EMSNetwork News

Update on the status of EMSNetwork News site.

2012-07-11T02:10:00.000-08:00

The owner/editor of EMSNetwork News is undergoing treatment for cancer.

We'll be back but do not have a definite date yet.

4/26/12

2012-04-26T01:17:00.001-08:00

World

2 Puerto Rico paramedics charged with murder in shooting death of ambulance competitor

Two paramedics in Puerto Rico have been charged with first-degree murder in the killing of a competitor from another private ambulance company whom they felt stole a patient.

Apr 26, 2012, 1:12:48 AM

Ambulance Crash Log

Collision involving ambulance leaves one dead, injures four - Texas

Apr 26, 2012, 1:11:16 AM

Special Report

This Badass Medic Got Shot In a Firefight And Just Kept Saving Lives

"We knew our position was about to get attacked."
Petty Officer Third Class Chase Speed's role as a Corpsman — the title given to a combat medic serving with U.S. Marine Corps or Navy units — grants him the colloquial moniker of "Doc".

Apr 26, 2012, 1:07:27 AM

Criminal

Cops: Ambulance Driver Goes Rogue, Chased by Police - Pennsylvania

Philadelphia Police chased a NovoCare ambulance early Tuesday, after getting a call from an employee inside the van, saying that the driver wouldn't let him out, according to officers on the scene.

Apr 26, 2012, 1:06:00 AM

America

National drug shortage impacts MEDIC - North Carolina

Swanson says he's never seen anything like this, in terms of a drug shortage. It's been a problem the past year.

Apr 26, 2012, 1:03:06 AM

America

Collier to weigh fire, EMS mergers - Florida

In the last few moments of a meeting in June 2006, Collier County leaders tossed out an incendiary idea: Let the independent fire districts consolidate and take over county ambulance service to save money and avoid duplication of services.

Apr 26, 2012, 1:01:04 AM

America

Colbert County Ambulance Decision Delayed Again - Alabama

The meeting lasted just three minutes and the board decides to get a second opinion from the attorney general. However the board has already made their wishes clear. They want to keep Keller EMS as the ambulance provider.

Apr 26, 2012, 12:59:21 AM

America

City moves forward with ambulance backup plan - Iowa

The city of Clinton will likely serve as a backup to Mercy Medical Center despite pleas from a Clinton city councilman to respect the committee process.

Apr 26, 2012, 12:56:23 AM

America

Mayor talks about transferring EMS to Fire Department - Texas

The county teaching hospital University Medical Center oversees the operation. However, Lubbock Mayor Tom Martin is talking about a possible change.

Apr 26, 2012, 12:54:09 AM

America

EMSA recruits put to the test: ambulance driving on Tulsa's track - Oklahoma

The latest academy comes four months after an EMSA ambulance drifted into oncoming traffic Dec. 10 in Oklahoma City and collided with a Toyota Scion, killing the car's driver.

Apr 26, 2012, 12:52:16 AM

America

Weld commissioners defend decision to move ambulance services to Banner Health - Colorado

Before Weld County commissioners approved a contract today that turns over the county's ambulance services to Banner Health, some residents and others voiced concerns over the way commissioners made their decision, saying they should have considered other health care organizations through a bidding process.

Apr 26, 2012, 12:50:49 AM

Military

Military Matters: Medic Pursues His American Dream

The combat medic was a doctor in his native Ghana. When he came to America in 2008 and met his wife, he gave all that up.

Apr 26, 2012, 12:49:06 AM

Military

Lifeliner Medics prepare for Expert Field Medical Badge competition

Banks, a medic with the 194th Military Police Company, 716th Military Police Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, is among 15 medics across the brigade who are preparing for the upcoming Expert Field Medical Badge competition.

Apr 26, 2012, 12:47:22 AM

Features

EMT-to-be puts training to work at scene where trooper, two others injured - Nebraska

A McCook, Nebraska, High School senior with two weeks of classes left before he finishes EMT training was among those first on the scene of a fiery two-car collision west of Stratton early, early Sunday morning.

Apr 26, 2012, 12:30:25 AM

Awards-Honors

Oswego State's ambulance squad celebrates 40 years of service - New York

Back in 1972, the state was going through some difficult financial times.

Apr 26, 2012, 12:16:57 AM

04/23/12

2012-04-23T22:05:00.000-08:00

News Backlog

Thank you to all the readers of EMSNetwork News for their concerns and patience.

We'll be handing the news backlog by first sending out the daily news as usual. We'll add the backlog of critical news (ambulance crashes, legislative matters, etc) as we go along.

Ambulance Crash Log

3 hurt as ambulance, garbage truck collide in LA - California

There were no patients or anyone else in the ambulance.

Apr 23, 2012, 10:02:03 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Man Dies After Being Hit by Ambulance - Nevada

A pedestrian is dead after police say he walked in front of an ambulance in North Las Vegas.

Apr 23, 2012, 10:01:13 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Speeding motorcyclist collides with ambulance - Washington

A speeding motorcyclist received medical aid in near record time after crashing into an ambulance early Saturday near downtown Seattle, police said.

Apr 23, 2012, 10:00:11 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

One Killed In McDowell Ambulance Accident - West Virginia

Belcher says they were rounding a curve in the road when a coal truck driver crossed the center line and struck the ambulance

Apr 23, 2012, 9:58:45 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Akron: Fatal SUV, ambulance crash under investigation - Ohio

Collins D. Green, 57, of Akron died of his injuries after the two vehicles collided

Apr 23, 2012, 9:51:32 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance, IndyGo bus collide, block traffic on Westside - Indiana

Two people were injured in a crash involving an IndyGo bus and an Indianapolis EMS ambulance earlier this morning on West 10th Street near White River Parkway on Indianapolis’ Westside.

Apr 23, 2012, 9:43:14 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance on call wrecks in Clarksville - Tennessee

An ambulance wrecked with another vehicle on Tiny Town Road

Apr 23, 2012, 9:41:34 PM

America

City medics set record revival rate for cardiac arrest - Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh paramedics have set a city record for the resuscitation of patients in cardiac arrest, and now officials are weighing strategies for further boosting the survival rate.

Apr 23, 2012, 9:40:01 PM

America

Moline May Not Privatize EMS After All - Iowa

New developments in what's been a controversial and emotional issue for months in Moline. City leaders decided in December to privatize emergency medical services that are now being provided by the fire department. But now they may drop that plan.

Apr 23, 2012, 9:39:03 PM

America

Pinellas County may seek another EMS tax increase - Florida

A little more than six months after commissioners hiked the emergency medical services tax rate by 46 percent, Pinellas County Administrator Bob LaSala says he plans to ask for another increase.

Apr 23, 2012, 9:38:19 PM

America

Payment dispute lands ambulance in impound lot - Indiana

The company that was involved in a civil suit over towing payments is now in a payment dispute with a private ambulance service.

Apr 23, 2012, 9:03:42 PM

America

Ambulance ruling angers city leaders - Tennessee

A Colbert County 911 board ruling has upset city officials in Muscle Shoals and placed the addition of four Mercedes ambulances and 24 ambulance service employees on hold.

Apr 23, 2012, 8:57:03 PM

Features

Colorado Street Medics create the world's first (free) street medic museum

The hundreds of relics are varied: Inside the space are Williams's own medical books and material, in addition to years of Rosen's. The Denver-based collective will also be able to come to the space to do research and pick up any pooled supplies.

Apr 23, 2012, 8:56:52 PM

Obits/Services

Michael V. Manieri - Maryland

Michael Vincent Manieri, a Baltimore City firefighter and medic, died of heart disease Wednesday

Apr 23, 2012, 8:51:15 PM

Military

Copter that crashed was coming to aid of Afghan forces - Afghanistan

Four American soldiers died rushing to give medical help to wounded Afghan security forces when their medevac helicopter crashed Thursday night in Helmand province.

Apr 23, 2012, 8:49:39 PM

Military

To avoid ambulance fees, some veterans head to VA clinic first - Florida

Area veterans suffering heart attacks or other perilous emergencies could be risking their lives to avoid ambulance bills.

Apr 23, 2012, 8:49:36 PM

Criminal

Former EMT instructor pleads guilty to falsely certifying that EMTs attended training classes - Massachusetts

Thomas Codair Sr., 50, of Medford, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in a house of correction.

Apr 23, 2012, 8:47:20 PM

Criminal

EMS office manager charged with stealing $77,000 - Pennsylvania

A paramedic-turned-office-manager for the nonprofit, Sharpsburg-based Seneca EMS stole more than $77,000 from her employer, spending the money during personal shopping trips

Apr 23, 2012, 8:47:01 PM

Medevac

Rival air ambulances vow to serve patients first - Wyoming

A new air ambulance service company in Fremont County is honoring insurance policies from patients signed up with Casper-based competitor Wyoming LifeFlight.

Apr 23, 2012, 8:45:49 PM

Medevac

Medical Helicopters: Worth the Cost, Risk?

According to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on Tuesday, transportation to the hospital by helicopter for trauma patients like Smothers is linked to a 1.5 percent increased rate of survival compared with ground transportation such as ambulance.

Apr 23, 2012, 8:45:46 PM

Medevac

Aberdeen hospital getting new medical helicopter after emergency landing - South Dakota

An Aberdeen hospital plans to put a new medical helicopter into use about a week after the Avera St. Luke's Careflight chopper was forced to make an emergency landing on a gravel road after experiencing engine trouble.

Apr 23, 2012, 8:40:07 PM

Awards-Honors

County EMS marks 40 years of service - Ohio

Delaware County Emergency Medical Services celebrated its 40th anniversary with the county commissioners

Apr 23, 2012, 7:59:51 PM

Human Interest

EMS Chief Julia Libby Hustles at Dancing - Maine

Local star and Camden EMS Chief Julia Libby will take the stage of The Camden Opera House on April 27, as she and Swing and Sway owner Christian Clayton perform that 1970’s favorite ‘The Hustle’ to Donna Summer’s Hot Stuff!

Apr 23, 2012, 7:01:29 PM

3/7/12

2012-03-07T18:21:00.000-09:00

Emergency medical personnel navigate Mardi Gras crowds in New Orleans - Louisiana Over 10 days of Carnival, EMS responded to 2,024 calls for service citywide ranging from stubbed toes to gunshot wounds to patients in full cardiac arrest.

Mar 7, 2012, 8:15:08 PM

Military

Bergen-Belsen concentration camp survivors make contact with WWII medic

As a combat medic with the 9th Army's 95th Medical Battalion, Walter "Babe" Gantz treated somewhere in the ballpark of 19,000 patients over the course of the Second World War.

Mar 7, 2012, 8:11:12 PM

Military

New Documentary Drama Recounts a Medic’s Experience of War in Vietnam

“We were a random group of fellows from all over the country, all different environments, ripped out of our lives and sent to Vietnam. Some of the fellows get into enjoying the killing. Most of us would hear that kind of person and think they’d gone over the edge.” From these lines, author Dave Pfeifer takes readers into his life as a medic serving everyday with military men who were fighting for freedom in a war that may cost them their lives. In Cry Medic, the author shares his experiences – giving medical aid to all of those men, going to the rear, getting supplies, bandaging wounds, tagging the dead, and saving lives in Vietnam.

Mar 7, 2012, 8:10:31 PM

Military

Injured medic rejoins soldier she treated - Texas

A combat medic who treated a soldier in Afghanistan found herself in a role reversal after she was injured a week later and brought to San Antonio Military Medical Center — where the soldier is also recovering.

Mar 7, 2012, 8:10:28 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Vehicle slams ambulance off I-15 - California

An ambulance crew returning from transporting a patient to a hospital down the hill was struck by a vehicle sending the ambulance off the freeway Saturday night, San Bernardino County Fire officials said.

Mar 7, 2012, 6:18:30 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

5 Injured After Accident Involving Ambulance - Pennsylvania

Five people have been hospitalized after an accident involving two cars and an ambulance in North Philadelphia

Mar 7, 2012, 6:15:12 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

2 hurt, ambulance struck in crash - Wisconsin

The incident was first called in at 11:28 a.m., a Harlem-Roscoe dispatcher said. Units from Harlem-Roscoe, South Beloit and Rockton responded to the scene.

Mar 7, 2012, 6:13:12 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Zanesville woman cited in crash with ambulance - Pennsylvania

She hit the medic unit on the left side, causing the ambulance to flip over onto its side.

Mar 7, 2012, 6:12:34 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance Involved In Fairfield Crash - Ohio

The collision took place at State Route 36 and route 664 just north of Bremen.

Mar 7, 2012, 6:11:59 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Patient dies after ambulance crashes - Colorado

Mar 7, 2012, 6:10:04 PM

Awards-Honors

Tripp gets a farewell from EMS - Georgia

Tripp, who's worked with EMS for 40 years, is retiring in two weeks.

Mar 7, 2012, 6:07:35 PM

Legal

Moreau board to file complaint on EMS squad with Attorney General's Office - New York

The town is planning to file a formal complaint to the Attorney General’s Office about squad tax violations, which Supervisor Preston Jenkins said involve the personal use of two sport-utility vehicles that two members did not pay sales tax on.

Mar 7, 2012, 5:55:21 PM

Legal

EMSA files liens against accident victims - Oklahoma

EMSA has filed more than 1,400 liens since last year against people transported by ambulance after automobile accidents, records show.

Mar 7, 2012, 5:53:18 PM

Criminal

Ambulance company raided for alleged healthcare fraud - Texas

Officials belonging to the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit with the Office of Inspector General conducted the raid at Dominion Ambulance, at 6585 Montana, and at Carnegie Self-Storage, at 9720 Carnegie Ave, seizing documents and computers.

Mar 7, 2012, 5:51:35 PM

America

Patient, EMS Personnel Decontaminated After Bushkill Township Crash - Pennsylvania

Early dispatches said police feared the vehicle was a mobile drug lab, carrying chemicals used to make methamphetamines

Mar 7, 2012, 5:49:25 PM

America

Windham Ambulance coverage area divided - Pennsylvania

Six area EMS agencies will assume the responsibility of covering Windham Ambulance's service area - Orwell, Rome, Warren and Windham townships - for basic life support services, according to information from the Bradford Susquehanna Regional Office of Emergency Medical Services.

Mar 7, 2012, 5:47:20 PM

America

Selma's fire department sparks debate - California

Selma officials needed to decide if Cal Fire should take over the city-run agency. While, they were expected to vote on it Monday night, they decided to table it until their next meeting, saying there are still a lot of unanswered questions.

Mar 7, 2012, 5:46:09 PM

America

Ambulance staffing plan prompts concerns about paramedic layoffs - Texas

Officials with the Austin medical first responders' union say they fear the city could lay off paramedics as it prepares a new staffing model for ambulances.

