March 15 | NAEMSP/AAA Town Hall

NAEMSP/AAA Town Hall:
The Future of Healthcare Policy After the COVID 19 Public Health Emergency: What does it mean for Emergency Medical Services?

March 15th  //  12-1pm ET

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system and has highlighted the need for healthcare reform. As the world moves forward from the pandemic, it is likely that the future of healthcare will be shaped by the need for cost containment while continuing to shift the healthcare delivery system to a more value-based care model.

For the past three years, we have seen new innovative approaches to healthcare delivery including the rapid adoption of telemedicine, and it is expected that this trend will continue in the post-pandemic world. Reimbursement reform continues to be an important issue for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems, as it affects their ability to provide high-quality care to patients. Despite the disruption that we have seen for the last three years, the EMS industry has continued to push forward with new innovative approaches to service delivery including the expansion of community paramedicine programs and the implementation of alternative programs like the Emergency Triage, Treat, and Transport (ET3) model. During this session, the panelists will discuss the current healthcare landscape, including what innovative programs may be here to stay and what it means for EMS Systems.

Moderator

Jose G. Cabañas, MD, MPH, FAEMS
President, NAEMSP

Panelists

Jonathan Oberlander, PhD
Professor & Chair of Social Medicine and Professor of Health Policy & Management
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Paul Hinchey, MD, MBA, FAEMS
COO for University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio

Larry McMillan, MHA
Chief Compliance Officer & ET3 Project Lead, Wake County EMS

Randy Strozyk, MBA
President, American Ambulance Association

Lekshmi Kumar, MD, MPH, FAEMS
Medical Director, Grady EMS

Melissa Kroll, MD
Washington University, St. Louis

EMS1 Webinar | Navigating a path to career satisfaction

Limited options for professional growth and the lack of a clear career path are barriers to recruitment, retention and career longevity.

The EMS Burnout Repair Kit series, presented by EMS1 and Zoll, equips individuals at all levels in EMS with tools for dealing with the primary sources of burnout, helping them emerge as better, happier providers and more complete people.

In this installment, a panel comprised of individuals representing different career paths in EMS and leaders from progressive agencies will discuss resources for career advancement and resiliency, how to find the path that is right for you, and how agencies can support providers in advancing their careers.

Join the live discussion, March 1 at 1 p.m. CT

Register Free

Meet the speakers 

Carly Alley

Carly Alley is the executive director for Riggs Ambulance Service in Merced, California. Earlier in her career, Alley served as a firefighter-EMT in the U.S. Forest Service while earning her paramedic certification. After being hired by Riggs, she transitioned to the agency’s tactical EMS program, where she spent 10 years as the team leader before moving into administration.

Michael Fraley, BS, BA, NRP

Michael Fraley has over 25 years of experience in EMS in a wide range of roles, including flight paramedic, EMS coordinator, service director and educator. Fraley began his career in EMS while earning a bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M University. He also earned a BA in business administration from Lakeland College.

When not working as a paramedic or the coordinator of a regional trauma advisory council, Michael serves as a public safety diver and SCUBA instructor in northern Wisconsin.

John (JP) Peterson, MS, MBA

JP Peterson is the newly appointed executive director at Mecklenburg EMS Agency (MEDIC) in Charlotte, North Carolina. He started his career as an EMT in Chicago in 2000 and most recently served as vice president of Florida operations for PatientCare EMS Solutions.

He is licensed as a paramedic in Florida and North Carolina, and holds National Board Certification as an occupational therapist. He has completed Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification and is a graduate of the American Ambulance Association, Ambulance Service Manager Course. JP received the Pinellas County Commissioner, John Morroni Award for first responders in 2013.

JP is a past president of the Florida Ambulance Association. He is a member of the North Carolina Association of EMS Administrators as well as the AAA Bylaws, Professional Standards and Ethics committees.

