NASEMSO 2012 Annual Meeting & Tradeshow

Sept. 23-28, 2012
Boise, ID
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DOT NEMSAC Federal Advisory Committee Meeting Scheduled for May 30-31, 2012

(05/09/12) A meeting of the DOT National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (NEMSAC) Federal Advisory Committee Meeting has been pubished in the Federal Register. The meeting will be held on May 30, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT, and on May 31, 2012, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. EDT. A public comment period will take place on May 30, 2012 between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. EDT. Written comments must be received by May 25, 2012.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held on the 8th floor of the FHI 360 Conference Center at 1825 Connecticut Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20009.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Drew Dawson, Director, U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Emergency Medical Services, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., NTI-140, Washington, DC 20590, telephone number 202-366-9966; email Drew.Dawson@dot.gov.

Tentative Agenda of National EMS Advisory Council Meeting, May 30-31, 2012

Wednesday, May 30, 2012 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT)

(1) Opening Remarks
(2) Introduction of Members and All in Attendance
(3) Review and Approval of Minutes of Last Meeting
(4) Update From NHTSA Office of EMS
(5) Federal Partner Update
(6) Review of the NEMSAC Roundtable on the EMS Education Agenda for the Future Meeting Results
(7) Public Comment Period (3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT)
(8) Business of the Council

Thursday, May 31, 2012 (8 a.m. to 12 p.m. EDT)

(1) Presentations from NEMSAC Committees
(2) Deliberations of Committee Documents
(3) Voting To Finalize Several NEMSAC Advisories and Recommendations
(4) Unfinished Business/Continued Discussion From Previous Day
(5) Next Steps and Adjourn

Public Attendance: This meeting will be open to the public. There will not be a teleconference option for this meeting. Individuals wishing to attend must register online at www.regonline.com/NEMSAC1 no later than May 25, 2012.

Public Comment: Members of the public who wish to make comments on Wednesday, May 30, 2012, between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. EDT are requested to register in advance. In order to allow as many people as possible to speak, speakers are requested to limit their remarks to 5 minutes. Written comments from members of the public will be distributed to NEMSAC members at the meeting and should reach the NHTSA Office of EMS by May 25, 2012. All submissions received may be submitted by email: nemsac@dot.gov.

Final Agenda and Meeting Materials: A final agenda as well as meeting materials will be available to the public online through www.ems.gov prior to May 30, 2012.

FEMA and its Partners Release the National Preparedness Report

(05/04/12) Today, FEMA and its partners released the National Preparedness Report (NPR). The Report identifies significant progress the nation has made in areas of prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery. Overall, the Report found that the nation has increased its collective preparedness, not only from external threats, but also for natural and technological hazards that face its communities.

• National Preparedness Report
• National Preparedness Report Fact Sheet
• National Preparedness Report IGA Advisory

OHA Releases Funding Alternatives for Emergency Medical and Fire Services

(04/30/12) Eligible applicants include public, private, and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations, as well as federally recognized Indian tribal governments and organizations. This announcement solicits applications for the Rural Health System Analysis and Technical Assistance (RHSATA) Cooperative Agreement. The purpose of the RHSATA Cooperative Agreement Program is to inform policy makers and rural health care providers about how changes in the health care delivery system may affect them, and to provide technical assistance to rural providers in identifying potential new approaches to health care delivery in their communities. The health care delivery system is undergoing dramatic change, with an emphasis on finding new approaches and organizational frameworks to improve health outcomes, control costs, and improve population health. details here

ORHP releases Community Paramedicine Evaluation Tool

(04/30/12) HRSA’s Office of Rural Health Policy (ORHP) is pleased to announce the release of the 2012 Community Paramedicine Evaluation Tool. Community Paramedicine is an emerging field in health care where EMS professionals operate in expanded roles to provide health care services where access to physicians, clinics, and/or hospitals may be difficult. There has been increasing interest in and movement towards the implementation of such programs, particularly across rural America. The Community Paramedicine Evaluation Tool, which can be used as a framework to guide program development, can be found on the ORHP website. Please contact Megan Meacham (mmeacham@hrsa.gov) if you have any questions about this resource.

DEA to Hold Nationwide Prescription Drug-Take Back Day: Apr. 28, 2012

(04/16/12) The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and its national and community partners will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. On Saturday, Apr. 28,, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. local time, DEA and its partners will hold their fourth National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day at sites nationwide. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Complete Details

HHS/ASPR Drug Shortage Meeting: Apr. 16, 2012

(03/30/12) The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will host a meeting on the Impact of Drug Shortages in Emergency Care. This meeting is scheduled for April 16, 2012, at the Washington Court Hotel in Washington, DC. The purpose of this meeting is to obtain a better understanding of the magnitude and impact of shortages in drugs that are available for emergencies, the Federal efforts to reduce shortages, and to provide an opportunity for the emergency care community to discuss coping and mitigation strategies. Representatives from the FDA Office of Drug Shortages will be in attendance. HHS Information Letter | Agenda

EMS Near Miss and Line of Duty Death Online Reporting Tools Launched

(03/29/12) NAEMT has been working with the Center for Leadership, Innovation and Research (CLIR) in EMS on the development of an anonymous system for EMS practitioners to report near-miss and line of duty death incidents by answering a series of questions in an online format. The purpose of the system is to collect and aggregate data that will then be analyzed and used in the development of EMS policies and procedures, and for use in training, educating and preventing similar events from occurring in the future. No individual responses will be shared or transmitted to other parties. The Near Miss and Line of Duty Death Online Reporting Tools launched last month and is live at www.emseventreport.org. These tools, along with an already existing tool to report patient safety events, form the EMS Voluntary Event Notification Tool (E.V.E.N.T). Click here for the letter from NAEMT and CLIR.

NASEMSO Releases "Rural Highway Mass Casualty Guidelines

(03/22/12) NASEMSO completed its project commitment to NHTSA’s Office of Emergency Medical Services and the recommendations of the National Transportation Safety Board related to rural highway mass casualty readiness. The capstone document, “Rural Highway Mass Casualty Guidelines: Resources for State and Local Officials,” was presented to and accepted by the Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services. It is hoped that this document will be an asset in efforts to improve response in rural areas of state EMS systms and to further collaboration with state offices of highway safety and state traffic safety engineering staff. download document

9/11 and Anthrax Attacks 10-Year Anniversary Report: Firsthand Stories from Public Health Responders

(09/01/11) Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) released a new report, Remembering 9/11 and Anthrax: Public Health’s Vital Role in National Defense, featuring more than 30 firsthand, on-the-ground accounts of public health professionals who were directly involved in the response to the September 11, 2001 and anthrax tragedies. The stories recall how:

• On September 11th, in a period of uncertainty, officials activated a range of responses, including readying the Strategic National Stockpile, and providing services, including mental health counseling, in the aftermath; and
• Public health officials were at the lead of the anthrax response – diagnosing and treating victims and running more than a million tests on approximately 125,000 samples around the country. The report contains a timeline of the anthrax attacks and investigation.

The stories also reflect how these events marked the first time that public health came to be considered central to emergency response and national security on a wide-scale basis – and the stories reflect how these officials were working without adequate resources or training to respond to these types of attacks. A summary of how public health preparedness has evolved in the past 10 years is also included in the report.

“The biggest threat to bioterrorism preparedness today is complacency. If a health threat does not happen, be it naturally occurring or deliberate, we tend to make it a lower priority. The worst thing we can do is to make something a priority after it happens. After it happens is too late; you are playing catch-up. Preparedness for a threat must be a priority before it happens.” -- Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Director, NIAID/NIH

Some contributors include Anthony Fauci, M.D., Director NIAID/NIH; Senator Tom Daschle, former U.S. Senator from South Dakota and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader; Isaac Weisfuse; M.D. MPH, Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Disease Control of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; John R. Lumpkin, Senior Vice President and Director, Health Care Group, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and former Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health; Sara T. Beatrice, PhD., New York City Public Health Laboratory; Georges Benjamin, M.D., FACP, FACEP (E), FNAPA, Hon FRSPH, executive director of the American Public Health Association and former Secretary of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; and stories from a range of officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state and local public health officials in New York, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Florida, Connecticut, New Jersey, Arizona, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, and Washington State. There are excerpts and highlights of the stories included at the end of the release.

“In 2001, we experienced the unimaginable. In 2011, we know we need to expect the unexpected. Over the past decade, we’ve made smart, strategic investments in preparedness, and there’s been a lot of progress to show for it. We can be proud of the improvements. Of course, there is a lot left to be done, which will require further effort. But, regardless, the field of public health preparedness was forever changed 10 years ago, and we should never forget why,” said Governor Lowell Weicker, Jr., former three-term U.S. Senator and Governor of Connecticut and President of the Board of Directors at TFAH.

The report also includes a summary of the public health preparedness successes over the last decade. In addition, the report features an analysis of ongoing gaps in preparedness, that, if not addressed, could leave Americans vulnerable in the future.

Some key areas of progress over the past decade include significant improvements in: preparedness planning and coordination; public health laboratories; vaccine manufacturing; the Strategic National Stockpile; pharmaceutical and medical equipment distribution; surveillance; communications; legal and liability protections; increasing and upgrading staff and surge capacity.

Some ongoing gaps a decade later include: major recent budget cuts; a gap in trained public health workers; a gap in surge capacity for mass care during emergencies; a lack of an integrated, national approach to biosurveillance; gaps in supporting the way communities cope and recover from disasters; and gaps in vaccine and pharmaceutical research, development and manufacturing.

The report is available on TFAH’s website at www.healthyamericans.org or you can download it here.

