• Home
  • Jenny Abercrombie

Author - Jenny Abercrombie

September 9, 2019Read more...
Priority Dispatch, Academy Analytics on Computer

Academy Analytics Webinar Series | September 9, 2019

Understanding the Evidence: How to Consume, Interpret, and Use Research to Improve | We frequently make comments related to research and evidence, such as: "Does the data really support that?" "Studies show..." "There’s finally enough evidence to make a protocol change." What do these phrases really mean? Understanding the purpose of research, its place in our professional world, and how to assess the quality of a study improves your effectiveness as a leader or front line telecommunicator. In this interactive webinar,...

August 19, 2019Read more...
Opioids in pill form

Opioids: How the City of Lowell, Massachusetts, is Fighting the Crisis

ICMA article delves into making real improvements within the opioid crisis, featuring our customer and friend Jon Kelley, Director of Operations, Communication, and IT for Trinity EMS, and FirstWatch Clinical Solutions Specialist, Sylvia Verdugo. Written by Audrey Fraizer, Managing Editor, Journal of Emergency Dispatch, International Academies of Emergency Dispatch.

August 6, 2019Read more...
AIMHI logo

AIMHI – Models for STEMI & Stroke Hospital Activations From the Comm Center

Challenging, Choosing and Modifying Best Practices in Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA) Management Learn how Metro EMS (MEMS) developed a Stroke protocol that is based on current science—and some common sense. Hear how MEMS uses stroke assessment skills to differentiate between small and large vessel occlusions and determine the most capable hospital for the patient. The discussion includes processes such as early activation, bypassing stroke-ready hospitals, clinical outcomes, and data. About the Speaker: Edwin "Mack" Hutchison Mack was born in Memphis, Tennessee on August 6,...

August 5, 2019Read more...

EMS/First Responder Application of the CDC Measles Recommendations

The CDC has recently published a new document called Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations Guidance for Measles in Healthcare Settings (7/19).  It is a comprehensive document aimed at a person who provides health care to individuals who may have measles.  It basically provides the framework to plan and develop policies and procedures for, as well as apply definitions and evidence-based care, to both a suspected or known case of measles. It further provides for the protection of First Responders...

August 5, 2019Read more...

Measles Outbreak Update with a Link to New Recommendations for Health Care Personnel

IN THE NEWS Measles: According to the CDC, from January 1 through July 25, 2019, there have been 1164 confirmed cases of measles in 30 states.  This is the largest number of cases tallied in the past 27 years (1992), and that was 8 years BEFORE measles was considered eradicated from the U.S (2002). More information from the CDC with a map, charts, and specific outbreak info/links can be found at:  https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html There are currently 5 ongoing outbreaks (3 or more...

July 31, 2019Read more...

Acute Flaccid Myelitis

IN THE NEWS Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), a very rare syndrome affecting the spinal cord and causing muscle weakness/paralysis, continues to be identified in 2019.  According to the CDC, so far this year, there have been 11 confirmed cases in eight states (CA, MD, NE, NC, PA, TX, UT, and WV) with 57 reports of people under investigation (PUIs).  The number of cases in 2018 was greater than in any previous year, since it was first identified in large numbers in...

July 24, 2019Read more...

Ebola Case in Large City of Goma and PHEIC Declared by WHO 7-17-19

IN THE NEWS Ebola Case in Large City of Goma and PHEIC Declared by WHO 7-17-19 The WHO leadership was concerned about recent Ebola (EVD) news so the Emergency Committee was convened in Switzerland to determine if a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) should be announced.  This was the fourth meeting of this type however, when considered on previous occasions, all the criteria had not been met. This time, it was decided that they would recommend the announcement and the...

June 21, 2019Read more...
Resource Planner-QRDP Multi-Zone

Resource Planner Webinar Series

This is part of an ongoing series of webinars for Resource Planner™ customers. (If you’re not a Resource Planner customer, but are interested in attending, please contact sales@firstwatch.net.) This Month's Resource Planner Training Webinar: Demand Analysis Spreadsheet and Resource Planner Overview We are excited to introduce a new monthly webinar series to help walk you through Resource Planner, focusing on the powerful, but complex features and functionality. The first webinar in this series is on June 28th from 11am to 12pm Pacific...

June 14, 2019Read more...

Ebola has Spread to a Neighboring Country, Uganda 6-12-19

The WHO, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Health Minister, and the Ugandan Health Minister have all announced that there have been confirmed cases of Ebola (EVD) in Uganda.  The numbers, officially reported in the WHO’s Situation Report, as of 6/10/19 follow: DRC: 2008 cases; 1977 confirmed & 94 probable – 1396 deaths; 1302 confirmed & 94 probable Uganda: 3 cases; 3 confirmed –1 death confirmed (Uganda reports a 2nd confirmed death) A subsequent report by the Minister of Health for Uganda...

June 13, 2019Read more...

U.S. Measles Cases number over 1000 in 2019

According to the CDC, another measles milestone has been reached and, as of 6/6/19, there were 1,022 confirmed cases of measles in 28 of the 50 states.  This is the largest number of cases tallied in the past 27 years (1992), and that was 8 years BEFORE measles was considered eradicated from the U.S (2002).  Refer to the CDC Map and Chart located on the 2nd page of this document. There are currently ongoing outbreaks (3 or more cases in a...

June 12, 2019Read more...

Influenza (FLU) Update for Week Ending 6-1-19

Influenza (FLU) Update for Week #22 -- Week Ending June 1, 2019  The CDC reported Flu & ILI activity remained low throughout the nation during Week #22. This year’s Flu Season has finally ended, although flu cases will likely continue to occur in small numbers, with flu-related hospitalizations, and perhaps adult & pediatric deaths due to flu, taking place occasionally. This Influenza Update will conclude FirstWatch’s reporting for the 2018-2019 Flu Season with a summary of this week’s stats, as well as...