Mar 7, 2012, 5:45:21 PM

America

EMS studies could spawn more questions, debate and hard decisions - Florida

State Sen. Jack Latvala's goal in setting up a committee to look at two proposals to change the county's emergency medical services system was to get a definitive answer about the costs of each.

Mar 7, 2012, 5:40:25 PM

America

Evanston paramedic calls reach record high - Illinois

Evanston’s population hasn’t budged much in the past 20 years, but paramedic calls in 2011 were up 35 percent over two decades ago.

Mar 7, 2012, 5:39:17 PM

America

Inserra says he won’t drop EMS privatization plan - New Jersey

Committeeman Tony Inserra said he will continue to pursue privatizing Upper Township’s EMS services despite reports that AtlantiCare’s EMS manager falsified response times to at least one municipality that it served.

Mar 7, 2012, 5:38:13 PM

America

On Eastside, some 911 calls get lighter response - Washington

King County Emergency Medical Services has begun a pilot program with Eastside Fire and Rescue aimed at keeping trained emergency responders and their rigs free to help people with serious medical emergencies. That means a non-emergency call might be handled by a Community Medical Technician driving a lightly equipped Ford Escape hybrid.

Mar 7, 2012, 5:31:19 PM

America

County to discuss ambulance service - Florida

One of the items on the agenda will be a quasi-judicial hearing for commissioners to decide whether Lifeguard Ambulance Service should be awarded a certificate of public convenience and necessity (COPCN) to provide advanced life support, non-emergency transport within Bay County.

Mar 7, 2012, 5:28:56 PM

America

Program aims to limit unneeded ambulance rides in Fort Worth - Texas

MedStar is rolling out a revolutionary change to make patient care more cost-effective, and it all starts with the person taking the call.

Mar 7, 2012, 5:27:55 PM

America

Ripley EMT school employees can respond to calls without loss of pay - New York

The board received a request from Ripley Hose Company asking that three EMT's employed by the district be allowed to respond during daytime hours in the town because it no longer has the staff to cover these calls without them. The board agreed this has become a necessity.

Mar 7, 2012, 5:26:39 PM

America

EMSA billing proves baffling - Oklahoma

Those interviewed by the World who called the agency to discuss the bills said EMSA employees never mentioned the utility program or checked to see whether they were covered by it.

Mar 7, 2012, 5:24:25 PM

America

Board that oversees ambulance service has little real power - New York

By some accounts, Buffalo’s Emergency Medical Services Board lacks the teeth to demand a higher level of ambulance service in the city.

Mar 7, 2012, 5:23:37 PM

America

Sinking to Level Zero - New York

Nearly every day in Buffalo, ambulance service sinks to "Level Zero" -- city dispatchers have no ambulance available because all rigs provided by Rural/Metro Medical Services are busy.

Mar 7, 2012, 5:22:47 PM

America

EMS squad to change hands - North Carolina

Ambulances here will soon be staffed by Johnston County emergency medical crews – with better resources and benefits for first responders, officials say.

Mar 7, 2012, 5:19:53 PM

America

Firefighters Say Bed Bugs Now Appearing Inside Medic Vehicles - Ohio

Union officials representing Columbus firefighters said that they were growing more concerned about the potential for a full-blown infestation.

Mar 7, 2012, 5:18:22 PM

America

Man Calls 911 to Report Being Invisible - Georgia

Mar 6, 2012, 11:26:53 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Iced-up air ambulance slides off Anchorage airport runway - Alaska

A LifeMed Learjet carrying a patient skidded off a runway after encountering icy conditions on its descent into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport Monday night, according to the National Traffic Safety Board.

Mar 6, 2012, 11:26:20 PM

3/4/12

2012-03-05T05:50:00.001-09:00

Ambulance Crash Log

Helicopter crash kills rescuer - Wyoming

Teton County Coronor Kiley Campbell identified the rescuer killed Wednesday in a helicopter crash as Ray Shriver, a member of Teton County Search and Rescue for many years.

Mar 5, 2012, 5:29:35 AM

Ambulance Crash Log

Injured Paramedic Has To Wait An Hour After Ambulance Wreck - Kentucky

emergency responders never returned to pick up their own injured paramedic, Amanda Moore.

Mar 5, 2012, 5:23:50 AM

Ambulance Crash Log

Driver, 64, ticketed after hitting ambulance - Texas

Flores said it appeared the driver did not see the ambulance.

Mar 5, 2012, 5:18:56 AM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance rolls over near U.S. Hwy 169 and 46th St. North - Oklahoma

Three people were transported to the hospital after an Oologah-Talala ambulance rolled

Mar 5, 2012, 5:14:55 AM

Ambulance Crash Log

Paramedic injured in accident, airlifted to hospital - New York

In swerving to avoid a collision, she went off the road and struck a utility pole, Sherman said.

Mar 5, 2012, 5:11:37 AM

Ambulance Crash Log

Cottonwood man tried to kill paramedics by crashing into ambulance - California

A Cottonwood man tried to kill two paramedics and an emergency medical technician Saturday night by crashing his truck into the ambulance they occupied outside Mercy Medical Center's emergency room in Redding, police said.

Mar 5, 2012, 5:08:20 AM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance strikes car in Clinton Twp. - Ohio

An ambulance transporting a patient to a hospital struck a car attempting to turn at SR 101 and TR 15 in Clinton Township.

Mar 5, 2012, 5:06:28 AM

Ambulance Crash Log

8 hurt in ambulance crash - Kentucky

They're usually the ones taking people to the hospital but an ambulance crew and several others needed emergency help.

Mar 5, 2012, 5:02:18 AM

Ambulance Crash Log

2 Airlifted After Ambulance Crashes Into Truck - North Carolina

Mar 5, 2012, 4:51:42 AM

Criminal

Police: Paramedic attempted to poison firefighter - Florida

TITUSVILLE, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Investigators with the Titusville Police Department say that a paramedic has admitted to putting a toxic substance in the canteen of a firefighter.

Mar 5, 2012, 4:25:40 AM

1/29/12

2012-01-29T18:57:00.000-09:00

Features

Rethinking the ambulance

An 18-month-long project has led to a full-scale mock-up of an ambulance fit for the 21st century.

Jan 29, 2012, 7:17:00 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Vehicle Collides With Ambulance - New York

An elderly driver lost consciousness while driving, striking the ambulance head on.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:53:27 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance, Car Collide in Waite Park - Minnesota

James Hanson of Hanover was making a left turn at that intersection with a green light when the ambulance hit his car.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:49:59 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance crashes in north St. Louis on way to call - Missoui

The driver of the pick-up truck had minor injuries and was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:48:38 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Semi crashes into ambulance along I-75 - Ohio

Police say an SUV heading north on I-75 lost control under the Alexis overpass and slammed into the median. The impact caused the car to catch on fire.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:47:04 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance hits car on way to hospital - New Jersey

An ambulance on the way to the hospital was involved in an accident on Jan. 18.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:46:08 PM

Legal

Ambulance driver ticketed for running red light - North Carolina

Don Comer is upset because he doesn't think the ticket should be his responsibility.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:40:44 PM

Legal

Woman To Sue City Of Carlsbad Over Firefighting Job - California

A former San Diego State University student who was supposed to make history with the Carlsbad Fire Department said her chance to be the city's first female firefighter ended in controversy.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:38:10 PM

Legal

Appeals court upholds dismissal of ambulance industry lawsuit - Pennsylvania

The numerous arguments the ambulance industry offered for why it should ignore the "plain language" of a state law dealing with health insurance payments only resulted in a federal appeals court quoting William Shakespeare`s "The Merchant of Venice" today.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:36:26 PM

Legal

EMS investigates ambulance crew's treatment of injured skier - Msaine

A formal investigation into an ambulance crews treatment of an injured skier, who later died, is being done at the request of the skier's widow.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:35:24 PM

Legal

Fired pilot claims flights to CHCC were dangerous - California

Med-Trans is now facing a lawsuit from a pilot it fired, and the lawsuit makes some frightening claims about what happens behind the scenes.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:34:57 PM

Criminal

Former Lane County EMS Director Guilty Of Sex Crimes - Kansas

A former Lane County Emergency Medical Service Director was found guilty of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and aggravated solicitation of a child.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:33:41 PM

Criminal

Stolen ambulance, frozen foods, arrest in El Paso - Texas

An El Paso man accused of swiping an ambulance, driving to a grocery store and stealing frozen foods has landed in a different kind of cooler.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:33:32 PM

Bodily Assault Log

Madisonburg woman convicted in EMT attack - Pennsylvania

A Madisonburg woman was convicted Friday of simple assault for biting an EMT on the arm.

Read more here: http://www.centredaily.com/2012/01/28/3069698/police-report.html#storylink=cpy

Jan 29, 2012, 6:32:12 PM

Criminal

Metro 911 (Kan) Supervisor Accused of Sexual Abuse - West Virginia

A Metro 911 supervisor was arrested and charged Thursday morning with sexual abuse by a parent, guardian or custodian. Reportedly, the victim was a 15-year-old girl.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:30:58 PM

Criminal

Staten Island man convicted of attacking cops over ambulance ride - New York

Prosecutors said Derrick Franks, 42, became incensed on Nov. 8, 2010, when he wasn’t allowed to board an ambulance that was taking an emotionally disturbed friend to the hospital.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:25:04 PM

Canada

Air ambulance had to stand by after chopper crash - Canada

An Ontario air ambulance delayed taking off from Toronto when called to a helicopter crash at the regional airport, frustrating paramedics who struggled to get to the scene.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:22:38 PM

Military

Debate on arming medevacs spills into Congress

A contentious debate over arming Army medevac helicopters sparked by the death of a soldier whose wounding in Afghanistan was videotaped by an embedded blogger is spilling into the halls of Congress.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:21:45 PM

Military

Army responds to medevac criticism

Recent news items about the use of Army medical evacuation, or medevac, helicopters in Afghanistan contain troubling information. The reporting suggests that putting red crosses on medevacs, and not arming them somehow, is putting injured Soldiers’ lives at risk. The facts do not support these assertions for several reasons.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:21:40 PM

Military

Thoughts from a Dustoff Pilot

I am a Dustoff pilot (Instructor pilot) with over 1000 hours of combat time, and over 300+ combat medevac missions under my belt. In 2004 (Iraq) we flew single ship, responding to thousands of medevac 9-line calls. Not one helo shot down, but we sure got shot at a lot.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:20:55 PM

America

Fire Truck Involved In Crash In Robertson County - Tennessee

Officials with the Greenbrier Fire Department confirmed that the fire truck crashed on Kelly Willis Road near Gideon Road around 5:30 p.m. It belonged to the White House Community Volunteer Fire Department.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:19:44 PM

America

Going Green: Austin ambulances go solar-powered - Texas

In an interview with EMS Chief of Staff James Shamard, he explains this feature will save more than 500 gallons of fuel per vehicle per year.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:19:19 PM

America

Family: EMS Does Not Respond After Man Collapses - Michigan

Victim died, family wants answers

Jan 29, 2012, 6:18:10 PM

America

Overwhelmed Philadelphia Medics Are Among Busiest In America - Pennsylvania

Medic 7, at 21st and Market, did 7,200 runs. Medic 8 did 8,548 runs in 2011.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:15:04 PM

America

Internal feud stalls Rensselaer ambulances - New Y ork

Mayor Daniel J. Dwyer said the city's Board of Public Safety felt it had no choice, with accusations being flung back and forth between two factions.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:13:35 PM

Obits/Services

Sarah Nodurft - West Virginia

She and her partner were returning from a routine interfacilty transfer when she suddenly and unexpectedly died.

Jan 29, 2012, 6:10:36 PM

1/19/12

2012-01-20T19:13:00.000-09:00

Public Affairs: Matt Zavadsky, Senior Editor

Adding Clinical Oomph to the C-Suite's Supporting Cast

Has applicability to EMS as our industry leadership wrestles with the balance between operations and clinical while we find our true home in the health care world...

Jan 19, 2012, 3:54:24 AM

Ambulance Crash Log

Car Crashes with Ambulance in Lansing Township - Michigan

On Monday afternoon, a Meridian Township ambulance travelling west on Grand River Avenue in Lansing Township toward Sparrow Hospital collided with a car coming off of south bound 127.

Jan 20, 2012, 7:12:12 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Filipiak: City Left Holding Bill After Ambulance Crash - Ohio

The woman who caused the ambulance crash on the Center Street bridge in November had insurance -- just not enough to cover the damage done, Mentor City Manager Kenneth Filipiak said

Jan 20, 2012, 7:11:04 PM

Medevac

Helicopter air ambulance base to move from McClellan - California

California Shock Trauma Air Rescue (CALSTAR), a not-for-profit air ambulance company serving northern and central California, will relocate the helicopter base operations

Jan 20, 2012, 7:08:23 PM

Criminal

No jail time for ex-Rosemont paramedic who said Ambien made him drink and drive - Illinois

A Will County judge gave a former Rosemont paramedic two years of conditional discharge Wednesday, two months after he argued a prescription sleep aid made him drink and drive.

Jan 20, 2012, 7:06:39 PM

Criminal

Former EMT worker found not guilty on all assault charges - New Hampshire

A jury found a former emergency medical technician not guilty on all charges that he inappropriately touched an 18-year-old patient while she was being driven to Hampstead Hospital.

Jan 20, 2012, 7:05:26 PM

Criminal

Court Date Set for Ambulance Worker Accused of Sex Assault - Connecticut

Mark Powell's defense attorney asked that the charges be dropped, but the judge denied it.

Jan 20, 2012, 7:04:39 PM

Criminal

Judge says EMT jury can consider evidence - New Hampshire

A judge ruled on Tuesday that prosecutors have shown enough evidence for a jury to consider whether a former Emergency Medical Technician with Rockingham Regional Ambulance committed misdemeanor sexual assault against an 18-year-old patient.

Jan 20, 2012, 7:04:06 PM

Legal

Montclair Ambulance Unit laments defeat of EMS Redesign Bill - New Jersey

The EMS Redesign Bill aimed to standardize paid and volunteer squads, but the mandates in the bill — including required background checks and the installation of global-positioning systems in each rescue vehicle — concerned some volunteer units and the governor.

Jan 20, 2012, 7:03:20 PM

Job Listings

Alaska: EMS Certification

The EMS Unit of the Section of Emergency Programs, Division of Public Health, is recruiting for an EMS Certification Specialist in our Juneau office.

Jan 20, 2012, 7:01:16 PM

America

Paramedic Tax Question Closer - California

The issue? Should the fire board ask voters to approve a new annual $59 per parcel tax to pay for the current paramedic and ambulance service that has been running in the red for years.

