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Author - Jenny Abercrombie

October 25, 2019Read more...
Priority Dispatch, Academy Analytics on Computer

Academy Analytics Webinar Series | December 3, 2019

Using what you learned from research to make an improvement! | Once something has been proven to be helpful based on research, the next challenge is to spread or diffuse the practice so that most patients get the benefit of the new knowledge. In this session we will explore the science behind a concept and then talk about chartering and executing an improvement project. Isabel Gardett, Ph.D., the Director of Academics for the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch, will facilitate the...

October 1, 2019Read more...

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Update

The Eastern DRC Outbreak of Ebola began in August of 2018. Just over a year later, cases continue to be identified but the rate of new cases appear to have slowed in September. These cases occurred in nine (9) health zones within three (3) provinces in the DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo).  An ongoing concern, in some of these areas, is centered on threatened security and security incidents that have caused stoppages or delays in being able to provide...

October 1, 2019Read more...

MERS – CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus) Update

As of September 19, 2019, the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean reported only one (1) new case so far in September; August had a total of six (6) patients, with one death among the six.  These cases were all from Saudi Arabia. The September patient had no known contact with camels but was also not thought to be a secondary, or human-to-human transmission.  Two of the cases in August were a human-to-human cluster in a household.  No health...

September 18, 2019Read more...
First responder and the ResilientFirst app coming out of a phone, resilience

ResilientFirst Webinar – Enhance your team’s mental health!

Please join us for this overview of ResilientFirst, presented by Mike Taigman. You’ll have an introduction to the initial assessment and micro-task system for developing resilience and we'll discuss ways to help your team become happier, mentally healthier, and better able to manage stress. ResilientFirst is an easy-to-use, science-based way for emergency service and healthcare personnel to increase resilience in just a few minutes a day, preparing them to cope with stressors before they happen. Our vision is to make our...

September 18, 2019Read more...
AIMHI logo

AIMHI – Quality Metrics and Dashboarding

AIMHI - Quality Metrics and Dashboarding | The world is becoming more focused on data, and sometimes it feels we gather data but don’t get the results we want.  Data is a language all on its own – a language we must master in order to understand what the data is telling us.  Transitioning data into useable information takes practice, just like learning a new language.  This session will present several real-world case studies that demonstrate how to create a...

September 16, 2019Read more...

Announcement of US Ebola Screening 9-16-19

IN THE NEWS It has come to our attention at FirstWatch, that some U.S. International Airports may have begun updated screening for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) on select flights, originating or connecting from Africa.  This is likely part of the response to an announcement by the WHO’s Emergency Committee that Ebola should now be considered a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on July 17, 2019.  This was done, amongst other rationale, in direct response to the spread of Ebola...

September 9, 2019Read more...
Priority Dispatch, Academy Analytics on Computer

Academy Analytics Webinar Series | September 9, 2019

Understanding the Evidence: How to Consume, Interpret, and Use Research to Improve | We frequently make comments related to research and evidence, such as: "Does the data really support that?" "Studies show..." "There’s finally enough evidence to make a protocol change." What do these phrases really mean? Understanding the purpose of research, its place in our professional world, and how to assess the quality of a study improves your effectiveness as a leader or front line telecommunicator. In this interactive webinar,...

August 19, 2019Read more...
Opioids in pill form

Opioids: How the City of Lowell, Massachusetts, is Fighting the Crisis

ICMA article delves into making real improvements within the opioid crisis, featuring our customer and friend Jon Kelley, Director of Operations, Communication, and IT for Trinity EMS, and FirstWatch Clinical Solutions Specialist, Sylvia Verdugo. Written by Audrey Fraizer, Managing Editor, Journal of Emergency Dispatch, International Academies of Emergency Dispatch.

August 6, 2019Read more...
AIMHI logo

AIMHI – Models for STEMI & Stroke Hospital Activations From the Comm Center

Challenging, Choosing and Modifying Best Practices in Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA) Management Learn how Metro EMS (MEMS) developed a Stroke protocol that is based on current science—and some common sense. Hear how MEMS uses stroke assessment skills to differentiate between small and large vessel occlusions and determine the most capable hospital for the patient. The discussion includes processes such as early activation, bypassing stroke-ready hospitals, clinical outcomes, and data. About the Speaker: Edwin "Mack" Hutchison Mack was born in Memphis, Tennessee on August 6,...

August 5, 2019Read more...

EMS/First Responder Application of the CDC Measles Recommendations

The CDC has recently published a new document called Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations Guidance for Measles in Healthcare Settings (7/19).  It is a comprehensive document aimed at a person who provides health care to individuals who may have measles.  It basically provides the framework to plan and develop policies and procedures for, as well as apply definitions and evidence-based care, to both a suspected or known case of measles. It further provides for the protection of First Responders...

August 5, 2019Read more...

Measles Outbreak Update with a Link to New Recommendations for Health Care Personnel

IN THE NEWS Measles: According to the CDC, from January 1 through July 25, 2019, there have been 1164 confirmed cases of measles in 30 states.  This is the largest number of cases tallied in the past 27 years (1992), and that was 8 years BEFORE measles was considered eradicated from the U.S (2002). More information from the CDC with a map, charts, and specific outbreak info/links can be found at:  https://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html There are currently 5 ongoing outbreaks (3 or more cases in a...

July 31, 2019Read more...

Acute Flaccid Myelitis

IN THE NEWS Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), a very rare syndrome affecting the spinal cord and causing muscle weakness/paralysis, continues to be identified in 2019.  According to the CDC, so far this year, there have been 11 confirmed cases in eight states (CA, MD, NE, NC, PA, TX, UT, and WV) with 57 reports of people under investigation (PUIs).  The number of cases in 2018 was greater than in any previous year, since it was first identified in large numbers in...

July 24, 2019Read more...

Ebola Case in Large City of Goma and PHEIC Declared by WHO 7-17-19

IN THE NEWS Ebola Case in Large City of Goma and PHEIC Declared by WHO 7-17-19 The WHO leadership was concerned about recent Ebola (EVD) news so the Emergency Committee was convened in Switzerland to determine if a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) should be announced.  This was the fourth meeting of this type however, when considered on previous occasions, all the criteria had not been met. This time, it was decided that they would recommend the announcement and the...