HHS PRF Tranche 4 | Important Funding Opportunity for EMS Providers


Speaker: Scott Moore, Esq. | Share on Facebook
This funding opportunity will distribute $25.5 billion in additional Phase 4 General Distribution for EMS agencies and American Rescue Plan (ARP) payments for qualified rural providers who furnish services to Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare beneficiaries. It is critical for all #EMS providers to apply for this funding opportunity regardless of previous funding allocations. We have learned that many EMS providers did not apply for the Tranche 3 funding opportunity because they did not believe that they would be eligible to receive funds under the announced funding formula. Due to the limited number of applicants in Tranche 3, HRSA modified the formula and many who failed to apply would have received funds. We are recommending that all EMS agencies apply to receive the funding that they desperately need. The deadline for applying is 11:59 p.m. on October 26, 2021. There is no penalty for applying.

On-Demand | Flipping OFF the Switch on HOT Emergency Medical Vehicle Responses!

Flipping OFF the Switch on HOT Emergency Medical Vehicle Responses!
Recorded July 7, 2021 | 14:00–15:15 pm ET | FREE Webinar

Download Slide Deck | Watch on YouTube

HOT (red light and siren) responses put EMS providers and the public at significant risk. Studies have demonstrated that the time saved during this mode of vehicle operation and that reducing HOT responses enhances safety of personnel, with little to no impact on patient outcomes. Some agencies have ‘dabbled’ with responding COLD (without lights and sirens) to some calls, but perhaps none as dramatic as Niagara Region EMS in Ontario, Canada – who successfully flipped their HOT responses to a mere 10% of their 911 calls! Why did they do it? How did they do it? What has been the community response? What has been the response from their workforce? Has there been any difference in patient outcomes? Join Niagara Region EMS to learn the answers to these questions and more. Panelists from co-hosting associations will participate to share their perspectives on this important EMS safety issue!

Speakers

Kevin Smith, BAppB:ES, CMM III, ACP, CEMC
Chief
Niagara Emergency Medical Services

Jon R. Krohmer, MD, FACEP, FAEMS
Director, Office of EMS
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Team Lead, COVID-19 EMS/Prehospital Team

Douglas F. Kupas, MD, EMT-P, FAEMS, FACEP
Medical Director, NAEMT
Medical Director, Geisinger EMS

Matt Zavadsky, MS-HSA, NREMT
Chief Strategic Integration Officer
MedStar Mobile Integrated Healthcare

Bryan R. Wilson, MD, NRP, FAAEM
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
St. Luke’s University Health Network
Medical Director, City of Bethlehem EMS

Robert McClintock
Director of Fire & EMS Operations
Technical Assistance and Information Resources
International Association of Fire Fighters

Mike McEvoy, PhD, NRP, RN, CCRN
Chair – EMS Section Board – International Association of Fire Chiefs
EMS Coordinator – Saratoga County, New York
Chief Medical Officer – West Crescent Fire Department
Professional Development Coordinator – Clifton Park & Halfmoon EMS
Cardiovascular ICU Nurse Clinician – Albany Medical Center

Webinar | Ambulance Fleet Tips for Weathering the Chassis Shortage

Ambulance Fleet Tips for Weathering the Chassis Shortage
Webinar | June 23, 2021 | 14:00 ET | Free to AAA Members

Register Now

The American Ambulance Association and the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services recently reported that a global semiconductor shortage has crippled the production of motor vehicle chassis—including those used by ambulance manufacturers and remounters. Ford Motor Company, which supplies approximately 70% of the ambulance chassis used in the US, halted production in mid-April. The end is not yet in sight, with the shortage of the critically important microchips predicted to run into 2022.

Join ambulance fleet experts from across the country to learn what your EMS agency can do NOW to extend the lifecycle of your vehicles and minimize the impact of the chip and chassis shortage. Additionally, learn how the American Ambulance Association is working to drive federal, state, and local advocacy efforts to ensure that first responders are at the front of the line when production resumes. Don’t miss your chance to learn from ambulance fleet luminaries how they keep their crews rolling, 24/7!

