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FREE FOR THE ASKING: PRODUCTS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE TO COVID-19 FRONTLINE HEROES

Frontline Impact Project Works with Corporate Donors to Provide Food, Beverages, Personal Care Items and Mental Health Services to Frontline Heroes

NEW YORK — Amid a devastating Covid-19 resurgence, Frontline Impact Project is offering the nation’s healthcare workers and first responders access to non-PPE donations. Created by The KIND Foundation, Frontline Impact Project has become a primary vehicle through which the business community has shown support for the men and women who are keeping America’s communities healthy. The platform offers institutions a streamlined way to request and receive resources that will lift spirits and boost morale.

Hospitals are encouraged to make requests in whatever quantity they need. Requests as small as 25 items and as large as 30,000 items have been fulfilled. Typically, a hospital asks for one item per employee in one or more categories, including food, beverages, gum/mints, housing, skincare, hygiene, sanitizer, virtual fitness and mental health. Hospitals are also encouraged to make requests outside of the aforementioned categories if they have a need.  In addition to public and private hospitals of all sizes, institutions eligible for donations include assisted living facilities, nursing homes, community healthcare centers, outpatient clinics and EMS squads.

Norman Stein, Chief Development Officer and Senior Vice President, Boston Medical Center, says, “It is of vital importance we provide our frontline caregivers with nourishment as they work tirelessly to care for our patients and community, and the donation from Frontline Impact Project has certainly helped us stay committed to that goal.”

Sean Gibson, Manager, Duke University Hospital’s Trauma Center, echoed Stein’s sentiment saying, “We are grateful for Frontline Impact Project’s support of our healthcare community. We need everyone’s help to overcome this global health crisis, and donations such as this make a notable difference for our workers on the front lines.”

At www.frontlineimpact.org, representatives from frontline institutions can submit requests for resources along with a reference to validate the institution’s legitimacy. After a request has been submitted, Frontline Impact Project matches the requester with a corporate donor(s). The donor(s) then work to deliver the product and/or service directly. While not every request is fulfilled, Frontline Impact Project does all it can to ensure needs are met.

To date, nearly 60 corporate partners, including KIND, Unilever, Extra Gum, Nestlé, Keurig Dr Pepper, Justin’s, Hint, Harry’s, RISE Brewing Co., Headspace and Image Skincare, have donated more than 3.6 million products. The platform has made 537 matches across 41 states.

“We are prepared to support the needs of frontline healthcare workers and first responders no matter how long it takes for this crisis to pass,” says Michael Johnston, President of The KIND Foundation. “Frontline workers’ needs will inevitably change in the days and weeks to come. Our intention is to recruit diverse partners now so that we are poised to meet new and unexpected needs later.”

Visit the Frontline Impact Project website for more information. Direct questions to Jonathan Yates at jyates@lubetzky.org.

The situation

COVID-19 is one of the greatest humanitarian, health and economic crises of our time, and its impacts continue to be felt every day. Back in the spring, as the severity of the virus became known, The KIND Foundation (in consultation with Project N95) created Frontline Impact Project (FIP) to support those risking their lives to keep us safe. FIP matches healthcare workers and first responders with donated products and services. Three months later, we remain focused on helping frontline heroes who are working extraordinary hours in taxing circumstances. With support from more than 50 partners, including KIND, Unilever, Extra Gum, Nestlé, Keurig Dr Pepper, Justin’s, Hint, Harry’s, Headspace and Image Skincare, we hope to ease their stress and bring levity to their days. To date, FIP has generated 425 matches across 40 states and, together with its inaugural partner KIND, donated more than 2.5 million products. In the words of one beneficiary, “There is a big smile beneath my mask.”

While we’re proud of our impact, there is a lot of work ahead, especially as COVID ravages new parts of the country. According to a recent survey of frontline institutions, 100% of respondents said that their workers still have many needs beyond PPE. For example:

  • The volunteers at a Boston clinic, who are so busy treating homeless COVID+ patients that they barely have time to eat;
  • The ER nurse whose face is breaking out and indented due to a tight N95 mask, and whose hands are chapped from constant washing.
  • The ICU workers who are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress and psychological trauma which, if left untreated, can result in chronic burnout among other things.

Of those surveyed, more than half said that they need food and beverages, and one-in-five said that personal care and wellness products would be beneficial. Other commonly cited needs included disinfectant/sanitizer; mental health support; and housing/transportation. We are committed to providing these items and more for the duration of the crisis.

