EMS Grand Blog Rounds

Themes.

They can be the focus of party decorations, the inspiration for wardrobe, a folder of files that can be unintelligible at times, or the end of kiddom when Ms. Shields gives you a D because otherwise you’ll shoot your eye out.

Today there is a definite theme to this list of links from around the EMS Blogosphere and I will allow you to interpret for yourself what exactly that theme is…

• Kelly Grayson wrote a great article for EMS1.com called Think Before You Post. Now my first thought was that this article would cover all the important nuances of posting (proximity to a coffee shop, free wifi, dark corners for quality inner eyelid inspection, and of course proximity to a usable bathroom), but that’s not what it’s about at all… although it is still dead on in its message when it relates to internet posting. Failure to heed his words affects us all…
• EMS Garage Episode 94: The Day Social Media Stood Still covers the topic regarding Mark Glencourse’s decision to close his blog. If you have never listened to the EMS Garage before then this is the “must listen” episode for you. Towards the end of the episode Greg Friese provides a special code for a free download of the Social Media Policy Guide For First Responder Agencies. So be sure to listen to the episode, absorb what is being said about the situation, and get that free download!
• Jamie Davis also covers this sensitive topic in his weekly video segment:
  

And finally…

• I would be remiss to include all those links and then not include the post that served as inspiration for at least some of that content… from none other than the one and only Rogue Medic… rising up in the cafeteria… one plastic fork at a time

Thanks for reading and have a great week!

Damn the man!

Save the empire!

There are three specific movies referenced here… if you know what they are, leave it in the comments so I don’t become neurotic over the thought that no one got them. Thanks!

So technically I’m on vacation. Usually when people go on vacation, they go somewhere. Instead I’m pretty much staying home for roughly 80% of the time with my head buried in the various projects that I have working. One of the things that vacation has afforded me is the ability to actually read and enjoy a lot of the great posts out there in the EMS Blogosphere. So since you’re not on vacation, here are some highlights I figured I’d point out to you…

• As a fan and owner of a Droid, I was pleased to see Sean Eddy do a review of Epocrates for Android. At his recommendation I downloaded the app myself and agree that it is very useful… especially when I mistakenly overturn someone’s pill box and dump their carefully planned daily regiment into a pile of mess
• Steve Whitehead asks a very thought provoking question. What will others say about your career when you’re gone? The first thing that popped into my mind, being the self-deprecationist that I am, was “Yeah, he sucked“. Now through 360 surveys and a few other glorious introspection activities I know that isn’t entirely true… but I also know that I think a lot of it depends on when people knew me in my career. Hopefully those in the future will say, “Yeah, he sucked, but only a little.” What do you think people would say about you?
• Last week was the E3 Gaming Conference. There wasn’t a lot for me to be wowed by with no new consoles being announced, just redesigns and add ons, so I’m glad Greg Friese posted a review about Trauma Team for the Wii. I don’t own a Wii, but that review gives me a good reason to get one instead of replacing my red-ringed Halo 3 Limited Edition XBox 360
• Kelly Grayson has a new podcast out that is geared for those who have just become EMT’s or are thinking about going to EMT school. Confessions of an EMS Newbie is definitely an interesting listen and from an experienced provider (and more importantly a supervisor’s point of view) it provides some insight into what exactly is running through the minds of new EMTs and Paramedics. Hopefully this will help me so I won’t have a cerebral hemorrhage when one of them does something that I would consider ambiently stupid if done by a more experienced provider

And finally…

• Burned-Out Medic raises a great point about the seemingly odd inquisition from hospital staff about how much of an illegal drug did a patient take. It’s almost as if they’re comparison shopping for when they get off work…

Have a safe week.

Is it winter yet? It seems like every year both spring and fall last less and less. This year I think spring was a whopping 3 days. Does this mean they should be on the endangered seasons list? I think so. One place where it’s hot year round is the EMS Blogosphere, and that is completely tolerable. So here are a few scorchers I found while perusing the internet from my couch while the air conditioning worked overtime:

• Burned-Out Medic sent a clear and very effective communication to CNN for their extremely irresponsible reporting
• Paramedicine 101 takes a quick look at the S.A.L.T. airway device. It’s definitely a new and interesting advanced airway, but as mentioned there are some field reports about repetitive esophageal placement. I think taking a look at these devices like this are good, so that we can see what others are using, the pros and the cons from someone other than the sales rep, and giving us an idea into what we may find ourselves using in the future
• Kelly Grayson is breaking in a new partner, and in the grand tradition of EMS he has bestowed a nickname upon him. It really isn’t that bad of a name considering that at one time or another I’ve worked with people who were called Giggles, the Mailman, Sir Shortness, Grandma, Hubcap,Squirrel, and of course Freakzilla
• Justin Schorr commandeered the EMS Garage for another edition of The Happy Hour: I Am Patient (EMS Garage Episode 88) where they had a lively discussion regarding customer service in EMS. Justin had previously expressed his sentiment about it and I threw my two cents into a blog post, as I have occasionally been known to do. Definitely give that episode a listen if you haven’t already, and ask yourself how do you define a patient and what exactly does customer service mean to you? The answer may surprise you…

And finally…

• The May 2010 Edition of the Handover Blog Carnival was hosted by none other than Steve Whitehead. The theme was “And That’s When It All Came Together” which spurred a number of very solid contributions you should take some time to go read. Personally, I look forward to when the theme is “And That’s When It All Came Apart“…

Have a safe week!

Happy EMS Week 2010! I hope that you all are going to be busy reaching out to your communities, receive the praise and appreciation you so rightfully deserve for the difficult jobs you do day in and day out. In keeping with the theme of the week, you can consider this edition of the EMS Blog Rounds the one that is on steroids highlighting the great work from as many EMS Bloggers as I could over the last week:

• Have you sent a press release out about EMS Week yet? No? What are you waiting for??? Luckily for you Chris Kaiser has a great letter to the editor for just such an occasion. So now you have no excuses… get to it snappy!
• Rogue Medic relates an interesting tale about nursing doses. I think this must be a regional thing, because the nurses where I usually bring my agitated patients get snowballed by the nurses and wake up with restraints applied… which is the way we like it
• Jamie Davis‘ latest episode of The MedicCast deals with violence in the workplace. It’s an important, but often overlooked, topic that I think Jamie does a great job of addressing and will hopefully spark more conversation about the subject
• Kelly Grayson shows us what the effects of aging has on those of us in EMS. Apparently I’m a bit ahead of my time and ready for that AARP card
• Greg Friese has a great post about succeeding on a telephone interview. As someone who sets up in-person interviews over the phone, my one tip is to write down what you are actually told as opposed to what you think you may have heard. It works! Really
• Steve Whitehead hosted a post by none other than Jim Hoffman dealing with the debriding of a burnt out EMT/Medic. It’s a great read that helps prove the simple power of the touch
• TOTWTYTR has an update on the Pittsburgh EMS situation regarding the Snowmageddon Storm back in February that resulted in the loss of life due to the city’s unpreparedness in dealing with the snow. Of course, for the real meat of the matter, read the comments. It’s true Pittsburgh EMS is not run by the fire department… yet
• Justin Schorr is studying for a promotional exam and put forward a scenario that seems a bit common in his neck of the woods. Now I left my usual approach to the situation… which admittedly has been referred to as “hostile negotiations”… but that’s just how I do it. How would you do it if the opportunity ever presented itself?
• Sean Eddy acknowledged having a call where there’s just that feeling and ultimately why its important not to just succumb to it

And finally…

• Leave it to Mark Glencourse to deliver the giggles of Americans from all the way across the pond. If that didn’t make you giggle… well then obviously you must think those wigs they wear in Parliament are fashionable too

Have a safe and happy week!

I have a love/hate relationship with spring. I love it because the weather finally turns from dreary to bright, but I hate it because it always seems to be the busiest time of year for me both personally and professionally. I know I’ll hit my old groove again sometime toward the end of June when the madness decreases, but until then everyday is like the first time you transport with CPR in progress… it’s by the seat of your pants.