Register Now

Speakers

Drew Morrow
Director of Support Services, Pro EMS

Mark Van Arnam
Administrator, CAAS GVS

Maria Bianchi
CEO, American Ambulance Association

Trampus Gaspard
Senior Director of Logistics, Acadian Companies

6/16 | Federal Interagency Committee on EMS Virtual Meeting

Federal Interagency Committee on EMS to Hold Virtual Meeting on June 16

FICEMS also recently approved a new strategic plan to guide Federal activities related to EMS through 2025

The Federal Interagency Committee on EMS, which coordinates EMS activities throughout the federal government, will hold its first virtual meeting of 2021 on June 16 at 1 pm ET. Members of the public are invited to watch the webcast. Visit the FICEMS meeting page to learn more and view the agenda, or click below to register now. Anyone wishing to provide public comment can email FICEMS@dot.gov with “FICEMS Feedback” in the subject line. There will also be opportunities to ask questions or submit comments via a chat function during the webcast.

Register Now

New FICEMS Strategic Plan

One of the items on the agenda for the next FICEMS meeting is the new FICEMS Strategic Plan, which is now available on EMS.gov. The plan will guide FICEMS and its efforts to support and advance EMS and 911 services in the Nation over the next five years. The plan outlines seven strategic goals, each with multiple objectives, that will serve as the foundation for the activities of FICEMS and its member agencies.

Read the FICEMS strategic plan and learn more about the committee’s vision for Federal support of state, local, tribal and territorial EMS.

Download

Webinar 7/7 | Lights & Sirens Responses


Flipping OFF the Switch on HOT Emergency Medical Vehicle Responses!

Free Webinar July 7 | 14:00–15:15 ET

HOT (red light and siren) responses put EMS providers and the public at significant risk. Studies have demonstrated that the time saved during this mode of vehicle operation and that reducing HOT responses enhances safety of personnel, with little to no impact on patient outcomes. Some agencies have ‘dabbled’ with responding COLD (without lights and sirens) to some calls, but perhaps none as dramatic as Niagara Region EMS in Ontario, Canada – who successfully flipped their HOT responses to a mere 10% of their 911 calls! Why did they do it? How did they do it? What has been the community response? What has been the response from their workforce? Has there been any difference in patient outcomes? Join Niagara Region EMS to learn the answers to these questions and more. Panelists from co-hosting associations will participate to share their perspectives on this important EMS safety issue!

Speakers

Kevin Smith, BAppB:ES, CMM III, ACP, CEMC
Chief
Niagara Emergency Medical Services

Jon R. Krohmer, MD, FACEP, FAEMS
Team Lead, COVID-19 EMS/Prehospital Team
Director, Office of EMS
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Douglas F. Kupas, MD, EMT-P, FAEMS, FACEP
Medical Director, NAEMT
Medical Director, Geisinger EMS

Matt Zavadsky, MS-HSA, NREMT
Chief Strategic Integration Officer
MedStar Mobile Integrated Healthcare

Bryan R. Wilson, MD, NRP, FAAEM
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
St. Luke’s University Health Network
Medical Director, City of Bethlehem EMS

Robert McClintock
Director of Fire & EMS Operations
Technical Assistance and Information Resources
International Association of Fire Fighters

Mike McEvoy, PhD, NRP, RN, CCRN
Chair – EMS Section Board – International Association of Fire Chiefs
EMS Coordinator – Saratoga County, New York
Chief Medical Officer – West Crescent Fire Department
Professional Development Coordinator – Clifton Park & Halfmoon EMS
Cardiovascular ICU Nurse Clinician – Albany Medical Center

Register Now (Free)

Webinar | Who Was Jack Stout and Why Do His Ideas Still Resonate?

From AIMHI, FirstWatch, and the National EMS Museum | Hosted on Prodigy EMS

Who Was Jack Stout and Why Do His Ideas Still Resonate?