Transportation Safety Advancement Group Announces Release of NG9-1-1 What's Next Report

(08/30/11) The Transportation Safety Advancement Group (TSAG), a multidisciplinary forum promoting technology for public safety and providing guidance to the U.S. Department of Transportation Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office, announced the release of the NG9-1-1 What’s Next Forum Report, a series of white papers created by stakeholders in four emergency response disciplines—law enforcement, fire-rescue, emergency medical services and transportation—addressing the future of the Next Generation 9-1-1 system. news release | download report

Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1), the migration of the emergency response system from the traditional analog to an IP-based system, will significantly change the quality and amount of information available to first responders. Officials described the report as a critical step for emergency responders planning to organize, share and use all of the digital data available in the next generation of 9-1-1.

“To date, much of the discussion about NG9-1-1 has taken place in the technical arena,” said Dia Gainor, TSAG Chair and NASEMSO Executive Director. “The NG9-1-1 What’s Next project begins the discussion about how NG9-1-1 can help emergency response groups achieve their mission and addresses the cultural, organizational and operational environments in which the new system will be implemented.”

The report, released at the National Rural ITS Conference in Coeur d’Alene, ID, is the result of the NG9-1-1 What’s Next Forum, held 2010 in Washington, D.C. At the forum, panelists from the four disciplines were separated into respective groups by discipline. Each group was asked to identify major challenges facing their professions and to discuss ways in which NG9-1-1 could help them fulfill their missions as emergency responders.

NASEMSO Headquarters Shaken When 5.9 Earthquake Hits DC Metro Area

(08/23/11) The NASEMSO Headquarters building was shaken today when a 5.9-magnitude earthquake hit Central Virginia, centered northwest of Richmond. The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake was half a mile deep. Shaking was felt at the White House and all over the East Coast, as far south as Chapel Hill, N.C. Parts of the Pentagon, White House and Capitol were evacuated. There were no immediate reports of injuries. News coverage is ongoing.

Cunningham Completes Harvard NPLI

(07/04/11) NASEMSO Medical Directors Council Chair Carol Cunningham, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, on June 24 completed the Harvard Kennedy School’s National Preparedness Leadership Initiative (NPLI).  As the State Medical Director for the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Medical Services, Dr. Cunningham was one of 50 government leaders with homeland security responsibility selected to complete the national leadership program. The NPLI, a joint program of the Harvard School of Public Health and Kennedy School of Government, began with one week on the Cambridge campus followed by a five-month period during which leadership projects were completed. Dr.  Cunningham was the lead writer and presenter of her group project at the concluding seminar at Harvard University.

Dr. Richard Besser and Dr. Carol Cunningham, NASEMSO Medical Directors Council Chair, at the completion of the Harvard National Preparedness Leadership Initiative. Dr. Besser, ABC News' Chief Medical Correspondent, was a 13-year veteran of the CDC and served as its interim director during the H1N1 influenza pandemic.

NFPA Completes Third Assessment of the U.S. Fire Service

(06/29/11)The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recently released the Third Needs Assessment of the U.S. Fire Service, a study that looked at the current needs of America’s fire departments as compared to those identified in assessments done in 2001 and 2005. The goal of the project was to identify major gaps in the needs of the U.S. fire service and to determine if the Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (DHS/FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) programs are continuing to reduce the needs of fire departments.

“Fire service needs are extensive across the board, and in nearly every area of need; the smaller the community protected, the greater the need,” said James M. Shannon, president of NFPA. “While we are seeing the positive impact of well-targeted grants, there is more to be done to ensure our nation’s fire departments are prepared to provide the necessary protection to their communities.”

The report looked at personnel and their capabilities, including staffing, training, certification, and wellness/fitness; facilities and apparatus; personal protective equipment, fire prevention and code enforcement; the ability to handle unusually challenging incidents; and communications and new technologies.

EMS Workforce Agenda for the Future

(06/10/11) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) is pleased to provide you with the EMS Workforce Agenda for the Future (EMS Workforce Agenda). The EMS Workforce Agenda was prepared by the University of California San Francisco with funding from NHTSA and the Emergency Medical Services for Children program at the Health Resources and Services Administration. Download the EMS Workforce Agenda here or online at www.ems.gov under the workforce tab.

The EMS Workforce Agenda envisions a future in which all EMS systems have a sufficient number of well educated, adequately prepared, and appropriately credentialed EMS workers who are valued, well compensated, healthy, and safe. The vision of the EMS Workforce Agenda is ambitious but achievable with the continued collaboration of local, tribal, territorial, State, national and Federal EMS stakeholders.

Development of the EMS Workforce Agenda was guided by research, steering committee guidance and input from a group of national stakeholders composed of EMS industry leaders, experts from professional organizations, educational and credentialing organizations, public and private EMS providers, state and federal EMS agencies and other stakeholder groups.

NASEMSO Executive Director Dia Gainor Presented with Idaho Distinguished Service Medal and Governor's Challenge Coin

(05/16/11) NASEMSO Executive Director Dia Gainor on Friday, May 13, 2011, received the highest award the Idaho Military Division may bestow upon a civilian, the Idaho Distinguished Service Medal. Additionally, she received the Idaho Governor’s Challenge Coin. Download NASEMSO news release.

Left to right: Jane Smith, Administrator, Idaho Division of Public Health; Dia Gainor, Executive Director, NASEMSO; and Brigadier General William H. Shawver, Jr., Assistant Adjutant General-Air, Idaho National Guard, and Director of the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security.

NASEMSO President Visits DHS Office of Health Affairs with Advocates for EMS Delegation (05/02/11) NASEMSO President Randy Kuykendall visited the Department of Homeland Security Office of Health Affairs on May 2, 2011, as part of an Advocates for EMS delegation to discuss the Field EMS Bill and the FICEMS options paper. He is shown below with OHA Deputy Director Dr. Kathy Brinsfeld (left) and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Alex Garza (right). Also part of the delegation were NASEMSO Executive Vice President Beth Armstrong, MAM, CAE; NAEMSE representatives Scott Bourn and Bruce Walz; AEMS President Kurt Krumperman; and AEMS Washington Representative Lisa Tofil.

 
FCC Extends Deadline for Nominations for its Local and State Government Advisory Committee (04/20/11) The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking nominations to fill three vacancies on the Commission's Local and State Government Advisory Committee (LSGAC). These vacancies are due to the departures of three current LSGAC members, Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell, Albuquerque City Councilor Michael Brasher and Louise Renne, City Attorney, City and County of San Francisco. Therefore, one vacancy will be filled by a local government attorney (elected or appointed), and two will be filled by elected municipal officials (mayor or council member). The LSGAC is comprised of elected and appointed officials of municipal, county, state and tribal governments. It provides advice and information to the FCC on key issues relevant to the LSGAC, including public rights-of-way, facilities siting, universal service, removal of barriers to competitive entry and public safety communications. The deadline has been extended to May 13, 2011. more details here

Dia Gainor Joins NASEMSO as Executive Director (04/19/11) The National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) announces that Dia Gainor will join its staff on May 2, 2011, as the executive director and can be reached at dia@nasemso.org. In this new position, Gainor will be responsible for providing strategic leadership to promote and expand NASEMSO’s presence and capacity as a national leader in emergency medical services. Download NASEMSO news release.

Left to right: NASEMSO EVP Beth Armstrong;
NHTSA OEMS Chief Drew Dawson; and
incoming NASEMSO Executive Director
Dia Gainor at the Apr. 14 NEMSAC meeting.

Contingency Shutdown Plan Prepared by Executive Office of the President (04/07/11) In the event that agency shutdowns and furloughs become necessary due to a lapse in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2011, the Executive Office of the President has prepared and would implement this contingency plan.

Request to Provide Input on National Health Securit Strategy Biennial Implementation Plan (04/06/11) The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, is requesting public input on two objectives of the National Health Security Strategy Biennial Implementation Plan (BIP): Objective 4, “Foster Integrated, Scalable Health Care Delivery Systems,” and Objective 6, “Promote an Effective Countermeasures Enterprise.”
The documents and comment forms can be found here.
Download a letter from Dr. Lisa Kaplowitz, which provides some additional background and instructions on the BIP.
Note: While NASEMSO member comments were requested earlier for the association response, feedback can still be provided directly to DHHS until 8:00 a.m., Monday, Apr. 25, 2011.

NASBO Evaluates Impact of a Federal Government Shutdown (04/06/11) The National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO) has put together a list of helpful documents regarding the impact of a federal government shutdown.

• State of Massachusetts: Memo on the Impact of a Shutdown
• NASBO Brief: Impact of a Federal Government Shutdown on States
• CRS Report - Shutdown of the Federal Government: Causes, Processes, and Effects

According to a NASBO News Brief, "discussions with state budget officers and state comptrollers over the past month have revealed that a short-term shutdown would probably cause little significant harm to states. However, the two areas of primary concern regard the funding of state employees that are funded through federal grants as well as the ability to maintain a consistent flow of funds for state-run programs that rely on federal funds.

Although it remains up to the administration, some federal budget analysts have noted over the past few weeks that the major safety net programs run by states and funded in part by the federal government, including Medicaid and TANF, are expected to continue."

IAEMSC Announces Open Enrollment in National EMS Health Surveillance System (03/10/11) The International Association of EMS Chiefs (IAEMSC) is pleased to announce it is accepting agency enrollment in the National EMS Health and Safety Surveillance System. The project was jointly developed by the IAEMSC and Intermedix and provides a secure web based portal for registered EMS organizations to enter and analyze data regarding occupational illness, injuries and fatalities. The project was featured as a “JEMS 10” top 10 innovations for 2009.

Priority for enrollment will be given to organizations with IAEMSC members, however, other agencies and EMS systems may participate. There is no cost for agency participation in the National EMS Health and Safety Surveillance System. Please contact IAEMSC Director Emeritus Geoffrey Miller for further information or to participate in the National EMS Health and Safety Surveillance System. Download IAEMSC announcement here.