Jan 20, 2012, 6:58:46 PM

America

Teton Fire & Ambulance Districts To Combine - Idaho

Now that the fire district has the facility and staff to combine the services, Campbell said they believe it would save taxpayer money and provide better service.

Jan 20, 2012, 6:54:09 PM

America

County OKs new ambulance provider, Abbott EMS - Illinois

The packed county board room included emergency responders and Abbott EMS representatives who listened as board vice chairman Danny Melvin reported the findings of the request for proposal that resulted in a decision among three applicants.

Jan 20, 2012, 6:53:11 PM

America

Allentown EMS chief retires after guiding plans for change - Pennsylvania

Van Allen led the charge to integrate emergency medical technicians into the city's all-paramedic force

Jan 20, 2012, 6:51:51 PM

America

Supervisors approve ambulance agreement - Tennessee

An agreement approved by the Adams County Board of Supervisors Tuesday means county residents will receive service when the city of Hastings takes over ambulance services March 1.

Jan 20, 2012, 6:50:46 PM

America

Potential ambulance deal might save Brown County some money - South Dakota

The way Brown County pays for ambulance service to rural areas could change under a pending agreement with Aberdeen officials.

Jan 20, 2012, 6:47:22 PM

America

Ambulance company moving to Wilmington - North Carolina

First Med Inc. operates in eight states and has 2,400 employees, CEO Michael Franks said Tuesday.

Jan 20, 2012, 6:45:42 PM

America

York selectmen consider ambulance pact - Maine

There's nothing new about the town appropriating $40,000 annually to the volunteer ambulance association, according to Yandow.

Jan 20, 2012, 6:44:44 PM

America

Roving ambulance launches in Fox Valley - Wisconsin

For the past week, Gold Cross, which provides ambulance service throughout Outagamie, Winnebago and Calumet counties, has had a 24 hour roving ambulance to get a head start on an emergency.

Jan 20, 2012, 6:35:40 PM

Canada

Regina paramedics alongside SWAT - Canada

Regina TEMS went live late last year, with the standoff in Regina on Dec. 13 the team’s first crack at a real-life scenario.

Human Interest

Paramedics to drive 22 hours to bring Salisbury teen in coma home - North Carolina

A horrible accident left a Salisbury teen in a coma hundreds of miles away from home, and now a local EMS crew is stepping up to help.

Jan 20, 2012, 5:45:59 PM

1/17/12

2012-01-18T00:57:00.001-09:00

Ambulance Crash Log

Officials Investigate Ambulance Vs. Vehicle Accident - Michigan

Meridian Township is currently investigating a car crash involving an ambulance taking a patient to the hospital.

Jan 18, 2012, 12:53:11 AM

Human Interest

Maryland senior trooper paramedic recounts his battle with melanoma

Part of local medevac helicopter team, Bobby Harsh has undergone surgery, experimental treatments

Jan 18, 2012, 12:51:54 AM

America

Firefighters aren't happy with the city's proposed cuts - Iowa

To help reduce costs, city leaders want to eliminate one of the fire department's medic units.

Jan 18, 2012, 12:43:16 AM

America

Southeast Texas EMS to end service to Jeff Co - Texas

A spokesperson for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office tells 12News HD, Southeast Texas EMS plans to cease its operations in Jefferson County by midnight Tuesday morning.

Jan 18, 2012, 12:42:07 AM

America

Exclusive watchdog report: City fire cuts straining surrounding townships - Ohio

Township fire departments made 41 mutual aid runs into Lancaster in the final two months of 2011, more than double the number they made in all of 2010, an Eagle-Gazette review of fire department data showed.

Jan 18, 2012, 12:39:21 AM

America

Thompson Valley EMS investigating viability of community paramedicine program - Colorado

The local agency is awaiting grant approval to establish a community paramedic program, what those involved with the project are calling the "next phase of health care." Under this model, primary care physicians refer patients to emergency medical services personnel to receive in-home services -- blood draws, medication and mental health checks, hospital discharge follow-ups and more.

Jan 18, 2012, 12:38:01 AM

America

Low morale is spreading among Deroit EMS with the city's financial crisis - Michigan

Detroit is in severe financial distress, and Detroit Fire and EMS are running into cash flow problems themselves. The department will be facing a $1.6 million dollar budget deficit by April.

Jan 18, 2012, 12:36:39 AM

America

Collier EMS overtime costs top $4 million yearly, $6 million in Lee - Florida

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) officials in Southwest Florida said the staggering overtime costs are largely due to federal laws that cap a normal work week at 40 hours. The law states that anyone who works more than 40 hours a week must be paid time and a half.

Jan 18, 2012, 12:35:34 AM

America

Ambulance supervisor placed on leave - California

He said he could not elaborate on the details because of the confidentiality of personnel issues, but said the closed session discussion started with a report on a separate personnel matter.

Jan 18, 2012, 12:32:25 AM

Legal

Victim's wife claims ambulance staff incompetent - Maine

The Nova Scotia woman whose husband died after a skiing accident at Sugarloaf last week is telling a shocking story about the care he received from the ambulance who came to pick him up.

Jan 18, 2012, 12:31:24 AM

Legal

Rural/Metro faces accusations of overbilling - USA

Rural/Metro has charged a higher basic rate for advanced calls - around $1,000 - and then thrown on extra charges for oxygen and cardiac monitoring, according to patient bills obtained by The Buffalo News.

Jan 18, 2012, 12:27:44 AM

Legal

State auditors probe launch of Orchard Park ambulance company - New York

Now, the State Comptroller’s Office is in the process of completing an audit to determine if transactions, including a loan of public funds, were done legally to get the company up and running and keep it operational.

Jan 18, 2012, 12:24:21 AM

Legal

Mt. Pleasant Medic 10 ambulance service cleared of wrongdoing - Pennsylvania

County prosecutors have cleared Medic 10 ambulance service in Mt. Pleasant of wrongdoing after borough officials asked for an investigation into possible misappropriation of funds.

Jan 18, 2012, 12:22:23 AM

Military

Medevac policy is costing lives

The U.S. Army has a policy that is killing our wounded troops

Jan 17, 2012, 11:55:45 PM

Medevac

Air Ambulance has engine failure, lands safely at Timmins airport - Canada

No serious damage, no injuries as Air Ambulance rolls to a stop 1500 past the end of the runway.

Jan 17, 2012, 11:50:54 PM

World

‘Totally drug-resistant’ tuberculosis reported in India; 12 patients have not responded to TB medication

Three dead from illness; poverty and caste system seen as contributing to bacteria's mutation

Jan 17, 2012, 11:40:51 PM

Obits/Services

Betty Black - New York

Mrs. Black worked for 23 years at Northern Westchester Hospital as a physical therapy technician. She was an active member of the North Salem Ambulance Corps, serving as an EMT.

Jan 17, 2012, 10:29:57 PM

1/14/12

2012-01-14T17:04:00.001-09:00

Ambulance Crash Log

EMS Medic Seriously Injured in Clawson Street Ambulance Crash - New York

An EMS medic was seriously injured during an ambulance crash in Oakwood Heights Wednedsay afternoon, authorities said.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:55:21 AM

Criminal

Philadelphia man pleads guilty in ambulance scheme with Bucks ties - Pennsylvania

Over six years, prosecutors said, Ivan Tkach scammed Medicare out of $1.26 million.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:21:56 AM

Criminal

Ambulance Chase in Rockingham County - Virginia

One man in Elkton allegedly took police on an ambulance chase Friday afternoon.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:21:08 AM

Criminal

EMS worker accused of sexually assaulting female in ambulance - South Carolina

Authorities charged Anthony Louis Green of Goose Creek with third-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:19:00 AM

Criminal

Gilmer paramedic arrested on drug charge - West Virginia

Chapman was arrested in Lewis County on a warrant from Gilmer County. A spokeswoman for Lewis County Magistrate Sharon Hull said Chapman was arrested and appeared in court on Jan. 7. He was released on a $25,000 personal recognizance bond.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:17:50 AM

Criminal

Stolen drugs prompt ambulance changes - Florida

Investigation continues after pain medications in rescue units comprimised

Jan 14, 2012, 12:16:35 AM

Criminal

Reno man sentenced for groping paramedic on flight to Minnesota - Nevada

An 84-year-old man from Reno, Nevada, has been ordered to pay a fine and apologize to a paramedic he was convicted of groping during a flight.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:15:40 AM

Legal

Controversial EMS Bill Vetoed by Christie - New Jersey

Proposed legislation that pitted professional emergency medical service (EMS) units against volunteer ones was passed by the state legislature but conditionally vetoed by Gov. Chris Christie on January 9. At stake was whether volunteer EMS units could handle the burdens of new regulation and who would pay for the $1.4 million of new initiatives in the bill.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:15:03 AM

America

Cleveland's laid-off firefighters shut out of EMS test - Ohio

And test is sort of a misnomer because the Civil Service Commission will exercise an option to substitute "experience evaluation" rather than give a written exam.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:15:00 AM

America

Paramedic program set to launch wellness checks - Colorado

Southwest Memorial Hospital is launching its community paramedic program Feb. 1. The program utilizes paramedics to perform wellness checks on locals in their homes and at a new location downtown.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:12:00 AM

America

New ambulance scheme puts help on the way - California

A new group of emergency medical technicians began responding to ailing residents this week as part of the Glendale Fire Department’s efforts to expand advanced life support coverage throughout the city.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:10:53 AM

Military

Ranger Named USASOC Medic of the Year

Courage, bravery, and compassion are all characteristics of an Army combat medic. This year’s U.S. Army Special Operations Command Medic of the Year takes these traits to a whole new level.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:10:20 AM

Military

Sgt. Pernell Herrera, 33, laid to rest at the Santa Fe National Cemetery - New Mexico

He played a vital role in MedEvac operations in southern Afghanistan.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:09:20 AM

Canada

Sweeping changes at air ambulance agency ORNGE - Canada

After months of reports about high salaries and financial questions at Ontario's air ambulance system, the Liberal government has cleaned house at the provincial agency.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:07:02 AM

Medevac

- PHI Air Medical and St. Joseph Hospital Bring Helicopter to Bryan Texas

St. Joseph Hospital in Bryan is changing the way its medical helicopters respond to accidents. The changes could help save more lives.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:06:10 AM

Medevac

Patient Attempts Leap From Air Ambulance - South Carolina

Air ambulance work involves difficult missions, but a crew taking an injured man to a South Carolina hospital had an unusual added issue when the patient reportedly tried to jump from their helicopter in flight.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:05:28 AM

Medevac

Fire Department welcomes State Police Medevac Unit - New Jersey

The Ho-Ho-Kus Fire Department hosted a drill with the New Jersey State Police's Medevac helicopter last Thursday night

Jan 14, 2012, 12:04:26 AM

Human Interest

EMS, SAR host Lifesavers Ball - Colorado

They might be the best part of your worst day in town, giving you an ambulance ride after an accident, or they might rip you from the jaws of death on a rugged mountainside in the middle of nowhere.

Jan 14, 2012, 12:00:28 AM

Human Interest

Female firefighter/paramedic pushes gender boundaries - Ohio

"I had no idea what I was getting into," said the Independence native and daughter of two teachers. "It just seemed like a good thing to do."

Jan 14, 2012, 12:00:24 AM

1/13/12

2012-01-13T23:41:00.001-09:00

America

Firefighters adding EMT duty in Sabattus - Maine

It's incidents like that, which happened this past summer, that he thought showed why firefighters ought to be responding to emergency calls for medical help in town.

Jan 13, 2012, 11:39:03 PM

America

Some Fresno residents say American Ambulance noise is unbearable - California

Some residents in one Fresno neighborhood are banding together to take on what they consider "noise pollution" coming from an emergency response provider. The American Ambulance facility is located on Tulare and Orchard in Downtown Fresno.

Jan 13, 2012, 11:38:21 PM

America

Cleveland firefighters upset over push to hire EMT technicians - Ohio

A battle is brewing in Cleveland over the city hiring people to keep you safe. Cleveland leaders are looking for emergency medical technician training

Jan 13, 2012, 11:36:13 PM

America

Supervisors faced with ambulance contract renewal - Mississippi

The county is under a February 1 deadline to make its decision of whether to stay with LifeCare which is based out of Carthage and has held the county’s contract since 2008, or go with someone else. A representative from American Medical Response approached the board last week to pitch their offer for consideration.

Jan 13, 2012, 11:35:22 PM

America

Lightning strikes near ambulance with crew inside - Tennessee

According to Rural/Metro officials, the ambulance was transporting a patient to a local hospital on Cruze Road in Powell when the lightning struck

Jan 13, 2012, 11:34:02 PM

America

Councilors curious about new ambulance pact - Washington

With AMR seeking longer response time, Vancouver pair mulls breakaway

Jan 13, 2012, 11:33:03 PM

America

Emergency search for EMS- New York

A workshop Thursday could determine who provides ambulance services for the city’s nearly 30,000 residents now that its longtime provider – the nonprofit Saratoga Emergency Medical Services – is folding.

Jan 13, 2012, 11:30:49 PM

America

South Taylor EMS operations running smoothly as sole ambulance provider in rural Taylor County - Texas

Taylor County Commissioners in mid-October approved an agreement with STEMS for ambulance services in rural parts of the county. STEMS officially took over for MetroCare in those areas Dec. 15.

Jan 13, 2012, 11:29:38 PM

Obits/Services

Emotional Farewell for Waynesboro EMT - Virginia

Timothy “Kyle” Southern died after he was involved in a crash on Friday.

Jan 13, 2012, 11:24:18 PM

1/9/12

2012-01-10T00:16:00.000-09:00

Ambulance Crash Log

Tri-County EMS Ambulance involved in accident - Texas

Jan 9, 2012, 11:58:54 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Horse pulling buggy put down after collision with ambulance - Pennsylvania

State police may issue traffic citations to the 19-year-old at the reins of a horse-drawn buggy that crashed into an ambulance early today in Indiana County.

Jan 9, 2012, 11:58:02 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Paramedic, two others injured in S.F. crash - California

A San Francisco paramedic and two other people were injured this morning when a car and city ambulance ran into each other, police said.

Jan 9, 2012, 11:53:17 PM

Special Report

Detroit firefighter given chance to walk again with aid of exoskeleton

A Detroit firefighter is garnering national attention while getting the opportunity to walk again more than a year after being paralyzed by injuries suffered while on duty.

Jan 9, 2012, 11:51:03 PM

Legal

Former paramedic sues over 2008 sheriff's helicopter crash - Florida

A former Volusia County sheriff's paramedic injured when the rescue helicopter he was flying in crash-landed has filed a lawsuit against the manufacturers of the helicopter and its engine.