Thursday, June 24th | 9:00am PT (12:00pm ET)
Followed by a 30 minute session for remaining Q&A and practical tips for FirstWatch customers and interested Public Safety agencies
The late Jack Stout, an economist by training, is considered the father of high performance EMS. His public utility model, implemented in a half a dozen spots in the 70’s and 80s, transformed how communities thought about the relationship between efficiency, policy, and patient centric care in their EMS systems. Almost every EMS system in America includes elements of his design. He captured his ideas in more than a 100 articles and columns in JEMS, the Journal of Emergency Medical Services, in the 1980’s.
The National EMS Museum just announced the formation of the Jack Stout Archive, where his legacy in writing will live on. The archive received the financial support of FirstWatch and the Academy of International Mobile Healthcare Integration (AIMHI.)
In this highly interactive CTM, facilitators Mike Taigman and Rob Lawrence will be joined by Kristy Van Hoven, the Museum’s director, Todd Stout, Jack’s son and president of FirstWatch, Keith Griffiths, the founding editor of JEMS, and Jon Washko, a “Stoutian” disciple and highly respected consultant and EMS system expert. They’ll discuss the Archive and its mission. They will explore with you why Jack’s ideas are vital for today’s EMS leader and key for the design of EMS systems in the future.
Speakers:
Kristy Van Hoven
Kristy Van Hoven joined The National EMS Museum team in late 2018 and is currently serving as the Director of The National EMS Museum (NEMSM). In partnership with the Museum’s Board of Directors, she is leading the charge for NEMSM to grow into the national museum dedicated to preserving the legacy and stories of early pre-hospital care while inspiring a future generation of EMS professionals through engaging exhibitions, research, and programs. Concurrently, Kristy is pursuing a doctoral degree in which she is studying the effect museum programs and collections have on the health and wellbeing of those suffering brain trauma and how partnerships between medical professionals and museums can create a network of care for patients and practitioners beyond the clinical walls.
Todd Stout
Todd Stout, President of FirstWatch and the recipient of a JEMS EMS 10 Innovator Award, a Pinnacle Leadership Award, and the Dr. Jeff Clawson Leadership Award has extensive experience in multiple aspects of EMS, including in the field, dispatch, management and public safety communications software. He began his career as an EMS Stock boy and has spent the last two decades focusing on helping public safety and health agencies improve operational performance, clinical care and situational awareness.
Keith Griffiths
Keith Griffiths is the founding partner of the RedFlash Group, an award-winning communications and marketing firm serving the public safety market. He was the founding editor JEMS, the Journal of Emergency Medical Services, where he worked with the late Jim Page to build Jems Communications, which included the EMS Today trade show, a book division, newsletters and other periodicals. He worked as Jack Stout’s editor for nearly 10 years during the 1980’s.
Jonathan Wahsko
Jonathan Washko, MBA, FACPE, NRP, AEMD has been involved in the EMS industry for over 30 years and has held progressive leadership positions with small, medium and large EMS systems and has worked with or for government, private, for-profit and not-for-profit entities. Mr. Washko is considered the leading industry expert on EMS system design, High Performance EMS concepts, Industry Best Practices, EMS Deployment, Lean Business Processes, System Status Management, Use of Technology, IP Development, EMS Economics and EMS Finance and is often called upon by EMS systems in crisis as well as those considered at the top of their game, in order to help transform these organizations to become the best they can be. Mr. Washko frequently speaks at national conferences, is a JEMS EMS10 Innovator award recipient, sits on various industry boards and advises EMS agencies and governments on an international basis on EMS Systems improvement.
Facilitators:
Mike Taigman, MA
Mike uses more than four decades of experience to help EMS leaders and field personnel improve the care and service they provide to patients and their communities. Mike is the improvement guide for FirstWatch and a nationally recognized author and speaker. He was the facilitator for the national EMS Agenda 2050 project and teaches improvement science in the Master’s in Healthcare Administration and Interprofessional Leadership program at the University of California San Francisco. He will serve as host and facilitator for Conversations that Matter.
Rob Lawrence, MCMI
Rob has part-time roles as Director of Strategic Implementation for Pro EMS of Cambridge, Mass. and the Executive Director of the California Ambulance Association. Rob is also the Principal of Robert Lawrence Consulting. Rob served as the California COO with Paramedics Plus after nine years as the COO of the Richmond Ambulance Authority. Prior to that, he was the COO for Suffolk as part of the East of England Ambulance Service. He is a graduate of the UK’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, serving for 23 years as a Medical Support Officer. Rob is the Communications Committee Chair of the American Ambulance Association, a member of the EMS World Advisory Board, and an accomplished writer, broadcaster and international speaker.

