The December EMS Roundup
“God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.”
- James Matthew Barrie
I, myself, have no need for roses in December when I have the snow covered Rocky Mountains out my back window. I like roses … but I can wait for spring. I do, however, enjoy remembering all the good stuff we did at the EMT Spot in December. This may be my very favorite month yet.
We started with the question, “What is ketosis anyway?” and quickly moved on to the art of the nasopharyngeal airway. I asked you to consider if you had been staked down with a twig and then asked you to submit some questions to me for a change. And you did. I gave you six reasons to be a better EMT, reviewed the duty to act and talked about the art of the pulse check. Then I got around to answering all those great questions. (It took two posts.) And then I wished you a Merry Christmas and … since I haven’t mentioned it yet, Happy New Year.
And a bunch of other EMS blogs posted a bunch of other useful stuff too. Like Epijunky’s story about just another transfer and Happy Medics explanation of why she’ll never understand. Greg Friese tried to help us keep our drugs strightand Peter Canning reminded us of two classic Christmas posts. David Konig wanted your agency to develop a social media policy before the decade runs out and Michael Morse (Get well soon brau.) talked about EMS life from the other side. Mark Glencorse of Medic999 fame explained why we really aren’t that different and Tom Reynolds talked about a patient who called 911 to ask for a cup of tea. I think one of this months blogging highlights was Rogue Medic who talked about expressions of sympathy in two awesome posts: here and here.
In EMS research and news, researchers suggested that PALS is an effective training program, but Dr. Wesley said … not so fast. A Northeast Washington man summoned an ambulance only to be told he had acid reflux. He died of a heart attack a few hours later. The New Zealand paramedic found guilty of sexual assault was sentenced. Cities around the U.S. blamed energy efficient traffic lights for dozens accidents and one death. Massachusetts fire and police decided they won’t be responding to 911 calls for flu-like symptoms. Atlanta paramedics were investigated when they did not attempt resuscitation on gunshot victim. A dead AED battery cost the Chicago Fire Department 3.2 million dollars and a former paramedic became the first female mayor of West Newton, PA. Congratulations Mrs. Mayor.
For the podcast crowd, Greg Friese talked about career friendly practices for professional caregivers with Thom Dick. The EMS Educast discussed a critical topic for all caregivers, how to find and interpret new medical research. And, in what quickly became my all time favorite appearance on a podcast, Dr Weasly threw down the gauntlet against EMS Bloggers on the EMS Garage. (Make some coffee, It’s a long one)
So there you have it. And now if you’ll excuse me, on this last evening in 2009 I’d like to say goodbye to a wonderful year and usher in an amazing new one. 2010 is going to be spectacular. Thanks for being a part of this project. We’ll start next week with a look back at the year that was and then jump in with both feet.
For now … I have a party to get to, and (unless you’re on duty) I hope you do too. Be safe. Have fun. See you next year.
Steve
