EMS on AIR

In this episode of the EMS on AIR podcast, retired Battalion Chief Doug Burke shares his firsthand experience with cyanide poisoning during a fire incident. Despite wearing full PPE, Burke encountered cyanide toxicity due to the hazardous materials present in the burning structure. This episode offers critical insights into the risks associated with modern firefighting, the importance of early symptom recognition, and the necessity for fire departments and EMS agencies to be prepared with treatments like Hydroxocobalamin. The discussion emphasizes the importance of prompt intervention to safeguard both firefighters and victims from life-threatening exposures.Support the show

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Robert Dunne, who is the EMS Medical Director for the Detroit Fire Department, as well as the Detroit East Medical Control Authority.  Dr. Dunne is here to describe why fire departments and EMS agencies should be prepared to treat patients with smoke inhalation injuries.  Specifically, Dr. Dunne is here to put a spotlight on the toxic twins, cyanide (CN) and carbon monoxide (CO), which are two major contributors to the injury and death of smoke inhalation patients.  During this episode, Dr. Dunne will describe why fire departments and EMS agencies should be prepared to treat patients with smoke inhalation.  In addition, doc will describe the impact of cyanide (CN) and carbon monoxide (CO) on the human body.  Then, he will list and describe the assessment and treatment priorities for smoke inhalation injuries.  Finally, Dr. Dunne will describe the benefits of hydroxocobalamin for patients with signs and symptoms of cyanide toxicity.  Support the show

In this episode, Dr. Mark Piehl and Dr. Peter Antevy discuss why EMS must adopt a more thoughtful approach to fluid resuscitation for critically ill or injured patients.  Specifically, patients in shock. It turns out that EMS needs to take a more of a proactive approach to recognizing the need for and administering fluids for certain patients. Dr. Piehl, and Dr. Antevy are here to put a spotlight on the value of fluid resuscitation in the pre-hospital setting, walk us through the data, and discuss the how EMS can provide the right amount of fluid in the right amount of time to make a big impact for our patients.  Dr. Peter Antevy is a Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physician, as well as an EMS Medical Director for several fire-based EMS agencies in South Florida.  Dr. Mark Piehl is a Pediatric Intensivist at WakeMed Health & Hospitals.  He is also the Assistant Medical Director for WakeMed Mobile Critical Care, and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. On top of all that Dr. Piehl is the Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of 410 Medical, Inc. as well as the inventor of LifeFlow. LifeFlow is a device used to deliver rapid fluid boluses or blood transfusion for patients with signs of shock.  Visit 410medical.com for more information about LifeFlow.  Click here for access studies and information that support the information expressed in this episode:  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/152po79RnJcXI53-AlxRsoUKbH_ODnqDh?usp=sharingPlease keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback, and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at Geoff@EMSonAIR.com Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Geoff Lassers, Paramedic I/C, AAS.  Host/Producer, EMS on AIR PodcastFirefighter/Paramedic, West Bloomfield Fire DepartmentEMS System Manager, Oakland County Medical Control AuthorityDirector of Sponsorships, GuardianCME.comGeoff@EMSonAIR.com      Support the show

This episode is a preview of the interviews and discussions scheduled EMS on AIR Podcast Season 3.  Below are links to information and references from this episode.  Visit GuardianCME.com for access to free CAPCE accredited EMS CE courses.  Visit https://general-devices.com/ for more info about e-Bridge.Visit 410medical.com for more information about LifeFlow.  Visit CarterKits.org for more info about their sensory bags.  Article:  Recommendations for Regional Stroke Destination Plans in Rural, Suburban, and Urban Communities from the Prehospital Stroke System of Care Consensus Conference. (https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/STROKEAHA.120.033228)Visit Stroke.org/stroke transportplansPlease keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback, and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at Geoff@EMSonAIR.com Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Geoff Lassers, Paramedic I/C, AASHost/Producer, EMS on AIR PodcastFirefighter/Paramedic, West Bloomfield Fire DepartmentEMS System Manager, Oakland County Medical Control AuthorityDirector of Sponsorships, GuardianCME.comGeoff@EMSonAIR.com      Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

During this episode, we welcome Nathan Stanaway, MS, NRP and Alina Capatina MSN, CCRN-K, CNL. These skilled process improvement professionals discuss the strengths and potential roadblocks of integrating a new app that supports EMS when they notify the hospital of an incoming STEMI patient.  Nathan Stanaway is the Senior Manager of Mobile Care EMS, Critical Care Transport, and AHA Training Center at Baystate Health.  Alina Capatina is the former STEMI Program Coordinator at Baystate and has since moved on to the Operations Excellence Department.  In recent years, Alina and Nathan were directly involved in the implementation of e-Bridge into their system. Specifically, their focus was on maximizing care for STEMI patients being transported by EMS.  For scale, Baystate Health is the biggest and busiest STEMI program in Massachusetts.  They receive upwards of 400 STEMI patients per year from the field and from 10 sending facilities around the region.  To them, the importance of EMS in STEMI care is obvious.  Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback, and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at Geoff@EMSonAIR.com Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Geoff Lassers, Paramedic I/C, AASHost/Producer, EMS on AIR PodcastFirefighter/Paramedic, West Bloomfield Fire DepartmentEMS System Manager, Oakland County Medical Control AuthorityDirector of Sponsorships, GuardianCME.comGeoff@EMSonAIR.com      Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