Luckily for you (and me) there are others in the EMS Blogosphere who are able to continue their steady stream of wonderful insight and story sharing uninterrupted. Here are a few gems from those courageous enough to blog on…

• Burned-Out Medic provides a great example of EMS customer service in action while discovering a potential revolutionary method of treatment. It’s only a matter of time before a study (that Rogue Medic will undoubtedly not approve of) comes out showing the benefits of burrito consumption and Taco Bell starts accepting Medicare/Medicaid.
• Greg Friese took a look at some great translation software that most urban responders would undoubtedly find more useful than the laminated cardboard with pictures most of us carry around now. It’s only a matter of time before a smartphone app gets developed for the software, and then after that you’ll be able to ask your patient “Would you like beans with that burrito?” in their native tongue of intoxiglese
• Joel Nield has decided to push his chips to the center and go all in for change. I think there is definitely something to be said for using a poker metaphor to describe the EMS 2.0 movement, but I’ll leave that interpretation up to you all individually… just as I’d leave the choice of chicken or beef up to you because burritos, like EMS 2.0, don’t fit into the “one type fits all” category that Big Macs tend to

And finally…

• With another month coming to a close, Steve Whitehead wrangles up the best of the best from both his own blog as well as the other EMS Blogs out there. Maybe next month he’ll wrangle up some rice and some sour cream…

Have a safe week out there…

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It has been a very interesting week in New York City. There have been quite a few ups, but more downs with the official announcement and OPS Orders that St. Vincent’s Catholic Medical Center will be closing its doors. Having served the downtown community for over 140 years, being one of the first providers of ambulance service in the city, and with 100 blocks separating it from the only other west side trauma center the loss will certainly be felt in Manhattan. This is another unplanned closure at a time when hospital beds are already on short order.

Yet, as one hospital and their paramedics end their service to a city, the greater machine of the EMS Blogosphere trucks on…

• There was a spurt of activity from the Chronicles of EMS team that coincided with a trip to the Zoll Summit in Denver. First there was an update, then there was the formalization of the process to get your system involved, and finally there was the submission to the Discovery Channel of the show for consideration to turn it into a series via Facebook. Undoubtedly there will be more coming from this creative energetic crew that we can look forward to helping change the world we work in
• Rogue Medic is stirred the pot taking on Dr. Veyman and his lack of hesitation. I once heard a twist on a Ralph Waldo Emerson quote of, “The difference between a hero and an ordinary man is that the ordinary man thinks about it for 5 minutes and the hero doesn’t hesitate.” I wonder just how heroic trying to resuscitate someone who does not want resuscitation really is?
• TOTWTYTR has his own 5 Commandments on providing good service in EMS. I do disagree with him on one thing. I think 90% of the complaints we get wouldn’t come in if those 5 Commandments were adhered to, not 80%. Then again… maybe that’s just my system

And last but certainly not least…

• Burned Out Medic relates an interesting, but unfortunately very common, tale about people who DON’T call 911. Believe it or not, these people DO exist… and to be honest I would rather do double the “non-emergent emergency” work to avoid confusing the public and seeing an increase of these types of cases

Have a safe week!

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This past weekend finally saw the iPad’s arrival in stores and mailboxes across the country. There has been alot of buzz about the device and the slew of applications being developed for it, specifically from the publishing industry. While I will freely admit to being in high anticipation for the 3G version coming out in late April, that isn’t the ONLY news that has appeared in the blogosphere. Here are some posts from the EMS Blogosphere that gave us some April Foolery, enforcing the monopolization of public safety roles, and some new spring time looks:

• Greg Friese posted a very McGuyverish article about Kitchen Tools and Gadgets for Patient Assessment and Care that every EMT and Medic should read, take lessons from, and then go to Target for their much needed supplies.
• Dave Statter reported on the arrest of a Fire Captain for responding to a medical call and Firegeezer (in classic smoke eater fashion) relates an interesting tale of an ambulance crew stopping the flight of a criminal and then being criminally charged for their actions. There seems to be a trend in law enforcement forcefully keeping other agencies out of their role in public safety. Honestly I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing… but more importantly I’m interested in how EMS can do the same
• Justin Schorr revealed the new Happy Medic caricature. It’s really a great design that will undoubtedly become iconic in both the Fire and EMS Blogospheres

And finally…

• Joel Neild relates a great Taoist tale that really drives home the fact that life is more dynamic than a cascading style sheet

Have a safe week…

One of the biggest draws (whether we like to admit it or not) to joining up in the Emergency Medical Services is the adrenaline rush it can provide. The EMS Blogosphere is no different in the excitement factor and is usually a whole lot more convenient. Here are some of the things I read that got the adrenaline pumping:

• Steve Whitehead explains that trust is a currency. I find that to be profoundly true, since it’s value can be traded up or down, exchanged, and also lost
• Chris Kaiser put a different spin on the trust theme because ultimately it’s everything. There should however not be any confusion in thinking that because money is currency like trust that therefore money is everything. Because it’s not. Of this, I assure you…
• Greg Friese offers up some important EMS Week 2010 Tips. I know it may still seem like a long way off… but in reality EMS Week is coming up faster than you think and if you don’t start planning now you may end up with a marginal program as opposed to a superior event week

And finally…

• The EMSEducast had a fantastic episode on Presenting at EMS Conferences. The discussion was fantastic and provided some real insight into not only conferences, but just general good career advice. You can listen to the episode bly clicking the link above or you can subscribe in iTunes and never risk missing an episode again!

