EMS, Fire, and Police are necessary for the health and safety of our communities. Join Jennifer Russell, active duty paramedic/firefighter, department administ...
takeawaysThe journey into medicine can be driven by personal experiences and a desire for fulfillment.Wages for EMS professionals are often inadequate, leading to financial insecurity.Investing in the human element of healthcare is crucial for success.Wellness and self-care are essential for EMS professionals to perform effectively.Community integration is vital for the future of EMS services.Metrics for success in EMS should focus on patient outcomes rather than arbitrary response times.Mental health challenges are prevalent in EMS and need to be addressed.The importance of teamwork and support among colleagues in high-stress environments.Self-care practices, such as eating and resting, are critical for EMS providers.The evolution of EMS requires adapting to new challenges and redefining success.
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1:18:06
The Art of Ultra-realistic Trauma Simulations | Bobbie Merica
In this conversation, Jennifer and Bobbie Merica discuss the innovative approaches to training first responders through realistic simulations and moulage techniques. Bobbie shares her journey from personal trauma to creating Moulage Concepts, a company dedicated to enhancing training for emergency responders. They explore the importance of resilience in both training and personal experiences, emphasizing the need for community support and engagement in mental health initiatives. The discussion highlights the significance of storytelling in training and the impact of immersive experiences on learning outcomes.
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23:34
Dr. Joshua Corsa | Part 2
takeawaysDr. Corsa has a diverse background in public service and EMS, including working as a firefighter, paramedic, and trauma surgeon.Providing medical care in rural and isolated areas presents unique challenges, such as limited access to hospitals and unreliable transportation.Having progressive protocols, advanced equipment, and highly skilled paramedics is crucial in delivering quality care in remote locations.Pre-hospital innovations, such as ultrasound and ventilators, have significantly improved patient care and outcomes.Longevity and experience among paramedics in remote areas can be both beneficial and challenging, as retirements may lead to the need for training new personnel. The greatest innovation in EMS is the increased knowledge and capabilities of paramedics and EMTs.Advancements in equipment, such as the stair chair and power stretcher, have greatly improved patient care.Safety is a crucial aspect of helicopter operations, and the dedication of rescue technicians is commendable.Medical program directors play a vital role in coordinating and implementing programs to address the opioid crisis.Buprenorphine can be used in the field to help patients in withdrawal and connect them with follow-up care.Prolonged field care requires a different mindset and planning to provide care in remote and austere environments. The future of EMS lies in recognizing the importance of tailoring care to the specific needs of each community.Critical thinking skills are essential in EMS and should be integrated into training programs.Coordination and communication are crucial in mass casualty incidents, involving multiple agencies and organizations.Comprehensive triage systems, such as the RAMP method, can help prioritize patients in mass casualty incidents.There is a need for improved pre-hospital pain management, including the use of over-the-counter medications, which could be administered by EMTs.
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46:34
Dr. Joshua Corsa | Pre-Hospital Innovations, Rural EMS response, and special forces trauma care
takeawaysDr. Corsa has a diverse background in public service and EMS, including working as a firefighter, paramedic, and trauma surgeon.Providing medical care in rural and isolated areas presents unique challenges, such as limited access to hospitals and unreliable transportation.Having progressive protocols, advanced equipment, and highly skilled paramedics is crucial in delivering quality care in remote locations.Pre-hospital innovations, such as ultrasound and ventilators, have significantly improved patient care and outcomes.Longevity and experience among paramedics in remote areas can be both beneficial and challenging, as retirements may lead to the need for training new personnel. The greatest innovation in EMS is the increased knowledge and capabilities of paramedics and EMTs.Advancements in equipment, such as the stair chair and power stretcher, have greatly improved patient care.Safety is a crucial aspect of helicopter operations, and the dedication of rescue technicians is commendable.Medical program directors play a vital role in coordinating and implementing programs to address the opioid crisis.Buprenorphine can be used in the field to help patients in withdrawal and connect them with follow-up care.Prolonged field care requires a different mindset and planning to provide care in remote and austere environments. The future of EMS lies in recognizing the importance of tailoring care to the specific needs of each community.Critical thinking skills are essential in EMS and should be integrated into training programs.Coordination and communication are crucial in mass casualty incidents, involving multiple agencies and organizations.Comprehensive triage systems, such as the RAMP method, can help prioritize patients in mass casualty incidents.There is a need for improved pre-hospital pain management, including the use of over-the-counter medications, which could be administered by EMTs.
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46:30
Stabbed on the Job & EMS Mental Health | Benjamin Vernon
TakeawaysArriving in the middle of a call can be dangerous as you may not be aware of the dynamics and tensions already present.Compassion fatigue can lead to a lack of empathy and compassion, which can impact patient care and increase the risk of violence.It is important for first responders to reconnect with their purpose and maintain a compassionate mindset to avoid burnout and negative interactions with patients.Having a clear and universal code for calling for help in emergency situations can improve communication and response times. Seeking professional help for mental health is crucial, especially in traumatic situations.Departments should prioritize mental health and create robust mental health programs.Sleep is essential for overall health and wellness, and shift workers face unique challenges in getting adequate sleep.Informal peer support has its limitations, and professional help may be necessary in certain situations. The aftermath of the stabbing incident had a significant impact on Benjamin and his crew, leading to silence and a lack of communication within the crew.Benjamin expressed concern for his captain and crew members who did not seek mental health help, highlighting the importance of mental health support in the fire department.The concept of administrative betrayal was discussed, emphasizing the need for departments to carefully consider the discipline they impose and the potential impact on individuals' mental health.Benjamin emphasized the need for more education and training on mental health at every rank in the department to create a better understanding and support system.Sound Bites"I was blown away by that, that paradigm shift of calling it that.""The entire fight lasted less than five seconds.""I was not a very nice person... I was bitter and burned out.""If I could go back and anything, would just help my guys be compassionate again, know, make sure they're rested and remind them of why we do this job so that when we're on scene, we are better patient caregivers.""What is it that launches your instinct?""You can only [pass judgment] when you are an expert in that field.""We're not going to talk about the stabbing, okay?""That's a very strange dynamic.""The skyscraper in the room"
EMS, Fire, and Police are necessary for the health and safety of our communities. Join Jennifer Russell, active duty paramedic/firefighter, department administrator, and instructor, as she interviews other active duty public service members and officials. The mission is to understand better the medical, fire, and police services, the challenges they are tackling, and what can be done to ensure our departments and teams are healthy and strong into the future.
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