This episode is yet another COVID update from our resident experts Steve McGraw, D.O. and Dr. Russell Faust, MD, PhD.  Steve and Russ are both considered experts in their respective fields and they're back to give us a COVID-19 update, as well as answer recent questions we've received from the EMS and hospital communities.  Most importantly, what they have to say is based in the latest scientific data and literature.  In this episode, our guests provide an update of the COVID-19 pandemic, variants, and vaccines for the EMS and ED communities. Our guests also discuss things to consider as we close out summer and enter a new school season.  Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback, and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details.  Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Geoff Lassers, Paramedic I/C, AASHost/Producer, EMS on AIR PodcastEMS System Manager, Oakland County Medical Control AuthorityDirector of Education, American CMEFirefighter/Paramedic, West Bloomfield Fire DepartmentQi@ocmca.org Steve McGraw, D.O.Co-Medical Director, EMS on AIR PodcastEMS Medical Director, Oakland County Medical Control Authority steven.mcgraw@ascension.org Russell Faust, MD, PhDCo-Medical Director, EMS on AIR Podcast Medical Director, Oakland County Health faustr@oakgov.com Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Christian Martin-Gill, MD, MPH, who is here to provide us with his perspective regarding the development of stroke systems of care in the suburban environment.  Doc is an ED physician with a deep background in a variety of EMS systems.  Specifically, Dr. Martin-Gill serves as Chief of the Division of EMS, the EMS Fellowship Director, and is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He has been a nationally registered paramedic for over 20 years and is also a certified Flight paramedic.   Doc was a co-author of the 2021 Recommendations for Regional Stroke Destination Plans in Rural, Suburban, and Urban Communities from the Prehospital Stroke System of Care Consensus Conference, which is the focus of today's episode.  This landmark consensus provides local and regional EMS agencies and stroke advisory committees with guiding principles and recommendations for how to integrate the elements of a stroke system of care in three key regional settings: urban, suburban, and rural settings.  The consensus seeks to inform or update EMS about new models and systems of acute ischemic stroke care, especially mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion stroke, and how they affect their stroke systems of care.  To maximize the power of the recommendations, the American Heart Association / American Stroke Association produced a very cool and very useful website full of resources and information directly related to helping EMS develop and or fortify their stroke systems of care.  I highly recommend you visit www.Stroke.org/stroketransportplans and use it to consider evolving the stroke system of care in your community. Dr. Martin-Gill is here to help us appreciate what is at stake for stroke patients, as well as the nuances, advantages, and disadvantages of the suburban environment regarding EMS and stroke.  Finally, Doc provides his recommendations regarding how EMS systems should use the contents of the consensus and the stroke.org/stroketransportplans website resources to improve their Stroke Systems of Care and strengthen their stroke chain of survival. Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details.  Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Recommended resources referenced in the episode:www.Stroke.org/stroketransportplansRecommendations for Regional Stroke Destination Plans in Rural, Suburban, and Urban Communities From the Prehospital Stroke System of Care Consensus Conference:  https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/STROKEAHA.120.033228Contact the episode participants:Geoff Lassers, Paramedic I/C, AASHost, EMS on AIR Podcast EMS System Manager, Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA)FF/Paramedic, West Bloomfield Fire DepartmentDirector of Education, American CMEQi@ocmca.org Christian Martin-Gill, MD, MPHAssociate Professor of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicineChief, Division of EMSProgram Director, EMS Fellowshipmartingillc2@upmc.edu Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Christopher Richards MD, MS, FAEMS, FACEP to the show.  Dr. Richards is an emergency medicine and EMS physician in the Division of EMS in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Cincinnati, as well as a member of the UC Stroke Team. He is the EMS medical director of several EMS agencies in southwest Ohio, as well as the UCHealth Mobile Stroke Unit. He collaborates nationally as a committee chair of the Prehospital Guidelines Consortium, an Advisory Board member of the American Stroke Association, and as a representative to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Brain Attack Coalition.The doc is here to provide us with his perspective regarding the development of stroke systems of care in the urban environment.  Doc is an ED physician with a deep background in a variety of EMS systems.  Most recently, Doc was a co-author of the 2021 Recommendations for Regional Stroke Destination Plans in Rural, Suburban, and Urban Communities from the Prehospital Stroke System of Care Consensus Conference, which is the focus of today's episode.  This landmark consensus provides local and regional EMS agencies and stroke advisory committees with guiding principles and recommendations for how to integrate the elements of a stroke system of care in three key regional settings: urban, suburban, and rural settings. It also takes into account the differences in resources, hospital certifications, geography, and population density. Additionally, it seeks to inform or update EMS about new models and systems of acute ischemic stroke care, especially mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion stroke, and how they affect their stroke systems of care.  You can find a link to the 2021 Recommendations for Regional Stroke Destination Plans in Rural, Suburban, and Urban Communities in the episode description.  To maximize the power of the recommendations, the AHA/ASA produced a very cool and very useful website full of resources and information directly related to helping EMS develop and or fortify their stroke systems of care.  I highly recommend you visit www.Stroke.org/stroketransportplans and use it to consider evolving the stroke system of care in your community. During this episode, Dr. Richards will help us appreciate what is at stake for stroke patients.  From there, we dive into the meat of the discussion, which is a focus on the nuances, advantages, and disadvantages of the urban environment regarding EMS and stroke.  Finally, Doc will give his recommendations regarding how EMS systems should use the contents of this paper to improve their Stroke Systems of Care and strengthen their stroke chain of survival.  Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details.  Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Contact the episode participants:Geoff Lassers, Paramedic I/C, AASHost, EMS on AIR PodcastQi@ocmca.orgChristopher T. Richards, MD, MS, FAEMS, FACEPAssistant ProfessorDivision of Emergency Medical ServicesDepartment of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Cincinnati College of Medicinechristopher.richards@uc.eduSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode, Dr. Samantha Mishra and I introduce you to Dr.Kelly Levasseur, DO, MS, who is a Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physician at Children's Hospital of Michigan located in Detroit.  Dr. Levasseur is a graduate of Michigan State University School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her pediatric residency and pediatric emergency medicine fellowship at the Children's Hospital of Michigan. Throughout the pandemic many of us were under the impression that kids aren't as negatively impacted by a COVID-19 infection as adults, especially the elderly and those with co-morbidities.  Although this statement is truly in a very general sense, there's still plenty to be concerned about and understand.  Dr. Kelly and Dr. Sam help us appreciate what is at stake for children who are infected by COVID-19.  Then, Dr. Levasseur lends her expertise to help EMS understand MIS-C, or multi-inflammatory syndrome in children, what it looks like and its relationship to COVD-19. Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details.  Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Contact the episode host or guests:Geoff Lassers, AAS, Paramedic I/C Creator, host and producer, EMS on AIR PodcastFirefighter/Paramedic, West Bloomfield Fire DepartmentEMS System Manager, Oakland County Medical Control AuthorityDirector of Education, American CMEQi@ocmca.org Kelly Levasseur, DO, MSPediatric Emergency Medicine Physician, Children's Hospital of MichiganChair, American Academy of Pediatrics, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Quality Improvement sub-committeeAssociate professor, Children's Hospital of Michiganklevasse@dmc.orgSamantha Mishra DO, MPHEMS for Children Coordinator – State of MichiganMichigan Department of Health and Human ServicesBureau of EMS, Trauma, and PreparednessMishraS@michigan.govSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