 

EMS.gov | On-Demand Webinar | Experts Address the Next Phase of the Pandemic

From EMS.gov on April 21

EMS and Public Health Experts Address the Next Phase of the Pandemic

In last month’s EMS Focus webinar, “What the Vaccine Means for EMS Operations,” Florida’s State EMS Medical Director, Kenneth Scheppke, MD, and Commander Bryan Christensen, PhD, with the US Public Health Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tackled topics ranging from PPE to quarantine rules to the long-term impacts of the pandemic on EMS.

Download Slide Deck

Millions of EMS clinicians and members of the public across the nation have now received a COVID-19 vaccine. But exactly what does that mean for EMS systems and organizations? In this webinar, learn what we know, and what we don’t know yet, about how the vaccines are changing our approach to the coronavirus pandemic. You’ll hear from experts helping to create and implement guidance for EMS services during these unprecedented times. They’ll address topics such as:

  • Testing and quarantine implications
  • EMS clinicians who have not been vaccinated
  • Vaccines and coronavirus variants
    Lessons learned for the next pandemic

Presenters:

  • Bryan E. Christensen, PhD, is an epidemiologist and industrial hygienist with the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion (DHQP) in the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He is also an environmental health officer in the U.S. Public Health Service. During the COVID-19 response, Bryan has been deployed in several capacities and has served on the Prehospital/EMS Team as part of the Federal Healthcare Resilience Working Group.
  • Kenneth A. Scheppke, MD, FAEMS, is Florida’s State EMS medical director. A board-certified EMS and emergency physician, he also serves as chief medical officer for several fire-rescue agencies in southeast Florida, and has been a leader in the state’s response to coronavirus.
  • Jon Krohmer, MD, director of NHTSA’s Office of EMS and team lead for the Federal Healthcare Resilience Working Group EMS/Prehospital Team, will moderate.

FirstWatch Webinar | ET3 Medical Triage Line NOFO Help

From FirstWatch Solutions

You’re invited to join us for a 30-minute webinar to help with your team’s submission for the

ET3 Notice Of Funding Opportunity (NOFO): Medical Triage Line

Tuesday, April 20th

9:00am PT / 12:00pm ET

ET3 submissions for Medical Triage Line are due May 11, 2021

FirstWatch & Priority Solutions have partnered to create ‘cut-n-paste’ text for your review / potential use designed for relevant sections of the ET3 NOFO directed at Low-Code (Emergency Communication Nurse System (ECNS) and long-time partner solution offered by FirstWatch (real-time views of ECNS, ProQA & CAD data, as well as Reporting requirements) for your review & consideration, as part of your submission.
Register Here for Webinar on April 20th

Register Now

Webinar Speakers

Rob Lawrence, MCMI

Rob has part-time roles as Director of Strategic Implementation for Pro EMS of Cambridge, Mass. and the Executive Director of the California Ambulance Association. Rob is also the Principal of Robert Lawrence Consulting. Rob served as the California COO with Paramedics Plus after nine years as the COO of the Richmond Ambulance Authority. Prior to that, he was the COO for Suffolk as part of the East of England Ambulance Service. He is a graduate of the UK’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, serving for 23 years as a Medical Support Officer. Rob is the Communications Committee Chair of the American Ambulance Association. Rob is an accomplished writer, broadcaster and international speaker and is a member of the EMS World Advisory Board.

Elaine Messerli-Kelly, BSN-RN

Elaine is a Subject Matter Expert specializing in nurse triage and programs aimed at navigating patients to appropriate care. Elaine and EMK Consultants have partnered with several agencies who are seeking innovative solutions to traditional care which will improve the health of their communities. She works with Priority Solutions and the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch as a Regional ECNS and ECN-Quality Instructor.

Dr. Conrad Fivaz

Dr. Fivaz chairs the Council of Standards for Emergency Nurse Triage within the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch, the body responsible for the clinical governance of the nurse triage protocols. He fulfills the role of Clinical Director for PSI. He is also a member of the IAED CBRN committee.