EMSC to Hold Special FICEMS Town Hall Call: Mar. 16, 2011, 2:00 pm ET (03/07/11) The EMSC National Resource Center is holdng a special town hall call on Mar. 16, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. ET (1:00 p.m. CT, 12:00 p.m. MT, 11:00 a.m. PT) to discuss a request from FICEMS. Phone Number: 877-355-6338; Meeting ID: 9911. If individuals in attendance are not able to attend or present comments during the forum, they may be provide written comments and suggestions via email to FICEMS@dot.gov. FICEMS is interested in any stakeholder input about the role of the Federal government in the full continuum of emergency medical services and emergency and trauma care for adults and children - including medical 9-1-1 and emergency medical dispatch, pre-hospital emergency medical services (both ground and air), hospital-based emergency care and trauma care, and medical-related disaster preparedness. Complete details here. Deadline for comments: Apr. 18, 2011

CRS Report: "Shutdown of Federal Government: Causes, Processes & Effects" (02/28/11) In light of news reports that some states may be seriously affected by potential federal government shutdown, because automated payment mechanisms are not in place and state budgets are too tight to float funds, we are providing the Congressional Research Service Report, Shutdown of the Federal Government: Causes, Processes & Effects, published Sept. 27, 2010, as a resource as shutdown-related developments continue.

Rural EMS Safety Strategies Webinar Available for On-Demand Viewing (02/28/11) The recent "Rural Emergency Medical Services: The ‘4th E’ Strategies for Safety" webinar, sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Rural Safety in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, is available for on-demand viewing. This webinar focused on some of the behavioral interventions the EMS community is introducing and provided insights about opportunities for rural EMS systems. Randy Kuykendall (NASEMSO President) outlined specific initiatives aimed at improving the safety of EMS personnel and system performance, such as Colorado's experience in developing a culture of safety through a statewide advisory council and the now-annual Colorado EMS safety conference. Dia Gainor (NASEMSO HITS Committee Chair) discussed the EMS Incident Response and Readiness Assessment tool developed as part of a recent rural highway mass casualty project in Idaho. Learn more.

President's FY 2012 Budget for HHS Now Available for Review (02/14/11) The President's Fiscal Year 2012 Budget for the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services has been released. The budget justification is expected shortly and will be available here. Funding for HRSA was reduced by $685 million in the President’s FY2012 budget, from $7.5 billion in FY2010 to an estimate of $6.821 in FY2012. Download Budget in Brief

ACS Committee on Trauma Welcomes Suggested Revisions on "Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient" (01/20/11) The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (COT) announces that revisions of “Resources for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient” are now underway. In order to ensure that this resource provides accurate and relevant information for optimal care, all revisions to the next edition will be evidence-based. A website has been established to provide suggested revisions with supporting evidence, and to classify that evidence according to current guidelines. The Committee on Trauma will review all proposed revisions. Please feel free to contact the ACS Trauma office with any questions or concerns at dhaskin@facs.org or 312-202-5388. The COT welcomes submissions for consideration in the revision process through its COT Revision site: www.COTresourcesupdate.org. Comments are needed by March 14, 2011.

King, Thompson Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Reallocate D Block Communications Spectrum to Public Safety (02/10/11) Today, Rep. Peter T. King (R-NY), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, joined by Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) and 5 others, introduced H.R. 607, the Broadband for First Responders Act of 2011. This legislation will strengthen the communications capabilities of America’s first responders by reallocating the D Block communications spectrum to public safety. Today, President Obama personally called for the reallocation of the D Block to public safety. Read news release.

FEMA Seeks Applicants for National Advisory Council (02/01/11) Thee U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is requesting individuals who are interested in serving on the National Advisory Council (NAC) to apply for appointment. The NAC is an advisory committee established in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act to ensure effective and ongoing coordination of federal preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation for natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters. Qualified individuals interested in serving on the NAC are invited to apply for appointment by submitting a resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV). Letters of recommendation may also be provided, but are not required. Applications are accepted on Friday, February 4, 2011 through Friday, March 4, 2011. See details about the NAC and its mission at www.fema.gov/about/nac. Information about applications for membership: Federal Register Notice

NASEMSO Recognizes Sen. Jay Rockefeller for His Reintroduction of "The Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act of 2011" (01/25/11) The National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) today joins with the Public Safety Alliance in recognizing Senator Jay Rockefeller, IV (D – WV), Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, for his reintroduction of "The Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act of 2011" (S. 28) to build an effective, nationwide, interoperable broadband communications system for public safety. NASEMSO urges all Members of the United States Congress to support public safety and the public’s safety by co-sponsoring this legislation and a companion bill expected to be reintroduced in the House by Representative Peter King (R- NY). Download news release. NASEMSO President Randy Kuykendall said, "The allocation of the D-Block spectrum and funding to public safety is critical to building a nationwide wireless broadband network that provides the capacity needed to transmit mission critical real-time high-resolution video, voice and data. Unless Congress passes legislation this year to allocate the D-Block spectrum to public safety and provide funding to build out the system, we fear that the FCC will simply auction the spectrum to the highest bidder."

NASEMSO President Randy Kuykendall met Jan. 18, 2011,
with NHTSA Deputy Administrator Ronald Medford, along with
NAEMT President Conni Meyer and AEMS President Kurt Krumperman.
The meeting addressed the Field EMS Bill, along with EMS funding,
primary federal agency and other topics.

Field EMS Quality, Innovation, and Cost-Effectiveness Improvement Act of 2010 (H.R. 6528) Introduced (01/06/11) On Dec. 16, 2010, Reps. Tim Walz (D-MN) and Sue Myrick (R-NC) introduced the Field EMS Quality, Innovation, and Cost-Effectiveness Improvement Act of 2010 (H.R. 6528). This bill addresses many of the challenges plaguing field EMS to better fulfill public expectations that all who need emergency medical care in the field can depend upon the highest quality of care and transport to the most appropriate setting. To learn more about this important legislation, Advocates for EMS (NASEMSO is a member of this coalition) has supplied the following documents: a section-by-section summary, a white paper, and the bill's text.

CDC Seeks Comments on Infectious Disease Notification Procedures (12/28/10) The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) is seeking comments on notification procedures and list of diseases regarding exposure of emergency response employees. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009 (Pub. L. 111–87) addresses notification procedures for designated officers, medical facilities, and state and community public health officers regarding exposure of emergency response employees (EREs) to potentially life-threatening infectious diseases. The Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) has delegated authority to the Director of the CDC to issue a list of potentially life-threatening infectious diseases, including emerging infectious diseases, to which EREs may be exposed in responding to emergencies (including a specification of those infectious diseases that are routinely transmitted through airborne or aerosolized means); guidelines describing circumstances in which employees may be exposed to these diseases; and guidelines describing the manner in which medical facilities should make determinations about exposures. CDC is seeking comment on the list of diseases and guidelines contained in this notice. Comments must be received by Feb. 11, 2011.
• Download Federal Register Notice here.
Comments may be submitted:
• E-mail: NIOSH Docket Officer, nioshdocket@cdc.gov. Include ‘‘Infectious Diseases’’ and ‘‘42 U.S.C. 300ff–131’’ in the subject line of the message.
• Mail: NIOSH Docket Office, Robert A. Taft Laboratories, MS–C34, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226.
• Internet: Federal e-rulemaking portal, www.regulations.gov

National Homeland Security Consortium Updates White Paper on Protecting Americans in 21st Century (12/28/10) The National Homeland Security Consortium (NHSC), of which NASEMSO is a member, has updated its white paper, "Protecting Americans in the 21st Century," a document that offers specific recommendations to enhance national homeland security efforts. The NHSC has identified six priority issues for near term policy and strategic action by the nation’s leaders:
• Wisely sustain homeland security investments and efforts while creating incentives for innovative and creative solutions;
• Allocate the 700 MHz D block radio spectrum to public safety in order to enhance communications through new technology;
• Address immigration reform by moving from debate and conversation to action;
• Develop a methodology to measure homeland security performance in ways that recognize the constantly evolving threat;
• Make cyber security a priority policy issue for government and the private sector; and
• Develop a more comprehensive and coordinated approach in the rebuilding of communities struck by major disasters.
white paper | fact sheet

DomesticPreparedness.com Survey: Medical Countermeasures for Large-Scale Biological Attacks (12/22/10) Topic: Is America prepared to recover from a biological attack? Robert Kadlec, Former Special Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Senior Director for Biological Defense Policy has prepared nine easy-to-answer multiple-choice questions. Your input will help DomPrep prepare a report that will be shared with stakeholders in the bio-defense and medical countermeasures areas. Take Survey Now!

FEMA Launches First-Ever Blog with Message from Administrator Craig Fugate (12/17/10) This week the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) launched its first-ever blog at http://blog.fema.gov with a message from FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, in order to have an ongoing conversation with all stakeholders before, during and after a disaster. Readers are encouraged to join the conversation and leave a comment on the blog. Plans are to feature entries from FEMA team members from across the agency, from its regional offices to its field offices, supporting local disaster recovery efforts. FEMA plans to provide information before, during and after disaster strikes, and will highlight best practices, innovative ideas, and insights that are being used across emergency management and across the country.

NASEMSO Warns National EMS Community of 4G Coalition's Efforts to Rebrand Itself as "Public Safety" (12/13/10) The National Association of State Emergency Medical Services Officials (NASEMSO), following a news conference today by the 4G Coalition in Washington, warned EMS agencies and associations nationwide of this attempt by a group of wireless service companies to wrest away from public safety the 700 MHz "D Block" of wireless broadband spectrum. This same spectrum is sought by public safety to create a nationwide public safety broadband network. Renaming itself "Connect Public Safety Now", the 4G Coalition would have that spectrum sold to the highest bidders for commercial wireless use. The 4G Coalition is made up of Sprint-Nextel, T-Mobile, MetroPCS, and other wireless service providers who seek an opportunity to buy more 700 MHz broadband spectrum with which to compete for clients. NASEMSO press release

JEMS and Physio-Control, Inc. Seek Nominations for Top EMS Innovators in 2010 (12/11/10) The “EMS 10: Innovators in EMS” initiative has been created and sponsored by JEMS/Elsevier Public Safety and Physio-Control Inc. to recognize the 10 individuals who in 2010 have earned the respect of their colleagues and often taken great risks to advance the art and science of prehospital emergency care. Your nominations are requested to help recognize these innovators who have shown new ways of saving lives and delivering excellent patient care, conducted research that has positively impacted the way we approach prehospital care, and motivated others to do the same in 2010. Learn more at www.jems.com/EMS10, where you can review the guidelines and nominate individuals you feel are deserving of recognition as one of the top 10 innovators in EMS in 2010. The nomination deadline is Dec. 31, 2010.

