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  • Wednesday, October 23, 2024 10:02 AM | Samantha Hilker (Administrator)
    EMS News

    Time to Register: NEMSAC Meeting

    November 6-7, 2024

    The National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC) will host a hybrid meeting on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 1:00 pm ET, and Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 12:00 pm ET. Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting virtually or in person and offer public comment.

    Location: Hotel Washington, 515 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004

    Due to limited space, virtual attendance is encouraged

    NEMSAC meets throughout the year to deliberate on specific policy issues affecting EMS systems across the nation. NEMSAC members provide counsel and recommendations to the Federal Interagency Committee on EMS (FICEMS) and the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

     

    Register Now

    Agenda Highlights:

    • Updates from OEMS and FICEMS Chairperson  
    • NRSS and Post-Crash Care update
    • Reports on advisories in progress from the Subcommittees on:
      • Adaptability & Innovation
      • Equitable Patient Care
      • Preparedness & Education
      • Professional Safety
      • Sustainability & Efficiency
      • Integration & Technology
    • Guest Presentations (Day 1 & 2)
      • Behavioral Health in EMS with John R. Niemiec (IAFF)
      • Applications for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare with Stephen J. Konya, III (ASTP, formerly ONC)
      • Updates from the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) with Jose Cabanas, MD, MPH, FACEP, FAEMS
      • Updates from the National Association of EMS Educators (NAEMSE) with Arthur Hsieh, MA, NRP
      • Updates from the American Ambulance Association (AAA) with President, Randy Strozyk

    Registrants who wish to address the Council during the public comment periods can submit comments in writing to NHTSA.NEMSAC@dot.gov by October 31, 2024. Questions and comments for the Council may also be presented during the meeting using the live chat feature.

    We are committed to providing equal access to this event for all participants. People with disabilities can submit an accommodation request, and people with limited English proficiency can submit a language access request. Please submit any request to Clary Mole by phone at (202) 868-3275 or by email to Clary.Mole@dot.gov no later than October 31, 2024. A sign language interpreter and closed captioning services are available, through the Zoom virtual meeting platform, but only upon request.

    Sign up to receive the latest news from the Office of EMS, including webinars, newsletters and industry updates.

    Contact Us

    1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
    Washington, DC 20590
    nhtsa.ems@dot.gov


  • Tuesday, September 10, 2024 10:00 AM | Samantha Hilker (Administrator)
    • News Release

       

      September 10, 2024

      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

      Contact: Samantha Hilker
      920-202-2955
      shilker@ambulance.org

      EMS Heroes To Be Honored in Madison as 2024 Wisconsin Stars of Life

      Madison, WI—This week, the Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin announced the 2024 Wisconsin Stars of Life honorees; extraordinary EMS professionals who have gone above the call of duty to serve their communities. 23 individuals from across the state will be recognized as the 2024 Wisconsin Stars of Life at an October 16, 2024 banquet.

      Stars of Life pays tribute to the dedication of these hometown heroes while shining light on the critical role EMS plays in our healthcare infrastructure. The Madison Concourse Hotel will host an awards ceremony where executive hosts and family members will join in the recognition and celebration of the Stars’ contributions to the field and their community. 

      Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin President Chris Anderson noted that, “EMS professionals work tirelessly to provide round-the-clock healthcare where and when it is needed most.” He continued, “We look forward to this event all year, and look forward honoring our 2024 recipients in October.”

      This year’s distinguished Stars of Life honorees are:

    • Brent Bischoff | Operations Manager – EMT | Midwest Medical Transport
    • Travis Downing | Team Leader – Critical Care Paramedic | Midwest Medical Transport
    • Diana Frances | Assistant Station Manager, Norther Wisconsin | Superior Ambulance
    • Mariana Gonzales-Walker | EMT | Bell Ambulance
    • Katie Halbach | Operations Manager | Gold Cross Ambulance
    • Brian Heisz | Paramedic | Gundersen Health System Ambulance
    • Patrick Janzen | Field Training Officer, EMT | Bell Ambulance
    • Mary Johnson | Cadet & Outreach Supervisor/AEMT | Bell Ambulance
    • Tom Loescher | Physician, Posthumous Recognition | Gold Cross Ambulance
    • Cindy McDonald | Critical Care Paramedic | Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance
    • Nicholas (Niko) Oehlenschlager | Paramedic | Ryan Brothers Ambulance
    • Tariq Sabbah | EMS Dispatcher | Superior Ambulance
    • Natasha Sager | Supply & Logistics Officer | Orange Cross Ambulance
    • Jason Santos | Paramedic | Mayo Clinic Ambulance
    • Greg Schaefer | AEMT | Ryan Brothers Ambulance
    • James See | Field Supervisor | Orange Cross Ambulance
    • Dee Dee Thornton | Dispatch Call Taker/EMD | Bell Ambulance
    • Mariah Ullrich | EMT | Gold Cross Ambulance
    • BJ Van Engen | Shift Supervisor, Critical Care Paramedic | Bell Ambulance
    • Carol Varys | EMT Field Training Officer | Superior Ambulance
    • Casey Welsh | Paramedic Shift Lead | Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance
    • Brittany Wirth | Dispatch Manager | Ryan Brothers Ambulance
    • Travis Wright | Paramedic, Dispatch Call Taker/EMD | Bell Ambulance

    Please note that members of the media are welcome to attend the Stars of Life Banquet at the Madison Concourse hotel on October 16 from 5:00–9:00pm. Interviews with Stars of Life as well as state EMS leaders will be available.

    # # #

    About The Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin

    The Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin (PAAW) is a leading organization dedicated to advancing the quality and professionalism of emergency medical services in Wisconsin. Founded with a mission to support and advocate for the state's ambulance services, PAAW provides essential resources, training, and legislative representation to its members. Through collaboration, education, and innovation, PAAW strives to ensure that all communities in Wisconsin receive the highest standard of pre-hospital care. For more information, visit paaw.us.


  • Wednesday, August 07, 2024 10:29 AM | Samantha Hilker (Administrator)
    Matt Kussow, PAAW Lobbyist 
    MK Lobby

    On August 1, Governor Evers announced the first payments to Wisconsin Counties and municipalities under 'historic' shared revenue increases. Read the full press release here.

    The State of Wisconsin made an "historic" commitment to county and municipal governments in the last budget, ending decades of stagnant or declining revenues in Shared Revenue payments.  Now it is up to local governments to actually make history and address the problems the Legislature intended with the new funding.  Fortunately, lawmakers tipped the scale in our direction in a handful of important ways.

    First, to receive the new funding. local service providers had to certify they are not reducing staff or funding for police, fire or EMS services.  (You probably recall the one-page form you had to complete in June certifying these numbers.)  Avoiding more funding cuts seems obvious to building up such services yet you might be surprised how many municipalities were considering such cuts.

    Second, a big portion of the new Shared Revenue payments are specifically allocated to "support essential services such as law enforcement, fire protection, emergency medical services, emergency response communications, public works, courts, and transportation".   While this definition is beneficial, inclusion of "public works, courts, and transportation" was a significant discussion among lawmakers and will undoubtedly draw funds away from EMS, fire and police.  In some communities, the "historic" investment might be a new snowplow or section of road. 

    And finally, a future challenge with the new funding that could directly affect PAAW members still awaits county and municipal governments.  Lawmakers created a $300 million Innovation Fund specifically targeting efforts to consolidate county and municipal services.  This includes EMS but it also includes everything else from library services to human resources.  As such, communities could apply for funding to combine or expand EMS services if a cost-savings is demonstrated.  This might open a door for some PAAW members to expand into new communities.  

    The new Shared Revenue funding is a welcomed development for municipalities, but it comes with new challenges.  EMS is in the front of the money line but our situation is often more complicated than that one road project that has been waiting for funding for several years.  PAAW members already embedded in communities have an advantage to stabilize their delivery systems with the new funding.  If you are looking to expand, local leaders should be a little more susceptible to the numbers you are putting in front of them.