Jan 9, 2012, 11:47:39 PM

America

New Berlin Neighbors Question Ambulance District - New York

The Town of New Berlin is privatizing its EMS Service, but how residents will pay for their EMS is up in the air.

Jan 9, 2012, 11:46:40 PM

America

Hastings Moves Along with EMS Takeover - Nebraska

The city of Hastings is one step closer in fully taking over emergency services for Adams County after approving $130,000 in medical equipment Monday night.

Jan 9, 2012, 11:45:50 PM

America

Hunter's Ambulance looks to expand Meriden operations - Connecticut

An East Main Street partnership has asked the city for permission to build a larger operations center for Hunter's Ambulance in an area noted for flooding.

Jan 9, 2012, 11:44:27 PM

America

Ambulance service continues, but Syracuse withdraws proposed contract with Rural Metro - New York

The proposed deal drew opposition from several members of the Common Council in part because it provided no revenue for the city. Rochester, by contrast, requires its ambulance contractor to pay a $300,000 annual franchise fee.

Jan 9, 2012, 11:41:48 PM

America

Moreau EMS, town remain at odds as bills come due - New York

The town budgeted $231,000 for the squad, but Moreau Supervisor Preston Jenkins said the town will not give the full amount until the board gets more access to the squad's finances.

Jan 9, 2012, 11:33:59 PM

America

One volunteer agency to opt out of emergency services fees - Virginia

At least one Shenandoah County volunteer fire and rescue agency plans to opt out of charging ambulance fees, the Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors was told Thursday.

Jan 9, 2012, 11:32:53 PM

America

TAYLOR: City may switch back to private EMS service - Michigan

Due to budget constraints, the city is considering switching back to a private company, Fire Chief Robert Tompos said Thursday.

Jan 9, 2012, 11:30:31 PM

America

Castine without EMS service - Maine

For the first time in 40 years, people living in Castine no longer have an ambulance service in their town.

Jan 9, 2012, 11:27:17 PM

America

Dayton backs Liberty County EMS ambulance service plan - Texas

With the unanimous backing of Dayton City Council on Jan. 3, Dayton Mayor Felix J. Skarpa will send to the Texas Department of State Health Services the city’s letter of support for a new membership-based ambulance service on which the nonprofit Liberty County Emergency Medical Services has embarked.

Jan 9, 2012, 11:24:39 PM

1/8/12

2012-01-09T21:05:00.001-09:00

Public Affairs: Matt Zavadsky, Senior Editor

Pharmaceutical Backorder Report - UPDATE 3

Attached please find this week’s Pharmaceutical Backorder Report. Things to note on this week’s report:

Morphine 10mg, 1ml carpujects- This item was the only available 10mg Morphine and it is now on backorder, manufacturer ETA is not until March. At this time there is no available substitute. I will update as soon as information is available.

Nitro Tabs- Pfizer has both the 25 and 100 count bottles on backorder. It is expected to be a short term backorder with more inventory expected in
within 1-2 weeks.

Backorder Report #3 (pdf)

Jan 9, 2012, 12:46:25 PM

Download attachment(s): [ pharmupdate3.pdf ]

Ambulance Crash Log

Two Dead From Accident on Route 20, Other in Hospital - Virginia

Virginia State Police have identified the victims of Friday's deadly crash involving an ambulance and a cement mixer.

Jan 9, 2012, 9:01:12 PM

America

Ring of Gunfire: Detroit EMS Unit Stranded on New Year's Eve - Michigan

Play the video in the player to see the video taken by paramedic Wisam Zeineh and to hear the sounds of almost constant gunfire as he and his partner sit in their broken down rig.

Jan 9, 2012, 8:51:50 PM

Bodily Assault Log

Wilton woman charged with assaulting paramedic, deputy - Maine

A 33-year-old woman faces multiple charges after being accused of assaulting a police officer and a paramedic who responded to a domestic disturbance Sunday afternoon

Jan 9, 2012, 8:50:37 PM

Criminal

Ambulance Worker Admitted to Sex Assault - Connecticut

The woman told police she woke up on the way to Yale–New Haven Hospital and Powell was sexually assaulting her. She was not able to move because she was strapped to a stretcher, she told police.

Jan 9, 2012, 8:37:47 PM

Criminal

Off-duty firefighter made phony emergency calls to rob fire stations - Nevada

A Clark County firefighter has been charged with 10 felony counts of burglary after reportedly confessing to stealing about $800 from fellow firefighters.

Jan 9, 2012, 8:36:42 PM

Criminal

Her case shows why healthcare privacy laws exist - California

They showed the entire chart to an editor of her hometown newspaper, and Prime's corporate office divulged some of her medical examination results to me (though I didn't ask for them). They didn't have her permission for those disclosures, her daughter says.

Jan 9, 2012, 8:34:57 PM

Criminal

#NDAA arrest, medic carried out by NYPD - New York

During the Grand Central Station rally to show the disgust of Obama signing into law the NDAA bill. #OWS medic was carried out without reason or explanation from rally. He was arrested for seemingly doing nothing.

Jan 9, 2012, 8:33:24 PM

Criminal

EMT Charged With Hit & Run - Pennsylvania

New details tonight on the man charged in a hit and run in Delaware county. Police say Matthew Cooper, the man they say was behind the wheel of the car that struck a father of two on new year's day, works as an EMT.

Jan 9, 2012, 8:31:55 PM

Obits/Services

Timothy Kyle Southern - Virginia

Kyle, also known as "Bubby," was a driver and EMT for Priority Patient Transport, and a volunteer EMT with the Waynesboro First Aid Crew for the last 4 years

Jan 9, 2012, 8:28:53 PM

Special Report

New England Journal: 200 years of medical history

Unhappy with today's health care? Think of what it was like to be sick 200 years ago.

Jan 9, 2012, 8:19:32 PM

Legal

Law keeps Ohio out of US database on ambulance runs

Ohio's emergency medical services agency wants to change a law two decades old that keeps the state from sending data on ambulance runs to a national database set up to improve patient care.

Jan 9, 2012, 8:18:42 PM

Legal

Ambulance company sues over "breached agreement" - Pennsylvania

Lackawanna Ambulance Inc. is suing Old Forge Ambulance and Rescue Association for $56,000 that Lackawanna claims it is owed for responding to 295 first-aid calls in the borough over a nearly three-year period.

Jan 9, 2012, 8:18:39 PM

Medevac

Opinion: Passing the MEDEVAC Buck

Jan 9, 2012, 7:28:55 PM

Military

RCT-5 sailors track, provide care for brothers-in-arms

CAMP DWYER, Helmand province, Afghanistan – U.S. Navy corpsmen are vital to keeping Marines in the business of fighting battles.

Jan 9, 2012, 7:25:38 PM

Military

For former medic, Iraq service a slideshow of hurt, doubts

Months after deploying to Iraq with the Nebraska National Guard's 313th Medical Company, Rachelle Spors was badly injured when a roadside bomb exploded beneath the military ambulance she was driving in July 2005.

Jan 9, 2012, 7:25:36 PM

Features

Muslim Sept. 11 responder deserves hero's honor

But you won’t find Hamdani’s name among those of official first responders at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in Manhattan. And don’t look for him on the list of those who died in the towers, although his remains were found where the north tower once stood.

Jan 9, 2012, 7:23:32 PM

Features

Smith & Warren is proud to introduce The Badge of Life

The Badge of Life™ has been uniquely designed to reflect the EMS professionals pledge to:
SAVE - By providing the best treatment available to patients while in your care.
SERVE- The community in which you work without discrimination.
RESPECT - The dignity and privacy of those homes and businesses you enter.

1/2/12

2012-01-02T18:15:00.001-09:00

Ambulance Crash Log

Aransas Pass Ambulance Involved In Accident - Texas

It happened overnight near Aransas Pass on FM 1069 and Demory road.

Jan 2, 2012, 6:35:32 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Speeding car slams into ambulance in downtown Seattle - Washington

A speeding car ran a red light and slammed into an ambulance that was responding to an emergency call early Saturday in downtown Seattle, officials said.

Jan 2, 2012, 6:35:31 PM

ER /Hospital

Hospital lures rural doctors with unusual offer - Kansas

Then officials at the Ashland Health Center, seeking to reverse the drain of talent symptomatic of what happens across rural America, embraced an unorthodox approach to bring doctors back.

Jan 2, 2012, 6:31:32 PM

Legal

EMS community asks residents to help block anti-volunteer bill - New Jersey

Our number crunching indicates the bill, if signed into law, would be impossibly expensive to implement. It would increase bureaucracy, red tape, unfunded mandates and costs for volunteers and municipalities, making it even more difficult for volunteers to continue serving their communities.

Jan 2, 2012, 6:30:00 PM

Military

Flight medic receives medal for bravery in Afghanistan - West Virginia

Nicole Hopkins, a flight medic from West Virginia, said she would never forget the day she left Afghanistan with severe injuries received during a dangerous mission in one of the war's deadliest months.

Jan 2, 2012, 6:09:35 PM

Obits/Services

Fallen Army Medic Returned To U.S. - South Carolina

The remains of Army Pfc. Justin M. Whitmire, of Easley, were transferred to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Thursday.

Jan 2, 2012, 6:08:31 PM

Criminal

Middletown man found with guns, knives and emergency responder equipment, police say - New Jersey

A former firefighter with a car loaded with weapons and the credentials and equipment of three emergency service departments – fire, police and EMS – was arrested after an apparent drug deal, the police said.

Jan 2, 2012, 6:07:10 PM

Criminal

EMS Worker Admits to Stealing Drugs from Ambulances - West Virginia

An EMS worker is off the job and behind bars after police say he admitted to stealing drugs from ambulances he worked on in two counties.

Jan 2, 2012, 6:06:05 PM

Criminal

Police: Man steals ambulance to 'drive myself to the hospital' - Florida

According to a police report, Transcare Ambulance personnel were responding to a medical call at 312 W. Genesee St. at 10:27 p.m. They were aiding a patient in the house when they heard the ambulance engine turn over.

Jan 2, 2012, 6:03:21 PM

Medevac

Opinion: DELTA Force Commander (former) on DUSTOFF MEDEVAC

Former Delta Force Commander "Dalton Fury" makes a very informed opinion on the MEDEVAC issue. Delta is the special forces of our special forces. Opinions from this community carry significant weight.

Jan 2, 2012, 5:59:53 PM

Canada

Ambulance, truck involved in multi-vehicle crash - Canada

Several vehicles, including an ambulance, collided in a Winnipeg intersection on Monday evening.

Jan 2, 2012, 5:58:40 PM

America

Director of Local EMS Unit Steps Down - Pennsylvania

In a matter of weeks, Haddon’s “family” will change – at least the ones he has worked with for the last nine years

Jan 2, 2012, 5:58:39 PM

America

County considering paramedic health care - Colorado

Local emergency medical responders listened to a presentation Thursday from Eagle County health care providers on their community paramedic program — a new program that aims to have emergency medical personnel provide health care to patients in their home before an emergency arises.

Jan 2, 2012, 5:56:06 PM

America

Clinton voters to get say in ambulance service - Illinois

Voters in March likely will provide the answer with how DeWitt County will pay for its ambulance service once Dr. John Warner Hospital ends its service at the end of 2012.

Jan 2, 2012, 5:54:53 PM

America

Paramedics take on bigger role in community - Iowa

Paramedics, who once only served their communities in emergency situations, are beginning to take a more proactive role. Some offer education services and make house calls in an effort to cut down on doctor and emergency room visits.

Jan 2, 2012, 5:52:59 PM

America

Piner’s ambulance fights for its life ... and loses - California

When Napa County set out in 2010 to select a new ambulance provider, it thought it could rely on a highly technical evaluation process to select the winner.

Jan 2, 2012, 5:51:48 PM

America

Lack of volunteers forces Castine EMS unit to fold - Maine

At 7 a.m. on New Year’s Day, an organization that has served residents of this tight-knit coastal community during their times of greatest need will quietly close its doors.

Jan 2, 2012, 5:51:00 PM

America

City mulls doubling ambulance charge - California

At its next meeting Wednesday, the Ukiah City Council will be asked to approve doubling the amount it charges patients for Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance services.

Jan 2, 2012, 5:49:53 PM

America

Fire agencies seek to recover training costs for lost workers - Florida

Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians must undergo extensive training, leaving a significant bill for fire services to pay.

Jan 2, 2012, 5:48:45 PM

America

Wake Co. officials inspect vehicles after 2 ambulance fires in 6 months - North Carolina

There have been two ambulance fires in Wake County in the past six months, and that has officials looking into whether other vehicles are at risk.

Jan 2, 2012, 5:45:29 PM

America

Paramedic shortage in McLean - Texas

For the past several months, McLean's two available ambulances have not been running.

Jan 2, 2012, 5:43:32 PM

America

Donated SUV will help Hamburg EMS in winter - Pennsylvania

The Union Fire Company #1 of Hamburg is now better equipped for emergency medical services in the harsh and whipping winds of winter weather thanks to the donation of a 1998 Chevrolet Suburban 4x4 from three community car dealerships.

Jan 2, 2012, 5:41:54 PM

America

Ambulance destroyed in Raleigh EMS station fire - North Carolina

The fire broke out at about 12:45 p.m. inside Station 3, at 5303 Six Forks Road, EMS District Chief Jeff Hammerstein said.

Jan 2, 2012, 5:40:38 PM

America

Hocking Township ready to launch fire, EMS service - Ohio

For the residents of Hocking Township, getting help for a medical crisis or a fire might take a little less time in 2012.

Jan 2, 2012, 5:37:30 PM

America

Ambulance-Based Emergency Transport to Continue - Florida

Pinellas County Commissioners signed off on a two-year contract with Texas-based Paramedics Plus, putting the brakes on immediate changes to the way citizens are transported to the hospital during emergencies.

Jan 2, 2012, 5:34:03 PM

12/29/11

2011-12-29T20:50:00.001-09:00

Public Affairs: Matt Zavadsky, Senior Editor

AAA Government Affairs E-Update 12-28-11

Dec 29, 2011, 6:12:28 AM

Special Report

2011 National EMS Assessment Report Released

The Federal Interagency Committee for Emergency Medical Services (FICEMS) has released the 2011 National EMS Assessment. Sponsored by FICEMS and funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the report provides the first ever comprehensive description of emergency medical services, EMS emergency preparedness and 911 systems at state and national levels using existing data sources.

