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Author - Jenny Abercrombie

September 30, 2020Read more...
Conversations That Matter, a virtual roundtable series hosted by FirstWatch

JEMS – FirstWatch to Host Series of Conversations that Matter for Leaders in EMS and Public Safety

JEMS - On Thursday, October 1, FirstWatch is launching Conversations that Matter, a series of virtual roundtable discussions featuring leaders talking about some of the most important issues facing our professions. FirstWatch Improvement Guide Mike Taigman will facilitate, engaging the expert guest speakers and audience in dialogue to encourage information sharing and collaboration to help tackle tough problems.

September 28, 2020Read more...

HHS/CDC SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Plan for COVID-19

The HHS/CDC has reposted their Interim Vaccination Plan for the SARS-CoV-2 virus to prevent COVID-19.  This is a rapid rollout plan that is identified as interim because not all the specifics of a vaccine(s) is known.  There is a push to be ready to distribute the vaccine as soon as even emergency approval is given, with dates for beginning the vaccinations suggested for as soon as late October or early November.  The documents included in this post should assist in...

September 24, 2020Read more...

Paramedic Chiefs of Canada – 16th COVID-19 Webinar – The Epicenter: Contemplations on EMS Crisis Standards of Care – September 24th | Recording and Handout

New York City was the epicenter for COVID-19 during March and April 2020.  Amid the overwhelming case load and mortality associated with COVID burdening our health system leaders and frontline providers in EMS were forced to make life and death decisions, often with too little time and too little information.  Dr. Redlener discussed the challenges faced and how we can be better prepared should we face another pandemic surge.

September 24, 2020Read more...

Seasonal Flu in the Midst of COVID-19

As the 2020/21 Flu Season approaches, COVID-19 is still circulating in most states throughout the U.S. with many states again on the rise.  Since the Southern Hemisphere had their Flu Season 2020, ahead and opposite that of the Northern Hemisphere, there may be some indication of what the upcoming Flu Season will be like, at least in some countries.  Read about the Flu Season that the Southern Hemisphere did not have and their mitigation techniques, and then read on to...

September 21, 2020Read more...

COVID – 19 Update – Airborne Transmission

Since the onset of the disease that would be named COVID-19, there have been questions about how it's transmitted & how to decrease person-to-person transmission. More and more evidence has accumulated that suggests that airborne transmission does occur and these airborne droplets are much smaller and may quickly dry in the air to be a virus particle(s). Why is it important? Read the full update about Airborne Transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. View/Download the...

September 21, 2020Read more...

COVID-19 Update – Fecal Transmission

Since the onset of the disease that would be named COVID-19, there have been questions about how it's transmitted & how to decrease direct and indirect transmission. Fecal transmission is another type  that is being considered, and is likely the mechanism of infection in some COVID cases.   Read the full update about Fecal Transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, complete with links to articles in the literature. View/Download Full Update More...

August 21, 2020Read more...

Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) August 2020

It is important to realize that this time, between August and November is the peak time for AFM. Furthermore, EMS Personnel and other First Responders should be aware of the signs and symptoms and other presentations of the syndrome, as well as how to further assess, monitor, stabilize/treat, and transport an individual (typically a child) with possible AFM. The inability to recognize and manage AFM appropriately, including transport to an appropriate hospital, may result in a worsening condition and potentially...

August 21, 2020Read more...

Latest Data on COVID-19 Mitigation On & Off Duty Resources & Links

There are a lot of recently published scientific & observational studies, editorials, viewpoints, and more about both medical and lay person PPE. This includes predominantly masks & respirators, but also other mitigation strategies that have been moved beyond ‘might this help?’ to ‘likely some benefit’. In some cases, recommendations from international and national organizations & agencies, as well as industry organizations, have been made. Below, are some links to some of those documents. All of them provide good information, but...

August 21, 2020Read more...

Paramedic Chiefs of Canada – 15th COVID-19 Webinar – EMS Performance in Times of COVID-19: Montreal’s Experience – August 20th | Recording and Handout

Montreal was one of the regions hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. As the situation progressed, Urgences-santé had to adapt and innovate in order to face this new reality. With the shut down of several links in the prehospital survival chain, the paramedics were left alone to face this invisible enemy.

August 6, 2020Read more...

Ebola Cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

The Ebola outbreak in the DRC Equateur Province in Mbandaka continues to produce new cases with a total of 74 known cases and 32 deaths.  There was only one new case reported on August 3 and no new deaths, but one new case and one new death reported on August 5 by the WHO African Regional Office.  

August 6, 2020Read more...

Updated FDA Hand Sanitizer Warning 8-5-20

There is an ongoing and escalating issue with hand sanitizers manufactured in some factories in Mexico, and sold in stores throughout the U.S, that pose a danger to those who use them.  This is due to either methanol being added or substituted for ethyl or isopropyl alcohols, or subpotent percentages of appropriate alcohols in them.