SAFECOM Elects Kevin McGinnis as New Chairman (11/19/10) The SAFECOM Program on Nov. 15 elected Kevin McGinnis, of Hallowell, Maine, to serve as its Chairman. McGinnis will lead SAFECOM’s Executive Committee and Emergency Response Council to advise the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on emergency communications issues. The former EMS Director for the State of Maine, ambulance service chief, and a paramedic for the past 36 years, McGinnis has represented NASEMSO on SAFECOM for the past seven years and has served as vice-chair of SAFECOM for the past four years. Through collaboration with emergency responders and policymakers across all levels of government, the SAFECOM Program works to improve multijurisdictional and intergovernmental communications interoperability. The SAFECOM Executive Committee and Emergency Response Council are comprised of national public safety association members, State and local emergency responders, and representatives within Federal agencies. The SAFECOM Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Emergency Communications. SAFECOM operates as a practitioner-driven program helping the nation’s emergency responders to develop the plans and resources they will use to serve their jurisdictions. Learn more.

DHS Seeks Ideas on How to Improve Timely Provision of Federal Support in Case of Biological Attack (10/29/10) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is soliciting unconstrained, novel ideas for federal support to assist state and local efforts to provide medical countermeasures (MCM) to the entire affected population in the event of a biological (anthrax) attack. This is an element of the Executive Order establishing federal capability for the timely provision of medical countermeasures following a biological attack. The specific objective is to solicit ideas that (1) move MCM closer to the scene sooner, and (2) enhance the distribution/dispensing process to get MCM to people in need. Comments are needed by Monday, Nov. 1, 2010; download the comments template here.

NFPA Ambulance Proposed Draft Standard Released for Public Review (10/27/10) The proposed draft NPFA Standard 1917 for ambulances has just been released for public review. You can access the draft standard here. The NFPA has a structured process for consensus-based design as well as a history of developing standards that are/can be voluntarily adopted. The group had a limited scope on the draft, which does not include large innovations in ambulance design, but converts the current KKK standards to the NFPA format and lays the groundwork for the next set of revisions with some basic safety features that are built upon the existing KKK standards. The 31-member committee has EMS, fire, ambulance manufacturer, safety and government representatives. All comments to the proposal will be reviewed, and commented on, one-by-one, at a meeting in mid-February 2011. If your state has existing language in administrative rule or statute, they should engage and follow the process. At the end of the day, the KKK standards will not exist once the document becomes an NFPA standard. Download the NASEMSO PowerPoint presentation on this topic.

NASEMSO Adopts Landmark Resolutions Supporting Implementation of EMS Education Agenda for the Future (10/19/10) NASEMSO has adopted landmark resolutions supporting implementation of the EMS Education Agenda for the Future: A Systems Approach. Results from the 2009-2010 NASEMSO Annual Education Agenda Statewide Implementation Surveys were used to estimate a time frame when the majority of states projected readiness for implementation of the scope of practice levels described as part of the Education Agenda. “It is a great day in EMS history,” said NASEMSO President Randy Kuykendall. “A decade ago, EMS stakeholders described a visionary plan to enable a closer alignment with other allied health professions and we are finally on the threshold of making this dream a reality. NASEMSO remains committed to assisting states implement the Education Agenda, a plan that we believe will not only strengthen EMS as a profession but improve emergency are across the Nation.”
download news release
Resolution 2010-1, "Creation of CMS Ad Hoc EMS Committee"
Resolution 2010-2, "Designation of Trauma Facilities Owned or Operated by Other Trauma Center"
Resolution 2010-3, "Transition Plan for EMS Testing and Certification"
Resolution 2010-4, "National EMS Certification and Program Accreditation"

FEMA Deputy Administrator Rich Serino And DHS Assistant Secretary For Health Affairs Dr. Alexander Garza Address The National Association Of State EMS Officials About Preparedness, Importance Of Working As A Team (10/13/10) The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Deputy Administrator Rich Serino and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Alexander Garza on Oct. 13 addressed the 2010 Annual Meeting of the National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO). Deputy Administrator Serino spoke about the importance of public preparedness, planning for the entire community, and working together as a team to respond to and recover from emergencies. Assistant Secretary Garza discussed how the Office of Health Affairs interfaces with EMS officials as part of their efforts to protect the American people from threat of terrorism and disasters.

"FEMA is not the team, FEMA is only part of the team, and today provided me with a great opportunity to talk with a crucial member of our national emergency management team - state EMS officials," said Deputy Administrator Serino. "At FEMA, we know that only by engaging every member of our team, from the entire federal family, to state and local officials, to the faith based and non-profit communities and especially the public, can we successfully respond to and recover from disasters. Every day, these state EMS officials are doing great work to keep their communities safe, and today was a chance to not only address them about what FEMA is doing, but also to hear from them about ways we can better support their critical efforts."

Dr. Garza also emphasized how DHS regards homeland security as a shared responsibility with partners at the state and local level. "Resilient communities are a key element of homeland security," Dr. Garza said, addressing the gathering. "These important relationships with EMS officials are central to our efforts to build resilient communities, and we will continue to expand our coordination where possible."

Both Deputy Administrator Serino and Assistant Secretary Garza have extensive experience in emergency medical services. Serino has more than 35 years experience in local emergency services - starting as a volunteer on the Boston ambulance squad and retiring last fall as Chief of Department of Boston EMS and Assistant Director of the Boston Public Health Commission. Garza began his career as an EMT in 1986, and served as a paramedic in Kansas City, Mo., before attending medical school.

NASEMSO Presented White Paper at "Towards Zero Death: A National Strategy on Highway Safety" Stakeholder Meeting (08/19/10) NASEMSO was given the opportunity to contribute a white paper for the “Toward Zero Deaths: A National Strategy on Highway Safety” stakeholder meeting held in Washington, DC, on Aug. 25-26. Six state EMS officials were present for the meeting (ID, MT, WA, IA, OH, and MD). NASEMSO White Paper

NASEMSO Provides Comments on Draft Recommendations for Transporting Children in Ambulances (08/12/10) NASEMSO members provided comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation on its “Draft Recommendations for Safely Transporting Children in Specific Situations in Emergency Ground Ambulances." Download NASEMSO comments here. Overall, the document represents available science and best practice recommendations from an interdisciplinary team of experienced professionals. NASEMSO deeply appreciates the tremendous effort by NHTSA’s working group and believe the recommendations will move the industry towards greater scientific testing and the development of additional devices that will be cost-effective and safe for those who are faced with transporting children in ambulances.

EMSC and NRC Transition State Partnership Technical Assistance Responsibilities
(07/28/10) In light of recent staff additions at Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the EMSC Program will be transitioning most of the State Partnership Technical Assistance work, originally housed at the National Resource Center (NRC), to HRSA. Beginning July 28, states should begin contacting their HRSA Technical Assistance Representative for questions or technical assistance related to the State Partnership Grant Program and performance measures. The transition process will continue through the end of August. During this time, should you happen to contact the NRC for routine work that was transitioned to HRSA, the NRC will recommend you contact your HRSA representative. The NRC will begin work on new projects that the EMSC Program is prioritizing in lieu of the state partnership work. For more information and to find out who your HRSA representative will be, please contact either Ian Weston at iweston@cnmc.org, Jocelyn Hulbert at jhulbert@hrsa.gov, or Theresa Morison-Quinata at tmorrison-quinata@hrsa.gov.

NHTSA to Host Public Meeting on Pediatric Restraints in Ground Ambulances on August 5, 2010 (07/22/10) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published an announcement in the Federal Register regarding an upcoming public meeting to review a proposed document—“Recommendations for the Safe Transportation of Children in Ground Ambulances.” According to NHTSA, “The absence of consistent national standards and protocols regarding the transportation of children in ground ambulances complicates the work of EMS professionals and may result in the improper and unsafe restraint of highly vulnerable child passengers.” It is estimated that each year up to 1,000 ambulance crashes involve patients who are children. Input to the draft has been provided by several national EMS organizations, including NASEMSO. The meeting will be held August 5, 2010 in Washington DC. Instructions for registering for a live broadcast of the event are also included in the FR notice.
Federal Register Notice, Docket No. NHTSA–2010–0089
Recommendations for the Safe Transportation of Children in Ground Ambulances

Three NASEMSO Members Appointed to National EMS Advisory Council (07/16/10) U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on July 16 announced the appointment of 23 leaders in the EMS field to serve on the National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council. The council, first chartered by the U.S. Dept. of Transportation in 2007, provides expert EMS advice to the department and its federal partners. It makes recommendations on key issues in the EMS field, including recruitment and retention of EMS personnel, quality assurance, federal grants for emergency services, and preparation for multi-casualty incidents. The appointments included three NASEMSO members: (press release)

• Dia Gainor, Idaho State EMS Director, Past President of NASEMSO, and Chair of NASEMSO's Highway Incident & Transportation Systems (HITS) Committee.
• Ritu Sahni, M.D., Oregon State EMS Medical Director, and faculty of Oregon Health & Science University.
• Gary L. Wingrove, Government Relations & Strategic Affairs, Mayo Medical Transportation, past EMS Director for State of Minnesota, and Affiliate Member of NASEMSO.

Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness & Response, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, Announces Reorganization (07/05/10) The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services has announced that the official ASPR organizational structure was approved by the Office of the Secretary. It was published in the Federal Register on June 21, 2010, and will be listed for the next 30 days. ASPR is officially operating under the approved organizational structure effective immediately. The Office of Workforce Development (OWD) will be working with program offices to initiate personnel actions that have been held pending approval of the new organizational structure and will coordinate appropriately with the Department's Office of Human Resources.

Louisiana Announces EMS Reciprocity Process Related to the Gulf Oil Spill Cleanup
(06/07/10) An Executive Order (EO) [BJ 2010 –9] has been issued by Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal that describes the process of reciprocity for temporary EMS workers to assist in medical aid efforts related to the Gulf Oil Spill cleanup. Individuals who are “duly licensed and in good standing in another state” may apply for temporary reciprocity.
The EO outlines the steps that will enable EMS workers to respond to mutual aid requests, EMAC deployments, and/or employment offers from British Petroleum for direct assistance.
This information is NOT a call for volunteers. Individuals should NOT respond to Louisiana to provide EMS care nor should they contact the Louisiana Dept of Health or EMS Office to request information about volunteering with the oil spill cleanup. The required application form for EMS reciprocity in Louisiana is available online.

National EMS Awards of Excellence (06/07/10) The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) and EMS Magazine have established the National EMS Awards of Excellence program to recognize outstanding achievement in the EMS profession. Other organizations participating include Advocates for EMS (AEMS), the National Association of EMS Educators (NAEMSE), and the National EMS Management Association (NEMSMA).
The following awards will be granted as part of this new program: EMS Magazine Paid EMS Service of the Year; EMS Magazine Volunteer EMS Service of the Year; NEMSMA EMS Executive of the Year; NAEMT EMT of the Year; NAEMT Paramedic of the Year; NAEMSE EMS Educator of the Year; and AEMS EMS Legislator of the Year. Details on award entries here.
Award recipients will receive a monetary gift and free registration and travel to EMS EXPO 2010, September 29-October 1 in Dallas, TX, and will be recognized by all of the participating organizations. More info on the EMS EXPO here.

NASEMSO, ACEP and NAEMSP Joint Statement on Role of State EMS Director Published in PreHospital Emergency Care Journal (06/01/10) "The Role of State Medical Direction in the Comprehensive Emergency Medical Services System: A Resource Document," by Carol A. Cunningham MD , Keith Wesley MD, Timothy D. Peterson, MD, MPH, Richard Alcorta, MD, Douglas F. Kupas, MD, Joe A. Nelson, DO, Peter Taillac, MD, and Jim Upchurch, MD, has been published in the July-September 2010 issue of PreHospital Emergency Care. This resource document provides a snapshot of the status of state EMS medical direction in our nation in 2007 and a projection of the achievable benchmarks for the role of the state EMS medical director in the future. As an informational resource, this tool will assist state EMS officials, legislators, laypersons, and partners within the emergency care system to comprehend, create or improve, and support the state EMS medical director position within their jurisdictions. The position statement, "Role of the State EMS Medical Director," that appears in this issue is based on this resource document. Article available here.

SCAA Publishes "Saving Lives in Schools and Sports," With Support From NASEMSO and NAEMT (04/16/10) The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association (SCAA) has published an educational supplement, "Saving Lives in Schools and Sports," in conjunction with NASEMSO and NAEMT (National Association of EMTs). The supplement provides examples of the successes achievable with proper preparation and deployment of AEDs, but also the unfortunate tragedies in their absence. Easy-to-understand descriptions of how an AED works and the fundamental principals of an effective public access defibrillation (PAD) program are also addressed. Establishing Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) in schools (and school athletic programs) that include response planning, training in CPR, and deployment of AEDs and providing CPR and AED training to all students will greatly reduce the risk that we and our children will face from sudden cardiac arrest. Download this report.

NASEMSO Responds to Louisiana House Bill 1030 (03/30/10) In a recent letter to Louisiana State Representative Karen St. Germain, NASEMSO expressed its concern about House Bill 1030, intending to exempt certain employees of the state of Louisiana or another public entity, a municipal fire department, a fire protection district, or a volunteer fire department from the authority of the Louisiana Emergency Medical Services Certification Commission to conduct disciplinary hearings, request investigations, and initiate prosecution. According to USA Today, “Chad Major of the Professional Fire Fighters Association of Louisiana claims responsibility for the measure. ‘I control the bill,’ he says, adding that the union wrote it ‘sternly’ to bring the commission and the state Department of Health and Hospitals to the bargaining table. The union's goal isn't to deprive commissioners of medical oversight, he says, it's to limit their power over certification fees and late penalties.” Several national EMS organizations indicate they are weighing in on the proposed legislation as it relates to patient safety and medical oversight.

• NASEMSO Letter to Karen St. Germain, La. House of Representatives regarding La. House Bill 2010 (03/26/10)
• La. House Bill 2010

WARNING to EMS First Responders: Self-Inflicted Hydrogen Sulfide Suicides on the Rise
(03/23/10) Several apparent suicide deaths related to mixing common household chemicals have been reported by local media in the past year. This alarming news follows on the heels of 517 suicide deaths reported in Japan throughout 2008 attributed to inhaling hydrogen sulfide gas created by mixing household detergents. In 2009, one incident in San Jose, CA resulted in a hazardous materials lockdown of the hospital, diversion of incoming ambulances, and decontamination of nearly 100 persons that included rescuers. Ad hoc internet sites are felt to be responsible for disseminating harmful information related to mixing chemical products for this purpose. While there is no cause for widespread panic, symptoms can mimic carbon monoxide poisoning and EMS responders are encouraged to approach any closed, suspicious vehicle with extreme caution. An excellent and valuable training session for EMS responders is available here. NASEMSO sincerely thanks the Sarasota County Fire Dept for access to this link.
The following information is also available:
ATSDR (CDC): Medical Management Guidelines for Hydrogen Sulfide
eMedicine: Toxicity, Hydrogen Sulfide
WISER: Hydrogen Sulfide
NIOSH: Hydrogen Sulfide
ERG: Guide 117 Hydrogen Sulfide

FCC Launches New Web Page on Broadband and Public Safety and Homeland Security
(03/18/10) The FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau today launched a new web page, "Broadband and Public Safety and Homeland Security," to better ensure that the public safety community, the general public, government agencies and communications providers have access to the latest news and information on the FCC's efforts to implement the National Broadband Plan for public safety. The implementation of the plan will include initiatives to bring interoperable communications to America's first responders through the creation of a nationwide wireless broadband network and new cyber security reporting and monitoring programs; as well as Next Generation 9-1-1 services; emergency alerts and warnings through a variety of outlets (including via television and radio broadcasts (Emergency Alert System), wireless hand-held devices, such as cell phones and the Internet) and much more. The web page includes access to the latest press releases, public notices, field hearings, and presentations. learn more

Dia Gainor Receives James O. Page Award from JEMS (03/09/10) Dia Gainor, Idaho State EMS Director, and Chair of NASEMSO's Highway Incident & Transportation Systems (HITS) Committee, recently received the James O. Page Award from the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS) for "exhibiting the drive and tenacious effort necessary to develop improved EMS systems, resolve important EMS issues, and bring about positive EMS system changes throughout her career." Congratulations, Dia!
Link to Elsevier announcement

Dia Gainor is presented with the James O. Page
Award by JEMS Editor-in-Chief A.J. Heightman
at the EMS Today 2010 Conference
& Exposition in Baltimore, Md.

NASEMSO Supports Passage of H.R. 2024, "Commercial Motor Vehicle Advanced Safety Technology Tax Act of 2009" (02/15/10) NASEMSO joins the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) in support of H.R. 2024, "Commercial Motor Vehicle Advanced Safety Technology Tax Act of 2009," which would provide tax incentives for installation of available technology to prevent or mitigate what a 2006 NHTSA/Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration study found were the leading causes of crashes involving large trucks. The device types that would qualify the trucking firms for tax breaks align with the study findings and prevent crashes related to brake failures, lane departure, rollovers, and colliding with cars in front of them. NASEMSO’s interest is in safer trucks, fewer crashes, and more widespread market availability and affordability of such devices so that they become mainstream considerations for ambulances and heavy emergency response vehicles.

AHRQ Releases 2007 Hospital Emergency Department Data (02/24/10) The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has released its 2007 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS), the largest, all-payer emergency care database in the United States. NEDS can help public health experts, policymakers, health care administrators, researchers and others find the data they need to answer questions about the cost of emergency care, medical treatment effectiveness, and the quality of, access to, and use of emergency department, and other issues. The database contains more than 26 million records of emergency department visits at roughly 1,000 U.S. community hospitals — approximately a 20-percent stratified sample — and captures information both on visits that do not result in admission and those that do. NEDS is part of the AHRQ's Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), a Federal-State-industry partnership for building a standardized, multi-state health data system. learn more

FEMA Releases Draft National Disaster Recovery Framework (02/05/10) The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the interagency Long Term Disaster Recovery Working Group, on Feb. 5 issued a draft of the National Disaster Recovery Framework. NASEMSO members are strongly encouraged to review this important draft document and e-mail comments to NASEMSO Program Advisor Leslee Stein-Spencer no later than Feb. 20, 2010.

