I have been writing a series of  “How to Buy Guides” for EMS1.com. Here are links to a few of those articles:

How to Buy EMS Apparel and Accessories

How to Buy Books

How to Buy EMS Satellite Communications

How to Buy EMS Sirens

How to Buy EMS Scheduling Software

How to Buy ePCR software

How to Buy Medical Equipment Services

How to Buy Pediatric Equipment/Supplies

How to Buy Fire Department Billing and Administration Products

How to Buy Personal Protective Equipment

How to Buy Portable Generators

How to Buy EMS Medical Products

I am working on compiling the How to Buy guides into an ebook. If you have a category of product/service you want to make sure is included or would like a certain product reviewed contact me.

How do you make EMS product purchasing decisions?

Link to all of the How to Buy Guides at EMS1.com

Read related posts and tips:

1. Video: Pocket Guides and E-Pocket Guides for EMS Do you have a pocket size protocol book or field...
2. Game: Take the EMS1.com Medical Legal Challenge Test your Medical Legal knowledge in the April 2010 EMS1.com game. I...
3. EMS Week Contest from @EMS1 #EMSWeek One of the things I hear most often from guests...

Everyday EMS Tips received a request to share information about the HAI: Not on My Watch campaign and I chose to post this video about Healthcare Acquired Infections from the HAI microsite. The program is sponsored by Kimberly Clark which has plants in one of the areas I work. Regular readers know that I am a strong advocate for frequent handwashing, cough etiquette and proper use of PPE so I am glad to share this information. Visit HAIWatch.com for more information.

Read related posts and tips:

1. 4 EMT Recruitment Tips with Your Agency Website This is a guest post by Amber Riviere. If you...
2. Build a List of EMS Agency or Blog Website Visitors These are my Everyday EMS Tips reasons for building a...
3. Website: Diseases and Conditions Index from NHLBI I am always looking for information sources I can use...

On this anniversary of 9/11 EMS responders reverently watch the flag and remember those that were lost on September 11, 2001. Many EMS providers who have not experienced a large scale MCI may wonder, “How will I stay safe during a terrorist attack or large scale MCI?

Steve Kanarian, a retired NYFD EMS Lieutenant and EMS responder to many mass casualty incidents asked to share these five survival tips with Everyday EMS Tips readers on the anniversary of 9/11. Read and learn from Steve’s years of experience.



Scene size up. Stop. Look, Listen and Think. Allow time for your mind to process the scene you are faced with. While responding to a MCI you should monitor PD and FD frequencies. Upon approaching an MCI you should stop at a distance and observe what is happening. Has there been large-scale incident? Are numerous responders and victims experiencing SLUDGEMS? Should I wait for specialty resources to check for bombs and snipers? Staying in staging and waiting may be the hardest thing to do.

All Hazards approach. Focus on the hazards, the cause is often not known initially. For example the Oklahoma City Bombing was initially thought to be a gas explosion. The first attack on the World Trade Center was thought to be a transformer fire. Follow universal safety rules:

1. Stay upwind for heavy smoke
2. Stay uphill for liquid spills
3. Stay out of the collapse zone (Stage operations 2-3 times the height of the building away)
4. Expect secondary explosions/incidents

Personal Protection. Wear the appropriate level of protection. Wear respiratory protection, BBP protection and your helmet. If the incident is beyond your personal protection or training, stage at a safe distance, request specialty resources and wait for scene to be stabilized.

YOUR safety comes first. Stay in teams, avoid freelancing and frequently reassess hazards. Terrorist incidents may evolve and often use multiple attacks to focus on patients and responders.

Training. Cross train in various medical and rescue specialties. Prepare by thinking out of the box. Broaden your abilities by planning drills that challenge rescuers and exceed our normal range of experiences. Terrorist MCIs increase in lethality dramatically with each attack. “Worst case” scenarios may be a reality. Drills should be held with all players included. If you practice together you will succeed together at an MCI.

Steven Kanarian, MPH, EMT-P has over 25 years experience in EMS. Steve is a retired EMS Lieutenant and former FEMA USAR team member from the New York City Fire Department. Steve is the lead Instructor with the City University of New York, LaGuardia Community College Paramedic Program. Steve has been published in several EMS related journals and lectures on EMS topics.

Read related posts and tips:

1. 1st Day of School or Job Jitters – Tips to Survive This morning I dropped off my son for his first...
2. Tips for Safety, Health, and Survival Week The International Association of Fire Chiefs Safety, Health, and Survival...
3. Holiday Work Planning Tips for EMS Professionals Steve Kanarian, EMS educator and retired paramedic, shares his tips...

I am looking for a new pair of shoes/boots to wear while on-duty as a paramedic. My only employer requirement is color black. My additional needs are simple.