Dec 28, 2011, 12:40:58 PM

World

Wife pays tribute to hero paramedic killed after winch line was cut - Australia

Mick Wilson, 41, died when a helicopter winch line he was attached to was cut during the rescue of two canyoners at Carrington Falls, southwest of Wollongong, on Christmas Day.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:55:43 PM

World

HSE 'ignored door warnings for years' before paramedic's death - Ireland

WARNINGS about dangerous ambulance doors were ignored for three years before the death of a paramedic who fell from a moving emergency vehicle.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:55:05 PM

Medevac

Medical Helicopter Makes Unexpected Landing - Ohio

The crew, based in East Liverpool, was flying back from St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown, where they had taken the driver of a crashed propane tanker truck in Lisbon.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:55:02 PM

Military

Army medic from Marshfield killed in Afghanistan on Christmas Day - Wisconsin

After he finished his second tour of duty in Iraq, Joe Altmann could have switched careers and found a safer job. But the Army medic from Marshfield never gave it a thought; he just couldn't bring himself to leave his fellow soldiers.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:46:29 PM

Bodily Assault Log

EMT Worker Assault While Responding To A Call - North Carolina

As he provided medical assistance to the injured person and waited for the EMS crew to arrive, Watson says, the family became upset with Rosene's service and started hitting and kicking him.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:44:56 PM

Bodily Assault Log

Dickson City man attacked officers, EMT responding to medical call - Pennsylvania

A borough man overdosed on drugs Christmas morning then fought with police and medical personnel responding to his home to treat him, according to a criminal complaint.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:43:46 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance crash in North Hollywood injures four people - California

Four people were hurt Monday when a Los Angeles Fire Department ambulance collided with another vehicle in North Hollywood.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:42:48 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Investigation under way after helicopter crash - Florida

Federal investigators were in Florida on Tuesday examining the wreckage of a helicopter crash that killed three people on a medical flight, officials said.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:36:56 PM

America

Update on Lewis County, Ky. Ambulance Response Times - Kentucky

Family said he was freezing and shaking. They also said Mosley laid there for over two hours before the ambulance showed up to help.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:36:21 PM

America

EMS bill would raise costs, threaten volunteer network - New Jersey

The volunteer EMS community is urging all New Jerseyans to contact the governor’s office to request he veto the bill, as it would spell disaster for the state’s EMS system.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:33:14 PM

America

Preston ambulance cited for low staffing - Minnesota

A southeastern Minnesota ambulance service that failed to always keep two workers on duty must undergo an assessment and make sure it is fully staffed, according to an order by the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board in November.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:32:25 PM

America

Salem County freeholders take key step toward establishing countywide ambulance service - New Jersey

The Countywide Emergency Medical Services Plan would ensure faster responses to emergency medical situations, officials say. It would not, however, replace current paid and volunteer ambulance squads operating in Salem County.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:31:23 PM

America

Ambulance Workers and Pension Reform - Hawaii

In the course of examining whether Honolulu’s ambulance fleet adequately meets the island’s needs, the audit uncovered excessive overtime use by employees. In some cases, workers earned between 200 percent and 350 percent of their regular salaries in overtime.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:30:17 PM

America

EMS director calls 1st year success - Ohio

The county was forced to start its own EMS after the three-decades-long Southeast Ohio Emergency Medical Service was disbanded.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:28:32 PM

America

Computer systems restored at Aspirus - Wisconsin

Fire departments were alerted at about 8:20 a.m. to send their ambulances with patients to other hospitals. Ambulances were allowed to bring patients to the Aspirus emergency room at 1 p.m. The emergency room remained open during the down time to walk-in complaints, Aune said.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:27:10 PM

America

Peoria company declines purchase of Clinton Ambulance - Illinois

Peoria-based Advanced Medical Transport will not buy Clinton Ambulance Service, Dr. John Warner Hospital CEO Earl Sheehy told the hospital board Tuesday. The hospital plans to terminate its ambulance service in December 2012.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:26:07 PM

America

City of Sturgis renews ambulance contract - Michigan

The committee, which oversees a contract for ambulatory services with LifeCare, includes about a dozen area governmental entities.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:24:29 PM

America

Controversial EMS bill awaits governor's nod - New Jersey

The Assembly passed bill A-2095, which is designed to introduce legislation that will lead to major overhauls in the current EMS system

Dec 29, 2011, 8:23:20 PM

America

Quick actions by family, emergency responders save Arlington man - Texas

Pace nearly died while putting up Christmas decorations along the gutter of his Arlington home.

Dec 29, 2011, 1:40:37 AM

America

Ambulance Service Providers denounce Medi-Cal reimbursement cuts - California

The California Ambulance Association (CAA), which represents the state’s emergency ambulance service providers, is denouncing the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) decision to cut Medi-Cal reimbursement rates, and calls into question DHCS’ continued practice of increasing costs on insured patients and diminishing the quality of emergency 9-1-1 care for all Californians in order to subsidize the Medi-Cal program.

Dec 27, 2011, 2:43:06 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

3 dead in medical helicopter crash - Florida

Three people -- a surgeon, a medical technician and a pilot -- were killed Monday when a medical helicopter crashed in Florida, the Mayo Clinic said.

Dec 26, 2011, 2:51:18 PM

America

Arlington paramedic/firefighter saves man at graduation ceremony - Texas

The paramedic/firefighter was at the ceremony watching her own daughter graduate. Peña was there with her other child, who also is a trained paramedic, and together they helped bring Campbell back to life.

Dec 25, 2011, 3:15:02 PM

12/24/11

2011-12-24T17:48:00.001-09:00

Ambulance Crash Log

One wild ambulance ride - Indiana

Police and paramedic crews inspect an ambulance Thursday after it flipped over in an accident with a truck on Veteran's Memorial Parkway East close to Indiana 38 in Lafayette.

Dec 24, 2011, 6:14:45 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

EMSA driver charged with negligent homicide after fatal ambulance wreck - Oklahoma

An EMSA emergency medical technician has been charged with negligent homicide after investigators said his reckless driving of an ambulance caused a wreck that killed a man on NW 10 near May Avenue.

Dec 24, 2011, 6:10:49 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Deadly Ambulance Crash Could Spur Change - Oklahoma

Widow Doesn't Want Tragedy To Happen To Anyone Else

Dec 24, 2011, 6:10:02 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Erie woman cited in crash - Pennsylvania

Erie police have cited a woman with failing to yield to an emergency vehicle and for driving without insurance in a Tuesday afternoon traffic accident involving an EmergyCare ambulance.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:40:31 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance driver charged in death, fired - Oklahoma

We are learning more about the ambulance driver who is facing charges in connection with a deadly crash. Benjamin Samples, 36, was charged with negligent homicide Monday.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:39:42 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

DPS Officials: Ambulance hit while on scene of wreck - Arizona

Officials say an ambulance responding to the first collision was struck while on scene.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:38:59 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Wreck Includes Ambulance, Pregnant Woman - Mississippi

A portion of 14th street in Meridian was closed Saturday morning because of a two car crash involving a Metro ambulance.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:37:22 PM

Military

Advances in battlefield medicine

In wars gone by, amputation was often the only cure

Dec 24, 2011, 5:34:53 PM

Military

Combat Medic Writes Memoir About War, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and What It Takes to be a Modern Day Combat Medic

Combat Medics are the unsung heroes of war. Hollywood prefers to focus on the glamour of Special Operations units or the spectacle of major battles. Combat Medics seldom make the headlines. Yet without them, hundreds of thousands of soldiers and innocent civilians alike would die on the battlefield, never again to see their friends and families and country.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:34:44 PM

Military

Army flight medic, Senior grad awarded by German government

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Peter Woken’s HH-60L Black Hawk helicopter only touched down for about a minute amid heavy enemy fire near the city of Kunduz in northern Afghanistan.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:34:36 PM

Military

Pararescueman Receives Bronze Star Medal with Valor

While engaged in operations against enemy forces near Arghandab Province July 12, 2010, an Airman risked his life to medevac three U.S. Soldiers injured by improvised explosive devices, saving their lives.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:34:35 PM

Military

Applicants Sought for Scholarship Honoring Fallen U.S. Army Medic

Michael A. DiRaimondo Foundation offers $10,000 to aspiring paramedics

Dec 24, 2011, 5:34:02 PM

America

Naked man jumps from ambulance, killed on freeway ramp - California

The fatal accident occurred after a man sheriff's deputies had picked up for a mental evaluation escaped from an ambulance on the northbound I-5 just south of the 55, authorities said.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:32:21 PM

America

Fire engine crashes on way to call in Las Cruces - New Mexico

Engine 5 was responding to a weather related motor vehicle accident on Del Rey Blvd. in east Las Cruces when it drove onto an icy section of road.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:31:04 PM

America

Volusia paramedics fired for smoking - Florida

But the three fired county employees say they believe they should be offered a second chance.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:28:27 PM

America

Sen. Jack Latvala schedules EMS committee meeting - Florida

State Sen. Jack Latvala has scheduled the first meeting of a committee to appoint an accountant to study proposed changes to Pinellas County's emergency medical services system.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:27:22 PM

America

Into the wild with the real-life heroes of Search and Rescue - Nevada

The majority of injuries happened to hikers, followed by ATV riders, climbers and mountain bikers. The causes of fatalities included drowning, impact from a fall, ATV accident, helicopter crash and suicide.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:26:15 PM

America

Hasidic Women Want Separate EMT Unit - New York

Hasidic female EMTs wants to create a women's division within Hatzolah, to help deliver babies in emergencies.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:24:01 PM

America

Study: Problems with Medicare contractors persist

Private contractors that are supposed to guard against Medicare fraud paid claims submitted in the names of dead providers or for unnecessary medical treatments, which were among problems estimated to cost more than $1 billion in 2009, according to an inspector general report released Friday.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:23:16 PM

America

Paramedic Hit By Car At Crash Scene - Ohio

A paramedic was hit by a car while responding to another crash Wednesday afternoon in Youngstown.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:21:21 PM

Military

Opinion: Army MEDEVAC Choppers Travesty

Why are MEDEVAC Why are MEDEVAC helicopters (commonly called "Dustoffs"), carrying our wounded troops to safety in Afghanistan, being put at enormous risk by the U.S. Army? Why is the Geneva Convention cited by them for their actions? With every second precious when soldiers are wounded, it is a travesty that the Army will not change its policy concerning these choppers.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:17:34 PM

Criminal

Mom, son get prison in all-in-family scam in NYC - New York

Judy and Joseph Del Galdo were sentenced Tuesday. They pleaded guilty last month to charges including grand larceny.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:15:51 PM

Criminal

24-year term for ex-Bemidji EMT who drugged, raped 13-year-old girl - Minnesota

A decertified Bemidji ambulance EMT has been sentenced to prison and was recommended for indefinite civil commitment for stealing narcotics from his employer and drugging a young teenager before raping her in her home.

Dec 24, 2011, 5:14:04 PM

Criminal

Foley guilty in Emt case - Massachusetts

For more than two years since he was charged in an EMT recertification scandal that rocked the town of Hamilton, the question has lingered: Why would James W. Foley, retired from his job as a police lieutenant in neighboring Wenham, take part?

Dec 24, 2011, 5:12:29 PM

Criminal

Nurses fired for taping patient's mouth shut - Utah

Two nurses in a Utah hospital's intensive care unit were fired this week for taping a patient's mouth shut and laughing about it, hospital officials said Friday.

Dec 24, 2011, 4:58:06 PM

Military

Combat medic demonstrates resiliency

U.S. Army Spc. Ashley Jones sat in her bed late Monday night at Craig Joint Theatre Hospital on Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, waiting to join the solemn group of soldiers who were being awarded the Purple Heart.

Dec 24, 2011, 4:54:23 PM

Legal

Sweeney legislation to revamp EMS clears Senate - New Jersey

The bill, A-2095/S-818, would require that, under the direction of the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, the Office of Emergency Medical Services in the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) would serve as the lead state agency for oversight of emergency medical services delivery in New Jersey.

Dec 24, 2011, 4:41:52 PM

Human Interest

Antique Military Ambulance Makes pit stop in Richmond - Virginia

It is being driven by two veterans and one active duty member of the military.

Dec 24, 2011, 4:40:29 PM

Medevac

$16,786 bill for 1 mile medical helicopter flight - Missouri

The total bill from Air Methods, the parent company of ARCH Medical, totaled $25,031.94. Even now, more than 3 months later, it stuns him.

Dec 24, 2011, 4:38:46 PM

Obits/Services

Edward R. Garrison - Pennsylvania

Ed was a long time EMT for the Independent Fire Co. 1 in Burlington Township.

Dec 24, 2011, 3:51:49 PM

Obits/Services

Zachery Shultz - Tennessee

McMinn EMT and firefighter Zachery Shultz died after ATV crash

Dec 24, 2011, 3:35:39 PM

Obits/Services

Bill Rose - Michigan

The Star EMS worker, Bill Rose of Highland Township, was moving a patient when he collapsed about 10 a.m., a co-worker said. Efforts to revive him at Doctors' Hospital in Pontiac were unsuccessful, deputies said.

Dec 24, 2011, 3:08:15 PM

EMSN Notices

No News Is Not Good News

As to the many inquires about where the heck we have been.

Dec 24, 2011, 1:51:11 PM

No News Is Not Good News

2011-12-24T14:05:00.001-09:00

As to the many inquires about where the heck *we have been.

Due to a series of Alaskan storms, since December 10 *we had been without electricity, telephone (landline and cell) and internet. The nearest "juice outlet" 90 minutes away via dangerous roads.

We have had all the luxuries of life now restored and will be back to posting the news soon.

Happy Holidays!

Valerie DeFrance, John McMaster, and Matt Zavadsky; EMSNetwork News.

*okay, just Valerie the Editor

12/10/11

2011-12-11T02:28:00.001-09:00

Features

FDA Advisory Panel Recommends Banning Vicodin and Percocet

Dec 11, 2011, 2:24:57 AM

Ambulance Crash Log

Man killed in Oklahoma City crash involving ambulance - Oklahoma

The ambulance was responding to a call about 10:30 a.m. when it hit the car near NW 10 and May.

Dec 11, 2011, 2:20:28 AM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance Crash Sends 3 To Hospital - Pennsylvania

The crash happened on Route 21/McClellandtown Road in German Township shortly after 9:15 a.m. across from the Big Banana Fruit Market.

Dec 11, 2011, 2:19:14 AM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance and car collide in Exchange District - Canada

A car and ambulance collided in Winnipeg's Exchange District on Thursday night, seriously damaging the car as a result.

Dec 11, 2011, 2:18:17 AM

Criminal

2 EMTs charged with theft of more than $20K - New Jersey

Morrison and Hinshaw were taken into police custody Thursday afternoon at the Pemberton Township Police Department and were released after posting bail.

Dec 11, 2011, 2:16:15 AM

Criminal

Patient steals ambulance from Sumner Regional - Tennessee

A patient at Sumner Regional Medical Center stole an ambulance that was left unlocked with the keys inside at the hospital

Dec 11, 2011, 2:15:18 AM

Criminal

Ex-fireman accused of arson denied EMT re-certification appeal - South Carolina

A former Bluffton Township Fire District captain accused of burning down his Okatie home in 2008 will not receive his EMT certification after he failed to show at his appeal hearing Thursday.