• FEMA Advisory on Draft National Disaster Recovery Framework
• Draft National Disaster Recovery Framework

HHS Activates Additional Components of National Disaster Medical System to Help U.S. Hospitals Treat Survivors of Earthquake in Haiti (02/01/10) As part of the ongoing medical response to the Haiti earthquake, USAID, the agency coordinating the US Government response, announced on Feb. 1 that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has activated additional components of the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) to help U.S. hospitals provide care to critically ill survivors. This activation will allow U.S. hospitals that treat Haitian patients evacuated with life-threatening injuries due to the earthquake, to receive federal reimbursement for the costs they incur. The first NDMS flight could leave Haiti as early as tomorrow. learn more

Call for Nominations for the E9-1-1 Institute 7th Annual Honor Awards (01/20/10) The E9-1-1 Institute is sponsoring its 7th Annual 9-1-1 Honors Awards Ceremony, where heroes and leaders in the 9-1-1 field will be honored jointly by the Institute and the Congressional E9-1-1 Caucus on Mar. 16, 2010. The Institute has published a call for nominations for 2009 heroes and leaders that the E9-1-1 Institute and the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) should be honoring in March. Heroism and leadership activities throughout  the year of 2009 will be considered for the awards. The E9-1-1 Institute is now accepting nominations for eight award categories. For a description of the award categories and to submit your nomination online, visit the E9-1-1 Institute Web site. All nominations must be received by Feb. 1, 2010. 

CMS and ONC Issue Regulations Proposing a Definition of 'Meaningful Use' and Setting Standards for Electronic Health Record Incentive Program (12/30/09) The Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS) and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) encourage public comment on two regulations issued today that lay a foundation for improving quality, efficiency and safety through meaningful use of certified electronic health record (EHR) technology. The regulations will help implement the EHR incentive programs enacted under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act).

A proposed rule issued by CMS outlines proposed provisions governing the EHR incentive programs, including defining the central concept of “meaningful use” of EHR technology. An interim final regulation (IFR) issued by ONC sets initial standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria for EHR technology. Both regulations are open to public comment.

• Complete press release
• CMS proposed rule and fact sheets
• ONC's interim final rule

Health Reform Update for EMS (12/24/09) Majority Leader Reid (D-NV) on Dec. 21 released the Manager's Amendment to the base Senate health reform bill. The Manager's Amendment prevents a funding gap from occurring between Jan. 1, 20110 and March 2010. During this time, the urban ground base rate increase of 2% and the rural ground increase of 3% would have expired until they were set to be reinstated in April 2010. (The air-specific rural definition was impacted by the same funding gap.) The Manager's Amendment prevents the lapse in payments from occurring. In addition, the Super Rural 22.6% ground bonus payments that were set to expire on Dec. 31, 2009, were continued through calendar year 2010. (See provisions starting on page 162 of the legislative text.) In general, the 383-page amendment includes a number of changes, including provisions specifically added to obtain Sen. Nelson (D-NE) and other on-the-fence Democratic Members' votes. (See the summary of all the changes here.) According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill will cost $871 billion over 10 years, reduce the deficit by $132 billion over the same period and cover more than 31 million people. The Democrats now have the 60 votes to pass the bill - barring any procedural roadblocks - before Christmas. Reid is about to file cloture, setting up the first of 3 key votes for early Monday morning. Final passage could come on Wednesday or Thursday. The final Senate bill will likely then be reconciled with the House bill in a Conference Committee set to begin at the end of the year or in early January.

FICEMS Releases Report on State EMS System Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (12/10/09) State EMS System Pandemic Influenza Preparedness has been published by the Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services (FICEMS). The FICEMS prepared this report to improve coordination among its member agencies on EMS system pandemic influenza preparedness. The report provides further detailed analysis of EMS and 9-1-1 pandemic influenza preparedness gaps. This analysis serves as the basis for five recommended strategies and associated action steps to be taken by FICEMS member agencies in improving EMS system preparedness nationally.

Drew Dawson Receives NHTSA Administrator’s Employee of the Year Award (12/09/09) Office of EMS Director Drew Dawson has been awarded the NHTSA Administrator’s Employee of the Year Award. Acting Deputy Administrator Ron Medford presented the award during a December 3rd ceremony held in the expansive West Atrium of DOT headquarters. In accepting the award, Mr. Dawson was cheered on by a packed crowd of NHTSA employees, including the entire staff of the Office of EMS and key State and Federal EMS leaders.

However, the Awards Program more specifically outlines what earned Mr. Dawson this year’s honor: “His expertise, thoughtfulness, strategic thinking, work ethic, and demeanor have given NHTSA a model EMS office that plays an outsize role in developing, coordinating, and implementing national EMS policies.”

Outsize
Drew Dawson brought an “outsize” work ethic to NHTSA in 2003 that’s arguably as large as his home State of Montana, where he served for more than 20 years as its EMS Director. In fact, according to staff, he is rarely found without his Blackberry in hand and at times they have had to insist he take vacation time. And while that staff is small in number, their efforts and accomplishments under Mr. Dawson’s leadership have been anything but. This year alone, two additional members of the EMS Staff, Laurie Flaherty and Hector Williams, won Administrator Awards of their own. Working as part of a larger agency team, Ms. Flaherty and Mr. Williams were honored for “diligence, perseverance, and creativity in rapidly developing administrative rules and implementing a new multi-million dollar E9-1-1 grant program.”

Coordinating
Their winning yet collaborative effort brings to mind the word “coordinating.” Anyone who knows Mr. Dawson knows of his commitment to keep NHTSA true to its roots as the “coordinating” agency on EMS system issues within the Federal government. In a 2006 interview with EMS Magazine, Mr. Dawson had the following to say about his approach to working with other Federal agencies on EMS issues and policies: “We are not in competition with each other, but rather we work together in a coordinated manner­tapping each other's talent, expertise and resources; cooperating with each other rather than building silos around our respective programs.”

FICEMS and NEMSAC
Indeed, under Mr. Dawson’s watch the Federal Interagency Committee on EMS (FICEMS) and the National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC) have launched and are currently formalizing the NHTSA tradition of bringing people in and outside of government together to cooperate on solutions to the EMS challenges of today, while planning for those of tomorrow.

Congratulations to Mr. Dawson, his EMS Office, and all the NHTSA Administrator Award winners. Photos from the NHTSA Administrator Awards event featuring Mr. Dawson, his team, and State & Federal EMS guests.

NASEMSO Members Asked to Comment on DHS Draft of Proposed Guidance for Protecting Responders' Health Following a Wide-Area Anthrax Attack (11/18/09) The Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) has posted its “Proposed Guidance for Protecting Responders' Health Following a Wide-Area Anthrax Attack” to the Federal Register. The draft guidance document can be downloaded here. This document provides policy recommendations for protection of personnel responding to a wide-area anthrax attack from exposure to Bacillis anthracis spores. A Federal interagency working group, consisting of subject matter experts in biodefense, infectious diseases, and occupational health and safety, has developed this draft consensus guidance regarding appropriate protective measures for responders in the immediate post-attack environment of an aerosolized anthrax attack. This proposed guidance statement reflects the most current understanding of the unique environment that will exist after a wide-area anthrax release. These recommendations will evolve with stakeholder input, scientific developments, and availability of new environmental monitoring techniques.

NASEMSO member feedback on the draft document, to assist DHS in finalizing this guidance informed by user experiences and operational feasibility. While overall comments are valued, critical feedback in the areas of defining tiers as a strategy for determining risk of exposure, the use of an activity based approach rather than occupational specialties, and feedback on options for ensuring appropriate medical countermeasures are immediately available to the responder community is sought. Please email your comments to Leslee Stein-Spencer no later than Nov. 24, 2009, in order for your comments to be included in NASEMOS's response.

NASEMSO Mourns the Loss of David Taylor, Arkansas State EMS Director (11/09/09) On Nov. 5, 2009, the EMS community lost a visionary leader and great friend with the unexpected death of Arkansas State EMS Director, David Taylor. NASEMSO invites all state EMS officials and partner groups to share their memories of David, share photos, and express their sympathies to his family and friends at the NASEMSO memorial site in honor of David.
     David started his career in emergency services as an EMT in 1989. He became a paramedic in 1991 and joined the Arkansas Department of Health on June 1, 1999 as an EMS Specialist. He served as Certification Administrator, Interim Director, and he became Director of Emergency Medical Services in April 2003. 
    David was a member of the Paramedic Society, Instructor Society, Arkansas EMT Association and he served as a National Registry Paramedic/Instructor.  At the time of his death, he was the Southeast Regional Director, Treasurer, and Program Committee Chair for the National Association of State EMS Officials.
    President Steve Blessing issued this statement on behalf of NASEMSO, “David Taylor was a dedicated family man, a committed public servant, and a good friend and colleague.  We were blessed by his friendship, grateful for his commitment, indebted to his experience, and honored by his presence.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his beloved wife and children and all our colleagues in the Arkansas Office of EMS and Trauma. We will deeply miss him.”

NHTSA Calls for Nominations for Appointment to the National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (10/20/09) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is soliciting applications for appointment or reappointment to the Dept. of Transportation's National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council (NEMSAC). The purpose of NEMSAC is to serve as a nationally recognized council of emergency medical services (EMS) representatives and consumers to provide advice and recommendations regarding EMS to DOT and its modal administration, NHTSA, and through NHTSA to the Federal Interagency Committee on EMS (FICEMS). Applications for membership (including resume or curriculum vitae (CV), letters of recommendation, and a statement identifying the EMS sector or discipline that the applicant seeks to represent) should reach NHTSA via email to drew.dawson@dot.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, Friday, Dec, 1, 2009. Download Federal Register notice.

Ryan White Act Passes House with New Additions that Affect EMS (09/23/09)The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment and Extension Act of 2009 passed the U.S. House Oct. 21 by a vote of 408 to 9. The U.S. Senate passed the bill earlier this week, so the bill now goes to President Obama for his signature.

There are several new additions to the Ryan White Act that affect emergency care – and specifically emergency responders. Please note the list established under Section 2695; it essentially determines what infectious diseases should be considered "potentially life-threatening." The list also is used to determine whether or not emergency responders must be notified of an exposure.

• The text of the bill can be found here.
• Download a Summary of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment and Extension Act of 2009 here.