1) comfortable for long hours of use.

2) water resistant for responses in rain or snow.

3) 3/4 top or ankle height. I don’t need a full calf height boot.

4) easy to lace/unlace. I have not worn a zipper model before, but would consider it.

5) decent traction as ice and snow season in Wisconsin can start in October and does not end until late April.

I would welcome your suggestions for models and brands of great EMS footwear.

Read related posts and tips:

1. Google+ Three Top Features I have been using and enjoying Google+ for almost two...

Although H1N1 (swine flu) has faded from the evening news headlines it has not gone away. This map from the CDC shows the geographic spread of H1N1 in the United States as of July 11. What is the incidence of H1N1 in your state?

Scroll down for Everyday EMS Tips on staying up-to-date about incidence of H1N1, assessing and treating suspected patients, and avoiding contracting H1N1.

1. Visit the CDC H1N1 website frequently for the most up-to-date information.

2. Follow local infection control guidelines specific to H1N1.

3. Always select and don appropriate personal protective equipment when you are assessing and treating any patient.

4. Wash your hands before and after every patient contact.

5. Fit a surgical mask or non-rebreather mask to symptomatic patients.

6. Offer waterless handwashing products to patients during and after transport.

7. Throughly disinfect the ambulance, cot, and patient care and assessment equipment after each use.

Read related posts and tips:

1. H1N1: Panic Attack or Passive Resistance Two children in my son’s preschool class were diagnosed with...
2. Confirmed/Suspected Swine Flu Infection Control Guidelines On April 20, 2009 the CDC published Interim Guidance on...
3. H1N1 Influenza Lessons Learned New cases of H1N1 influenza (novel swine flu) are still...

June 27, 2009 is National HIV Testing Day. According to the CDC National HIV Testing Day, “promotes testing as an important strategy to prevent and control transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the United States.” As an EMS professional you know the important of selecting and using personal protective equipment to minimize the risk of a bloodborne pathogens exposure.

Have you ever had an exposure? If you have a bloodborne pathogens exposure through contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials follow these Everyday EMS Tips:

• Immediately wash the exposure site with copious amounts of water with soap
• Follow local procedures to report the exposure to your supervisor, infection control officer, or designee
• Abide by the testing and potential treatment regime directed to you by the testing physician

To learn more about HIV/AIDS RapidCE.com offers a two part training program designed to meet annual or bi-annual refresher training requirements for HIV/AIDS awareness. The two part RapidCE lesson reviews HIV/AIDS transmission, clinical management, and consequences of infection. In part two information on what to do if you have a bloodborne pathogens exposure is presented. Accurate and reliable testing methods are available. Emergency response personnel who test positive for HIV/AIDS have rights for additional testing, treatment, and counseling.

Read related posts and tips:

1. AIDS/HIV Continuing Education for EMTs and Paramedics (#31daysofCE) Today (December 1, 2009) is World AIDS Day. The purpose...
2. My Suggestions for Annual Fitness Testing for Police Officers I recently had dinner with a police officer who mentioned...
3. National Child Passenger Safety Week: September 12-18 Participate in National Child Passenger Safety Week by following these...

Nearly 2000 eye injuries occur everyday in the United States. EMS providers are at risk of eye injury from blood and other body fluids, fine and large particulates, splashes from liquid medications and other chemicals, and other forms of trauma. According to NIOSH even minor eye injuries can lead to lifelong vision problems.

To prevent eye injury use these Everyday EMS Tips on every call:

1. Assess for eye hazards like dust, liquid chemicals, blood and other body fluids, particulates, confined or enclosed spaces, and violent patients during the scene size-up
2. Always have protective eyewear easily accessible. I wear my ANZI Z87 compliant eye glasses around my neck so they are always accessible.
3. Wear protective eyewear during patient procedures that are likely to cause release or splash of blood or other potential infectious materials. Those procedures include IV access, wound care, airway insertion, suctioning, and medication administration.

Depending on the scene size-up and your local protocols select appropriate protective eyewear:

- Safety glasses
- Prescription safety glasses
- Goggles
- Hybrid safety glasses
- Face shields
- Full face respirators

Learn more about workplace eye safety and find training resources from the NIOSH Eye Safety Tool Box Talk – Instructor’s Guide.

Read related posts and tips:

1. Eye Safety Tips for EMTs Nearly 2,000 eye injuries occur every day in the United...
2. Electrical Hazards – Workplace Safety Tips According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, “Over the last...
3. National Safety Month Resources and Tips June is National Safety Month. Find materials to promote on-the-job...

