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Life-Assist Partners With PSTrax to Enhance Inventory Management Operation for EMS Agencies

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in News, Operations.

Through an exclusive partnership, Life-Assist delivers PSTrax’s cutting-edge inventory management system to EMS agencies, helping them gain real-time visibility, control costs, and ensure critical supply readiness. This alliance marks a significant advancement in emergency services procurement, allowing agencies to maximize efficiency while maintaining full control over their inventory.

By integrating their systems, agencies can seamlessly connect Life-Assist’s extensive product catalog with the PSTrax Procurement feature within its Supplies Module, eliminating inefficiencies in purchasing and supply chain management. With direct purchase order (PO) generation, automated inventory updates, and enhanced financial oversight, agencies can maintain operational readiness with improved efficiency and accuracy. 

“First Responders should never face challenges with procurement or risk supply shortages,” said Scott Bergeron, CEO of PSTrax. “This collaboration brings together two industry leaders with a shared vision—helping agencies run more effectively by making sure their teams have the right resources, exactly when needed. By integrating Life-Assist’s comprehensive catalog into PSTrax, we’re offering a seamless, automated solution that improves accountability and enhances readiness and response.”

Bryan Holliday, CEO of Life-Assist, added, “Our partnership with PSTrax helps our EMS customers maintain ideal supply levels, streamline ordering, and enhance operational efficiency. Together, we are simplifying procurement for First Responders. Allowing them more time to focus on what they do best, providing care and support for our communities.”

Procurement benefits at a glance:

  • Product Catalog Integration ─ Easily link new products to your existing inventory in the Supplies module for a fully synced system.
  • Flagged Item Alerts ─ Quickly add critical or low-stock items to your shopping cart directly from supply levels.
  • Enhanced Purchase Order Management ─ Gain complete control over ship-to contacts, shipping details, and order quantities while generating electronic POs effortlessly.
  • Centralized Oversight ─ Manage purchase orders across multiple vendors on a single dashboard with bulk editing and item-specific status updates.
  • Streamlined Restocking ─ Efficiently match delivered supplies with POs for easy receiving and restocking in the Supplies module.
  • Real-Time Transparency: Access live updates to monitor purchases and ensure optimal financial oversight.

InvestigateTV | Dire delays at hospital ERs create long waits for ambulance crews

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Operations, Patient Care, Regulatory, Uncategorized.

On Hold: Dire delays at hospital ERs create long waits for ambulance crews, put patients at risk

National data shows delayed EMS crews frequently wait an hour or more before returning to service

“To look at the scope and severity of wall times nationwide, InvestigateTV obtained data from the National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS), a program run through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the University of Utah that provides a standardized method of recording and reporting information about 911 calls involving EMS.

The data, which local EMS agencies report to their respective states that in turn submit it to the national database, documents all aspects of the call, including if the ambulance crew experienced any kind of delay.”

Read the full article>>

CAAS Panel of Commissioners Seeks New Business Representative

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Operations, Patient Care.

CAAS - Driven to a Higher Standard
 

CAAS Panel of Commissioners Seeks New Business Representative

At the end of 2024, the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services will be replacing its business representative on the CAAS Panel of Commissioners due to the completion of term limits. Joe Penner has served expertly in this position for the past six years, and as panel chair for the past two of those years.

CAAS is now soliciting applications from qualified and experienced EMS business representatives to fill the upcoming three-year term, beginning in January of 2025.

Applicants must have at least ten years of experience in EMS with at least five years at the level of manager or above and a bachelor’s degree. Desirable candidates should possess industry awareness, systematic thinking and a national or international perspective. Having worked at a CAAS accredited agency, being a CAAS reviewer or familiarity with the CAAS Standards is also desired.

Applications will be accepted now until September 10, 2024.

Please email Marcie McGlynn at CAAS headquarters for further details on qualifications and the application process.
 

Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS)

1926 Waukegan Road, Suite 300
Glenview, Illinois 60025-1770

Phone: (847) 657-6828 Fax: (847) 657-6825
E-mail: CAAS Staff Website: www.caas.org

 

NREMT Launches New Certification Examinations for Paramedics and AEMTs

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Human Resources, Operations, Patient Care, Training.

From the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians

National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Launches New Certification Examinations for Paramedics and AEMTs

The examinations align the National Registry with other health-based professions while retaining the rigor needed for advanced-level Emergency Medical Services (EMS) clinicians.   

(Columbus, Ohio) – Today, the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians launched new certification examinations for Paramedics and Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMTs), integrating new advancements in clinical practice, science, research, and technologies. These updates ensure that Paramedics and AEMTs are knowledgeable and prepared to manage emergency medical events.

“As the national certifying organization for emergency medical clinicians, it’s imperative that our examinations stay current with changes to our profession and evaluate candidates based on the best research and science available,” said Bill Seifarth, Executive Director at the National Registry. “Whenever someone calls 911, no matter where they are in the country, they trust that whoever arrives with the ambulance has the knowledge and skills to care for them. At the National Registry, we’re responsible for validating that trust by keeping our examinations up to date and ensuring all clinicians are competent to successfully respond to an emergency.”

To ensure the National Registry’s certification examinations measure current practice, the most recent National EMS Practice Analysis and its subsequent Addendum were conducted to identify the knowledge, skills, abilities, and clinical judgment required for entry-level clinician competency. This information, coupled with the feedback from the EMS community and continuous collaboration with the National Registry’s accreditor, the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), formed the foundation for these new examinations.

“The new Paramedic and AEMT certification examinations incorporate current EMS practices and use innovative item types that leverage interactive technology to evaluate candidates’ knowledge and clinical judgment in diverse ways beyond traditional multiple-choice or multiple-response formats,” explained Dr. Mihaiela Gugiu, Chief Assessment Officer at the National Registry. “These enhancements ensure a unified and thorough assessment process for all certification seekers.”

