A publication of the Arkansas EMT Association

JONESBORO, AR (KAIT-TV) - The Medic One ambulance team in Pocahontas received some special visitors this morning.

The Jonesboro Air Evac Life Team landed at Medic One to recognize them for their excellence in emergency medical services.

Read the rest and watch the video at http://www.kait8.com/global/story.asp?s=12014409

My name is John and I am 63.

In just over 3 years time I’m going to be driving through your jurisdiction just as you are sitting down to your first meal in 12 hours.  As your order hits the counter I will experience an odd tightness in my chest and dismiss it as gas.

When you take your first bite my wife of 35 years will watch me clutch my chest and stop the car on the side of the road.

Just as you begin to think your bad day is finally slowing down, the worst day of my life, and possibly the last, has just begun.

I’ve slumped over in the car, releasing the brake pedal and the car drifts into a signpost, discharging the airbags.

My wife is hit by the passenger side airbag as she is leaning over to help me, noticing my unconsciousness just prior to her own.

A passerby has stopped and is now describing a motor vehicle accident to your dispatcher.

Lunch is still warm in your hands when your radio alerts to the accident.

You are tired.

You are hungry.

The kids have been keeping you up late.

The rent is past due.

Big deal.  I’m about to die.  While you’re cursing me walking to your rig, my MI is moving and my wife’s head injury is complicating what is already going to be a difficult airway judging by the amount of teeth on the floorboards.

As your rig negotiates traffic, my respirations are rapid and shallow, my wife’s now non-existent.

When you pull up to the scene I need your A game.  I need you trained to the point where what you are about to do comes as naturally as breathing, because we’re having a bit of trouble in that department.

This is not about you.  It’s about me.  It’s about us.

So back to your studies, we’ll meet again before you know it.

Clinton, Miss. — In a new position statement, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) states its strong opposition to participation in capital punishment by EMTs, paramedics or other emergency medical practitioners. Participation in executions is viewed as contrary to the fundamental goals and ethical obligations of emergency medical services. Historically, the role of EMS practitioners has been to promote, preserve and protect human life. NAEMT’s EMT Oath is based on the basic principles of saving life, respect for human life and the non-infliction of harm to all recipients of emergency medical services.

Participation in capital punishment is inconsistent with the ethical precepts and goals of the EMS profession. NAEMT strongly opposes all forms of EMS participation in executions, by whatever means, whether under civil or military legal authority. EMTs and paramedics should refrain from participation in capital punishment and not take part in assessment, supervision or monitoring of the procedure or the prisoner; procuring, prescribing or preparing medications or solutions; inserting the intravenous catheter; injecting the lethal solution; and/or attending or witnessing the execution as an EMT or paramedic. The fact that capital punishment is currently supported in many segments of society does not override the obligation of EMTs and paramedics to uphold the ethical mandates of the profession.

Read the full article

The UAMS College of Medicine Office of Continuing Medical Education is sponsoring Arkansas Trauma Update 2010 on April 23-24, 2010 at the Peabody Hotel in Little Rock, Ark.

The program is designed for physicians and other healthcare professionals who practice in Level I-IV trauma centers including trauma surgeons , emergency physicians, trauma nurses, and trauma coordinators. Others who will ben- efit include other surgical specialists, family practice physicians and pediatricians, advance practice and critical care nurses, surgical residents, physician assistants, emergency medical service workers, and paramedics.

The cost for EMTs and Paramedics is $100.

Download the brochure here for more information.

What Is the Advantage of CECBEMS-Accredited CE?

• CECBEMS-accredited CE has been reviewed and approved by EMS professionals, EMS physicians, and EMS educators—your peers, people who work in the EMS field, just like you.
• CECBEMS’ reviewers ensure that the CE activity and the organization providing the CE activity meet recognized standards for designing and delivering quality continuing education.
• CE providers are required to maintain a record of your course completions for a minimum of three years AND to report course completions to the CECBEMS Accreditation Management System (AMS) where records are maintained and archived permanently.
• CECBEMS-accredited CE is accepted in all states except Florida and Pennsylvania. If you move or maintain a license in multiple states, the CE credits you earned in one state will be recognized by other states (except for Florida and Pennsylvania) as long as it complies with that state’s regulations for content and date of completion.

Why Do I Have to Provide So Much Information When I Register for a CECBEMS-Accredited Activity? Read the full article

Don’t miss the EMT Refresher Feb. 20-21 at the Green County Rescue Squad Building at 405 South 6th Street in Paragould, Ark. The class starts at 8 a.m. each day and goes as long as it takes. Cost is $75. If you have questions, or want to reserve your seat, contact Jeff Estes at 870-239-1191.

The deadline for enrollment is Feb. 3!

Click here to download a flyer for the EMT Refresher.