Right now, stroke systems of care are being developed and/or fortified all over the world in order to connect the latest advancements in hospital stroke care directly to stroke victims through collaborative, data driven strategic planning and execution with EMS.  In today's episode, we welcome two new guests to discuss stroke, FAST-ED and data driven decisions.  Jonathan R. Studnek PhD NRP, Deputy Director of Operations, Mecklenburg EMS Agency, and Patricia Dowbiggin, MPH EMT-P, Process Improvement Advisor, Mecklenburg EMS Agency, have been invited to the EMS on AIR podcast to discuss their stroke study and successful implementation of the FAST-ED stroke severity scale into their EMS agency, so that we can all gain knowledge from their lessons learned.  During this episode, our guests help us appreciate what is at stake for stroke patients.  Then, they'll describe why it's important for EMS to evolve their ability to appreciate, recognize and respond to stroke patients.  Finally, our guests discuss the importance of data driven decisions and publishing research for the field of knowledge.  Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details.  Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Contact the episode host or guests:Geoff Lassers, AAS, Paramedic I/C Creator, host and producer, EMS on AIR PodcastFirefighter/Paramedic, West Bloomfield Fire DepartmentEMS System Manager, Oakland County Medical Control AuthorityDirector of Education, American CMEQi@ocmca.org Steve McGraw, D.O.Co-Host and Co-Medical Director, EMS on AIR PodcastEMS Medical Director, Oakland County Medical Control Authority steven.mcgraw@ascension.orgJonathan R. Studnek PhD NRPDeputy Director of Operations, Mecklenburg EMS Agencyjonst@MEDIC911.comPatricia Dowbiggin, MPH EMT-PProcess Improvement Advisor, Mecklenburg EMS AgencyPatriciad@MEDIC911.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In today’s episode, we discuss tranexamic acid, or TXA. TXA is a medication that helps prevent the body from prematurely breaking down clots. It doesn’t make new clots.  It protects existing clots as they are formed. TXA was originally developed for the treatment of hemophilia and to reduce bleeding in patients undergoing oral surgery. Eventually, it was shown to be an effective preoperative drug that minimizes the need for large amounts of whole blood during general surgery procedures. TXA is now being used by EMS to treat severely injured trauma patients in the field who have or are at risk for severe hemorrhage.  Starting June 2021, TXA will be added to the drug box on my rig, along with every other EMS rig in Michigan’s Southeast Region, which includes over a half dozen counties in the area. This new addition to the box will affect thousands of EMS units, paramedics, and hundreds of EMS agencies.  If you are a paramedic in my area, I suggest you reach out to your EMS coordinator and find out if this change will impact your treatments.  This change impacts the following protocols for Southeast Michigan EMS providers:  1) Shock and 2) Southeast Michigan Medication Exchange and Replacement Procedure.  You can download these protocols at www.OCMCA.org/protocols. Or at the OCMCA EMS Protocols App, which you can download for free from Google Play or the Apple Store.  To assist us in this discussion, we welcome back Dr. Steve McGraw, DO who is an ED physician at Ascension Providence Hospitals in both Southfield and Novi, Michigan, as well as the EMS medical director of the Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA), which provides oversight to 50 EMS agencies.We also welcome  John Theut, MS, Paramedic, EMS-IC, the QA/QI Coordinator for the OCMCA right here in southeast Michigan.   Finally, we welcome our MCA neighbor Luke Bowen, MBA, Paramedic I/C to the show.  Luke is the Operations Manager for the Macomb County Medical Control Authority, which is one county east of Oakland County, Michigan.   In today’s episode, our guests help us describe what TXA is and what it does. Then, they’ll list and describe the indications and contra-indications. After that, we’ll get into the dose, route and method of delivery for TXA. And finally, our guests will list and describe adverse reactions and side effects that may be witnessed by EMS after administration of TXA.Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details.  Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Contact the episode host or guests:Geoff Lassers, AAS, Paramedic I/C Host/producer, EMS on AIR PodcastFirefighter/Paramedic, West Bloomfield Fire DepartmentEMS System Manager, OCMCADirector of Education, American CMEQi@ocmca.org Steve McGraw, D.O.Co-Host, EMS on AIR PodcastCo-Medical Director, EMS on AIR PodcastEMS Medical Director, OCMCA steven.mcgraw@ascension.orgLuke Bowen, MBA, Paramedic I/COperations Manager, Macomb County Medical Control Authority luke.bowen@mcemsmca.orgJohn Theut, MS, Paramedic, EMS-IC QA/QI Coordinator, OCMCAShift Captain / EMS Coordinator, Ferndale Fire DepartmentQi@ocmca.org Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

According to the CDC SUID Case Registry Project, every year approximately 150 sleep-related infant deaths occur in Michigan.  That’s about three deceased infants a week. Or two school busses full of kids, or seven kindergarten classrooms GONE every year due to causes that are largely preventable.  The causes typically include a person or an object in the baby’s sleep space that leads to suffocation.  Common objects associated with these events include pillows, blankets and stuffed toys.  Sadly, preventable sleep-related causes are the number one contributor of infant deaths in Michigan, as it is in many areas around the United States.In season 2 episode 12 we introduced our audience to the Direct on Scene Education, or DOSE, Program, which is an innovative attempt at eliminating sleep-related infant deaths due to suffocation, strangulation or positional asphyxia on a national scale by using First Responders to proactively identify and remove hazards while delivering education on scene. First Responders are trained to identify and remove hazards from an infant's sleep space while on scene during emergency and non-emergency 911 calls. In this episode we welcome Dr. Samantha Mishra DO, MPH back to the show.  Sam is the EMS for Children Coordinator for the State of Michigan.  Today, my buddy Sam has brought along representatives from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Infant Safe Sleep Program.  Their mission is to prevent sleep-related infant deaths.  Our guests include Colleen Nelson, LMSW, the Michigan Infant safe sleep program coordinator, as well as Patti Kelly, LMSW, MPH, the sleep program consultant.  Part of their job is to know the incidence, occurrences and circumstances of infant deaths in the entire State of Michigan.  They are most familiar with our State-wide data, so it makes sense to bring them into the fold to help guide us towards understanding the problem in our back yard.  Understanding the problem and appreciating what we can do to solve it is vitally important. The State of Michigan EMS office and the Infant Safe Sleep Program have been working very hard to bring the DOSE Program to Michigan. In this episode, our guests will help us appreciate what is at stake for newborns sleeping in unsafe situations.  Then, they’ll describe what the State of Michigan Infant Safe Sleep Program is doing to team up with EMS to reduce the number of preventable sleep-related infant deaths every year.For more information check out DOSEprogram.com, as well as Michigan.gov/SafeSleep to learn more. Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. and follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Contact the episode host or guests:Geoff Lassers, AAS, Paramedic I/CCreator, host and producer, EMS on AIR PodcastFirefighter/Paramedic, West Bloomfield Fire DepartmentEMS System Manager, Oakland County Medical Control AuthorityDirector of Education, American CMEQi@ocmca.orgSamantha Mishra DO, MPHEMS for Children Coordinator – State of MichiganMDHHSBureau of EMS, Trauma, and PreparednessMishraS@michigan.govColleen Nelson, LMSWInfant Safe Sleep Program Coordinator – MDHHSnelsonc7@michigan.govSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Edward Jauch, the Chief of System Research, at the Mission Research Institute/Mission Health System.  Dr. Jauch served as the Chair of Stroke Council for the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and was the primary author for the 2013 Acute Ischemic Stroke guidelines. He is a co-author of the flagship American Heart Association / American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) guidelines for telemedicine use in stroke, primary prevention of stroke, prehospital care of stroke, and stroke systems of care, as well as over 20 other AHA guidelines and scientific statements.  Collectively Dr. Jauch’s efforts have focused on improving access to care, increasing the quality of acute stroke care, and educating both the public and healthcare professionals on developing integrated stroke systems for care for all patients.Most recently, Ed was the primary author of the 2021 Recommendations for Regional Stroke Destination Plans in Rural, Suburban, and Urban Communities from the Prehospital Stroke System of Care Consensus Conference, which is the focus of today’s episode. This consensus paper provides local and regional EMS agencies and stroke advisory committees with guiding principles and recommendations for how to integrate the elements of a stroke system of care in three key regional settings: urban, suburban and rural settings. It also takes into account the differences in resources, hospital certifications, geography, and population density. Additionally, it seeks to inform or update EMS about new models and systems of acute ischemic stroke care, especially mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion stroke, and how they affect their stroke systems of care.  In an effort to maximize the power of the recommendations, the AHA/ASA produced a very cool and very useful website full of resources and information directly related to helping EMS develop and or fortify their stroke systems of care.  I highly recommend you visit www.Stroke.org/stroketransportplans and use it to consider evolving the stroke system of care in your community.  During this episode, Dr. Jauch helps us appreciate what is at stake for stroke patients.  Then, we discuss how EMS can best serve their stroke system and strengthen the stroke chain of survival.  From there, we get into the details of the intent and key recommendations from the consensus paper.  Finally, Dr. Jauch gives his recommendations regarding how EMS systems should use the contents of this paper to improve their Stroke Systems of Care.  Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details.  Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Recommended resources referenced in the episode:www.Stroke.org/stroketransportplansContact the episode participants:Geoff Lassers, Paramedic I/C, AASHost, EMS on AIR Podcast Qi@ocmca.org Steve McGraw, D.O.Co-host and Co-Medical Director, EMS on AIR PodcastEMS Medical Director, Oakland County Medical Control Authority steven.mcgraw@ascension.orgEdward C. Jauch, MD, MS, FAHA FACEPChief of System ResearchMission Research Institute / Mission Health SystemEdward.Jauch@HCAHealthcare.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Sam Mishra, DO, MPH, the EMS for Children Coordinator for the State of Michigan. Our buddy Sam brought along the founders of Carter Kits™, which is an amazing organization that is helping first responders understand, appreciate and care for children with autism and other special needs in a way that best serves child and their family.  Carter Kits™ Sensory Bags contain items known to comfort and appropriately focus children who are on the autism spectrum, as well as many other children who occasionally find themselves overwhelmed or otherwise impacted by traumatic events.  For more information, visit www.CarterKits.com.  During this discussion, our guests help us appreciate being prepared for pediatric emergencies, as well as the value of EMS provider education about Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD.  Then, we discuss the intent and purpose of Carter Kits and how you can implement them into your EMS agency or system.  In 2019, Carter Kits™ began as a grass roots call to action embodied by a simple text message sent by Justin Severs, a Detective at the Saginaw Twp. Police Department here in Michigan.  He sent the text to his friend Brandon Hausbeck, the Training Officer at the Saginaw Fire Department, and another friend, Andrew Keller, a realtor in Frankenmuth, Michigan.  The text read, “We need a tool to help us when we arrive at a scene with a special needs child." Justin's son Carter has autism, and he is the inspiration of their organization. Justin’s idea is to equip as many police, fire and EMS vehicles as possible with the means to calm distressed children like Carter when arriving on scene. Andrew reached out to a family friend, Dr. Ellen Preen, a clinical neuropsychologist who has both a daughter with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and extensive experience working with individuals impacted by autism, trauma, anxiety, depression and learning challenges. Together, Andrew, Justin, Brandon and Dr. Preen saw the need to expand the scope of their efforts to ANY child in crisis who may benefit from the contents of Carter Kits™ Sensory Bag.  Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details.  Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Contact the episode host or guests:HostGeoff Lassers, AAS, Paramedic I/C  Creator, host and producer, EMS on AIR PodcastFirefighter/Paramedic, West Bloomfield Fire DepartmentEMS System Manager, Oakland County Medical Control AuthorityDirector of Education, American CMEQi@ocmca.org GuestsSamantha Mishra DO, MPHEMS for Children Coordinator – State of MichiganMichigan Department of Health and Human ServicesBureau of EMS, Trauma, and PreparednessMishraS@michigan.govBrandon Hausbeck, EMT-BasicManaging Partner, Carter KitsTraining Officer, Saginaw Fire Department brandon@carterkits.comJustin SeversManaging Partner, Carter KitsDetective, Saginaw Twp. Police Department justin@carterkits.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode, we introduce you to Joe Ferrell, Senior Program Manager, Customer Technical Solutions, Biospatial, Inc.  We also welcome back Emily Bergquist, the Medical Control Authority Coordinator for the State of Michigan EMS Office.  As a part of her job, Emily gathers, measures and evaluates a LOT of EMS data with the use of Biospatial.  Biospatial, Inc. combines EMS electronic patient care reports from a growing network of thousands of EMS providers with other electronic healthcare data sources using proprietary artificial intelligence to support State and local EMS systems.  Essentially, Biospatial makes EMS data easy to access, organize and make decisions.  They’re a fantastic organization that has been working with many States across the country, including Michigan, to help us leverage our EMS electronic patient care record, or ePCR, data to support our quality assurance and quality improvement initiatives.  For more information, visit www.biospatial.io.Joe and Emily are here to lend their professional expertise and share their thoughts about the value of well-organized, accessible and usable EMS run volume data.  During our discussion, we will:Describe the value of, “knowing,” your EMS agency and/or system by way of reliable ePCR data.  List and describe various issues that obstruct the progress of EMS data entry and analysis.Describe various resources that are available to assist EMS agencies and systems collect, measure and evaluate their EMS ePCR run data.  This is a great conversation if you’re new or interested in EMS quality improvement programs.  Believe it or not, “knowing,” your EMS ePCR data is way more interesting and valuable than you could ever imagine, and Joe and Emily are here to help me express the why and how.  This is the first of MANY conversations that I intend on having about EMS quality improvement processes and I promise to do my best to show you the value, provide you access to excellent resources and entertain you at the same time.  You can find Joe and Emily’s email address in the episode description.  Joe FerrellSenior Program ManagerCustomer Technical SolutionsBiospatial, Inc.joe.ferrell@biospatial.ioEmily Bergquist MSA, Paramedic I/CMedical Control Authority Coordinator State of Michigan EMS OfficeBergquistE@michigan.govPlease keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details.  Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