The new examinations allow candidates to take a single comprehensive examination on one date, reducing logistical challenges while preserving the examinations’ rigor, consistent with standards in other health-based professions.

Additional information about the examinations can be found online at https://nremt.org/Document/Get-Ready-For-The-New-Examinations or by listening to or watching the National Registry’s recently launched podcast, Registry Insider.

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HELPFUL LINKS

Online Press Release: nremt.org/News/National-Registry-of-Emergency-Medical-Technicians

New AEMT and Paramedic Certification Examination Information Page: nremt.org/Document/Get-Ready-For-The-New-Examinations

Registry Insider Vodcast (video); Episode 1 is all about the new examinations: nremt.org/Document/Registry-Insider

Registry Insider Podcast (audio); Episode 1 is all about the new examinations: registryinsider.buzzsprout.com

PPRP | Make Sure You’re Ready for Children – Complete the Assessment!

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Operations, Patient Care.

While the majority of EMS and fire-rescue agencies provide emergency care to children, pediatric calls are rare. In fact, because most agencies see fewer than eight pediatric patients per month, many EMS clinicians don’t feel capable or confident when caring for children.

Being pediatric ready, or ensuring agencies are trained, equipped, and prepared for children in accordance with national recommendations, can reduce anxiety and increase confidence. Research suggests it may also improve outcomes.

But how do you know if your agency is really ready for its next pediatric call? The Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Project Assessment, which launched May 1, can help. The online assessment tool is open to EMS and fire-rescue agencies that respond to public 911
calls. It takes an average of 30 minutes to complete.

Once you’ve completed the assessment you will receive a detailed report that will identify specific gaps in your EMS agency’s pediatric readiness. Your agency then can use the report to identify resources in the Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Toolkit to help you make
improvements. As part of your report, you’ll also receive benchmarking information comparing your score with the national average score of all agencies, as well as the average score of agencies with similar pediatric volume.

You can be more comfortable, capable, and confident about caring for children by taking the steps to make sure your agency is truly “peds ready” – complete the Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Assessment!

To find out more about the Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Assessment, visit https://emspedsready.org/. You may also reach out to your state’s EMSC Program Manager with any questions

Life-Assist Unlocks Grant Opportunities for First Responders

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in News, Operations.

The Life-Assist Grant Assistance Program helps First Responders navigate the over 1400 grants available nationwide to pinpoint those tailored to meet their specific needs. Life-Assist offers unlimited and customized grants at no cost, powered by Lexipol.

The process is easy and increases the likelihood of success in securing grants. With the Life-Assist Grant Assistance Program, first responders have access to a comprehensive grant database to easily identify the grant that will support them with their EMS needs. To help navigate this vast landscape, unlimited and personalized grant research assistance specific to each agency’s project is provided. First Responders can also set up alerts for projects when using this program.

Getting started with the Life-Assist Grant Assistance Program is as simple as visiting our dedicated Grant webpage and filling out a 2-page form powered by Lexipol. The agency will hear from a Grant consultation expert soon after, who will help throughout the entire process to maximize the chances of successfully securing the funding sought.

Andy Selby, Vice-President of Sales at Life-Assist, explains why we started the Grant Assistance Program. “At Life-Assist, our primary purpose is to provide the best resources and tools available to First Responders. OurGrants Program will give access to unlimited funding opportunities to support critical patient care programs to our First Responders in local communities across the country,” Andy Selby, VP of Sales, Life-Assist.

To apply for a Grant through the Life-Assist Grant Assistance Program free of cost, visit: https://www.life-assist.com/info/grants

NHTSA | What Are the Potential Applications for AI in EMS?

Written by AAA Staff on . Posted in Operations, Patient Care, Professional Standards, Technology.

EMS News

What Are the Potential Applications for AI in EMS and Transportation?

DOT’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Infrastructure Requests Information
What are the potential applications, opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) related to EMS and transportation? The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Advanced Research Projects Agency—Infrastructure (ARPA-I) has announced a Request for Information (RFI) on this topic.

AI has the potential to transform many elements of EMS and this is an opportunity for the EMS community to weigh in on emerging AI technology as it relates to transportation. The purpose of this RFI is to obtain input from a broad array of stakeholders on AI opportunities, challenges and related issues in transportation pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14110 of October 30, 2023 entitled “Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence”. NHTSA’s Office of EMS (OEMS) encourages the EMS community to provide their input on transportation-related opportunities and challenges of AI, including software-defined AI enhancements impacting autonomous mobility ecosystems.

PROVIDE COMMENTS

Please submit any written comments by 7/2/2024 on the regulations.gov portal. Note that all submissions, including any personal information provided, will be posted and will be available to the public on https://www.regulations.gov.

For more information, please email ARPA-I@dot.gov or contact Timothy A. Klein, Director, Techno

OSHA Proposed Rule Impact Survey

Written by Samantha Hilker on . Posted in Human Resources, News, Operations.

Attention EMS Leaders!

We are reaching out to gather your insights on the potential financial impact of the recent OSHA Proposed Rule concerning health and safety requirements in the EMS sector. Your feedback is invaluable and will play a crucial role in shaping our understanding and response to these proposed changes.

We have prepared a short survey to capture your perspectives and estimate the potential implications on your operations. The survey can be accessed here, and we would appreciate all responses be submitted by May 15, 2024.

Please note that the public comment period for these changes closes on June 21, 2024. We aim to include the data collected from this survey in the AAA’s public comment letter to ensure that our industry’s voice is heard.

Thank you for taking the time to contribute to this important initiative. Your participation is essential in helping us navigate these potential regulatory changes effectively.

Take the Survey

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