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Life-Assist | From Blood Control to Pediatric Transport, Life-Assist Offers Advanced Solutions for the Field

Life-Assist has expanded its product range to include innovative solutions designed to support First Responders in the moments that matter most. From advanced blood control to enhanced cardiac monitoring and safer pediatric transport, these additions reflect Life-Assist’s continued commitment to equipping EMS professionals with reliable, field-proven tools.

TRAUMAGEL®, an FDA-cleared, plant-based hemostatic gel, is designed to help First Responders rapidly control moderate to severe external bleeding in the field. Applied directly to the wound, TRAUMAGEL stops bleeding in seconds, providing a critical, life-saving solution when every moment counts. The gel comes in a 30 mL sterile, pre-filled syringe and requires no preparation. First Responders simply apply the gel directly into the wound, where it immediately forms a protective seal to stop bleeding. Once definitive care is available, the gel can be easily removed.

Like TRAUMAGEL, WoundClot® is applied directly to the wound, where it immediately begins to control bleeding when time is critical. Made from 100% natural, non-oxidized cellulose (NONRCS), WoundClot rapidly transforms into a durable 3D gel matrix that absorbs up to 2,500% of its weight in blood, promoting clot formation and creating stable hemostasis without the need for manual pressure. The gauze conforms to any anatomical shape, adheres securely to wound tissue without sticking to gloves or instruments, and requires minimal training to use, making it an effective option for First Responders when definitive care is not yet available.

For advancements in cardiac monitoring, the new EXG Electrodes, by C-Booth Innovations, provide improved accuracy and signal quality compared to other electrode solutions. Unlike traditional leads, the EXG wearable electrode device integrates seamlessly from EMS to X-ray, imaging and other hospital procedures, connecting through a universal single-cable adapter compatible with all major monitor systems. Its intuitive lattice design standardizes placement for all body types. It improves ECG fidelity, reduces false positives, and accelerates diagnostics by minutes in time-sensitive situations.

For a proven universal child restraint system that covers the widest age and weight range in the industry, the ACR (Ambulance Child Restraint) offers the ideal solution. Life-Assist is an authorized reseller of this crash-tested and BS EN 1789 certified system that fits securely on patients from 4 to 100 lbs. The ACR leaves the patient’s chest unobstructed for access to care, is color coded for quick size identification and fits on all ambulance stretchers. It also includes its own integrated wash bag for infection control and is supplied with a kit bag for storage. First Responders can count on this harness to provide safe, secure, and adaptable pediatric transport with full access for care during every call.

To learn more about these incredible new products and more, visit the LIFE-ASSIST website.

2026 Vanguard Recipients Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Emily Nichols
Manager, Marketing & Communications
enichols@ambulance.org

American Ambulance Association Announces 2026 Vanguard Award Winners

Washington D.C. – The American Ambulance Association (AAA) is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Vanguard Awards. The Vanguards honor those who blazed the trail for fellow women EMS professionals, and the 11 winners represent a diverse group of dedicated individuals who have made significant contributions to mobile healthcare.

“The Vanguard Awards recognize women who have opened doors, challenged expectations, and made lasting contributions to our profession,” said AAA President Jamie Pafford-Gresham. “It’s an honor to celebrate leaders whose impact continues to shape EMS in powerful ways.”

Pamela Bell Simmons | Chief Executive Officer, Bells Ambulance | California

Sabina A. Braithwaite | Motorsports Physician, EMS Physician, Global Medical Response | Nevada

Brenda Brenner | EMS Senior Consultant, Healthcare Strategists | California

Lucie Drum | Director, Community Education (Retired), American Medical Response | Oregon

Kim Hamilton | Director, National ePCR (Retired), American Medical Response | Ohio

Carla Hembach | EMT, American Medical Response | Washington

Sarah Loomis McEntee | Executive Director, CAAS | New Hampshire

Deborah Mattson | Senior Project Manager, Global Medical Response | Michigan

Donna Newchurch | Managing Partner, Bridge Partners, LLC | Louisiana

Carol Pierce | District Commander-Field, Austin-Travis County EMS | Texas

Brenda Staffan | Chief Government Affairs/Public Policy Officer, Priority Ambulance | Nevada

The Vanguard Awards are presented in collaboration with Women in Emergency Services (WiES), an organization dedicated to supporting and advancing women’s careers in the emergency services industry through empowerment, networking, mentorship, and education.

“These honorees exemplify courage, leadership, and a commitment to progress,” Pafford-Gresham added. “Their influence reaches far beyond their own accomplishments — strengthening our profession and inspiring the next generation of leaders.”

The winners will receive complimentary registration to the American Ambulance Association Annual Conference & Trade Show in Las Vegas, NV April 20-22. They will also be recognized at the President’s Reception on the evening of April 21. 

About the American Ambulance Association

The American Ambulance Association safeguards the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. AAA advances sustainable EMS policy, empowering its members to serve their communities with high-quality on-demand healthcare. For more than 40 years, AAA has proudly represented those who care for people first.

 

2026 EMSNext Recipients Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Emily Nichols
Manager, Marketing & Communications
enichols@ambulance.org

American Ambulance Association Announces 2026 Class of EMSNext 

Washington, D.C. – The American Ambulance Association (AAA) is proud to recognize its fourth annual class of EMSNext honorees. EMSNext is a groundbreaking initiative that spotlights emerging emergency medical services (EMS) leaders and offers them leadership development, structured mentorship, and collaborative networking opportunities throughout the year. These 25 outstanding individuals from 13 states join a growing network of more than 70 EMSNext program alumni poised to assume prominent leadership roles in the profession.