He held a position as associate editor of the peer-reviewed journal, Annals of Emergency Dispatch and Response and authored numerous original research papers. He co-authored the clinical triage protocols used in the ECNS system and implemented the system in many countries on 4 continents over a 20-year period.

He qualified as Family Physician in South Africa where his interest and experience in clinical triage medicine started when he worked as emergency physician in a busy tertiary University Hospital’s Emergency Department and flight doctor for the “Flight for Life” helicopter service while completing his Masters degree in Family Medicine. He worked as a Family Physician in the UK before relocating with his family to the US.

CMS | 4/13 Webinar | HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program

From CMS on April 12, 2021

Upcoming Webinar for Providers on the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program: Interested in learning more about the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program? Participating providers are reimbursed at Medicare rates for testing, treating and administering COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured individuals.

Providers who have conducted COVID-19 testing to uninsured individuals, provided treatment for uninsured individuals with a COVID_19 diagnosis on or after February 4, 2020, or administered COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured individuals can begin the process to file claims for reimbursement. Providers can familiarize themselves with this process at https://www.hrsa.gov/coviduninsuredclaim, and learn more and file claims at https://coviduninsuredclaim.linkhealth.com/. Providers can also view Frequently Asked Questions about the program.

Join us on Tuesday April 13, 2021 at 2PM ET for an informational webinar.

Register Now

Feel free to share this with others who may be interested!

AIMHI Webinar 3/23 | Developing and Implementing Evidence-Based Protocols

From the Academy of International Mobile Healthcare Integration

Free Webinar | March 23 | Noon ET | Register Now►

EMS delivers medical care, first and foremost. The most crucial role of an EMS Medical Director is to develop, implement and quality assure protocols used in the delivery of medical care by EMS personnel, including Emergency Medical Dispatchers. This webinar will share the ways that Medical Directors of some of the most innovative EMS systems determine what medical treatments are included in protocols for EMS personnel, both in the ‘traditional’ role of EMS care delivery, but also enhanced protocols for things like Mobile Integrated Healthcare and alternate disposition models of care. Some of the topics discussed will be:

  • How do you determine an evidence-base for protocols?
  • How often should protocols be updated?
  • How do you balance clinical efficacy with operational realities?
  • What are some best practices in provider credentialing?

 

Register Now►

Speakers

Brian Miller, MD, FACEP, FAEMS is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine, and EMS division faculty at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He is the Associate System Medical Director with the Office of the Medical Director for the MAEMSA/MedStar Mobile Healthcare system in Fort Worth, TX. He also serves as the Deputy Medical Director for Dallas Fire-Rescue and 11 other surrounding suburbs making up the UTSW/Parkland BioTel EMS System. He graduated from Emergency Medicine residency at Indiana University and completed his EMS fellowship at UT Southwestern.

Dr. Doug Munkley started his career in 1980 as an Emergency Medicine Physician for Niagara Health where he practiced until 2016. During this time, he became actively involved in the early development of emergency prehospital care in Ontario and has worked as Medical Director for the Niagara Paramedic Program (1986-2020) as well as for the Niagara EMS Ambulance Communications Services from 2004 to present.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Munkley has been an integral part in EMS research including co-author of the Ontario Pre-hospital Advanced Life Support (OPALS) Project as well as the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) as a Site Investigator. Most recently, as Medical Director for Niagara EMS’s Accredited Centre of Excellence (MPDS and ECNS), Dr. Munkley has helped develop an evidence-based, clinical-outcome response plan based on a Mobile Integrated Health model of service delivery.

Dr. Munkley spends his free time as an avid cyclist, skier, old house restorer, gardener and beekeeper with hopes to resume travelling once his COVID antibodies are up.