  • Monday, July 15, 2024 8:54 AM | Samantha Hilker (Administrator)

    EMS Operations Management & Leadership Course

    Wisconsin Office of Rural Health Virtual Class

    August 2024

    Registration is now open for the August 2024 EMS Operations Management & Leadership Courses, sponsored by the Office of Rural Health.  Over the past five years 500  participants from over 300 Services have completed this popular course and we have received requests from around the State to host more sessions.  We are offering this course virtually, via Zoom.

     Read what past participants are saying:

    v It was great!  I learned a lot and the timing was perfect as I was just hired as EMS Chief.

    v It was a great course that I will recommend to other officers within our organization.

    v I have been the manager since 2004, I've taken this course multiple times and always walk away with something useful.

    v There was a wide array of information supplied.  This class should be required before taking a management position in EMS.

     

     

    Workshop Sessions

     

    The August course will meet according to the schedule below, 6:30 pm - 8:45 pm; six sessions = 13.5 hours total.  Participants who complete a course will receive 12 CEUs.

     

    August 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21

     

    This virtual Leadership course will dive into the management of Operational and Administrative duties and tasks.  Sessions will include:

     

    v Review of Key Attributes of a successful EMS agency

    vIdentifying Positive & Negative Characteristics of a Leader/Manager

    v Creating meaningful policies and procedures

    v Developing and managing an annual budget

    v Creating a useful QA/QI process, and assuring involvement of the Medical Director

    v Discussion of Recruitment & Retention tools, Human Resources, and Just Culture principles

    v Navigating State administrative rules & regulations, statues, and programs

    v Demonstration of the various components of the State e-Licensing system

    v Understanding compliance requirements in EMS related to the State EMS Office, CMS/Medicare, HIPPA, and other entities

    v Current Grants and other funding sources

     

     

     

    Who Should Attend?

    The course is intended for those currently in EMS management positions, as well as those aspiring to management positions.  Those interested in guidance or clarification on issues, and those interested in becoming a supervisor, manager, or leader in their agency will benefit.

     

    Your instructor is Dana Sechler, former Wisconsin State EMS Office Paramedic/ALS program Coordinator, former Chief and EMS Service Director; partner at Strategic Management & Consulting, LLC. 

     

    Registration

    The registration fee for the course is $45. Participants will receive a link to the Zoom meeting before each session.  This link will take you to the course registration.  Note: This course duplicate some of the material from previous courses, it is not a new or additional course, although you are welcome to register and take it again.  Feel free to post the attached flier.  The registration page can be accessed with the QR code.

     

    Questions?

    Contact Kevin Jacobson, kmjacobson2@wisc.edu

    WORH EMS Ops course flier.docx

  • Monday, July 15, 2024 8:53 AM | Samantha Hilker (Administrator)
    CMS header

    Dear Ground Ambulance Providers and Suppliers,

    We wanted you to be aware that we posted the following announcement on our Ambulances Services Center website:

    Calendar Year (CY) 2025 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Proposed Rule

    CMS issued the CY 2025 PFS proposed rule: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2024-14828/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-calendar-year-2025-payment-policies-under-the-physician-fee-schedule that announces proposed policy changes for Medicare payments under the PFS and other Medicare Part B payment policy issues including ambulance services. CMS is proposing to modify the definition of advanced life support level two (ALS2) at 42 CFR §414.605 by adding the administration of low titer O+ whole blood transfusion (WBT) to the list of ALS2 procedures. For patients in hemorrhagic shock, the use of WBT has demonstrated a survival benefit when compared to traditional hemorrhagic resuscitative therapy. Under this proposal, a ground ambulance transport that provides WBT would itself constitute an ALS2-level transport.

    We are also seeking comments on whether we should add alternative blood product treatments such as the administration of packed red blood cells and plasma to the list of ALS2 procedures. We are aware that some established Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems may already provide WBT to treat patients in hemorrhagic shock, while other jurisdictions, including those in rural areas, may rely on alternative blood product treatments. 

    We encourage you to submit comments on this proposal by September 9, 2024, to the website provided in the CY 2025 PFS proposed rule.


