From the Editor: Resource Overkill
Do you use resources wisely in your EMS system? When you send too many resources on a call, you’re wasting money and risking precious assets.
March 2009 Volume 34 Issue 3
Letters: In Your Words
Readers share their comments on JEMS and JEMS.com articles.
Priority Traffic: Inauguration Mobilization
Preparation by DC-area EMS agencies allows inauguration response for more than 2 million people to go off without a hitch; ultrasound use expands in the field with mixed results; JEMS legal columnists ask how well your state’s immunity laws are protecting you; and more.
Volunteer Voice: Problems of Practice
Read how Jason Zigmont will use his print and online articles to solve volunteer EMS issues and bring together the volunteer community.
Leadership Sector: No Bailout for EMS
We’re in a depressed economy, and that means property has less value and people are spending less, which means potentially less tax revenue for EMS. As an EMS manager, how do you make smart decisions to stay afloat?
Tricks of the Trade: Varmints
An extra rearview mirror allows you to see not only what’s going on behind your ambulance, but what’s going on in the back of it, which is important when you get a patient who has no regard for your safety.
Case of the Month: Broken Heart Syndrome
EMS providers may never see the extremely rare Takotsubu cardiomyopathy the patient in this case presents with, but they should know the signs and symptoms of more common cardiomyopathies.
Guest Commentary: The Value Quotient
If you manage money in your agency, this is a must read. You’ll find out how an equation can help you make financial decisions.
Medical Director Forum: The Aussie Anesthetic
An Australian medical director talks about how his EMS system uses ketamine for pain management. Your agency may want to follow suit.
When Dead is Mostly Dead
EMS providers sometimes approach cardiac arrest assuming it will end poorly. But certain causes of cardiac arrest can allow for excellent outcomes despite prolonged CPR.
The Prehospital Care Research Forum Presents
Each year, the Prehospital Care Research Forum at UCLA and JEMS publishes this special section to recognize those who have contributed to the science of EMS. Read about the latest research conducted by your peers and consider submitting in 2009.
A Lot of Nerve
This overview of the current treatment of CHF shows the significant shift in strategy in regard to the management of CHF and pulmonary edema, including recommended drug therapies.
The Disappearing Endotracheal Tube
How much longer will endotracheal intubation be performed in the field? With paramedics not getting enough practice and new alternative airway devices being introduced, its future is questionable.
Don't Be A Minimizer
Are you a minimizer? Let’s hope not. Read this article to find out.
Sirenhead: OMG, OMD!
This month, Sirenhead gives you a few tips on bonding with your medical director and also a reminder about the advantages of being a patient.
The Lighter Side: Rig Ragging
Steve Berry started driving an ambulance before computerized monitoring systems. Read his take on black boxes in rigs.
Last Word
Alberta, Canada, is taking the matter of paramedic shortage into its own hands by training immigrant physicians; several states are starting registries for patients using home medical equipment so the special-needs population can have their power restored first in an outage; Louisville, Ky., is requiring some city employees to take four unpaid days off; and more.
JEMS March Poll
Which feature article from March 2009 did you like best?
