of the live broadcast on the American Ambulance Association Facebook page!
Panelists
- Randy Strozyk, Secretary, AAA
- Jamie Pafford-Gresham, Chair, AAA Government Affairs Committee
- Asbel Montes, Chair, AAA Payment Reform Committee
- Rob Lawrence, Chair, AAA Communications Committee
- Maria Bianchi, AAA Executive Director
- Tristan North, AAA SVP of Government Affairs
- Mercury Group Public Affairs
AAA Seeks Perspectives on EMS Diversity & Inclusion
As the demographics of our nation change, it becomes ever more essential for emergency medical services to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace more representative of the communities that we serve. To support this mission, the American Ambulance Association seeks tips, ideas, and perspectives from our membership on best practices for attracting, recruiting, and retaining the EMS workforce of tomorrow.
For this project, we are using the word “diversity” to refer to characteristics including—but not limited to—race, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic class, disability, and/or age.
While we are truly appreciative of all responses, AAA especially welcomes the perspectives of those who are themselves members of groups historically less represented in the EMS workforce.
If you would like to contribute your thoughts to this project, please complete our short form below. You do not need to disclose your identity if you do not wish to do so.
Massachusetts | Convoy of Champions
A parade of more than 50 ambulances, representing more than 20,000 paramedics, EMTs, and 911 dispatchers, traveled from UMass Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts to the warning track inside Fenway Park on Wednesday, May 20. The Boston Red Sox, Mayor Marty Walsh, state officials, and healthcare professionals joined the Massachusetts Ambulance Association, the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, and municipal ambulance providers in celebrating these front line heroes during National EMS Week.
Once inside the park, the EMS professionals were greeted by video tributes from dignitaries and celebrities and a select number of live speakers following safe social distancing guidelines.
The event takes on even greater significance this year because of the unprecedented response to the COVID-19 crisis from EMS professionals and their colleagues across the state’s medical community.
The Commonwealth’s EMS professionals have been crucial in responding to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Massachusetts has been among the nation’s hardest-hit states, experiencing the third most deaths and fourth-most cases of the novel coronavirus.
During the current public health crisis, EMS professionals have helped manage testing and treatment for homebound patients and provided supplemental support for hospitals and neighborhood health centers, in addition to its duties in responding to daily emergencies.
Thank you to everyone who participated in yesterday’s #ConvoyofChampions parade in celebration of #EMS! The event was a…
Posted by Massachusetts Ambulance Association on Thursday, May 21, 2020
Seeking EMS Grantwriters!
The American Ambulance Association seeks member organization employees and consultants with grant-writing expertise who may be interested in writing or presenting to ambulance services. Ideally, we would like to develop a one-hour webinar for members that includes tips for finding and winning grants of all kinds ( Assistance to Firefighter Grants, SAMHSA/ SIREN Act, local, non-profit, etc). If you may be interested, please contact ariordan@ambulance.org! Thank you for your support and participation.
HHS Provider Relief Tranche 2 Calculator
Use the American Ambulance Association’s simple form to estimate relief you may receive from the second tranche of HHS COVID-19 funding. Please note that not all providers will receive funds.
More information about this program as well as access to the form you must complete in the General Allocation Portal can be found on the HHS website.
For-profit and non-profit non-governmental providers, to determine your Net Patient Revenue for the portal, use the following information from your most recently filed tax return. (2019 if filed, otherwise use 2018 numbers).
Governmental providers, enter your revenue generated for the last audited financial year. When completing the form in the portal, select Tax Exempt Organization. When asked to upload a return at the end, upload your most recent audited financials.
Please do not enter commas or dollar signs. A negative number or zero in the Tranche 2 box indicates that you WILL NOT receive funding in tranche 2.
EMS Granted Access to the Amazon COVID-19 Store!
Thank you to the thousands of EMS and fire professionals who joined our social media campaign to encourage Amazon Business to admit mobile healthcare providers into their new COVID-19 Store. In response to the collective voices of our profession, Amazon has updated their policy! Effective April 6, EMS and Fire will begin to be onboarded into the limited-access marketplace. To participate:
- Ensure your agency has established an Amazon Business account.
- Request access to the COVID-19 Store. When you complete the form, select “OTHER” as organization type until/unless EMS becomes available as an option. When entering your company name, please make it clear that you are an ambulance service or fire department (no abbreviations).
- Wait patiently for up to 10 days to receive confirmation of access as each enrollment request is individually reviewed by Amazon staff.
- If you have questions, experience excessive delay, or need assistance, please contact Amazon support.
The store is a new venture, and the virtual shelves are in the process of being stocked. However, Amazon has assured us that they have tens of millions of units of PPE and supplies on rush order. We encourage you to set up your agency account and check back frequently for new item availability.
We hope that access to the COVID-19 supplies and Amazon’s legendary logistics and delivery expertise will assist ambulance services in meeting the needs of their communities during this challenging and stressful time.
Send AAA Your COVID-19 Photos!
We are living through challenging and historic times. Please help the American Ambulance Association share YOUR story, the true impact of EMS on the front lines of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
We need your service’s photos and videos! Please send us pictures and videos of your medics in action. (Of course no HIPAA violations, please.) Pictures in the field, in PPE, caring for patients, interacting with the community, taking off a mask after a long shift, etc are all essential for communicating visually with the legislators and regulators who impact our ability to operate effectively. A mix of closeups and broader shots would be great, and candid is typically (although not always) better than posed—use your best judgment!
There are a few ways to share:
- Tag the American Ambulance Association on Facebook (@americanambulanceassoc) or Twitter ( @amerambassoc) when you post your own photos that you don’t mind us borrowing for media, PR, etc.
- Text or email photos to Amanda Riordan at ariordan@ambulance.org or 703-615-4492
- Share your photos with your local news media!
Need a photo or video release waiver for patients and medics? Borrow ours!
Thank you for taking time away to help with this project when your services are so very busy. We are here to support you as you care for your communities! #SupportEMS
Infographic | What Does the CMS COVID-19 IFR Mean for EMS?
Looking for highlights from the new CMS IFR? See below for an infographic! (Members, read Kathy Lester, Esq.’s comprehensive summary.)
AAA Social Media Campaign During COVID-19
Demonstrate the value of EMS in the COVID-19 crisis!
#EMS is on the very front lines of the #COVID19 epidemic. We provide on-demand #mobilehealthcare for the most vulnerable patient populations, 24/7. Help AAA showcase the incredible importance of #Paramedics, #EMTs, and #Dispatchers in the response to this pandemic. Would you please capture a photo of yourselves in action, holding a simple sign? It is essential that we communicate visually with legislators, regulators, and the general public to help them understand the critically important role we play in saving and sustaining lives. #AlwaysOpen #StayHomeForUs
If practical, please consider showing your medics standing apart from one another (social distancing) if they are not in PPE.
COVID-19 Data Visualization from Johns Hopkins
Kudos to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) the development of this excellent COVID-19 data visualization.