  • Friday, July 05, 2024 9:33 AM | Samantha Hilker (Administrator)

    2024 Ambulance Ride-Along Toolkit

    Educating your members of Congress about ambulance industry issues makes them much more likely to support your efforts. An easy and effective way to educate them is to invite them to participate in a local Ambulance Ride-Along!

    The House and Senate will be adjourning for summer recess at the end of July and members of Congress will return home to their districts and states. This is the perfect opportunity for you to educate your members of Congress about issues facing our industry, in particular the extension of our Medicare add-on payments, the VA Final Rule,  and the EMS workforce shortage, which are important to your operation. For additional information on these issues, visit the AAA Advocacy Page, which includes one pagers about all of our initiatives.

    The most effective way to deliver these key messages is to host your member of Congress or their staff on a tour of your operation and an ambulance ride-along. The AAA has made the process of arranging a ride-long or scheduling a meeting easy for you with our 2024 Congressional Ride-Along Toolkit. 

    Are you willing to host a Member of Congress at your service but unsure of how to set it up? Email  Meghan Winesett at mwinesett@ambulance.org!

    Everything you need to arrange the ride-along or schedule a meeting is included in the Toolkit.  Act now and invite your elected officials to join you on an Ambulance Ride-Along!


  • Wednesday, March 20, 2024 7:44 AM | Samantha Hilker (Administrator)

    EMS Harm Reduction and SUD Treatment Webinar

    Hosted by NHTSA’s Office of EMS on March 22 at 2 PM ET / 11 AM PT

    According to the National Harm Reduction Coalition, “harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use.” This can include improving access to naloxone (Narcan) to prevent death from opioid overdose, providing sterile syringes to reduce the spread of HIV and hepatitis C, and fentanyl testing programs, among other types of help. 

    EMS clinicians are often on the frontline of addiction and the unintended consequences of both legal and illicit drug use and substance use disorder (SUD). In addition, drug use greatly impacts the larger context of our nation’s roads and highways through impaired driving and the resulting risks to the impaired driver, other drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. A 2022 NHTSA study of seven trauma centers around the U.S. found that nearly 56% of people injured or killed on roadways tested positive for one or more drugs, including alcohol. The most prevalent drug category was cannabis, and opioids made up 8.5% of cases at the trauma centers.

    In this EMS Focus webinar, panelists will discuss:

    • Harm reduction and SUD treatment in the context of EMS care
    • Recent research 
    • How innovation and intervention can drive overdose prevention in your community and reduction of other health risks, including traffic crashes that may be a result of impaired driving

    REGISTER HERE

    Panelists Include:

    • Kate Elkins, Emergency Medical Services/911 Specialist, NHTSA’s Office of EMS (moderator)
    • Gerard Carroll, M.D., EMS Medical Director, Cooper University Health Care; Division Head of EMS/Disaster Medicine; and Program Director, EMS Fellowship Program
    • John Ehrhart, Paramedic; EMS Manager, San Diego Health Connect; Co-Founder, California Paramedic Foundation; and Founder, Mission Critical Protocols
    • Simon Taxel, Paramedic Crew Chief and Public Safety Diver, Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS; Bloomberg Fellow, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

    About EMS Focus

    EMS Focus provides a venue to discuss crucial initiatives, issues and challenges for EMS stakeholders and leaders nationwide. Be sure to visit ems.gov for information about upcoming webinars and to view past recordings.

    We are committed to providing equal access to this webinar for all participants. Persons with disabilities in need of an accommodation should contact nhtsa.ems@dot.gov to request an accommodation no later than Friday, March 19, 2024.


  • Wednesday, January 03, 2024 8:17 AM | Samantha Hilker (Administrator)

    WEBINAR

    Leveraging DOT Grant Funds for EMS Crash Response Improvement

    Hosted by NHTSA’s Office of EMS on January 16 at 1pm ET / 10am PT

    Learn how EMS Agencies are taking advantage of Department of Transportation (DOT) grant funding opportunities to improve EMS system response to roadside crashes.