We're back! It’s been over two months since our last COVID update, so we thought we’d kick off our return to season 2 with a discussion with our resident experts, Steve McGraw, D.O. and Dr. Russell Faust, MD, PhD.  Steve and Russ are both considered experts in their respective fields and they’re back to give a COVID-19 vaccine update, as well as answer recent questions from the EMS and hospital communities.  Most importantly, all of their answers are based in the latest scientific data and literature that clearly demonstrates the safety of the current COVID vaccines that are currently available.  In today’s episode, we focus on the recent pause on the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.  Recently the CDC put a pause on use of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine so that they could review 6 cases of patients that experienced a rare clotting type that MAY be related to the vaccine.  Keep in mind, this was 6 people out of 6.8 million that received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.  The six cases occurred in women between the ages of 18-48, six to 13 days after receiving the vaccine.  Steve and Russ will get into the details of what this all means and why you should still get your COVID vaccine.  Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details.  Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

This month marks the one-year anniversary of the EMS on AIR Podcast! During this brief episode, we reflect on what we’ve achieved in our first year, as well as what we have planned for the near future.  We’re currently in season 2, which kicked off in October of 2020 with a primary focus on stroke, although we met some new friends along the way that are helping EMS prevent infant sleep related deaths.  Season 2 will return in mid-April and run until June 2021 and we have at least another five to ten episodes lined up.  This includes interviews with experts from the American Stroke Association, Biospatial, CarterKits.com and other cool and interesting people and organizations.  In addition, we will also bring you content focused on the emotional, mental and physical well-being of first responders.  And, of course, we will continue to give you COVID-19 and vaccine updates, as needed. Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and download the EMSonAIR Impact Report. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at EMSonAIR@gmail.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

This episode is the fourth in a four-part series focusing on EMS patient care reports, or PCRs. This series has been developed in collaboration with the Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA) and various EMS providers as a way of providing information and guidance to EMS agencies and personnel. Although we reference the OCMCA and our local and State EMS protocols, this series is beneficial to all EMS agencies and providers. In this episode, we discuss the value of EMS PCRs. Primarily, our goal is to increase EMS’ appreciation and awareness of the value and relevance of EMS patient care documentation, as well as how to implement best practices into their work. To accomplish the goal, our guests help us list and describe the use of various EMS narrative writing methods including SOAP, CHART, the chronological method and DRATT. Then, we’ll list and describe the minimum information that should be included in the ePCR narrative of every EMS transport of a patient, as well as the additional information required for an EMS transport of patients with time sensitive emergencies. Finally, we’ll list and describe the minimum information that should be included in the ePCR narrative of every patient care refusal, as well as what must be included in the ePCR narrative of every EMS patient pronounced on scene. Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR. Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. Geoff Lassers, Paramedic EMS-IC (QI@ocmca.org)Host, EMS on AIR PodcastEMS System Manager, Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA)Firefighter / Paramedic, West Bloomfield Fire DepartmentAmerican CME, Director of EducationGuests:Emily Bergquist, MSA, Paramedic, EMS-IC (BergquistE@michigan.gov)State of Michigan MCA Coordinator, MDHHS, BETPEmily Baker, BS, Paramedic, EMS-IC (emily.holstine@ascension.org)EMS Coordinator, Ascension Providence SouthfieldCQI Supervisor, Alliance Mobile Health.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