Dec 11, 2011, 2:13:02 AM

America

Gene therapy proves effective for hemophilia B

A single treatment with gene therapy, an experimental technique for fixing faulty genes, has been shown to boost output of a vital blood clotting factor, possibly offering a long-term solution for people with hemophilia B.

Dec 11, 2011, 2:08:41 AM

America

Metamora voters will be asked about tax for ambulance service - Illinois

The village of Metamora and the Metamora Rural Fire Protection District will request authority to implement a tax of no more than 25 cents per $100 assessed valuation. The referendum is set for March 20.

Dec 11, 2011, 2:07:48 AM

America

Panel hears challenges faced by EMS personnel - Illinois

This was the fifteenth hearing in the state by the task force, with two more scheduled.

Dec 11, 2011, 2:04:05 AM

America

Acadian Ambulance Service eyes Houston through key acquisition - Texas

One of the largest employee-owned ambulance services in the country is now running its sirens on Houston streets

Dec 11, 2011, 2:03:09 AM

America

City audit reveals EMS overtime spending - Hawaii

Only a handful of ambulances met response time guidelines, and emergency responders made as much as $200,000 each a year due to overtime.

Dec 11, 2011, 2:02:07 AM

America

Ambulances turned away as computer virus infects Gwinnett Medical Center computers - Georgia

Gwinnett Medical Center on Friday confirmed it has instructed ambulances to take patients to other area hospitals when possible after discovering a system-wide computer virus that slowed patient registration and other operations at its campuses in Lawrenceville and Duluth.

Dec 11, 2011, 2:00:43 AM

America

Emergency? Collier grapples with saving money vs. safest response for emergency calls - Florida

What happens next is a study in contrast in how two EMS systems respond so differently to routine medical emergencies – a subject that’s central to the debate over a public safety overhaul in Collier County.

Dec 11, 2011, 1:56:30 AM

America

Four Mile EMS temporarily out of service - Colorado

With the resignation Dec. 4 of Dawn Carrica, medical chief of Four Mile Emergency Services, the board of directors is now practicing some serious damage control.

Dec 11, 2011, 1:53:53 AM

ER /Hospital

Blake fights to keep its trauma center - Florida

Blake Medical Center‘s trauma care program — open for barely two weeks — already has treated dozens of critically injured patients from Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Dec 11, 2011, 1:51:19 AM

Human Interest

Pittsburgh paramedic competing on 'Next Great Baker' - Pennsylvania

Hart, 38, a city of Pittsburgh paramedic who had baked cakes and other treats on the side for about a year, was ecstatic when TLC notified her in July she would be competing

Dec 11, 2011, 1:30:07 AM

World

Paramedics set to be given bulletproof vests to deal with terror call outs - UK

Specialist paramedic units are to get bulletproof vests so they can deal with terror attacks, it was revealed yesterday.

Dec 11, 2011, 1:05:23 AM

12/8/11

2011-12-08T21:08:00.001-09:00

Features

"FIRESTORM" (w/ trailer)

Eleven hospitals have closed in the last five years, and the wait time in some ERs is as long as 48 hours.

Dec 8, 2011, 9:57:31 PM

Military

War's horror still haunts Sacramento region's wounded warriors

It has been more than two years since Emmett Spraktes last stanched the blood of wounded and dying soldiers as a flight paramedic in Afghanistan.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:57:56 PM

Military

Slippery Stuff: CASEVAC vs. MEDEVAC

The working definitions of CASEVAC and MEDEVAC are so misleading that you must ask the person using the terms exactly what is meant. For instance, US Air Force “Pedro” performs CASEVACs. If you ask a Pedro pilot with hundreds of combat missions behind him, his definitions are likely to be simple:

1) CASEVAC is armed.
2) MEDEVAC is unarmed.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:57:50 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Car driver seriously hurt in collision with ambulance - Indiana

The collision of a car and an Indianapolis EMS ambulance this evening on the Eastside caused serious injury to the sedan's driver, police said.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:53:02 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

3 injured after ambulance crashes in Cambridge - Minnesota

Three people were injured early Monday afternoon when an Allina Ambulance was involved in a crash with a garbage truck in the town of Cambridge.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:49:07 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance Carrying Passenger Involved in Three Vehicle Crash - Nebraska

An Allina ambulance transporting a patient between hospitals was involved in an accident with a garbage truck and a car in Cambridge Monday afternoon.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:45:52 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance involved in Canton head-on collision, three injured - Massachusetts

An ambulance crashed head-on into another vehicle on Route 138 near Industrial Drive in Canton earlier tonight, sending both drivers to the hospital by MedFlight.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:45:13 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance Flips Over In Corbin - Kentucky

A scary situation in Corbin Sunday evening as an ambulance got t-boned while transporting a patient.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:44:26 PM

Criminal

EMT hostage case continued to Dec. 19 - Nebraska

The court case against a North Platte man charged with trapping two EMTs in a home in August has been continued to Dec. 19.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:42:02 PM

Criminal

Company targeted by Feds for health care fraud - Tennessee

A federal agent, parked nearby, watched through his windshield as someone climbed from the passenger side. Moments later, the passenger returned with a bag of food. Murfreesboro Ambulance Service later billed the ride to Medicare as two separate trips to a dialysis clinic, according to documents filed in federal court, with two different patients laid up on stretchers, at more than $2,000 altogether.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:35:32 PM

Bodily Assault Log

Trainer tries to help EMTs, paramedics combat attacks, stay safe on their jobs - Missouri

A national group says medics get attacked on average on 1 out of every 20 calls.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:34:07 PM

Bodily Assault Log

Injured woman punches paramedic in face - Oklahoma

Police arrested a woman who they say attacked a paramedic. Investigators say Tess Owen, 21, now faces a charge of assault and battery. She was taken into custody early Tuesday morning.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:32:37 PM

Human Interest

More drivers texting at wheel, despite state bans

A national survey, the first government study of its kind on distracted driving, and other data released Thursday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration underscore the difficulty authorities face in discouraging texting and cellphone talking while driving.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:31:07 PM

America

Paramedic reassignments cause stir in Philadelphia - Pennsylvania

Firefighters Union head William Gault says transferring 200 paramedics to other firehouses is nothing more than retribution for lawsuits the paramedics filed in order to receive more overtime.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:30:06 PM

America

Lake ambulance to return to 24-hour service - Florida

Lake County emergency officials decided this week to return having an ambulance stationed all the time at a Clermont fire station, following a barrage of complaints from city leaders and residents

Dec 8, 2011, 8:30:05 PM

America

South Central EMS responds to perceived criticism from Lower Paxton Township supervisors - Pennsylvania

Supervisor William Hornung said he never got any inkling that South Central was not doing its job

Dec 8, 2011, 8:29:01 PM

America

City seeking fire/EMS proposals - California

The city's goal is to save money on its current contract with the Santa Clara County Central Fire District, while ensuring the level of service remains the same as it is now and that all the services in the city limits are provided by just one contractor.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:27:21 PM

America

Louisville EMS still awaiting contract - Kentucky

Todd Thomason, the Secretary of Teamsters Local 783, tells WDRB that Louisville EMS has been without a contract for 18 months

Dec 8, 2011, 8:25:57 PM

America

Allentown EMS faces $400,000 deficit due to city council vote, bureau manager says - Pennsylvania

Allentown Emergency Medical Services is facing a more than $400,000 deficit due to a rejection last week of their plans to reorganize

Dec 8, 2011, 8:18:37 PM

America

Moline residents tell city council to avoid layoffs for firefighter-paramedics - Iowa

Michele Stanley stood before the Moline City Council and Mayor Don Welvaert on Tuesday and related how, seven years ago, her 3-year-old son became ill, and how three Moline Fire Department paramedics made the difference between him living and dying.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:14:27 PM

America

Hoffman Estates reduces ambulance service to cut overtime cost - Illinois

The number of Hoffman Estates Fire Department ambulances operating daily dropped from four to three Tuesday, bringing service levels back to where they were more than four years ago.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:13:20 PM

America

Patient's wait for ambulance, death leads to Marco health center audits - Florida

The Marco Island Healthcare Center will be audited until early next year to make sure patients who need emergency medical care are being transferred to the nearest hospital, according to state inspection reports.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:11:30 PM

America

Lee County EMS supervisors' salaries frozen - Florida

Lee County commissioners locked in salaries and benefits for emergency medical services supervisors Tuesday with virtually no discussion.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:10:09 PM

America

Charleston City Council Votes on Sick Day Issue With Firefighters/EMT's - West Virginia

The hits keep coming for the Charleston Fire Department. Last month council voted to take administrative action on overtime pay to correct an on-going problem. Monday night, city council voted to change the sick day policy

Dec 8, 2011, 8:08:16 PM

America

FIRE CUTS: Department To Lose One Ambulance - Iowa

The City of Des Moines is considering cutting ambulance service at one of its 10 stations

Dec 8, 2011, 8:07:07 PM

America

At least 44 from Lehigh U. rave party taken to hospitals for drugs and alcohol - Pennsylvania

Incident is being called 'mass casualty' event that burdened emergency responders.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:04:12 PM

America

EMSA's travel spending draws scrutiny - Oklahoma

Oklahoma City officials who serve as Emergency Medical Services Authority trustees say EMSA travel and meeting expenses of more than $405,000 since July 2008, including first-class air travel, $500-per-night hotel rooms and a $2,800 retirement party, show its spending deserves more scrutiny and oversight.

Dec 8, 2011, 8:00:05 PM

Canada

Ambulances ‘held hostage’ by hospitals slowing emergency response - Canada

The number of times one or no ambulances were available to respond to emergencies in Hamilton has more than quadrupled in the past four years.

Dec 8, 2011, 7:50:20 PM

Medevac

Air ambulance REACH merges with Cal-Ore Life Flight

A Santa Rosa air ambulance company that provides service at Sacramento Executive Airport has merged with an Oregon-based company to create a comprehensive network of medical air and ground transportation in California, Oregon and Texas.

Dec 8, 2011, 7:17:35 PM

World

Gunmen attack ambulance in Mexico, kill 4 people - Mexico

Gunmen attacked an ambulance in this border city Wednesday, killing the driver, two patients and a fourth person in the vehicle, officials said

Dec 8, 2011, 11:39:36 AM

12/4/11

2011-12-04T18:11:00.000-09:00

Special Report

The Army ain’t Dumb (It’s Crazy)

Meanwhile, the Army has redoubled efforts to send unarmed helicopters sporting Red Crosses into battle. In Afghanistan, crosses often are seen as evil symbols.

Dec 4, 2011, 6:08:09 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

2 killed, 2 hurt when vehicle slams into ambulance - California

The San Bernardino County Coroner’s office has identified two men killed early Saturday in Fontana when their car hit a medic squad returning to the fire station from a call.

Dec 4, 2011, 5:45:23 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Woman Who Caused Ambulance Crash On Center Street Bridge Convicted Of Traffic Charges - Ohio

Marion Cushman -- the woman accused of causing a crash on Center Street bridge that sent two Mentor firefighters to the hospital -- was convicted of three traffic charges in Mentor Municipal Court.

Dec 4, 2011, 5:44:18 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

NTSB issues report on fatal air ambulance crash last July - Texas

The July 2010 air ambulance crash near Alpine's airport that killed 5 people has been blamed on pilot error and possible pilot fatigue, according to the National Trans-portation Safety Board.

Dec 4, 2011, 5:42:19 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance involved in crash at Ohio 423 and Marion-Cardington Road - Ohio

The highway patrol dispatcher said that the injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Dec 4, 2011, 5:39:53 PM

America

Five Roane County EMS workers resign after apparent alcohol complaint - Tennessee

"As our employees are in public or in uniform working, they are at a different standard of course than if it's in their private time or vacation," said Roane County Executive Ron Woody.

Dec 4, 2011, 5:33:05 PM

Criminal

Suspect drives off with EMTs in ambulance - Georgia

When a Grady Memorial Hospital ambulance crew arrived in Buckhead early Saturday to treat an intoxicated man found lying in the street, little did they know they would end up on a wild ride.

Dec 4, 2011, 5:30:39 PM

Criminal

White Plains woman warned after moving ambulance, then arrested after filing complaint - New York

That's apparently what Monet Oglesbee did Tuesday when she was arrested for illegally driving an ambulance after filing a complaint against a police officer who had earlier let her off with a warning.

Dec 4, 2011, 5:27:55 PM

Legal

Lawmakers Want Studies for EMS Proposals - Florida

State lawmakers passed a motion Wednesday recommending that Pinellas County hire an independent firm to analyze EMS transport proposals

Dec 4, 2011, 5:25:30 PM

Legal

SFFD cited for 'serious' violations in fatal fire - California

State investigators have cited the San Francisco Fire Department for "serious" worker safety violations in the deaths of two firefighters killed battling a Diamond Heights house fire in June.

Dec 4, 2011, 5:25:29 PM

Legal

EMS Workers Cleared for Body-Bagging a Live Man - North Carolina

A North Carolina man who was erroneously declared dead after a car accident cannot collect damages from first responders whose work led him to be placed in a refrigerated drawer, a state appeals court ruled.

Dec 4, 2011, 5:23:41 PM

America

Flint public safety director asks, but Genesee County not sharing paramedic millage - Michigan

he county is sticking with a decision to cut the city of Flint out of money generated by a special paramedic millage despite objections from city officials, including a last-minute appeal from Public Safety Director Alvern Locke.

Dec 4, 2011, 5:21:36 PM

America

Cleveland EMS billing issues - Ohio

Cleveland just agreed to pay the state $387,500. However, the state actually first wanted $951,000.

Dec 4, 2011, 5:18:34 PM

America

McClellan: Facebook posting helps resolve ambulance bill - Missouri

Dan was unhappy about that and called me. I always get confused about this stuff. If you have a fire, you don't get a bill. If you need an ambulance — a far more likely scenario — you're charged. But did Dan's mother really need an ambulance?

Dec 4, 2011, 5:16:04 PM

America

Ambulance service ends, concerns in the community start - Michigan

Ambulance service at Sister Lakes Fire Department ended at midnight.

Dec 4, 2011, 5:15:20 PM

America

New ambulance company on the call in Milford - Massachusetts

Residents with a medical emergency will see paramedics from a different ambulance company respond starting this week, but fire officials say they shouldn't notice any difference in the care they receive.