How it works

  • Through FIP’s website, frontline institutions submit requests for resources. Submitters provide a reference for vetting to ensure the institution’s legitimacy. Departments or units within a larger institution are encouraged to work with their internal procurement team before submitting so that FIP can efficiently fulfill requests and help as many people as possible;
  • The system matches requesting institutions with relevant donors, and the donors subsequently deliver the products or services directly;
  • To ensure ample supply, FIP continually recruits corporate partners to donate non-PPE items.

 

Why it works

  • Times of great uncertainty call for maximum responsiveness. FIP is able to pivot quickly based on needs expressed directly from the frontlines. The platform is built to deliver resources to a range of institutions – from major hospital systems to volunteer EMS squads. Its customized approach guarantees that small institutions are not overlooked and those located in hot spots are prioritized.
  • On the demand side, FIP centralizes resources to create efficiencies and prevents institutions from being overwhelmed by individual corporate outreach.
  • On the supply side, FIP provides a solution for companies seeking a streamlined and flexible way to direct resources. Partners have access to a diverse network of institutions and assurance that their donations will be received by legitimate institutions in need.

NYT: Disposable N95 Masks Can Be Decontaminated

Disposable N95 Masks Can Be Decontaminated, Researchers Confirm

The National Institutes of Health released research showing N95 masks can be used more than once using certain decontamination methods to prevent infection from the coronavirus, a claim that has been proven from previous research but never specifically for COVID-19. The researchers found that using vaporized hydrogen peroxide or ultraviolet light are preferred methods since masks can still function for at least three rounds of decontamination, while dry heat at 158 degrees Fahrenheit was effective for two rounds of decontamination, but ethyl alcohol was not recommended because it degraded the mask material despite killing the virus. (The New York Times)

Read the Article

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

EMS Week 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 16, 2020

EMS STRONG LAUNCHES “READY TODAY. PREPARING FOR TOMORROW.” CAMPAIGN TO HONOR EMS PROFESSIONALS

Campaign unifies the profession and brings awareness to National EMS Week, May 17-23, 2020

 WASHINGTON March 16, 2020– The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), in partnership with the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), is proud to announce this year’s EMS STRONG campaign theme: READY TODAY. PREPARING FOR TOMORROW. The annual EMS STRONG campaign provides opportunities to recognize the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) community, enhance and strengthen the profession on a national level and celebrate National EMS Week, May 17-23, 2020.

The campaign brings together key organizations, media partners and corporate sponsors that are committed to recognizing and fortifying the EMS community, commending recent groundbreaking accomplishments and increasing awareness of National EMS Week.

“As we enter a new decade, we look ahead to the future of prehospital care. This future will include dramatic improvements in patient care, thanks to advances in research, information sharing and life- changing technology,” says William P. Jaquis, MD, FACEP, President of ACEP. “During National EMS Week, and throughout the year, we are proud to recognize EMS and fire professionals who tirelessly serve their communities and care for patients and their families every day.”

EMSSTRONG.org serves as a resource for stakeholders and the public to learn of inspiring stories from EMS practitioners, ways to get involved and EMS Week ideas, activities and templates. The website, which is also home to the annual EMS Week Planning Guide, encourages EMS professionals and stakeholders to promote their own industry and share content on social media platforms.

“The 2020 theme ‘Ready Today. Preparing for Tomorrow’ reflects what individual EMS professionals and organizations do every day as they respond to calls for help at any time and in any place,” explains

NAEMT President Matt Zavadsky. “The EMT and paramedic care of tomorrow will continue to expand into services that include community paramedicine, injury and illness prevention training and CPR and bleeding control education.”

EMS Week dedicates each weekday to specific themes under the “Ready Today. Preparing for Tomorrow.” umbrella. First responders are encouraged to plan activities and events around these themes in their communities.

  • Monday, May 18: EMS Education Day
  • Tuesday, May 19: EMS Safety Day
  • Wednesday, May 20: EMS for Children Day
  • Thursday, May 21: Save-A-Life Day (CPR & National Stop the Bleed Day)
  • Friday, May 22: EMS Recognition Day

Integral to the campaign’s success is the continuing involvement of the corporate sponsors, strategic association partners and strategic media partners.

Corporate Supporters include:

Genentech, American Red Cross, DrFirst, Health Scholars, Stryker, Teleflex, NHTSA/Office of EMS, National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), AdvancedCPR Solutions, Aero Healthcare, Air Methods, Laerdal Medical, McKesson Medical-Surgical, North American Rescue, Sprint and Zoll.