This episode is the third in a four-part series focusing on EMS patient care reports, or PCRs. This series has been developed in collaboration with the Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA) and various EMS providers as a way of providing information and guidance to EMS agencies and personnel. Although we reference the OCMCA and our local and State EMS protocols, this series is beneficial to all EMS agencies and providers. In this episode, we discuss the value of EMS PCRs. Primarily, our goal is to increase EMS’ appreciation and awareness of the value and relevance of EMS patient care documentation, as well as how to implement best practices into their work. To accomplish the goal, our guests help us list and describe the terminology related to PCR data entry. Then, we list and describe the minimum data elements that must be completed in the PCR of an EMS transport of a patient. From there, we’ll discuss the additional elements required in the PCR of an EMS transport patients with time sensitive emergencies. We round out the discussion by listing and describing the minimum data elements that must be completed in the PCR of an EMS patient care refusal, an EMS patient Dead on Scene and an EMS Termination of Resuscitation in the field.Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR. Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. Geoff Lassers, Paramedic EMS-IC (QI@ocmca.org)Host, EMS on AIR PodcastEMS System Manager, Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA)Firefighter / Paramedic, West Bloomfield Fire DepartmentAmerican CME, Director of EducationGuests:Bonnie Kincaid (Bonnie@ocmca.org)Executive Director, Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA)Emily Bergquist, MSA, Paramedic, EMS-IC (BergquistE@michigan.gov)State of Michigan MCA Coordinator, MDHHS, BETPEmily Baker, BS, Paramedic, EMS-IC (emily.holstine@ascension.org)EMS Coordinator, Ascension Providence SouthfieldCQI Supervisor, Alliance Mobile HealthJohn Theut, MS, Paramedic, EMS-IC (Qi@ocmca.org)QA/QI Coordinator, Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA)Shift Captain / EMS Coordinator, Ferndale Fire Department.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

This episode is the second in a four-part series focusing on EMS patient care reports, or PCRs. This series has been developed in collaboration with the Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA) and various EMS providers as a way of providing information and guidance to EMS agencies and personnel. Although we reference the OCMCA and our local and State EMS protocols, this series is beneficial to all EMS agencies and providers. In this episode, we discuss the value of EMS PCRs. Primarily, our goal is to increase EMS’ appreciation and awareness of the value and relevance of EMS patient care documentation, as well as how to implement best practices into their work. To accomplish the goal, our guests help us aappreciate the hierarchy and role of laws related to EMS documentation, administrative rules, EMS protocols, and agency policies and how they all work in concert to cultivate quality and consistency amongst EMS patient care documentation. Then, we’ll list and describe applicable protocols related to drafting and submitting EMS patient care records. Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR. Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. Geoff Lassers, Paramedic EMS-IC (QI@ocmca.org)Host, EMS on AIR PodcastEMS System Manager, Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA)Firefighter / Paramedic, West Bloomfield Fire DepartmentAmerican CME, Director of EducationGuests:Bonnie Kincaid (Bonnie@ocmca.org)Executive Director, Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA)Emily Bergquist, MSA, Paramedic, EMS-IC (BergquistE@michigan.gov)State of Michigan MCA Coordinator, MDHHS, BETPEmily Baker, BS, Paramedic, EMS-IC (emily.holstine@ascension.org)EMS Coordinator, Ascension Providence SouthfieldCQI Supervisor, Alliance Mobile HealthJohn Theut, MS, Paramedic, EMS-IC (Qi@ocmca.org)QA/QI Coordinator, Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA)Shift Captain / EMS Coordinator, Ferndale Fire Department Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

This episode is the first in a four-part series focusing on EMS patient care reports, or PCRs. This series has been developed in collaboration with the Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA) and various EMS providers as a way of providing information and guidance to EMS agencies and personnel. Although we reference the OCMCA and our local and State EMS protocols, this series is beneficial to all EMS agencies and providers. In this episode, we discuss the value of EMS PCRs. Primarily, our goal is to increase EMS’ appreciation and awareness of the value and relevance of EMS patient care documentation, as well as how to implement best practices into their work. To accomplish the goal, our guests help us: Appreciate the value of consistency and quality when drafting a PCR. Then, we’ll list and describe benefits experienced by patients, EMS providers, EMS agencies or systems and hospitals regarding consistency and quality when drafting a PCR. And finally, describe current data and trends identified in PCR quality assurance and quality improvement initiatives found throughout Michigan and the US. Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR. Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. Geoff Lassers, Paramedic EMS-IC (QI@ocmca.org)Host, EMS on AIR PodcastEMS System Manager, Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA)Firefighter / Paramedic, West Bloomfield Fire DepartmentAmerican CME, Director of EducationGuests:Bonnie Kincaid (Bonnie@ocmca.org)Executive Director, Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA)Emily Bergquist, MSA, Paramedic, EMS-IC (BergquistE@michigan.gov)State of Michigan MCA Coordinator, MDHHS, BETPEmily Baker, BS, Paramedic, EMS-IC (emily.holstine@ascension.org)EMS Coordinator, Ascension Providence SouthfieldCQI Supervisor, Alliance Mobile HealthJohn Theut, MS, Paramedic, EMS-IC (Qi@ocmca.org)QA/QI Coordinator, Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA)Shift Captain / EMS Coordinator, Ferndale Fire DepartmentSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode, we welcome Dave Roth, DrPH, BSN, RN and Samantha DeMont, BSN RN. Dave is the Oakland County Public Health Nursing Supervisor as well as the Health Division Safe Sleep Coordinator and the Coordinator for the Fetal and Infant Mortality Review, or FIMR. Samantha is an Oakland County Public Health Nurse and FIMR Parent Interviewer. Dave and Samantha have tough jobs, as they are all too familiar with infant mortality and preventable infant sleep related deaths. Part of their job is to know the incidence, occurrences and circumstances of infant deaths in Oakland County, Michigan. They are most familiar with our local data, so it makes sense to bring them into the fold to help guide us towards understanding the problem in our back yard. Understanding the problem and appreciating what we can do to solve it is vitally important. Today, Dave and Sam lend their expertise and data help us appreciate what is at stake for newborns sleeping in unsafe situations. Then, they describe what Oakland County Health is doing to limit preventable infant deaths in Oakland County, Michigan. We finish off our discussion by describing how Oakland County Health is helping to implement DOSE into as many EMS agencies and systems, as possible. To learn more about how you can implement DOSE or to obtain more info, go to their website, www.DOSEprogram.com. Guest contact info:Dave Roth, DrPH, BSN, RN: rothd@oakgov.comSamantha DeMont, BSN RN: demonts@oakgov.comVisit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Samantha Mishra DO, MPH and Terrie S. Godde, M.Ed., CCP, Paramedic-IC to talk about how EMS agencies in Michigan can easily and painlessly adopt and implement DOSE with the full backing of the State of Michigan EMS for Children Program. Sam is the EMS for Children Coordinator for the State of Michigan and her job is to support EMS agencies with access to information, programs and resources that will make them better prepared for pediatric emergencies. Terrie is the State of Michigan EMS Education Coordinator and she oversees the initial and ongoing education standards for EMS in Michigan. Today, our guests will help us appreciate what is at stake for newborns sleeping in unsafe situations. Then, they’ll describe what the State of Michigan EMS system is doing to limit preventable infant deaths by providing support and resources to EMS agencies to adopt and implement DOSE. To learn more about how you can implement DOSE or to obtain more info, go to their website, www.DOSEprogram.com. Guest contact info:Terrie Godde: GoddeT@michigan.govDr. Samantha Mishra: MishraS@michigan.govVisit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