NASEMSO Requests Public Comments on Timeline for EMS Education Agenda (09/23/09) NASEMSO has collaborated with EMS stakeholders to identify the broad steps needed to implement the EMS Education Agenda from a national perspective. Because implementation will require a multifaceted, multidisciplinary approach by a variety of EMS stakeholders, a timeline document has been created to illustrate the complexities of implementing the Education Agenda. It represents several milestones for implementation and identifies EMS stakeholders that have expressed an interest in participating in a range of implementation activities with a time-oriented goal for achieving them. The chart does not represent an exclusive list and additional objectives will be added as they are identified.  Individual states retain the authority to determine their level of participation.
NASEMSO is seeking your input regarding the Timeline DRAFT Document.
Please respond by taking the Online Survey no later than Oct. 9, 2009.

GSA to Allow Local, State, Territorial and Tribal Governments Access to Federal Supply Schedules in Response to Public Health Emergencies (09/10/09) The U.G. General Services Administration has issued notice that effective Aug. 17, 2009, state, local, territorial, and tribal governments may access Federal Supply Schedules as authorized users for goods and services when expending federal grant funds in response to Public Health Emergencies (PHE) declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under section 319 of the Public Health Services Act, codified at 42 U.S.C. § 247d.

• Details on GSA Web site
• Notice from GSA of new policy
• Eligibility to Use GSA Sources of Supply and Services

CMS Announces EMTALA Requirements and Options for Hospitals During a Pandemic (09/05/09) In anticipation of a possible significant increase in demand for emergency services due to H1N1 influenza resurgence this fall several federal agencies, state health departments, and hospitals have expressed significant concerns about compliance with EMTALA requirements during an outbreak. Many stakeholders perceive that EMTALA imposes significant restrictions on hospitals’ ability to provide adequate care when EDs experience extraordinary surges in demand. A new fact sheet available from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services clarifies options that are permissible under EMTALA and should reassure the provider community and public health officials that there is existing flexibility under EMTALA. Among other things, the fact sheet notes that an EMTALA-mandated medical screening examination (MSE) does not need to be an extensive work-up in every case, and that the MSE may take place outside the ED, at other sites on the hospital’s campus. 
Download the fact sheet, which also summarizes the provisions governing EMTALA waivers.
Key Points for EMS Regarding the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (09/14/09)

NTSB to Hold Public Meeting on EMS Helicopter Safety Recommendations (08/27/09) The National Transportation Safety Board will hold a public board meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2009, at 9:30 a.m., in its Board Room and Conference Center, 429 L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Washington, DC. The agenda includes the NTSB proposal on 19 recommendations regarding Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS). These recommendations address various safety issues, including pilot training; safety management systems to minimize risk; collection and analysis of flight, weather, and safety data; flight data monitoring; development of a low altitude airspace infrastructure; and the use of dual pilots, autopilots, and night vision imaging systems (NVIS). A live and archived webcast of the proceedings will be available on the Board's website. Support details are available under "Board Meetings." To report any problems, please call 703-993-3100 and ask for Webcast Technical Support.
Washington Post Series preceding NTSB announcement
News articles on NTSB recommendations:
Washington Post | CBS News | AP | UPI
Wall Street Journal | AVWeb

FICEMS Adopts Position on National Health Security Strategy (07/17/09) The Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical Services (FICEMS) at its June meeting adopted a position on the National Health Security Strategy (NHSS). In a letter to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sibelius, the position was stated as follows: "It is the intent of FICEMS that EMS systems be fully integrated and coordinated with public health systems to address challenges to national publc health security. Federal funds may be used to support EMS activities and target capabilities, such as the Emergency Care Enterprise, which implement the priorities of the NHSS." read FICEMS letter to Secretary Sibelius

Administration Notifies Congress of Intent to Spend $1.825 Billion out of $5.8 Billion Contingency for H1N1 (07/17/09) In a letter to Congress about the Adminsitration's intent to spend $1,825 billion of the $5.8 billion contingency funds approved for H1N1, President Barack Obama stated, "To enhance our nation's capability to respond to the potential spread of this outbreak, and in accordance with the appropriation, I hereby designate $1.825 billion of the contingent appropriation as emergency funds required to address critical needs related to emerging influenza viruses (specifically, the virus known as 2009-H1N1). These funds will support additional procurement of adjuvant for dose-sparing of vaccine antigen; immunization campaign planning; regulatory activities for H1N1 at the Food and Drug Administration; and funding for the administration of an injury compensation program." An ASHTO announcement noted that "$335 million of the additional funds will be for state, local and CDC planning for a national vaccination program. The $335 million is on top of the $350 million already appropriated." read White House letter

Implementation of the EMS Education Agenda: 2009 National EMS Education Standards Gap Analysis Template Now Available (07/17/09) NASEMSO announces the availability of a new document intended to support national implementation of the EMS Education Agenda for the Future: A Systems Approach (Education Agenda). Developed to support State implementation activities, the 2009 National EMS Education Standards Gap Analysis Template describes key transition elements and provides greater understanding about the differences between the National Standard Curricula and the recently published EMS Education Standards. The 2009 National EMS Education Standards Gap Analysis Template is intended for use by States, educators and others as they begin to define the specifics of what will be different at the state and local level between current EMS education delivery and future EMS education delivery. press release with details

HHS Releases Guidance on Public Health Emergency Response Funding (07/16/09) The Dept. of Health & Human Services has released grant guidance for $350 million in grants to help states and territories prepare for the 2009 novel H1N1 flu virus and the fall flu season. Public Health Emergency Response grants help state public health departments perform a variety of functions, including preparing for potential vaccination campaigns, implementing strategies to reduce people’s exposure to the 2009 novel H1N1 flu and improving influenza surveillance and investigations. grant guidance | fast facts

NENA, NASNA and 9-1-1 Industry Alliance Issue Joint Policy Statement Opposing State Raiding of 9-1-1 Funds (07/07/09) The National Emergency Number Association (NENA), National Association of State 9-1-1 Administrators (NASNA) and 9-1-1 Industry Alliance (9IA) have issued a join policy statement opposing state raiding of 9-1-1 funds. According to the statement, misuse of 9-1-1 funds not only puts one of the nation’s most critical systems at risk; it also breaks the trust established with the public. NENA, NASNA, and 9IA are strongly urging state and local governments to refrain from diverting 9-1-1 funding for unintended and unauthorized purposes. Read full policy statement.

Wording for Broselow Tape Error (06/30/09) Please be advised that there is a "typo" error on the Broselow Tape 2007 Edition A on the non-color coded side only. The error states that the glucagon dosage for children  3-4-5 kg thru white zones should be 0.5mg/kg/dose; for children that fall within the blue through green zones, the error states that the dosage should be 1 mg/kg/dose with maximum dose of 1 mg. The kg/dose should be blacked out for both of these glucagon dosages. The dosages for glucagon should read: Glucagon  0.5 mg (3-4-5 kg thru white zones) and 1 mg (blue thru green zones) (max. dose 1 mg). Please read this newsletter article from the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, posted with their permission. 

NASEMSO To Review Draft IEMTG Standards for Delivery of Medical Services on Incidents Managed by NWCG Member Agencies (06/09/09) Draft recommended standards have been developed by the Incident Emergency Medical Task Group (IEMTG) for the delivery of medical services on incidents managed by National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) member agencies. Download draft standards here. These incidents are most commonly wildland fires of sufficient size and manpower deployment to warrant one or more "medical units" to be established. These medical units are manned by EMS personnel who are often from multiple states of origin. These draft standards are being presented to the state EMS officials through NASEMSO, and active review by state EMS directors, state EMS training coordinators, state EMS licensing managers, and state EMS medical directors is critical. The overall IEMTG plan for standardization and legal recognition can be viewed here. NASEMSO members are asked to submit your comments on the draft standards via e-mail to Tawni Newton either individually or as a state no later than July 15, 2009. After review of comments and revision, the document will formally be presented at the NASEMSO 2009 Annual Meeting.

NEMSAC Statement Lists Principles That Must Be Included in Any Health Care Reform Discussion (06/09/09) The National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC) issued a position statement that lists the guiding principles that it states must be included in any health care reform discussion. The statement affirms the NEMSAC position that "an accountable and sustained community level emergency medical care system is essential and must be assured in debate and implementation of health care reform. EMS is the practice of medicine at the community level and a window to a community’s health status, including social care and stability. The emergency care system is a twenty four hours per day, seven days per week front door to the health care system and faces unique challenges in the urban, rural and frontier areas of our country. NEMSAC believes that these key guiding principles must be included in the health care reform discussion."
position statement

Ryan White Notification Language Passed by Senate Committee (06/7/09) On May 20, the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee passed S. 599, the Federal Firefighter Fairness Act of 2009. The bill establishes a presumptive disability for heart and lung disease and cancer for federal firefighters. The bill included an amendment by Senator Tom Coburn that would reinstate the personnel notification provisions of the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-381); these provisions were removed in the 2006 reauthorization. NASEMSO, NAEMT, and Advocates for EMS in partnership with our colleagues in the fire service worked to get this language inserted and is pleased the original language was added to the overall bill. Senator Coburn hails from the home state (Oklahoma) of NASEMSO President-elect, Shawn Rogers.
     Part E, Subpart II of the law, "Notification of Possible Exposure to Infectious Diseases, Section 2681-2690," requires emergency-response employers (i.e., fire departments, police departments, EMS) to have a designated officer for infection or exposure control to respond to requests from employees regarding exposures to communicable diseases and to obtain the disease status of the source patients in those exposures from the medical facility providing treatment to that patient.

Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette in Healthcare Settings (04/27/09) To prevent the transmission of all respiratory infections in healthcare settings, including influenza, the following infection control measures should be implemented at the first point of contact with a potentially infected person. They should be incorporated into infection control practices as one component of standard precautions. details here

U.S. District Court Dismisses Eagle Air Lawsuit Against Colorado Dept. of Public Health & Environment (03/13/09) The U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado on Mar. 12 dismissed Eagle Air Med Corporation's (Eagle Air) lawsuit against officials with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) on grounds that Eagle Air's claims were moot.
      Eagle Air filed the lawsuit in March 2008 when CDPHE began a licensing investigation after learning that Eagle Air had received notification that the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Services (CAMTS) intended to withdraw Eagle Air's CAMTS accreditation, which is required for Colorado licensure. Eagle Air sought a declaratory judgment from the Court that the Colorado law and rules that govern the licensure of air ambulances have been preempted by the Federal Aviation Act and the Airline Deregulation Act.
     During briefing on the case, Eagle Air and CAMTS entered into an consent agreement that allowed Eagle Air to retain its CAMTS accreditation.  As a result of this agreement, the CDPHE closed its investigation of Eagle Air with no adverse action taken.  The CDPHE subsequently filed a motion asking the court to dismiss the lawsuit for lack of subject matter jurisdiction, arguing that since the CDPHE closed its investigation, there was no pending threat to Eagle Air's license.  The Court agreed and dismissed the case.  
      Although this decision does bring the case to a close for now, it is unknown whether an appeal will be filed or other action will take place.  This decision does, for the time being, leave intact the existing requirements in Colorado statute and rules regarding the licensing of air ambulance services.   Understanding that the safeguarding of the public's health, safety and welfare is our prime concern, we are quite pleased that this process has resulted in Colorado's authority to maintain quality standards for air ambulance licensing.
If there are any questions regarding this issue, please contact Ms. Michelle Reese, J.D., our Deputy EMTS Section Chief at michelle.reese@state.co.us.

Trust for America's Health and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Release Report: "Shortchanging America's Health" (03/11/09) Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation today released a new report that found midwestern and southern states received less funding from the federal government than northeastern and western states did in fiscal year 2008 for disease prevention programs, which can amount to millions of dollars in differences. Shortchanging America’s Health: A State-By-State Look at How Federal Public Health Dollars are Spent also examines how the economic downturn could lead to serious cuts to disease prevention and emergency preparedness programs at the state level. The report found that states receive $17.60 per person on average from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to spend on public health. midwestern states received an average of $17.69 per person and southern states received $18.43 per person, while northeastern states received $22.49 and western states received $23.94 per person from the CDC. report summary | download full report

NASEMSO Program Advisor Kevin McGinnis Was Guest Speaker for EMForum.org Web Event (03/11/09) EMForum.org hosted a one-hour presentation and interactive discussion Mar. 11, 2009 on "The Public Safety Spectrum Trust (PSST): Creating a Nationwide Wireless Broadband Network for Public Safety." The guest speaker was NASEMSO Program Advisor Kevin McGinnis, MPS, EMT-P, Vice Chair of the PSST, specializing in communications systems technology, data systems and rural EMS. In addition to the PSST, McGinnis is Vice-Chair of the Dept. of Homeland Security's SAFECOM Executive Committee and Vice-Chair of the DHS e-Gov Disaster Management (Data Communications) Practitioner Steering Group. A practicing paramedic, he has been involved with the delivery of emergency medical services since 1974 and is an expert in evaluating local, regional and state EMS systems and ambulance services. Find out more about EMForum.org and listen to the live meeting recording of the Mar. 11 event.

IOM to Offer Follow-up Workshop to Future of Emergency Care Series (02/14/09) In 2006, the Institute of Medicine released a series of three reports on the Future of Emergency Care in the United States Health System. An upcoming workshop provides an opportunity to examine the progress that has been made since that time in moving the nation towards the IOM’s vision of a “regionalized, coordinated, and accountable” emergency care system. One of the central recommendations contained in the IOM reports encouraged the federal government to more effectively coordinate emergency care-related activities that are widely dispersed through various federal departments and agencies. Now, three years later, structures are being put in place to address this challenge. This workshop is being convened to bring stakeholders and policymakers together to discuss which of the many challenges facing emergency care are most amenable to coordinated federal action. The National Emergency Care Enterprise workshop will be held on May 21-22, 2009 in Washington, DC. For more information including registration information, click here.

NASEMSO Executive Director Meets With DHS Regarding Concerns About EMS Funding and Other Issues (02/03/09) NASEMSO Executive Director Beth Armstrong, MAM, CAE, on Feb. 2 met with staff of the DHS Office of Intergovernmental Programs to review DHS interaction with state, local, tribal and territorial (SLTT) partners. The discussion addressed NASEMSO’s concern about homeland security funding for EMS, the federal ambulance contract and national disaster credentialing. See details about NASEMSO key homeland security areas of concern and an NASEMSO issue briefing on Activation and Reimbursement Concerns for EMS Disaster Response

IOM Hosts Regional Forums on Medical and Public Health Preparedness for Catastrophic Events (02/03/09) The Institute of Medicine’s Forum on Medical and Public Health Preparedness for Catastrophic Events will host a series of regional workshops on “Standards of Care”. These workshops will take place in Irvine, CA (March 12th); Orlando, FL (April 14th); New York, NY (April 27th); and Chicago, IL (May 8th). The purpose of this workshop series is to illuminate the progress and successes of efforts underway to establish local, state, and regional standards of care protocols. In addition, the planning committee is hoping the workshops will help to improve regional efforts by facilitating a dialog and coordination between neighboring jurisdictions. Attendance at these workshops is free but registration is required. For more information and to register for a workshop, please visitworkshops is free but registration is required. Click here for more information and to register for a workshop.

CDC Sets Up Database on Recalled Peanut Butter-Containing Products (01/23/09) The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention continues to collaborate with public health officials in many states and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to investigate a multistate outbreak of human infections due to Salmonella serotype Typhimurium. As of 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009, the case count is 488 in 43 states and one case in Canada. In order to make it easier for consumers to determine whether any of the peanut butter-containing products they have at home are subject to recall, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has created and posted an expanded, searchable database that will be updated as new information becomes available. For information on products containing peanut butter from companies not reporting recalls, consumers may wish to consult the company's Web site or call the toll-free number listed on most packaging. Please note that information consumers may receive from the companies has not been verified by FDA. Information about recalled products and Salmonella can be found by calling 1-800-CDC-INFO. A podcast on the outbreak, response, and consumer information can be downloaded here from CDC's Web site.

CDC Publishes Guidelines for Field Triage of Injured Patients (01/22/09) The Centers for Disaster Control & Prevention has released its "Guidelines for Field Triage of the Injured Patients, Recommendations of the National Expert Panel on Field Triage” (MMWR Recommendations and Reports). In the United States, injury is the leading cause of death for persons aged 1-44 years, and the approximately 800,000 emergency medical services (EMS) providers have a substantial impact on care of injured persons and on public health. At an injury scene, EMS providers determine the severity of injury, initiate medical management, and identify the most appropriate facility to which to transport the patient through a process called “field triage.” In 1987, the American College of Surgeons developed the Field Triage Decision Scheme (Decision Scheme), which serves as the basis for triage protocols for state and local EMS systems across the United States. Since its initial publication in 1987, the Decision Scheme has been revised four times. Learn more and download the report here.

USDOT Publishes White Paper to Inform Public Agencies About Investment Opportunities for Stimulus Package (01/19/09) A a white paper has been released by the U.S. Dept. of Transportation to inform public agencies about investment opportunities for the stimulus package. The paper contains information about types of projects that support the operation of the transportation system, such as intelligent transportation systems (ITS). It is an informational paper and does not reflect a policy position. The three sections of the white paper are:

• Summary
• Background information on candidate ITS technologies
• ITS stimulus appendices

HHS Releases Report on the State of U.S. Preparedness for Influenza Pandemic (01/16/09) U.S. states and territories have made progress toward planning for an influenza pandemic, but major gaps remain, according to "Assessment of States' Operating Plans to Combat Pandemic Influenza," a federal report released today by the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services (HHS). State operating plans scored best in protecting citizens. The plans showed no or few major gaps in addressing mass vaccination operations during each phase of pandemic, ensuring surveillance and laboratory capability during each phase of a pandemic, in acquiring and distributing medical countermeasures and in ensuring communication capability. All state plans did not address or showed major gaps sustaining operations of state agencies, and supporting and protecting state government workers so that the state government could continue to function during an influenza pandemic. read report

NHTSA Announces NEMSAC Public Meeting on EMS Recommendations (01/12/09) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced a public meeting of the National EMS Advisory Council (NEMSAC) for Jan. 29, 2009, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Jan. 30, 2009, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Marriott Crystal City at Reagan National Airport, 1999 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia. The purpose of NEMSAC is to provide a nationally recognized council of EMS representatives and consumers to provide advice and recommendations regarding Emergency Medical Services to NHTSA. Written comments and requests to make oral presentations are due Jan. 22, 2009. See attached Federal Register notice for complete details.

NASEMSO Mourns Trauma Colleague Killed in Iraq (01/01/09) NASEMSO mourns the tragic loss of Dr. John Pryor, EMS colleague and trauma director at the University of Pennsylvania, who died Christmas Day when a mortar round hit near his living quarters while serving as a trauma surgeon in the United States Army Reserve Medical Corps., 1st Forward Surgical Team (FST) in Iraq. Dr. Pryor joined the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Corps. after the attacks of 9/11 and served two active duty tours as the trauma surgeon for the 344th Combat Support Hospital in Abu Ghraib, Iraq, during 2006, and then with the 1st FST in 2008. Pryor's colleagues said they were devastated by the loss of the married father of three young children. The Fund for Dr. John Pryor has been established to help his wife Carmela and their 3 small children. Donations can be made as follows:UPHS- Dr. John Pryor Fund, Suite 750, 3535 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3309. More information is available at www.drjohnpryor.com.