Strategic Association Partners include:

American Ambulance Association, Association of Air Medical Services, Commission on Accreditation for Prehospital Continuing Education, Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions, International Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of Flight and Critical Care Paramedics, International Public Safety Association, National Association of EMS Educators, National Association of EMS Physicians, National Association of State EMS Officials, National EMS Management Association, National Fire Protection Association, National Registry of EMTs and National Volunteer Fire Council.

Strategic Media Partners include:

EMS1.com, EMS World and JEMS/EMS Today

For more information on the campaign, please visit: EMSSTRONG.org.

 

2019 AMBY Award Winners Announced

The American Ambulance Association is proud to announce the recipients of the 2019 AMBY Awards. The AMBYs highlight excellence in EMS and the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit that epitomize  mobile healthcare. The mission of the awards is to showcase creativity and innovation in the ambulance industry by fostering a culture of collaboration, cooperation, and a passion for excellence in patient care. This year’s awards will be presented at the Annual Conference & Trade Show Awards Reception on November 5 in Nashville. Please join us in congratulating our 2019 winners!

Clinical Outcome Program

Medic Ambulance Service Inc.
CPR Initiative

Community Impact Program

Advanced Medical Transport
CPR Race to the Top

American Medical Response (Manchester/Nashua, NH)
Safe Station Project

Sunstar Paramedics
Health & Safety Fair

Employee Programs

American Medical Response (Buffalo, NY)
Recruitment/Training Program

Northstar EMS, Inc
Medical Director Engagement Through Technology

Public Relations Campaign

Acadian Ambulance Service
Hometown Hero Initiative

Mecklenburg EMS Agency
Bystander CPR Initiative With Pulsepoint

Once again, join us in celebrating the 2019 winners! Learn more about the AMBYs.

2019 AAA Award Winners Announced

The American Ambulance Association is proud to announce this year’s award winners. Awards will be presented at the AAA Annual Conference & Trade Show Membership Meeting on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Please join us in congratulating this year’s winners!

J. Walter Schaefer Award

Dr. John Becknell

The J. Walter Schaefer Award is given annually to an individual whose work in EMS has contributed positively to the advancement of the industry as a whole. Dr. John Becknell has achieved this honor for his lifelong commitment to improving the health and wellness of mobile healthcare professionals.

Robert L. Forbuss Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. John Russell

The Robert L. Forbuss Lifetime Achievement Award is named in honor of the first Executive Director of the American Ambulance Association. It recognizes a volunteer leader who has made a significant long-term impact on the association. your decades of service, commitment, and dedication to the private ambulance industry, the AAA, and its members. Dr. John Russell has achieved this through his many years of service to the AAA as a volunteer leader.

President’s Award

These awards are bestowed by the President to volunteer leaders who have shown commitment to the advancement of the AAA, above and beyond the call of duty.

Wayne Jurecki

The American Ambulance Association is proud to honor Wayne Jurecki with the 2019 President’s Award. Wayne is being honored for his servant leadership and consummate professionalism, and commitment to the AAA.

Gibson McCullagh

The American Ambulance Association is proud to honor Gibson McCullagh with the 2019 President’s Award. Gibson is being honored for his service as a rising mobile healthcare leader who will help shape the future of our industry.

2019 Affiliate of the Year

Stryker

The American Ambulance Association (AAA) is proud to award Stryker with the 2019 Affiliate of the Year Award. Stryker has achieved this honor through their ongoing support of AAA’s educational programs and events.

EMS Partnership of the Year

The Savvik Foundation

The EMS Partnership of the Year Award is given to an organization or individual whose collaboration with the AAA enhances educational programs, legislative priorities, and/or member benefits. The Savvik Foundation has achieved this honor by developing a grant program for small providers to receive cost collection education.

Distinguished Service Award

Aidan V. Camas

AAA Manager of Federal & State Government Affairs Aidan V. Camas is receiving a 2019 Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his dedication and commitment to the AAA’s advocacy efforts.

Join us once again in congratulating the 2019 winners! Learn more about the Annual Conference & Trade Show.

 

Submit Photos for the AAA’s 40th Anniversary!

As we prepare to celebrate the AAA’s 40th anniversary at this year’s Annual Conference & Tradeshow, we are asking for your help! If you have photos or other items commemorating your time as an AAA member from the past 40 years, or if you would like items to be included in our anniversary time capsule which will be sealed until the AAA’s 50th anniversary, please fill out this form. Submissions will be featured in an anniversary collage displayed at AAA 2019. Deadline for submissions is Friday, November 1st.

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