This episode is an update of the recent changes made to the Oakland County Medical Control Authority Emergency EMS Protocols. As of January 28, 2021, emergency protocols 11-1 and 11-2 have been modified. Please review these protocols to assure you understand the intent, purpose and process of each. You can access the protocols via the OCMCA EMS Protocol App, which is free and available for all apple iOS and android devices. Or go to www.OCMCA.org/protocols. Contact your EMS coordinator or the OCMCA if you have any questions about the changes to these protocolsThe following OCMCA EMS Emergency Protocols have been updated as of January 28, 2021:11-1 Personal Protection During Treatment of Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Decontamination of Equipment after Use11-2 Treatment of Cardiac Arrest for Patients Screened Positive for COVID-19Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

This episode is yet another COVID Vaccine Update from our resident experts Steve McGraw, D.O. and Dr. Russell Faust, MD, PhD. Steve and Russ are both considered experts in their respective fields and they’re back to give us a COVID-19 vaccine update, as well as answer recent questions from the EMS and hospital communities. Most importantly, all of their answers are based in the latest scientific data and literature that clearly demonstrates the safety of the current COVID vaccines that are currently available. Dr. Russel Faust is the Medical Director of Oakland County Health located in Pontiac, Michigan. And Dr. Steve McGraw is an ED physician at Ascension Providence Hospitals in both Southfield and Novi, Michigan, as well as the EMS medical director of the Oakland County Medical Control Authority EMS Medical Director which provides oversight to 50 EMS agencies. Together, these guys have been major part of EMS’ understanding and response throughout the entire COVID-19 pandemic. List of questions for the doctors:Should I get a second dose of the vaccine if I had an allergic reaction to the first dose?Are patients still delaying their care because of fear of the virus at the hospitalRapid COVID-19 tests - How inaccurate are they? (NO!)Situation: An EMS provider has a direct exposure to a COVID positive person. The EMS provider was not wearing a mask around the person.How long should they wait to get tested? What type of test should they get?Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode we talk about something that is a little bit uncomfortable for most people. It’s something that we all do, but we don’t like to talk about, because it might make us feel ashamed, or guilt. Or maybe we don’t want to talk about it because we don’t want to damage our reputation or a fragile ego. I’m talking about making a mistake. Every single person that will ever listen to this podcast has made or will make a mistake at some point in their life and all of their careers. This is especially true for EMS providers, because the imperfect world of emergency services is inherently fraught with the potential for error. Being an EMS provider means taking care of people that are sick and or injured in an environment that is in a constant state of unknown, and/or change. That’s not exactly a set of conditions that lends itself to mistake free system. Remember, mistakes happen and you’re only human. What matters is what we do after we make a mistake. Today, we welcome back Emily Bergquist MSA, EMT-P, EMS-IC, (email: BergquistE@michigan.gov) the Medical Control Authority Coordinator for the State of Michigan Bureau of EMS, Trauma and Preparedness. She is the one at the State EMS office that works on all of the protocols and provides support to assure that the multitude of Michigan’s EMS systems function the way that they’re supposed to. In addition, Emily spends quite a bit of time investigating situations where an EMS provider, crew and/or an agency has made a mistake. Emily is here to give us her professional advice regarding the best practices an EMS provider should take after making a mistake either on or off duty. Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode we’ll introduce you to Samantha Mishra DO, MPH. Dr. Mishra, or Sam as she prefers to be called, is the EMS for Children Coordinator for the State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Sam is here to tell us what the EMS for Children Program is, what it does and how you can get prepared for your next pediatric emergency. Specifically, we’ll discuss the intent and purpose of the EMS for Children Program, as well as appreciate the importance of maintaining a state of readiness regarding pediatric emergencies. Finally, we’ll describe why it’s so important that one person from each and every EMS agency across the entire United States and its territories should complete the EMS for Children Program survey. The word survey can be tough to digest and see how it can be beneficial, but we’ll convince you that it’s worth your agencies time to get this one done. Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode, Dr. Steve McGraw and Dr. Russell Faust are back to answer more questions from the EMS and hospital communities about the COVID-19 vaccinations. Russ and Steve are both considered experts in their respective fields and they are back to break down the latest info about the COVID-19 vaccinations with a nice clean update. As always, everything you hear during this episode is based in the latest scientific data and literature. List of questions for the doctors:Have the vaccines caused any changes in return-to-work rules?Why is it important to get as many COVID-19 vaccines as possible in as many arms as possible, as soon as possible?Do I have antibodies after I’ve received my COVID-19 vaccination?Will I have a positive COVID-19 test after I receive the vaccine?What’s up with these COVID-19 variants? What is a variant? Are they dangerous? Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode, we sit down with Randall Hawkins, the National Sales Director of GD. Randall is here to discuss the importance of reliable, clear communication between EMS and the hospital. Specifically, we’ll compare and contrast traditional EMS communication technology and tools versus the new mobile tele-health tech that has been becoming more popular and affordable over the last 5-10 years. Then, we’ll discuss how the OCMCA is leveling up their game by introducing a new mobile tele-health platform by way of their brand-new Electronic Communications Special Study, or eComs for short. Communication technology has come a long way and it’s only getting better, cheaper and more reliable. Instead of trying to stick to traditional communication tech, the OCMCA is testing out the use a telemedicine application called e-Bridge. This application offers several features including live video streaming and voice and text communication. It is also capable of EMS tracking with live ETA, and specialized burn, STEMI, stroke, sepsis, and trauma functions. They can even customize pretty much any type of alert notification you can think of. GD’s e-Bridge also offers seamless integration into CAREpoint, which is used by many hospitals throughout the nation. Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