Have a safe week… and if you are like myself and suffering with a cold, be sure to read the side effects label on any medication you may be taking. Drowsiness while caring for a patient or while driving isn’t something we want to expose others to…

One of the things I found myself talking to John Mitchell about last week in Baltimore was the fact that the blogosphere is actually comprised of alot of different spheres filled with all types of blogs. There are the obvious Techie Blogs, the Foodie Blogs, the Craft Blogs, the Political Blogs, the Humor Blogs, the Personal Blogs, the Photo Blogs, and of course the Mommy Blogs… and that is really only just scratching the surface of the blogosphere as a whole. We, as public safety and public health professionals, are a very small percentage of the greater blogosphere and it’s important that we recognize great contributions of content and share it. So here are some really great posts from the EMS Blogosphere that appeared over the previous week:

• Rogue Medic continued to provide a clearer picture of the Pittsburgh EMS situation by responding to anonymous comments from those who don’t do the job. Additionally TOTWTYTR hits the nail on the head by pointing out that Public Safety Director Michael Huss continues to throw around blame instead of accepting responsibility. I can think of no other bloggers I’d want backing my social media less department at such a time, and maybe someday one of the trade magazines or publications will take a stand for a department and write an original story instead of just reposting the Associated Press drivel. Chief McCaughan, my offer still stands
• Sean Eddy from Medic Madness asks a very important question… who do YOU work for? The answer may surprise some of you… and it may just make you rethink how you care for your patients
• Ms Paramedic has an inspirational post about making thunder as opposed to stealing it. I can relate to that post on a number of levels. Everytime I think I may have pushed the boundaries or have backed a lost cause, I am reminded of a saying my mother once told me: Every mighty oak was once a nut that stood its ground. Nuts make thunder, just in case you didn’t know…

And finally…

• I would be remiss not to mention Steve Whitehead’s fabulous monthly February Roundup in case you missed anything during that month…

Have a safe week!

It’s been another pretty busy week in the blogosphere in general. The buzz hasn’t been so much about Google Buzz, but more about aftermaths of buzz worthy events. So here are a few posts that I found about the future of EMS, rightfully defending those unable to defend themselves, and the truth about the emotional toll we as EMS providers pay…

• The really big story over the course of last week was the premiere of The Chronicles of EMS. All the heavy weight bloggers had their own take including Steve Whitehead, Greg Friese, and Chris Kaiser. Of course Mark Glencourse and Justin Schorr explained the experience from a uniquely universal perspective. The CoEMS event was also blogged by some relative newcomers to ye old EMS blogosphere Jeramedic, Ms. Paramedic, and Ronnie Grubb. Gotta love how this is spreading…
• Chris Kaiser has a fantastic post about the negative emotions in EMS. If I were an instructor, I’d make it a mandatory must read for any of my classes
• Rogue Medic has taken on the defense for Pittsburgh EMS Paramedics and has asked Where was Public Safety Director Michael Huss as his EMS crews became virtually inundated and overrun with call volume? I’m really glad Rogue took this on because it seemed no one was going to be able to do it promptly enough. I had a post drafted that was similar to his (albeit without his specific sources), but he did a far better job than I could. Depending on the correspondence from a certain trade magazine that I am still waiting for, that post may be turning into a rage against the machine… again

And finally…

• KevinMD has a great post on why Doctors and Hospitals need to pay attention to word of mouth. I would dare to say that EMS Agencies need to heed the same advice for the exact same reasons

On a completely unrelated note, I’ll be attending the EMS Today Conference in Baltimore on Friday March 5. I’m only there for the day, but the two presentations I have scheduled have a 3 hour break in between… so if anyone’s going and wants to go drool over a new Mirage in the afternoon, let me know.

Have a safe week!