EMS Today

Advocating for EMS: Shaping the Future of Prehospital Care

Advocating for EMS: Shaping the Future of Prehospital Care

Dr. Ted Lee talks with  Dr. Nick Cozzi, Dr. David Tan and Henry Lewis. They talk about the importance of grassroots advocacy, exploring how every EMS provider serves as an ambassador for the profession.

By sharing their stories and building relationships at local and federal levels, they emphasize the need for a unified voice to promote essential changes in legislation and funding. The panelists highlight the evolving landscape of EMS, driven by innovative care strategies and partnerships that enhance patient outcomes.

Empowering Communities: The Significance of Save a Life Day

Dr. Ted Lee looks at the impact and importance of Save a Life Day for EMS Week. Featuring expert guests Dr. Matt Levy and Corey Richter, the discussion underscores the critical role of community engagement in prehospital emergency medicine.

 

Both leaders share their extensive backgrounds in EMS and emphasize the necessity of equipping citizens with essential skills to respond effectively in emergencies, such as performing CPR, managing bleeding and advocating for blood donation initiatives.

 

They highlight that by fostering a proactive culture of preparedness, communities can significantly improve health outcomes and save lives.

Innovating Prehospital Care: The Impact of Mobile Integrated Health Programs in South Carolina

Dr. Ted Lee speaks with Luke Estes, manager of Prisma Health's Mobile Integrated Health Program, to explore the transformative role of community paramedics in prehospital medicine. Dennis shares his journey from a young aspiring EMT in Missouri to leading a groundbreaking health initiative in South Carolina. The program, which has grown significantly since its inception in 2019, addresses various social determinants of health, aiming to reduce hospital readmissions and enhance patient care access. With a footprint spanning 18 counties—primarily rural—this initiative adapts to meet diverse community needs, breaking down barriers to healthcare through education and resource connection.

Pediatric Care: Insights from EMS Week 2025

In this episode of the JEMS Report, Dr. Ted Lee convenes a panel of pediatric emergency medicine experts to discuss the significance of EMS Week 2025 and the critical EMS for Children program. The panel, featuring Dr. Ann M. Dietrich, Dr. Kathleen Adelgais and Dr. Lindsay Jaeger, highlights the essential role of EMS professionals in providing pre-hospital care for pediatric patients, particularly in emergency situations. With less than 10% of EMS calls involving children, the discussion sheds light on the urgency of enhancing pediatric readiness within EMS agencies. The doctors emphasize the wealth of resources available through the Pediatric Readiness Project, designed to fortify preparation and education for emergency providers. This episode serves as a vital reminder of the commitment to better serve our youngest patients and the importance of collaboration in advancing pediatric emergency care.

Prioritizing EMS Safety: Insights from Experts on EMS Week 2025

Dr. Ted Lee talks with Dr. Douglas Kupas and Dr. Joanne Piccininni on the topic of EMS safety during EMS Week 2025. With decades of experience in EMS, both guests highlight the significance of prioritizing safety within the EMS community, stressing that awareness and proactive measures can prevent injuries and fatalities. They discuss the need for a cultural shift in EMS, focusing on safety practices such as seatbelt usage and risk awareness. The conversation also reflects on the tragic loss of colleagues in the line of duty, reinforcing the essential nature of mentoring and supporting new practitioners.

Empowering Exceptional EMS Providers: The Legacy of the Bryant Gladney Foundation

In this episode of the JEMS Report, Dr. Ted Lee sits down with Shaun Gladney, executive director of the Bryant Gladney Foundation, a nonprofit established in memory of his father, a dedicated paramedic and educator who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. The foundation's mission is to empower future EMS providers through scholarships for paramedic education and innovative educational offerings. Sean shares his father’s impressive legacy in the field, emphasizing the importance of ongoing learning and mentorship in pre-hospital medicine. The conversation also unveils the foundation’s initiatives, including the upcoming All Star EMS Conference and its growing scholarship program aimed at fostering exceptional talent in emergency medical services.

Navigating Resilience in EMS: Conversations on Mental Health and Well-Being

JEMS Managing Editor Jeff Frankel talks with Matt Philbrick, an experienced paramedic and wellness advocate. Matt shares his insights into the importance of mental fitness, resilience and the need for emergency responders to foster a supportive environment.

EMS Research with Professor Braun: Optimizing Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Outcomes

When faced with the challenge of reviving a patient in cardiac arrest, paramedics rely on an arsenal of tools, techniques, and medications. Among these are two stalwarts of advanced cardiac life support (ACLS): amiodarone and lidocaine.

 

Although both drugs have long been included in protocols as viable options for shockable cardiac arrests, a new study published in Resuscitation sheds fresh light on their effectiveness, offering compelling insights into why lidocaine might deserve a closer look.

 

The research, led by Tanner Smida, MD/PhD candidate at West Virginia University, employed a meticulous approach known as “target trial emulation.” This method is designed to minimize bias in

observational studies, aligning results more closely with what randomized controlled trials would reveal.

 

The study analyzed data spanning five years, from 2018 to 2023, drawing on over 23,000 cardiac arrest cases treated by EMS professionals in real-world settings.

Not A-Fib: The Impact of Pre-Hospital Blood Transfusion

Lt. Holly O'Byrne from D.C. Fire & EMS joins the Not A-Fib Podcast to discuss their whole blood program. She talks about the impetus for the program, overcoming hurdles to getting the blood, and the training they needed to do before putting blood on the trucks. She also talks about their successes and the downstream effects of administering blood in the field. The episode wraps up by talking about her experiences as the planning section chief on the IMT at Reagan Washington International Airport after the midair collision of a helicopter and commuter jet over the Potomac River.

EMS Research with Professor Bram: TEGAN MANSOURI

When many EMS workers first enter the field, their focus is entirely on helping patients in crisis. However, as time goes on, the relentless demands of the job often push self-care to the backburner. Meals become whatever can be grabbed on the go, energy drinks replace proper hydration, and exercise falls by the wayside. This gradual decline in self-care takes its toll, as long, unpredictable shifts and high-stress environments leave little room for prioritizing personal health.