Dec 4, 2011, 5:13:06 PM

America

With Growing Cell Phone Use, 'Butt Dials' To 911 Also Rising - Illinois

If you’ve ever received a call because someone you know “butt-dialed” you, you know how annoying it can be. But when someone “butt-dials” 911, it’s not just an inconvenience, it’s a public safety issue.

Dec 4, 2011, 5:10:09 PM

America

Removal of equipment at Marco care center prompts an alert within Collier EMS - Florida

"We can still evaluate and begin resuscitation on a patient," Dr. John Lewis said of the medical center.

Dec 4, 2011, 5:08:44 PM

America

Allentown rejects adding EMTs - Pennsylvania

City council members said they feared reducing quality of carefour paramedics to be hired.

Dec 4, 2011, 5:07:13 PM

Human Interest

Paramedics ‘undoubtedly saved my life' - California

Grizzell had seen seven other cases of a burst aorta in the abdomen in his 18 years in the field, and two of those people had survived.

Dec 4, 2011, 5:06:26 PM

Human Interest

EMS response change saves man’s life - Texas

The EMS department took a pit-crew approach to treating patients in order to cut the confusion of what the paramedic’s responsibilities were.

Dec 4, 2011, 5:06:13 PM

Medevac

REACH Air merges with Oregon ambulance company - California

The merger of the two privately held companies took effect Wednesday and was in in response to “dynamic” and quickly evolving health care landscape. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Dec 4, 2011, 5:05:39 PM

Obits/Services

Helmut Willy Geyer - Colorado

He held different positions over almost 25 years with the department, such as: Hazmat and Safety Committee Co-coordinator, Assistant Chief, and Safety Officer.

Dec 4, 2011, 5:00:43 PM

11/30/11

2011-11-30T10:19:00.001-09:00

Features

Dept. of Homeland Security Ambulance Safety Design Survey

The Dept. of Homeland Security is conducting a survey to develop design guidance for ambulance patient compartments to address crash worthiness. The survey is available until December 28, 2011.

Nov 30, 2011, 10:56:16 AM

Special Report

Lab at Hershey Medical Center identifies a virus that could kill cancer - Pennsylvania

"What the virus seems to be doing is turning on [a gene in] all these cancer cells that causes them to die, to turn on themselves and commit suicide," Meyers said.

Nov 30, 2011, 10:51:39 AM

Ambulance Crash Log

Medical flight radioed low fuel before crash that killed three - Illinois

The twin-engine Piper Navajo crashed in north suburban Riverwoods late Monday night, killing the pilot and an elderly couple with deep ties to the Chicago area, but sparing the lives of a medic and a co-pilot on board.

Nov 30, 2011, 10:17:25 AM

Criminal

Judge to rule on testimony in death of paramedic’s wife - Missouri

The attorney for the Kansas City-area man – and former Independence Fire Department paramedic – accused in the disappearance and murder of his wife nearly three years ago tried to convince a judge that a confession from one jail inmate to another should be admitted during the upcoming trial.

Nov 30, 2011, 10:15:00 AM

Ambulance Crash Log

One injured, ambulance totaled in accident - Nebraska

YORK - One person was injured and an ambulance was totaled in an accident Monday night at the intersection of the Highway 81 bypass and Highway 34, just east of the airport.

Nov 30, 2011, 10:06:29 AM

Ambulance Crash Log

Cause of ambulance wreck still under investigation - Alabama

Authorities on Monday continued investigating the cause of a collision between an East Alabama Medical Center ambulance and another vehicle Friday, said Sgt. Steven Jarrett, Alabama Department of Public Safety public information/ education unit commander.

Nov 30, 2011, 10:04:53 AM

ER /Hospital

Flying Squirrel Invades Emergency Room - New Jersey

Firefighters were needed stat after a flying squirrel went nuts in a New Jersey hospital's emergency room.

Nov 30, 2011, 10:00:50 AM

Legal

D.C. paramedic on leave after elderly woman dies - Washington DC

According to sources familiar with the investigation, the paramedic who arrived on the fire engine determined the woman's condition was not serious and declined to accompany her to the hospital, despite the request of ambulance personnel that the paramedic stay with the patient.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:49:43 AM

Medevac

Gov't aircraft operations often lack FAA oversight

Nonmilitary government agencies own or lease thousands of aircraft, but they are often on their own when it comes to safety oversight of their operations — a situation that accident investigators say has contributed to air crashes and deaths.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:47:55 AM

Ambulance Crash Log

NTSB plans public flight safety forum; concerns include 2008 helicopter crash that killed 9 in Trinity County - California

Acknowledging no one currently provides oversight for aircraft flown for government work, the National Transportation Safety Board is holding a two-day forum starting today in Washington, D.C., to discuss who should address safety concerns raised after a spate of recent "public aircraft" crashes, including a 2008 helicopter crash that killed nine people in Trinity County.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:47:52 AM

Medevac

'Air ambulance' service an option for Shelby Township Fire Dept. - Michigan

At a Shelby Township Board of Trustees meeting last month, Shelby Township Fire Chief Gene Shepherd announced that the department's paramedics have a new "tool" that could help save lives.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:47:04 AM

Medevac

Nebraska-based air ambulance to serve Rosebud - South Dakota

An air ambulance will be stationed just seven minutes from the heart of South Dakota's Rosebud Indian Reservation starting Wednesday, when it begins flying out of nearby Valentine, Neb.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:46:56 AM

Human Interest

Firefighter To Run 26.2 Miles Wearing Gear - California

Normally, Team Firefighter athletes do endurance events like the Ironman Triathlon. But Hamilton decided to challenge himself by running CIM in his work clothes.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:45:19 AM

Human Interest

Actor Thanks Paramedics after On-Stage Heart Attack - Minnesota

Even though Boles has no memories of the week surrounding the cardiac arrest that caused the collapse, but it was an emotional evening as he met those who helped him in his moment of great need.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:43:43 AM

Human Interest

NY kids call 911, ask for Santa - New York

Nov 30, 2011, 9:42:13 AM

America

EMS calls across county lines are issue in Newland area - Virginia

Despite allegations that some officials have advised residents to call outside their service area for medical help, local emergency personnel in Richmond County are assuring the public that the quickest way to receive medical care consists of three easy numbers: 9-1-1.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:36:25 AM

America

Ambulance service debate resumes - California

Riverside officials again will be asked to decide whether the city needs more than one ambulance service, after voting in October to stick with a single company.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:35:19 AM

America

Non-emergencies affect ambulance service, too - New York

Like emergency room staff, ambulance crews frequently encounter patients who aren’t in the throes of an emergency, said Dan Broedel, director of the Midstate Regional Emergency Medical Services Council.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:34:23 AM

America

Norton will try again to pass fire and EMS levy - Ohio

City Council approved a resolution Monday deeming it necessary to go back to voters in the March 6 primary.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:33:21 AM

America

Ambulance service carries on holiday tradition - Colorado

More than 15 years ago AMR (American Medical Response), one of the nation's leading ambulance transportation companies, started the "Home for the Holidays" program that was designed to provide an answer to the issue of getting home for a family gathering.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:29:42 AM

America

National EMS Academy Update in CPR Training Method: CPR-HD - Louisiana

In addition to traditional CPR training, employees will learn a new method termed CPR-HD ("highly defined") by Acadian Ambulance.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:28:04 AM

America

Saratoga EMS dissolve put on hold - New York

The deal to transfer the operating certificate from the squad to Empire Ambulance was tabled by the Regional EMS Council at its meeting Monday night.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:25:25 AM

America

Ambulance service raising funds - Colorado

For its 30th birthday, the Arkansas Valley Ambulance service would love a new set of wheels.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:24:37 AM

America

Commission looks for EMS solution - Florida

A majority of Pinellas County Commissioners are poised to chart a course around a probable legal minefield.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:21:55 AM

America

Allentown City Council debates adding EMTs - Pennsylvania

Some fear less highly trained emergency workers would leave the city compromised.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:20:10 AM

America

EMTs are in high demand - Georgia

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth for paramedics is expected to increase much faster than average.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:18:48 AM

Job Listings

Texas: Public Information Officer

Nov 30, 2011, 9:13:52 AM

Canada

Saskatoon’s MD Ambulance celebrates 35 years - Canada

The service started in 1976 with just three employees.

Nov 30, 2011, 9:00:56 AM

Canada

Cobble Hill driver ticketed for chasing ambulance - Canada

As a speeding ambulance raced through rush-hour traffic, a driver from Cobble Hill tried to slip into the wake of the flashing lights and blaring siren

Nov 30, 2011, 9:00:15 AM

11/28/11

2011-11-28T18:08:00.000-09:00

Military

Red Air

The US Army burdens its Dustoff helicopters with Red Crosses due to internal political struggles about who controls the helicopters. This leaves patients bleeding on battlefields.

Ambulance Crash Log

Omaha ambulance En Route To Call Collides With Car - Nebraska

An EMT said the ambulance almost rolled in the crash.

Plainsboro Rescue Squad Ambulance Involved in Accident on Ridge Road Sunday - New Jersey

An ambulance from Plainsboro was heavily damaged in a traffic accident Sunday morning on Ridge Road.

Nov 28, 2011, 6:07:19 PM

America

Woman Falls From Ambulance, Dies At Hospital - Pennsylvania

As the men were lifting the stretcher into the ambulance, Dianne Wills allegedly slumped to her side and fell from the stretcher, hitting her head on the pavement.

Nov 28, 2011, 6:05:51 PM

Human Interest

Trauma center director started as volunteer EMT - North Dakota

He was originally a volunteer firefighter in Velva, but through acquaintances of his who were affiliated with the ambulance service, Sather switched to the other side. That was in 1979.

Nov 28, 2011, 5:54:37 PM

Human Interest

Jessica Finley is a real lifesaver for JoCo Med-Act - Missouri

Some people think being a paramedic is a “superhero job,” she said. Others think it’s all blood and sadness. Actually, it’s somewhere in the middle.

Nov 28, 2011, 5:54:25 PM

Awards-Honors

Flagler County personnel sweep university competition - Florida

Nov 28, 2011, 5:53:20 PM

America

Butte County ambulance taxing district discussed by commission - South Dakota

Butte County voters may be asked to add an ambulance taxing district to their governmental agencies in the next county-wide election.

Nov 28, 2011, 5:51:54 PM

America

Glencoe gains 24/7 EMT service for the first time - Alabama

The city's police and fire chiefs were able to do it with volunteers and part time workers.

Nov 28, 2011, 5:50:19 PM

America

Firefighter loses arm in tanker accident - Texas

Officials say a volunteer firefighter lost her left arm in an accident while assisting at the scene of a fiery tanker truck crash in southeast Texas.

Nov 28, 2011, 5:49:58 PM

America

Gold Cross to add 7 new ambulances - Georgia

Seven new Gold Cross ambulances will roll out onto the streets of Richmond and Columbia counties in about two weeks.

Nov 28, 2011, 5:47:04 PM

America

Pilot Knob Fire Department first in region with female chief - New York

Paris, who was elected to the position in July, is believed to be the first female fire chief in the area.

Nov 28, 2011, 5:45:25 PM

America

Not-for-profit ambulance service ending its run in Saratoga Springs, Greenfield - New York

The ambulance service serving the Spa City and neighboring Greenfield is calling it quits amid financial trouble and plans to hand the reins over to a for-profit company.

Nov 28, 2011, 5:43:54 PM

America

Steelton ambulance service could be contracted to Community Life Team - Pennsylvania

“Emotionally, nobody really wanted to think about it, especially me,” she said. “In the early 1970s, I was the first female EMT in Steelton. ... The ambulance is near and dear to my heart.”

Nov 28, 2011, 5:37:16 PM

America

Medicare back on the brink over cuts to doctors

It's become a symbol of sorts for the federal government's budget dysfunction: Unless Congress acts before Jan. 1, doctors will again face steep Medicare cuts that threaten to undermine health care for millions of seniors and disabled people.

Nov 28, 2011, 5:36:24 PM

America

Jewish women want to join all-male EMT group - New York

Most Orthodox Jewish women avoid touching men except direct relatives. They don't sit next to men on buses or even at weddings. They have separate swimming hours at indoor pools. But for an emergency birth, Orthodox Jewish women will usually turn to the all-male volunteer ambulance corps known as Hatzolah.

Nov 28, 2011, 5:33:31 PM

America

No ER closure could improve patient choice - California

Opponents say the proposal could burden already overcrowded emergency rooms that don't have space for more patients. But, advocates say the change would force hospital staff to be more efficient throughout the facility, ensuring that patients like Arthur Handy have a choice.

Nov 28, 2011, 5:31:31 PM

11/26/11

2011-11-26T14:42:00.001-09:00

Public Affairs: Matt Zavadsky, Senior Editor

Hospitals, insurers would bear brunt of automatic Medicare cuts

Nov 23, 2011, 8:21:37 AM

Military

State-of-the-art helicopters

The Lakota is a twin-engine helicopter with a single four-blade rotor system. It is being fielded in Army National Guard units across the United States for homeland defense missions.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:39:24 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Four injured after ambulance, car collide in Opelika - Georgia

The collision occurred at about 6:20 a.m. on Marvyn Parkway in Opelika, according to EAMC spokesman John Atkinson. At the time of the collision, the ambulance was already transporting a patient to EAMC.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:36:56 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Pedestrian killed in collision with ambulance near Silverdale - Washington

A man was killed near Silverdale on Monday after he wandered onto State Route 3 and was struck by an ambulance, the Washington State Patrol said.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:35:13 PM

Criminal

City fire instructors cleared in EMS cheating probe - Maryland

The scandal originally implicated five training staff members, but all charges were dismissed in October. Redacted versions of the October disciplinary hearing records and the 36-page investigation report, completed in August, were released Tuesday.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:32:21 PM

Criminal

4 firefighters charged with arson -- New Mexico

Four Dona Ana County volunteer firefighters who were putting out what was left of the huge hay fire that lighted up the night sky just south of Las Cruces have been arrested.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:29:06 PM

World

Paralyzed paramedic home from hospital - UK

He finally came home today from the hospital. The family home isn't handicap accessible. Friends are pitching in to change that.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:26:02 PM

America

State agency clears Alameda paramedics of wrongdoing - California

A state agency that regulates paramedics has dismissed complaints that some members of the public filed over the Memorial Day death of Raymond Zack, who committed suicide off Crown Beach while emergency workers remained onshore, city officials announced Monday.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:24:32 PM

America

Pattonville paramedic puts up a fight for BackStoppers - Missouri

Guns 'N Hoses, the pre-Thanksgiving ritual that provides the BackStoppers' major source of funds for the families of first responders who have died in the line of duty.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:22:16 PM

America

8 firefighters, EMT injured in Pennsauken blast - Pennsylvania

Eight firefighters and an emergency medical technician received minor injuries Monday in a basement explosion during an early-morning house fire.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:20:51 PM

America

City shakes up ambulance oversight - Wisconsin

West Baraboo Village Trustee and Ambulance Commission President David Dahlke asked the Council to postpone the change and said the effort is an example of a growing distrust between the city and other commission members.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:19:27 PM

America

Empire Ambulance set to take over ambulance services in Saratoga Springs and Greenfield - New York

With revenue dwindling, the Board of Directors of Saratoga Emergency Medical Services, a nonprofit that has provided ambulance protection to Saratoga Springs since the 1960s, voted to transfer its operating certificate to the for-profit Empire Ambulance.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:18:18 PM

America

Commission Buys Ambulance for Grant Town EMS - West Virginia

Well in light of Grant Town Mayor, and President of Grant Town's Volunteer Fire Department, Robert Riggs Jr., being arrested over accusations that he embezzled money, the Marion County Commission is still providing the town's EMS services with an ambulance.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:16:57 PM

America

County Examining EMS Privatization - Georgia

Two things that are planned is an increase in the rates and to begin charging for the multitude of lifting assistance calls that are free at this time.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:15:35 PM

America

Allentown wants EMTs in ambulance - Pennsylvania

Some say the change from all-paramedics could compromise emergency care.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:14:25 PM

Human Interest

Four Hillsboro firefighters headed to Cambodia to build EMS system 'from the ground up' - Oregon

They're not going on the department's dime, but it's not exactly a vacation for the firefighters.