John P. Aldinger | EMT Supervisor, Bell Ambulance, Inc | Wisconsin

Samuel Barry | Operations Supervisor, Puckett EMS | Alabama

Marcus J. Bond | Clinical Quality & Education Manager, Medic Ambulance Service | California

Amanda Corrao | Training Center Program Manager, Gold Cross Ambulance Service | Wisconsin

Courtney De Weese | Paramedic – Supervisor, Life EMS Ambulance | Michigan

Kaylee Frank | Paramedic Field Supervisor, ATEC Ambulance | Illinois

Brivan Garcia | Operations Coordinator & Paramedic, Acadian Ambulance | Louisiana

Nick Heasley | Clinical Services Manager, Mecklenburg EMS Agency | North Carolina

Madeline Herring | Chief Project Manager, Medex Medical Transport | North Carolina

Justin James Hill | Regional Director of Fleet & Logistics, Medic Ambulance Service | California

Riley Howard | Community & Special Events Coordinator, Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) | Oklahoma

Alecia Kaye Johnson | Communications Manager, First Call Ambulance | Tennessee

Megan Ladewig | RCM Billing Specialist, ATEC Ambulance | Illinois

Blake Miller | Health, Safety, & Environmental Specialist, Acadian Ambulance Service | Louisiana

Peter Nguyen | Falck Health Institute Faculty, Falck Health Institute | California

Alexia Rogers | Paramedic Field Supervisor, Orange Cross Ambulance, Inc. | Wisconsin

Anthony Joseph Romito | Field Supervisor, Cataldo Ambulance Service | Massachusetts

Lucas Ryan | Director of Operations, Life EMS Ambulance | Michigan

Ryan Sauve | Program Director, Guardian Flight Alaska/ Global Medical Response | Alaska

Bryson Schroeder | Chief of Staff, VMSC EMS | Pennsylvania

Andrew Smith | Operations Supervisor, Copperstate Ambulance | Arizona

Jordan Teitsma | Deputy Director, Life EMS Ambulance | Michigan

Katie Tooley | Paramedic, Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) | Oklahoma

Toni L. Weber | Revenue Cycle Supervisor, Bell Ambulance, Inc | Wisconsin

Derek K. Weinkauf | Assistant Field Operations Supervisor, Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) | Oklahoma

“It’s a privilege to welcome the 2026 class of EMSNext,” said AAA President Jamie Pafford-Gresham. “These emerging leaders represent the very best of our profession — driven by service, committed to excellence, and ready to shape the future of mobile healthcare in meaningful ways.”

2026 EMSNext honorees receive complimentary registration to the American Ambulance Association Annual Conference & Trade Show in Las Vegas, NV April 20–22. They will be recognized at the conference’s opening keynote address on Monday, April 20, 2026, in addition to participating in a collaborative workshop. 

“The EMSNext program is about investing in people,” Pafford-Gresham added. “By supporting leadership development and encouraging innovative thinking, we’re helping strengthen EMS today while preparing it to meet the needs of our communities for years to come.”

About the American Ambulance Association

The American Ambulance Association safeguards the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. AAA advances sustainable EMS policy, empowering its members to serve their communities with high-quality on-demand healthcare. For more than 40 years, AAA has proudly represented those who care for people first.

 

EMS ROCS Act Reintroduced in House and Senate

Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), alongside Representative Becca Balint (D-VT), have reintroduced the Emergency Medical Services Reimbursement for On-scene Care and Support (EMS ROCS) Act (S. 3730 / H.R. 7277). The bipartisan, bicameral legislation would require Medicare to reimburse EMS providers for medically necessary care delivered on scene, even when a patient is not transported to a hospital.

Under current Medicare policy, EMS agencies generally receive payment only when a patient is transported, despite the fact that EMS clinicians increasingly provide definitive assessment, stabilization, and treatment on scene. This issue is particularly acute in rural communities, where transport times are long, hospital access is limited, and Medicare beneficiaries account for a significant portion of EMS patients. As a result, EMS agencies are often delivering critical care without reimbursement.

Supporters argue that the EMS ROCS Act would modernize Medicare payment policy to better reflect contemporary EMS practice, support appropriate treatment-in-place, and reduce unnecessary hospital transports. The legislation is intended to help stabilize EMS agencies facing rising costs, workforce shortages, and growing volumes of non-transport care, challenges that have forced some rural providers to reduce services or shut down entirely.

The bill has multiple Senate cosponsors and is endorsed by the American Ambulance Association, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), the National Rural Health Association, and the Vermont Ambulance Association, all of which emphasize that fair reimbursement for on-scene care is essential to preserving access to emergency medical services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Welcome Shawn Baird to the American Ambulance Association Team

We are pleased to announce that Shawn Baird has joined the American Ambulance Association as Vice President of State Affairs and Strategic Advocacy, effective January 1, 2026.

Shawn brings more than 35 years of experience in emergency medical services across every level of the industry, along with a distinguished record of volunteer leadership at both the state and federal levels, including serving as President of the American Ambulance Association.

In his new role, Shawn will work closely with the Government Affairs team, focusing on state-level advocacy priorities such as balance billing, Rural Health Transformation funding, and other legislative and regulatory initiatives—while ensuring strong alignment with AAA’s federal policy goals. We are excited to welcome his expertise and leadership as we head into a pivotal year for EMS advocacy.

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