A two part training program on Pandemic Influenza is now available at no cost to EMTs, Paramedics, first responders, and others interested in learning about the pre-hospital response to a pandemic. The two part training program gives EMS providers important information to define a pandemic, understand causes of pandemic influenza, recognize general patient symptoms, and reviews treatment principles. Part 2 discusses pandemic planning and preparation principles for emergency response personnel. To take the free online Pandemic Influenza course:

1. log on to RapidCE.com
2. sign in for a free lesson
3. complete all portions of the course

A CE certificate will be awarded immediately upon completion. EMTs and Paramedics will earn 1.0 hours of CECBEMS approved CE credit for each part of the lesson.

This free training opportunity is being made possible by EMSResponder.com, RapidCE.com, and EPS411.com. EPS is the leading designer and producer of online education content for CentreLearn Solutions and RapidCE.com.

Read related posts and tips:

1. Free Pandemic Influenza Training Last week RapidCE.com, EMSResponder.com, and EPS411.com offered their two part...
2. Free Pan Flu Training and 10% Off RapidCE.com Subscription CentreLearn solutions issued this announcement, “Free Pandemic Flu Courses available...
3. Read your State’s Pandemic Influenza Plan The recent H1N1 outbreak put pandemic influenza planning and training...

EMS Pandemic Influenza Guidelines for Statewide Adoption were published in May 2007. Nearly two years later EMS agencies are revisiting those guidelines as public concern and media attention about Swine Influenza A (H1N1) grows.

EMS Managers should revisit their pandemic influenza plans and make sure the following planning and preparation efforts are underway:

1. Suitable on-site supply of PPE
2. Agreements with vendors for delivery of additional PPE supplies
3. Employee/volunteer training and notification about cases of H1N1 in local service area
4. Posting descriptions of H1N1 signs and symptoms on bulletin boards, internal intranets, and public websites
5. Review and prepare pre-arrival instructions for patients reporting H1N1 signs and symptoms
6. Consult with medical director and local hospitals about on-scene treatments, need to transport symptomatic patients that are not emergently ill, and transport destination for symptomatic patients

This is a dyanamic and changing public health event. Look to some of these websites for the most current and reliable information.

EMS providers – http://www.ems.gov

General public – http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

Read related posts and tips:

1. Online Pandemic Influenza Training FREE for EMTs and Paramedics A two part training program on Pandemic Influenza is now...
2. Read your State’s Pandemic Influenza Plan The recent H1N1 outbreak put pandemic influenza planning and training...
3. Confirmed/Suspected Swine Flu Infection Control Guidelines On April 20, 2009 the CDC published Interim Guidance on...

The spread of swine influenza reports are dominating this morning’s news. The resources available for EMS to understand Swine Influenza development, transmission, treatment, and prevention are growing rapidly.A lot of just-in-time training is happening through emails, bulletins, intranet and blog posts. EverydayEMSTips has compiled a list of resources, information, and websites that will be helpful to EMTs and Paramedics to understand swine influenza.

In this post you will find:

1. Everyday Prevention Tips from the CDC
2. Flu resources from National National EMS Management Association
3. Guidance Updates from the International Association of EMS Chiefs (IAEMSC)
4. World Health Organization (WHO) Swine Influenza website
5. Pandemic Response for Rural EMS training program slides
6. EMT Response to Swine Flu from EMT Spot Blog
7. Influenza Facts discussion from Henry County EMS website
8. 5 Things every EMT needs to know about swine flu
9. Associated Press Swine flu timeline
10. Google map of known and suspected swine flu cases

Everyday Prevention Tips from the CDC

1. Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
3. Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
4. Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits.

National EMS Management Association Resources
On the NEMSA Flu Resources page you will find:

1. Planning guide
2. Training resources
3. Screening forms
4. Management tips
5. Pandemic influenza guidelines

Pandemic planning and response guidelines and information from the International Association of EMS Chief.

World Health Organization swine influenza website

Slide Share Presentation: Pandemic Response for Rural EMS by paramedic Nick Nudell. Presentation was prepared in 2006 for EMS training in Connecticut.

Read outstanding blog post from paramedic Steve Whitehead at his blog, the EMT spot, about Swine Flu.

Blog post from Henry County EMS about influenza facts. Written by paramedic Buck Feris.

5 Things Every EMT Needs to Know about Swine Flu, an article by Jamie Davis of the MedicCast. Get the MedicCast Extra Here!

Associated Press Swine Flu timeline

View H1N1 Swine Flu in a larger map

Read related posts and tips:

1. Online Pandemic Influenza Training FREE for EMTs and Paramedics A two part training program on Pandemic Influenza is now...
2. Swine Flu Infection Control Guidelines On April 20, 2009 the CDC published Interim Guidance on...
3. Confirmed/Suspected Swine Flu Infection Control Guidelines On April 20, 2009 the CDC published Interim Guidance on...