EMS Today

Unmasking the Mental Health Crisis Among First Responders

JEMS Managing Editor Jeff Frankel hosts a deep dive into the mental health challenges facing first responders. Featuring Dr. Robin Jacobowitz, interim director at SUNY New Paltz’s Institute for Disaster Mental Health, and paramedic and union leader Alanna Badgley, the discussion centers around a groundbreaking 2024 New York State Mental Health Needs Assessment.

The study exposes alarming rates of PTSD, depression, and suicidal ideation—20% of EMS respondents have thought about suicide linked to their work. The conversation addresses how chronic workplace stressors like mandated overtime and stigma create substantial barriers to care.

Alanna emphasizes that mental health struggles aren’t anomalies but an expected reality for first responders, advocating for open dialogue, culturally competent care, and union-backed mental health leave policies. This episode sets the stage for ongoing conversations and upcoming solutions to better support those on the front lines.

Just Breathe

The other day I was working an arrest and I watched the provider preparing to intubate take a big deep breath and hold it while they used their fingers to scissor open the patient’s lips and then introduce the blade into the mouth. They had not elevated the head to optimize the airway angles and ease the need for vallecula displacement. They just went right in, holding their breath, and immediately started to struggle and shake. I tapped them on the shoulder and said, “Hey, let’s bag the patient, reposition the head, and try again.”

Read the full article on EMS Airway.

Got PEEP?

Before you start listening this article, I want you to sit back, relax, and take a deep breath. How refreshing was that? That was a nice 21.3% (ish) atmospheric oxygen breath that your body just enjoyed. Please keep that thought in the back of your mind for a minute. We will revisit that. We will spend a moment on PEEP, not the delicious and iconic Easter marshmallow treats that have become a yearly staple for many, but Peak End Expiratory Pressure. For this bit of time we have together, we will focus on why PEEP should be your go-to for desaturating patients or patients needing their SpO2 to rise.

Read the full article on EMS Airway.

JEMS Spotlight: How Memphis Fire Department Cracked the Code on Recruitment and Retention

JEMS Spotlight: How Memphis Fire Department Cracked the Code on Recruitment and Retention

Memphis (TN) Fire Medic Stephen Zachar breaks down how his department tackled the nationwide recruitment crisis in firefighting and EMS.

Moving past outdated hiring tests, Memphis revamped the entire process by prioritizing interviews, valuing real-world experience, and replacing the traditional Candidate Physical Ability Test with a coachable physical fitness matrix.

Stephen reveals how placing paramedics strategically across all units, not just ambulances, slashed burnout and boosted job satisfaction. Their innovative approach cut paramedic attrition by 60% and achieved a remarkable 75% retention rate overall.

With over 800 hires from 40 states, Memphis offers a blueprint focused on respect, career growth, and financial literacy from day one.

The JEMS Report: Women’s Health Challenges in EMS and Fire Service Culture

The JEMS Report: Women’s Health Challenges in EMS and Fire Service Culture
 
Description:
Stephanie White sits down with Stacee Ramirez and Dani Landholm to explore the overlooked health challenges women face in fire and EMS roles.
 
Drawing from Stacee’s extensive study revealing widespread reproductive health struggles, silent miscarriages, and the cultural stigma around pregnancy in male-dominated emergency services, the conversation uncovers a deep-seated culture of silence and blame.
 
Dani, a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters’ Female Health & Safety Standing Committee, shares personal experiences and discusses how outdated policies and lack of support impact women’s ability to advocate for themselves.
 
They highlight the urgent need for cultural change alongside policy reforms to create safer, more inclusive work environments.
 

Not A-Fib Podcast : Gwenny Winkler on Critical Care, Coaching and Embracing Growth

Not A-Fib Podcast : Gwenny Winkler on Critical Care, Coaching and Embracing Growth

 

Veteran flight nurse and educator Gwenny Winkler shares her journey from accelerated nursing programs to helicopter EMS and becoming a sought-after critical care instructor. Gwenny opens up about the steep learning curve when transitioning from emergency department nursing to flight nursing and the rapid evolution of tools like blood transfusions and advanced ventilators in air medical transport. She dives into her passion for education through social media, emphasizing the importance of understanding the “why” behind protocols, not just memorizing facts. Gwenny offers insights on coaching across all experience levels, tackling EMS culture challenges, and balancing professional identity with personal life. She also discusses her unique approach to engaging learners with authentic, down-to-earth content on TikTok and Instagram.

Insights from FDNY Chief John Esposito on Adaptability, Authenticity and Impact

In this inaugural episode of the Chief’s Cadence, Chief Shane Wheeler sits down with FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito to explore effective leadership approaches in fire and EMS services.
 
Drawing on over three decades of experience in one of the nation’s largest departments, Chief Esposito shares how leadership demands more than just command. It requires adapting styles to fit individuals and situations.
 
From the decisive authority needed on an emergency scene to the empathy and authenticity crucial for team trust, they break down autocratic, transformational, servant and authentic leadership.
They also discuss navigating generational differences, the value of honest feedback through personality assessments, and how new leaders can earn credibility without rushing change.
 

Closing the Gap in Pediatric Pain Management

Managing pain in pediatric patients is a critical aspect of prehospital care. Yet, this remains a challenging area for many EMS providers.

 

A new study out called “Barriers and Enablers in Prehospital Pediatric Analgesia” sheds light on the complexities of assessing and treating pain in children during ambulance rides. Led by Dr. Hoi See Tsao, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at UT Southwestern Medical Center, the research identifies key hurdles EMS workers face and suggests actionable solutions to improve care.

 

Dr. Tsao, a specialist in pediatric emergency medicine with a passion for prehospital care, shared her insights and findings during a recent interview. “When pain in kids is not treated, it can lead to adverse effects such as increased anxiety, decreased pain tolerance, and fear of future healthcare encounters,” she pointed out. The stakes are high, and the study highlights both challenges and opportunities for EMS professionals.

Elevating EMS Education: Insights and Innovations from Industry Leaders

Elevating EMS Education: Insights and Innovations from Industry Leaders

Dr. Ted Lee discusses education as part of EMS Week. The discussion features  Dr. Shira Schlesinger, Dr. Navin Ariyaprakai and Dr. Maia Dorsett

They highlight the importance of transitioning from traditional, time-based training to a more dynamic and critical-thinking-focused curriculum that fosters professional growth and clinical judgment among EMS providers.

The conversation touches on the value of accreditation, the role of preceptor training, and the increasing demand for lifelong learning within the field.

Celebrating Emergency Medical Services: Insights on EMS Recognition Day

Celebrating Emergency Medical Services: Insights on EMS Recognition Day

JEMS Managing Editor Jeff Frankel talks with Dr. Thomas Lardaro to discuss the critical role of emergency medical services in our communities. Celebrating EMS Recognition Day, Dr. Lardaro reflects on the profound responsibilities and challenges faced by EMS professionals both in urban and rural settings. He highlights the importance of public understanding regarding the unique pressures faced by first responders and the need for meaningful recognition beyond traditional celebrations.