Register Now►

Webinar 3/25 | What the Vaccine Means for EMS Operations

From EMS.gov

What the Vaccine Means for EMS Operations

Tune in on Thursday, March 25, at 1 pm ET for the latest edition of EMS Focus, a federal webinar series hosted by NHTSA’s Office of EMS

Register Now

Millions of EMS clinicians and members of the public across the nation have now received a COVID-19 vaccine. But exactly what does that mean for EMS systems and organizations? In this webinar, learn what we know, and what we don’t know yet, about how the vaccines are changing our approach to the coronavirus pandemic. You’ll hear from experts helping to create and implement guidance for EMS services during these unprecedented times. They’ll address topics such as:

  • Testing and quarantine implications
  • EMS clinicians who have not been vaccinated
  • Vaccines and coronavirus variants

Register Now

Panelists Include:

Bryan E. Christensen, PhD, is an epidemiologist and industrial hygienist with the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion (DHQP) in the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He is also an environmental health officer in the U.S. Public Health Service. During the COVID-19 response, Bryan has been deployed in several capacities and has served on the Prehospital/EMS Team as part of the Federal Healthcare Resilience Working Group.

Kenneth A. Scheppke, MD, FAEMS, is Florida’s State EMS medical director. A board-certified EMS and emergency physician, he also serves as chief medical officer for several fire-rescue agencies in southeast Florida, and has been a leader in the state’s response to coronavirus.

Jon Krohmer, MD, director of NHTSA’s Office of EMS and team lead for the Federal Healthcare Resilience Working Group EMS/Prehospital Team, will moderate the webinar.

Attendees will be encouraged to submit questions during any point of the discussion. The webinar and Q&A will last approximately one hour.

About EMS Focus

EMS Focus provides a venue to discuss crucial initiatives, issues and challenges for EMS stakeholders and leaders nationwide. Be sure to visit ems.gov for information about upcoming webinars and to view past recordings.

Webinar 3/18 | ASPR Healthcare System Cybersecurity Response

From the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response

Healthcare System Cybersecurity Response: Experiences and Considerations March 18, 2021 ~ 1:30-2:45 PM ET

Presenters on this webinar will discuss their experiences and tangible lessons learned in responding to cybersecurity incidents. This webinar builds upon the recently released Healthcare System Cybersecurity: Readiness and Response Considerations document and accompanying overview presentation that describes how to use the resource. The webinar will take place on Thursday, March 18, 2021 from 1:30-2:45 PM ET.

Register today!

Moderator:

  • John Hick, MD, Hennepin Healthcare Introductions:
  • Laura Wolf, Ph.D., Director, Division of Critical Infrastructure Protection, HHS ASPR Speakers (listed in alphabetical order):
  • Lisa Bazis, MS, Chief Information Security Officer, Nebraska Medicine
  • Craig DeAtley, PA-C, Director, Institute for Public Health Emergency Readiness, MedStar Washington Hospital Center
  • Dawn Straub, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Executive Director, Nursing Professional Practice & Informatics, Nebraska Medicine

Register Now►

FirstWatch Resilience Dialogue Webinars

From FirstWatch

Monthly Interactive Session
Friday, March 12th, 2021 | 9:00am PT / Noon ET
Resilience involves the ability to handle stress, bounce back, and move forward in life. The challenges of the last year highlight the need for individual, organizational, and collective resilience. We’ve learned a lot about how to build resilience and improve your ability to deal with all kinds of stress. These dialogues are open forums to explore resilience, all the things that cause stress in our lives, relationships, and more. Please join us for these monthly interactive sessions where everyone, including family members, is welcome. They will be held the second Friday of the month at 9am Pacific time.

Cybersecurity for EMS: Combatting The Cyber Kill Chain

Cybersecurity for EMS: Combatting The Cyber Kill Chain
Watch on Facebook Live | Watch on YouTube
Recorded February 25, 2021
Speaker: Mark Campbell, Global Medical Response

Add your IT and Cybersecurity Team to AAA’s New Working Group!

AAA members, please email the name, job title, and email address of your tech leader to amanda@ambulance.org for inclusion in a new Basecamp collaborative group.

EMS1 & FirstWatch Webinar | Public Sector EMS Grants

Grant me the Money!

