January 24 video from NBC news about the hazards and sobering statistics of driving while distracted. According to the report 28% of all crashes in 2008 are attributed to cell phone use – with or without hands free devices.

Even though a the Wisconsin State Assembly recently passed its version of a No Texting and Driving bill exempted drivers of authorized emergency vehicles my Everyday EMS Tip is simple. When driving an emergency vehicle don’t text or talk on any device while driving.

After watching the video learn more about the Focus Driven movement and join the conversation about EMS and Distracted driving at EMSConnect.com.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Read related posts and tips:

1. Video: Lightning McQueen Says No to Distracted Driving After I pointed out a student driver sedan to my...
2. Intexicated Driving Banned for Federal Employees I read with great interest this article from EMSResponder.com, Combating...
3. Don’t Read this While Driving Last week a New York Times article explored the distractions...

The second episode of “Trauma” – the new prehospital drama – from NBC was on last night. I missed it. I was watching the Packers-Viking game (a much greater disappointment for this Packers fan). I had low expectations for “Trauma,” as I do for most television shows. I don’t think I ever expected fictional dramatic shows to accurately portray any profession. Reality shows can hardly be counted on for reality. I don’t think “Top Chef” is giving me any better idea of what is like to be a real chef than Mel did cooking for Alice and Flo.

What has been most perplexing to me about “Trauma” is the swift and sudden outrage about the show from the field personnel all the way up to highest-ranking leaders in our industry. While I appreciate NAEMT President Patrick Moore and IAFC EMS Section Chair Gary Ludwig writing to NBC, I am confident that NBC is not the cause of professionalism problems in our industry and I am even more confident that NBC will not fix those problems.

As of mid-afternoon on Friday, October 2, 2009, EMS1.com had generated more than 30 comments regarding “Trauma.” More than 50 members commented about the show on the EMS1.com Facebook group. A Facebook group called “EMS Professionals Against the Show ‘Trauma’” has been created, and already has more than 1500 members. As a contributor to EMS1.com, I wish my articles could draw this kind of reaction. Maybe I should aim for something more sensational when I write about pathophysiology, a clinical condition, wellness, or communication skills.

I call on all EMS professionals, of every rank and status, to focus their energy on fixing the real professionalism lapses that exist. Just last week, these headlines appeared at EMS1.com:
• Former EMT charged in wife’s death
• 16 firefighters lack proof of EMT training
• Dispatcher claims harassment by fire chief
• North Carolina paramedic charged with embezzlement
• Colorado EMT instructor accused of molesting children
• Woman dies in ambulance crash

These were not incidents conjured up by Hollywood writers. Let’s be outraged about these real incidents. Let’s have a conversation about how it becomes logistically impossible for an EMS professional to ever be accused of molesting a patient. Let’s discuss and form a consensus on a set of safety practices to make sure no more professionals or patients die in an ambulance collision.

Please join me and other EMS professionals in having conversations about real incidents, real patient assessment and treatment techniques, real safety practices, and real methods to improve our profession.

Read related posts and tips:

1. Chronicles of EMS – Reality Series by and about Paramedics Chronicles of EMS is a reality series that takes a...
2. News: Chronicles of EMS – New EMS Reality Show about Real EMS Chronicles of EMS is a new reality series that will...
3. News: Paramedics From Across The Globe Look at EMS in New Reality Series U.K. paramedic Mark Glencourse, EMS podcaster Chris Montera, and paramedic...

At EMSConnect.com a student going from EMT-B to paramedic asked for ideas and resources to supplement the material and information he is receiving in the classroom. It is great that this student is taking the initiative to find helpful information on the web.

The web is chock full of free information. Sorting the wheat from the chafe is what makes it difficult. A few favorite websites from Everyday EMS Tips to get him started include:

1) EverydayEMSTips is a tips website is for EMT students, practicing EMTs, and EMS managers.
2) paramedic.alltop.com is an aggregation service of all the top paramedic websites.
3) the EMT Spot - this is one of my favorite blogs and has a lot of great information for students.
4) The MedicCast is a podcast and blog for EMTs.  Much of the content is directed to students. The MedicCast extra (not free, but less than a $1 a day) has a ton of great resources for EMT and paramedic students
5) Use EMSConnect to connect with paramedic instructors. Ask them good questions and look for their responses to questions from other students. There is already a lot of great information there.
6) Another resource is the Turbo Medic content bundle. Like the MedicCast Extra this resource is not free, but it is packed with content to help build knowledge and confidence.

Read related posts and tips:

1. Autism EMS Websites and Resources I recently read that 1 in 150 children have some...
2. Free Online EMS Training From BoundTree University Guest blogger Michael Fraley shares a great resource for Free...
3. Free Pan Flu Training and 10% Off RapidCE.com Subscription CentreLearn solutions issued this announcement, “Free Pandemic Flu Courses available...