Tag: Health Policy

EMS1

8 types of data: Telling the story of COVID-19

As the United States enters its second month of COVID-19, the availability of data on the pandemic that will define a generation has become almost overwhelming. Websites abound with tables, graphics and projections on how different aspects of the crisis are unfolding. Some use data to make their case for a far-flung theory, others display it in a way that tells an easy-to-interpret story of … Continue reading 8 types of data: Telling the story of COVID-19

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National Rural EMS Conference

I recently had the pleasure of attending the National Rural EMS Conference in San Antonio, Texas.  This conference was one of the smallest I’ve ever attended, but it provided a unique view of the concerns rural EMS providers may have that don’t reflect those of their urban counterparts. Since it was hosted by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health, you can find all the slides online for free here. I also had the … Continue reading National Rural EMS Conference

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The evolving war on opioids

Prehospital providers are on the front lines of the current opioid addiction epidemic. Those that have yet to experience the power of saving a life with a simple bolus of naloxone likely won’t have to wait long given that over 28,000 people died in 2014, and an additional 2.2 million Americans currently struggle with opioid addiction. President Obama recently attended the National Rx Drug Abuse … Continue reading The evolving war on opioids

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Public Health Obligation to Prevent TB Transmission

The recent tuberculosis outbreak in Marion, Alabama, has resulted in a controversial public health program paying people to get tested for TB. Although more than 1,000 people have been tested through this program, that only represents 10 percent of the county’s population. While economic incentives are not recommended as the first step in prevention, this is an active outbreak that has taken at least three lives. Additionally, 20 … Continue reading Public Health Obligation to Prevent TB Transmission

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Blog Originals

ALS vs. BLS Research

Dr. Sanghavi has managed to, yet again, create quite a storm within EMS circles. For those of you that don’t recognize her name, she is the same researcher that brought us last November’s  much criticized “Outcomes After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Treated by Basic vs Advanced Life Support”within JAMA Internal Medicine.  This time, she has published “Outcomes of Basic Versus Advanced Life Support for Out-of-Hospital Medical Emergencies” within the … Continue reading ALS vs. BLS Research

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Blog Originals

EMS Pay Debate

A recent debate on EMS pay has erupted after Mr. Sean Eddy of Medic Madness wrote “5 Reasons Why EMS Doesn’t Deserve Higher Pay” on Uniform Stories.  To say the EMS industry has reacted as he expected would be par for the course. First, I agree with most of his five points, however I fundamentally disagree with his method of dispersing said opinions and the slants with which … Continue reading EMS Pay Debate

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Blog Originals, Resources

Recommended Reading

I read a lot. Here are some articles and books that I would recommend. Don Berwick Escape Fire Paper Escape Fire Speech My Right Knee Charles Bosk Forgive and Remember Avedis Donabedian Evaluating the Quality of Medical Care The Quality of Care Anne Fadiman The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down Sheri Fink Five Days at Memorial Atul Gawande Being Mortal Better Checklist Manifesto … Continue reading Recommended Reading

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