Finding, completing, and winning grant funding in the public sector
Thursday, February 25th, 2021 | 10:30am PT
Followed by a 30 minute session on practical tools for FirstWatch customers and interested Public Safety agencies

More than $600 billion in nationwide grants is available to public safety agencies and local government each year—
but it can be difficult to navigate through the grant process. Few agencies have grants experts on staff, or the time to research opportunities and develop grant applications.

February’s “Conversations That Matter” will consult the professionals on where grant sources are, the methodology for completing applications, the key elements and evidence needed to write a successful grant, and the timetable for grant production.

Hosts Mike Taigman and Rob Lawrence will be joined by grants experts from Lexipol, the company behind EMS1, FireRescue1 and Police1. They have been helping public safety find and secure grants for more than 20 years.

In true CTM style, we’re sure our attendees will have tips to contribute as well.

Register Free on Prodigy

Feb 2 Webinar | Free: Best Practices in EMS Transformation During the Pandemic

Best Practices in EMS Transformation During the Pandemic
Co-Hosted by NASEMSO, NAEMSP, and AIMHI
Tuesday, February 2 | Noon ET
Register Free

Many EMS agencies have dramatically transformed their clinical and operational and approach for care delivery, as well as enhancing their role in the community, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. EMS regulators have had to navigate the regulatory environment to change rules that facilitate the changes necessary for EMS agencies to effectively serve their communities. Implementing transformational change requires strong clinical leadership, responsive operational acumen, and in many cases, changes in the regulatory environment. Successful transformation takes close collaboration with medical direction, operations and regulatory oversight.

Join panelists from the Academy of International Mobile Healthcare Integration, the National Association of EMS Physicians, and the National Association of State EMS Officials as they highlight examples and best practices for navigating the clinical, operational and regulatory maze to facilitate transforming the role of EMS.

Register Free

Lytx | Free Fleet Webinar January 28

Sponsored Content from Lytx

Protect Your Brand, Bottom Line and Gain More Visibility into Your Fleet with More Than Just a Map
Free Webinar January 28 at 2:00 ET

Savvy contractors know that GPS fleet management solutions are key for maximizing productivity, efficiency, safety, customer satisfaction, and more. In today’s modern world, they are adding new technology to take those benefits to the next level. Learn how the Lytx Fleet Tracking Map provides immediate fleet activity including geo-fencing, fuel economy, how to calculate stops in a day, and route.

Register Free

On-Demand | EMS Physician Virtual Town Hall: COVID Vaccines

Cohosted by NAEMT, NAEMSP, and NASEMSO
Recorded Thursday, January 7, 2021
2:00–3:00 pm EST

EMS practitioners have been serving as the “tip of the spear” in responding to and managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Paramedics and EMTs across the country have contracted COVID-19, and too many have succumbed to the virus. The launch of the vaccination program has included a great deal of information about the vaccines, not all of which has been accurate. Confusing or misleading information about COVID-19 vaccinations may cause some EMS practitioners to choose not to receive the vaccine.

To help cut through the noise, NAEMT has assembled some of our nation’s most notable EMS physician leaders for a virtual town hall to answer your questions and concerns regarding the COVID vaccines. This will be a spirited discussion, led primarily by the questions YOU ask. Questions can be asked live, or submitted in advance to Matt Zavadsky.

Moderator: Matt Zavadsky, MS-HSA, NREMT – Chief Strategic Integration Officer, Medstar Mobile Healthcare, Ft. Worth, TX; 2019-2020 President, NAEMT

Panelists:

  • Doug Kupas, MD, FAEMS, FACEP – EMS Medical Director, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; NAEMSP Board Member; NASEMSO Medical Director’s Council
  • Kenneth A. Scheppke, MD, FAEMS – EMS Medical Director, State of Florida; Medical Director, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
  • Veer D. Vithalani, MD, FACEP, FAEMS – System Medical Director, Office of the Medical Director, Metropolitan Area EMS Authority; Chief Medical Officer, MedStar Mobile Healthcare
  • Jon R. Krohmer, MD, FACEP, FAEMS – Director, Office of EMS, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Team Lead, HHS Healthcare Resiliency Working Group EMS/Prehospital Team