Over the past decade, numerous advances have been made in the treatment of stroke patients. During that time, stroke center designations have evolved. Designating bodies across the US generally recognize four stroke center levels. These four levels have been created in collaboration with the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. Starting with the highest level of care, they include:Comprehensive stroke centers Thrombectomy capable stroke centersPrimary stroke centersAcute stroke ready hospitalsIn this episode, we sit down with two stroke experts from Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital. Dr. John Whapham, MD, MS, FAAN, FSNIS, the Medical Director of Neuro Interventional Surgery, and Amanda Kalinsky, MS, AGACNP-BC, RN, CCRN, Nurse Practitioner and the Stroke and Neuroscience Program Manager. They are here to discuss what it takes for a hospital to advance its stroke center capabilities and designation. Specifically, their hospital is going through the process advancing from a Primary designation to a Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center designation. Both guests have experience with advancing a hospitals stroke center designation. They are currently completing the process of advancing from a Primary designation to a Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center designation. They’ll help us appreciate what it takes for a hospital to advance their stroke center certification. In addition, they’ll give us their opinion on the use of stroke severity scales by EMS to identify and measure potential strokes. Finally, we list and describe key things that every EMS crew should consider each time they encounter a potential stroke patient. Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode, we welcome Emily Bergquist, MSA, Paramedic I/C (BergquistE@michigan.gov) to compare and contrast Michigan to other US state EMS systems. Emily is the Medical Control Authority Coordinator for the State of Michigan Bureau of EMS, Trauma and Preparedness. She is the one at the State EMS office that works on all of the protocols and supports the MCAs to assure that the multitude of Michigan’s EMS systems function the way that they’re supposed to. The spectrum of EMS system styles, organizational structures, and response methods in this country is vast. In addition, each system faces a unique set of conditions, such as the specific geographic area, the citizen demographics, the number and level of EMS personnel, the number of hospitals, and the distance between citizens and the hospitals. This is why there’s so much truth behind the old saying, “If you’ve seen one EMS system, you’ve seen one EMS system.” This sentiment couldn’t be truer in the State of Michigan. In Michigan, our State EMS office communicates with the various constituent EMS systems, agencies and providers by way of a Medical Control Authority, or an MCA. An MCA is a quasi-governmental body that maintains EMS standards, regulations and protocols within a defined geographic area. Per the state law, an MCA is funded by all of the hospitals within that geographic area that receive EMS patients. In a bit of an oversimplification, an MCAs job is to coordinate the EMS system and establish written protocols for its EMS agencies as well as ensure physicians, hospital staff, and providers are educated on the protocols. This is a very unique structure with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode, Dr. Ethan Brandler discusses the S-LAMS stroke severity scale that is currently being used by the New York City Fire Department. Dr. Brandler is an associate professor of emergency medicine at Stony Brook University Hospital and he is also the Associate Medical Director of the university-based EMS system which provides 911 and critical care services. He also provides online medical control for the NYFD EMS service and is the medical director for various EMS agencies around his home in Long Island, New York. He even responds to calls as a paramedic in his hometown of Plainvew, New York. When he’s not working in the hospital, teaching or going on calls as a paramedic, Dr. Brandler spends time conducting research on behalf of EMS and stroke. His efforts have produced multiple published papers on the topic of EMS and the use of stroke severity scales, specifically on the S-LAMS scale. In this episode, Dr. Brandler discusses a lot of very important and interesting things, but primarily he describes why NYFD EMS stroke protocols were updated to include stroke severity scales. In addition, he walks us through their stroke protocol, the use of S-LAMS, how NYFD prepared to implement the updated stroke protocols into operation and, most importantly, he talks about the real life benefits their stroke patients are experiencing. If you want to get a hold of Dr. Brandler you can email him at Ethan.brandler@stonybrookmedicine.eduVisit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode, Dr. Steve McGraw and Dr. Russell Faust are back to answer more questions from the EMS and hospital communities. In episode 11 (launched Dec 15, 2020) of this season, Dr. McGraw and Dr. Faust laid out all the questions they’ve been receiving about the COVID-19 vaccinations and delivered clear and concise answers. Most importantly, all of their answers were based in the latest scientific data and literature that clearly demonstrates the safety of the COVID vaccines that are currently available. We’ll keep the ball rolling and field more questions from the EMS and hospital communities. During this episode, the doctors answer the following questions:Is the vaccine safe? What about people that are immunosuppressed? What happens to the mRNA after it completes its mission? What are the known short and long-term side-effects of the current COVID vaccines?If I already had COVID, do I have natural immunity? If so, why get the vaccine?How do the COVID vaccines impact flu vaccines or other similar vaccines I have had recently? When do I get my second dose? When I went to get my vaccine, they scheduled my second dose for 18 days later. I thought it was supposed to be 21 days later. Which is correct?Should women that breast feed, pregnant women, women trying to get pregnant or men trying to impregnate get the vaccine?Do I need to wear a mask after being vaccinated for COVID?Dr. Steve McGraw is an ED physician at Ascension Providence Hospitals in both Southfield and Novi, Michigan. Doc is also the current Oakland County Medical Control Authority EMS Medical Director which provides oversight to over 50 EMS agencies. Dr. Russel Faust is the Medical Director of Oakland County Health. Before medical school, Dr. Faust earned his pHD in cellular molecular biology. After medical school he trained as a trauma surgeon and THEN, if that wasn’t enough, he did a fellowship in pediatric head and neck surgery. My man Russ has 30 years in academic medicine, and he ran NIH funded labs to do applied translational cellular molecular biology. Oh yeah, Russ’ first job in the medical field was as an EMT in the State of New York. Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode, we introduce you to Jennifer Combs, MSN, ARNP, from Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward, Inc. and Captain James Carrol from Fort Lauderdale’s Fire Rescue. These two fantastic people have teamed up for about the last ten years to create and grow the Direct On Scene Education Program, more commonly called DOSE. DOSE is an innovative attempt at eliminating sleep-related infant death due to suffocation, strangulation or positional asphyxia by using First Responders to identify and remove hazards while delivering education on scene. First Responders are trained to identify and remove hazards from an infant's sleep space while on scene during emergency and non-emergency 911 calls. To learn more about how you can implement DOSE or to obtain more info, go to their website, DOSEprogram.com.Our guests give us the real-world facts as well as the intent and purpose of the DOSE Program. Then, they’ll provide real life examples of how DOSE has made a continuous positive impact on the number of sleep-related infant deaths each year. Finally, we will walk you through how first responders and their agencies can implement DOSE and make a huge impact in their community.Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

The COVID-19 vaccines are here! Today, we welcome back Dr. Steve McGraw and Dr. Russell Faust. Together, these guys have been major part of EMS’ understanding and response throughout the entire COVID-19 pandemic. Even though we are located in Southeast Michigan and we mention our home state a lot, today’s content applies to EMS on the national and even the global scale. Dr. Steve McGraw is an ED physician at Ascension Providence Hospitals in both Southfield and Novi, Michigan. Steve is also the current Oakland County Medical Control Authority EMS Medical Director which provides oversight to over 50 EMS agencies. Dr. Russel Faust is the Medical Director of Oakland County Health. Before medical school, Dr. Faust earned his PhD in cellular molecular biology. After medical school he trained as a trauma surgeon and THEN, if that wasn’t enough, he did a fellowship in pediatric head and neck surgery. Our man Russ has 30 years in academic medicine, and he ran NIH funded labs to do applied translational cellular molecular biology. My boys are wicked smart! What we're saying is that Russ and Steve know what they’re talking about. They’re both considered experts in their respective fields and they’re here to explain what the vaccines are, how they work and the safety profile. Since the announcement of the release of the COVID vaccines, the docs have been fielding a LOT of questions from their colleagues as well as their family and friends about the vaccines. Are they safe? What if I already had COVID, should I get it? What if I’m pregnant? Do the vaccines alter your DNA? What if I don’t want to get it right now, can I get it later? As you can imagine, the list of questions goes on and on. In an effort to help, we’ve invited Steve and Russ to come on and lay out all the questions they’ve been receiving and deliver clear and concise answers. Most importantly, all of their answers are based in the latest scientific data and literature that clearly demonstrates the safety of the current COVID vaccines that are currently available. Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