    NHTSA’s Office of EMS will host a discussion with Fire Chief Bruce Evans with the Upper Pine River Fire Protection District and Paul Teicher, Transportation Policy Analyst at U.S. DOT to share information and best practices to help EMS agencies nationwide prepare to apply for the upcoming Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant program.

    REGISTER NOW


    Panelists Include:

    • Gam Wijetunge, Director, NHTSA’s Office of EMS
    • Paul Teicher, Senior Policy Analyst, DOT - Office of the Secretary (OST)
    • Bruce Evans, MPA, CFO, NRP, SPO, Fire Chief, Upper Pine River Fire Protection District

    Attendees will be encouraged to submit questions during any point of the discussion. The webinar and Q&A will last approximately one hour. Sign up to get email updates about this webinar series, new projects and more.

    About EMS Focus

    EMS Focus provides a venue to discuss crucial initiatives, issues and challenges for EMS stakeholders and leaders nationwide. Be sure to visit ems.gov for information about upcoming webinars and to view past recordings.

    We are committed to providing equal access to this webinar for all participants. Persons with disabilities in need of an accommodation should contact nhtsa.ems@dot.gov to request an accommodation no later than Friday, January 12. 

    Sign up to receive the latest news from the Office of EMS, including webinars, newsletters and industry updates.

    Contact Us

    1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
    Washington, DC 20590
    nhtsa.ems@dot.gov


  • Thursday, November 30, 2023 11:03 AM | Samantha Hilker (Administrator)

    We are delighted to announce the results of the 2023 elections for the Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin, which transpired at the Annual Meeting on November 3, 2023. The newly elected directors are set to play pivotal roles in guiding our organization to new horizons.

    Please join us in congratulating Scott Mickelson of Bell Ambulance, who has been elected as For Profit Director. Daniel Althaus of Orange Cross Ambulance will be taking on the role of Nonprofit Director, while Robert Lulling of Marquette County EMS has been elected as Government Director. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will undoubtedly enrich our board's perspectives.

    In addition to the directors, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the elected officers who will continue to lead the association with dedication and skill. Chris Anderson of Bell Ambulance will continue to serve as President, Nick Romenesko of Gold Cross Ambulance as Vice President, Tom Tornstrom of Gundersen Ambulance as Treasurer, and Daniel Althaus of Orange Cross Ambulance will continue in the role of Secretary.

    We look forward to the collaborative efforts of our newly elected directors and officers as we work together to advance the mission of the Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin.

  • Thursday, November 30, 2023 10:27 AM | Samantha Hilker (Administrator)


    Discover New Resources Available on EMS.gov

    View the latest EMS By the Numbers - October 2023

    EMS By the Numbers is provided by NHTSA in an effort to help State EMS Officials track particular EMS activations. It originated during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide current information regarding temporal variations in the type and characteristics of EMS activations In addition to Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and COVID-19 data, it also includes trends in EMS response to Cardiac Arrest, Scene Death, Injury, Vehicle Crashes, and Opioid-Related Activations.

    Access the most recent version of this document that was released in October 2023.

    View EMS By the Numbers

    New EMS and Fire Grant Funding Opportunities Available from USFA

    USFA has released the Funding Alternatives for Emergency Medical and Fire Services, which outlines various grants and innovative funding alternatives available for EMS and fire protection services. EMS agencies are encouraged to review this document and explore the grant opportunities available for your state.

    Review Grant Funding Opportunities 

    NIOSH Advisory on PPE Recommendations for Responding to Chemical Suicide Incidents

    The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has partnered with the leading experts from the Pennsylvania Association of Hazardous Materials Technicians to release a new Safety and Health Advisory. The Personal Protective Equipment Recommendations for Response to Chemical Suicide Incidents advisory aims to provide responders with critical guidelines on the recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) when attending to chemical suicide scenarios. This advisory can be used as a guideline to provide personal protective equipment recommendations for first responders to minimize the likelihood of exposures, injuries and fatalities during chemical suicide incidents. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

    Read the Advisory Here


    Sign up to receive the latest news from the Office of EMS, including webinars, newsletters and industry updates.

    Contact Us

    1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
    Washington, DC 20590
    nhtsa.ems@dot.gov


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