Nov 26, 2011, 2:13:07 PM

Human Interest

MedStar Paramedics reunite family for Thanksgiving - texas

A North Texas man experienced something on Thursday his family thought might never happen again. He came home for Thanksgiving.

Nov 26, 2011, 1:41:49 PM

11/21/11

2011-11-21T18:52:00.001-09:00

Special Report

$1 BILLION for the “Health Care Innovation Challenge”

Last week the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation announced the availability of $1 BILLION for the “Health Care Innovation Challenge”.

Nov 21, 2011, 6:45:37 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance Crew Recovering - Tennessee

It happened on Interstate 240 near the Norris Road exit, this morning around 4:30.

Nov 21, 2011, 6:44:13 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance Involved In 3-Vehicle Accident In Norwich - Connecticut

A man who crashed his vehicle into an ambulance early Sunday morning and then fled on foot has turned himself into police.

Nov 21, 2011, 6:41:37 PM

Bodily Assault Log

Crash victim charged with attacking paramedic in ambulance - Illinois

“He didn’t say anything, he just jumped up and started beating on the paramedic,” a police lieutenant said.

Nov 21, 2011, 6:40:11 PM

Criminal

Paramedic faces 10-year sentence - South Carolina

A paramedic who allegedly took marijuana from a felony DUI suspect at a crash scene and tried to hide it from law enforcement was charged Friday with obstruction of justice.

Nov 21, 2011, 6:34:06 PM

World

Paramedics given bullet-proof jackets over fears of a Mumbai-style terrorist attack - UK

However, body armour and initial guidance has already been given to small teams of ambulance and fire crews in key areas.

Nov 21, 2011, 6:33:00 PM

Canada

Off-duty paramedic saves hockey teammate - Canada

Paramedic Bruce Binda saved his teammate’s life when the man suffered a heart attack while playing hockey

Nov 21, 2011, 6:32:06 PM

Canada

Paramedics Spend 26% of Time in Hospital - Canada

Ottawa paramedics are spending more time in emergency rooms than any other paramedic service in Ontario.

Nov 21, 2011, 6:30:23 PM

America

EMT program cuts - California

She states that due to statewide budget cuts, Moorpark College must cut several hundred classes, and EMT is just some of them.

Nov 21, 2011, 6:29:11 PM

America

Stratford EMS expanding to North End - Connecticut

On weekdays, North End residents in need of an ambulance won't have to wait as long for its arrival.

Nov 21, 2011, 6:28:01 PM

America

Lake EMS will review complaints about its ambulance plan - Florida

Just two months into its launch, rebranded Lake EMS will review citizen complaints about its countywide ambulance plan at a public workshop next month

Nov 21, 2011, 6:26:57 PM

Legal

Mummified Patient Can Take Paramedics to Trial - Illinois

Paramedics may be liable for forcibly hospitalizing a man who refused medical attention, a federal judge ruled, recounting an undisputed record showing emergency responders put their patient in a headlock, rammed his head 20 times into an ambulance wall and taped him up "like a mummy."

Nov 21, 2011, 6:25:27 PM

Legal

New reports reveal state ambulance investigations - Indiana

There is new information detailing the failures of a nursing home and ambulance company that refused to call 911 for a cardiac arrest patient, left waiting for help.

Nov 21, 2011, 6:25:18 PM

Medevac

Leaky helicopter stranded at hospital - New Jersey

A medical evacuation helicopter was stranded on the helicopter landing pad of Capital Health Regional Medical Center yesterday because of a leaking fuel tank

Nov 21, 2011, 6:20:08 PM

11/18/11

2011-11-18T20:30:00.000-09:00

Features

TV Show Crew Films West Virginia. Ambulance Service

Logan County Emergency Services recently hosted a film crew as they shot a pilot for a possible new EMS reality show.

Nov 18, 2011, 9:50:52 PM

Criminal

Saukville EMT Charged With Stealing From Man He Was Helping - Wisconsin

John M. Marchek, 537 W. Hillcrest Ct., was charged in Ozaukee County Circuit Court on Thursday with one count of theft from a person. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and $25,000 in fines.

Nov 18, 2011, 8:27:19 PM

Criminal

EMS employee arrested after allegedly taking pot from suspect - South Carolina

A Berkeley County EMS employee was arrested Friday after state troopers say she took marijuana from an injured felony DUI suspect last week and then tried to hide it from police.

Nov 18, 2011, 8:25:25 PM

Special Report

Study: Medics' fatigue linked to higher injury rates

Study announced on Thursday by the University of Pittsburgh.

Nov 18, 2011, 6:48:46 PM

America

Council approves EMT pay increase - Texas

The Plainview City Council took action on three items Thursday during their work session at the Plainview Country Club due to the cancellation of Tuesday's regular meeting.

Nov 18, 2011, 6:48:16 PM

America

Frisco Fire Department receives new medical ambulance bus - Texas

Frisco firefighter/paramedics have a new tool that allows them to treat and transport as many as 20 patients at a time with a single vehicle. The Frisco Fire Department's new Ambulance Bus can do the job of 10 of its current ambulances.

Nov 18, 2011, 4:36:41 PM

America

Ambulance company, 300 jobs moving to Brooklyn - Ohio

An ambulance company will move more than 300 employees to Brooklyn - a boon for a suburb facing the loss of American Greetings Corp., its largest employer.

Nov 18, 2011, 3:17:50 PM

America

Firehouse closure in Bethlehem under fire - Pennsylvania

Councilman questions the fiscal wisdom of closing the North Central fire station.

Nov 18, 2011, 3:16:51 PM

America

MedStar: No Change to Red Lights, Sirens - Texas

Ambulance service finds device to change traffic lights doesn't improve response times

Nov 18, 2011, 12:05:24 PM

America

Firefighter's EMS Plan Gaining Support - Florida

A Palm Harbor firefighter's proposal to have Pinellas County firefighters transport medical emergency patients to hospitals is gaining support and attention.

Nov 18, 2011, 12:04:31 PM

Medevac

Pilot praised after ducks down medical chopper - Mississippi

They say it's rare, but operators of the Air Care medical helicopter program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center say their pilots do train for incidents like the one that forced an emergency landing Thursday night.

Nov 18, 2011, 8:19:19 AM

11/16 & 17/11

2011-11-17T22:26:00.001-09:00

Public Affairs: Matt Zavadsky, Senior Editor

Pharmaceutical Backorder Report - UPDATE

Here's an update to the current status of the pharmaceutical backorder report from Boundtree medical.

REPORT

Nov 15, 2011, 2:37:21 PM

Awards-Honors

Paramedic Who Responded To Officer Shooting Honored - California

A paramedic who responded to an emergency call regarding a San Diego police officer who was shot in the head was named local paramedic of the year on Wednesday.

Nov 17, 2011, 10:23:20 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Paramedic injured in Route 9 crash in Lakewood - New Jersey

The name of the Hatzolah paramedic wasn’t available, but he suffered a leg injury and was taken by a Hatzolah ambulance to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune

Nov 17, 2011, 10:21:44 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance Slams into Jeep, Causes Rollover - New Mexico

Police say the ambulance driver was not on a 911 call and was not running his lights or his siren when he entered that intersection

Nov 17, 2011, 10:18:50 PM

Ambulance Crash Log

Ambulance Damaged in Head-On Collision - Georgia

The ambulance was en route to another call when it was struck, so responders sent another ambulance on an alternate route to the initial call.

Nov 17, 2011, 10:17:50 PM

Military

Combat care: Medics & muscle memory

You've seen it in movies like Saving Private Ryan... combat medics rushing to the aid of injured troops putting their own lives on the line to save their comrades. It takes intense training to make it to the battlefield. And one technique can mean the difference between life and death.

Nov 17, 2011, 10:14:51 PM

Criminal

Ex-EMT loses license in sexual battery case - Tennessee

Michael Lamar Johnston, 41, also was given a suspended two-year sentence Tuesday on a sexual battery conviction and will have to register as a sex offender, according to court records.

Nov 17, 2011, 10:10:35 PM

Criminal

EMT accused of sex abuse in ambulance - New York

During the course of treatment, a medical technician, Kristopher Kahl, 22, made inappropriate sexual contact with the patient's intimate parts on November 4 at approximately 11:40 a.m. in Shirley.

Nov 17, 2011, 10:09:42 PM

Criminal

Ambien defense fails Rosemont paramedic convicted of DUI - Illinois

Will County Judge Amy Bertani-Tomczak wasn’t swayed by a Rosemont paramedic’s claim that the sleep aid Ambien made him involuntarily drink, drive and cause a crash last year that injured an 18-year-old woman.

Nov 17, 2011, 10:08:33 PM

Criminal

Ambulance service owner pleads guilty in child porn case - Pennsylvania

Haldeman, the owner of Stat Care Ambulance Service Inc. of West Grove, Pa., was arrested Jan. 19 at his home

Nov 17, 2011, 10:07:08 PM

Criminal

Guthrie ambulance services investigation - Oklahoma

The conversation that follows is alarming.
A Facebook friend, who seems to be a health care insider, writes, "Make each ambulance call an A.L.S. call by starting an IV, then you can charge more for essentially the same call."
The Chief responds, "Yeah I've already got them doing that."

Nov 17, 2011, 10:04:31 PM

Criminal

EMS worker accused of taking drugs from patient - South Carolina

A Berkeley County EMS worker responding to a fatal accident may have helped more than she should have. At least that is what the S.C. Highway Patrol is investigating.

Nov 17, 2011, 10:03:20 PM

Criminal

Inwood Couple Target Of Hundreds Of 911 Prank Calls - New York

For the past two years, a Manhattan couple has opened their door hundreds of times for police or firefighters responding to emergency calls they never made.

Nov 17, 2011, 10:02:01 PM

World

Video: Drug War Ambulance - Mexico

As a violent drug war rages in Culiacán, Mexico, the only ambulance in town is staffed by Red Cross volunteers, many of whom are in their teens.

Nov 17, 2011, 10:00:20 PM

Obits/Services

Larry Metz Ward - California

n 1975, he was one of the four founders of American Ambulance.

Nov 17, 2011, 9:58:01 PM

Job Listings

Alaska: EMS Certification Specialist

Nov 17, 2011, 9:56:54 PM

Medevac

One killed, 4 injured and medical helicopter damaged in wreck - Texas

While authorities were on the scene, another car struck the life-flight helicopter. The helicopter suffered some damage, but no injuries were reported.

Nov 17, 2011, 9:54:51 PM

Medevac

Bird Strike Forces Medical Helicopter Down - Mississippi

An Air Care medical helicopter from University Medical Center made what airport officials are calling a forced landing after a bird strike Thursday night. Five people were on board including a burn victim.

Nov 17, 2011, 9:54:17 PM

America

Community Paramedics: Changing Local Health Care - Colorado

There is no question there is a health care crisis in this county. In Colorado alone 52 of the state’s 64 counties don’t have enough doctors to go around. Of those who do have access, nearly 15% didn’t go because then couldn’t pay for it.

Nov 17, 2011, 9:42:49 PM

America

EMS change illegal, fire chief says - Florida

The plans, one being put forth by County Administrator Bob LaSala and the other by a group of firefighters, are both inferior to the current system that has been in place since 1980, and illegal, Wallace said.

Nov 17, 2011, 9:42:06 PM

America

Cleveland fire, ambulance merger faces obstacles - Ohio

All sides agree that a planned merger of Cleveland's Fire Department and ambulance service is a good idea. They also agree that two distinct workplace cultures won't mesh easily.

Nov 17, 2011, 9:38:14 PM

America

Officials aim to collect $60K for ambulance service - Kentucky

Moore said the county ambulance service bills for the first 110 days after a patient’s ambulance ride but there is no real method of collection after that point.

Nov 17, 2011, 9:36:45 PM

America

U.S. Firefighters Donate Ambulance and Rescue Equipment to Haiti

Nov 17, 2011, 9:35:22 PM

America

Ambulance deal has communities pleased - New York

The two communities announced a shared ambulance pact Thursday, which will bring in about $67,000 for the city of Watervliet as city emergency medical personnel respond to 911 calls in the neighboring riverside village.

Nov 17, 2011, 9:33:54 PM

America

County adopts five year ambulance contract with Porter Health Systems - Indiana

Despite a shaky start to contract renegotiations, the commissioners peacefully signed on with the company Tuesday to operate its ambulances at the price levels previously mentioned during the county councils budget hearings last month.

Nov 17, 2011, 9:30:15 PM

America

Ordinance allowing 2 ambulance services passes - Florida

The second reading of an ordinance requiring both LifeStar Ambulance Service and America Ambulance Service to each staff two emergency vehicles 24-hours a day easily passed, but a vote to set rates met with some disagreement.

Nov 17, 2011, 9:29:10 PM

America

Lt. Gov. Simon asks state to consider more training for rural EMS - Missouri

Simon is also chair of the Governor's Rural Affairs Council. She said greater online training could improve recruitment and retention of paid and volunteer workers who must take 120 hours of continuing education every four years to remain certified.

Nov 17, 2011, 9:27:38 PM

Human Interest

Hawkeye tailgating ambulance finalist for BCS trip

A group of University of Iowa Hawkeye football fans and their unique tailgate vehicle has been selected as one of five finalists in a nationwide contest

Nov 17, 2011, 9:05:46 PM