Hatzalah of Michigan is a volunteer EMS agency that augments existing EMS response in the cities of Oak Park, Southfield, and Huntington Woods, Michigan with community-based state-certified volunteer EMS providers. Their volunteers are local, dedicated community members, who drop everything and hurry to assist those in need. Nobody can argue that when something goes wrong, seconds can make the difference between life and death. These guys take that statement VERY seriously. It isn’t uncommon for them to have a dispatch to on scene time of 90 seconds. Most 911 calls are longer than 90 seconds. That’s crazy fast. In this episode we discuss who Hatzalah of Michigan is, what they do, and why they do it. Then, we’ll discuss the impact their agency and community experienced, and/or still may be experiencing, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, we finish with a talk about Hatzalah of Michigan joining the OCMCA Stroke systems of Care Special Study.Hatzalah is a Hebrew word that means rescue. Hatzalah is the common title of volunteer EMS organizations serving mostly Jewish communities around the world. There’s way more of these organizations then you might think, and they do some pretty amazing things. Most local branches operate independently of each other, but they all typically use the common name Hatzalah. Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

During this episode, we welcome back Dr. Robert Swor, an emergency center physician at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, in Oakland County, Michigan. For over the last 30 years, Dr. Swor has been a staple in the EMS community in Michigan. Especially when it comes to the latest research involving EMS and cardiac arrest. Dr. Swor has an intensive background when it comes to EMS cardiac arrest outcome data and that’s why he’s here. In part 1 (S2E6), Dr. Swor discussed the data and related controversies regarding airway, breathing and ventilation and EMS management of cardiac arrest patients. In today’s episode, we get into the details and data of compressions, blood flow and circulation. Like many complicated things, the more I learn about cardiac arrest care, the more I realize how much I don’t know. Data provides us with an objective look at what is supposed to happen vs. what actually happened. Sometimes, looking at the data from an objective perspective can reveal controversy regarding the “best” treatment options for cardiac arrest patients. Bottom line, what we expect regarding how things work or how well they work isn’t always truth. In this two-part discussion, we discuss many of the controversies that find their way into the discussions of EMS provides and give you with hard facts, as their currently known. Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Steve McGraw and Dr. Russell Faust. Dr. McGraw is an ED physician at Ascension Providence Hospitals in both Southfield and Novi, Michigan. Doc is also the current Oakland County Medical Control Authority EMS Medical Director which provides oversight to over 50 EMS agencies. Dr. Faust is the Medical Director of Oakland County Health right here in Southeast Michigan. Together, these guys have been major part of EMS’ understanding and response throughout the entire COVID-19 pandemic. Even though we are located in Southeast Michigan and we mention our home state a lot, most of the EMS on AIR content applies to EMS on the national and even the global scale. This episode speaks to how our local system has been preparing for the availability of COVID-19 vaccinations. We do address the topic from a national perspective, but we’ll be using Oakland County and many other areas of Michigan, as an example of how large systems are preparing for the next stage of this unfamiliar process. Dr. Faust will lead us off with an update of the current COVID trends, as of November 24, 2020. Russ provides a nice overview of the national, state and local COVID updates and information. Then, the docs compare and contrast the first wave of COVID in April 2020 to the current wave of COVID we’re seeing in late November early December 2020. We wrap up the discussion with a focus on the current status of COVID-19 vaccinations and how EMS may be used in mass administration process to the public. This is a very informative episode that I really enjoyed, and I hope you do, too. Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode, Geoff sits down with one of his long-time colleagues and friends, Chris Haney, Director of Operations at Star EMS. Chris is a fixture of the first responder community in Oakland County, Michigan with over 37 years of experience in EMS. He enjoyed a full career at the Pontiac Fire Department prior to his time at Star EMS. Throughout his time on the job, Chris has been a part of pretty much every committee, work group and task force you can think of in our county, region and state EMS system. He's here for a down and dirty discussion about what the everyday EMS provider in Michigan should know about the current COVID rules, emergency orders and related protocols. Let’s face it, we’re all going through a LOT of COVID fatigue in the prehospital community. It’s hard to stay current on the “need to know stuff,” that “they” want us to know and do AND keep up with the constant barrage of COVID related calls. Not only is there almost too much information out there, but much of it seems like it contradicts one rule or another which just makes things more confusing. Trust me, we get it. To make it easy, clear and concise, Chris and Geoff thought it would be a good idea to just sit down and talk about the various “things” the boots on the ground should know. We also thought this would be a good chance to give everyone listening some background and context as to how the various medical control authorities, regional networks and the State of Michigan EMS system work in concert to share information back and forth to best serve the specific conditions of our diverse communities. The pandemic has given us an example to show how this giant state-wide system works and this talk may shed a tiny amount of light on a topic that isn’t always so clear. Now, there’s NO WAY you can teach someone how a state EMS system works in a 25-minute podcast and today we’ll just skim the surface. However, by the end of this episode I think you’ll find clarity regarding the general process of how EMS rules, protocols and directives cascade downward and upward in Michigan. Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Robert Swor, an emergency center physician at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, in Oakland County, Michigan. For over the last 20 years, or so, Dr. Swor has been a staple in the EMS community in Michigan. Dr. Swor ALWAYS been deeply involved in EMS and cardiac arrest research. He has a pretty impressive background when it comes to EMS cardiac arrest outcome data. Data provides us with an objective look at what is supposed to happen vs. what actually happened. Sometimes, looking at the data from an objective perspective can reveal controversy regarding the, “best,” treatment options for cardiac arrest patients. Bottom line, what we expect regarding how things work or how well they work isn’t always truth. In this two-part discussion, we’ll discuss many of the controversies that find their way into the discussions of EMS providers and give you with hard facts, as their currently known. Dr. Swor discusses on the data and related controversies regarding airway, breathing and ventilation in regard to EMS management of cardiac arrest. In part 2, we’ll get into the details and data of compressions, blood flow and circulation. Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode, we introduce our listeners to three key role players at Beaumont Hospital - Royal Oak, located in Oakland County Michigan. Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak is a Comprehensive Stroke Center that served 1,319 patients in 2019. Needless to say, that’s a lot. In addition, Beaumont Royal Oak is a participating hospital in the OCMCA Stroke Study. In this discussion, we’re joined by Dr. Rebbeca Grysiewicz, Comprehensive Stroke Program Medical Director, as well as Beaumont Royal Oak’s stroke coordinators Caitlin Woodruff and Wendy Carriveau. They’re here to talk about the value of EMS when it comes to the recognition and treatment of stroke patients. It turns out, EMS has WAYYY more of an impact on the decision-making process a stroke team uses to select a treatment plan for stroke patients. In this episode, our guests will provide us with their perspective regarding the value of EMS and how we can make even more of a positive impact. The OCMCA Stroke Systems of Care Special Study is rapidly expanding. If you’d like to know more information about the OCMCA’s stroke study, or if your agency or hospital would like to participate, visit OCMCA.org/stroke. There you’ll find all the information you need about the study and how your EMS agency or hospital can participate. You’ll even find study data, as well as a few presentations that you can download. You don’t have to be located in Michigan to participate. The OCMCA would LOVE participants from all over the US help us to identify the strengths and weaknesses of implementing a stroke severity scale, so that we can share the knowledge amongst the entire prehospital community. Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.

The primary objective of this episode is to provide you with an overview of the initial findings from the first two years of the Oakland County Medical Control Authority Stroke Systems of Care Special Study that is being conducted in southeast Michigan. The pilot phase of this study went into effect January 1, 2018 and after two years the OCMCA has compiled some interesting and promising findings. The big guy, Dr. Steve McGraw is here to provide us with an overview of these findings and tell us what they might mean for the future of EMS stroke care. Dr. Steve McGraw is an ED physician at Ascension Providence Hospitals in both Southfield and Novi, Michigan. Doc is also the current Oakland County Medical Control Authority EMS Medical Director. The OCMCA provides EMS oversight to 54 EMS agencies within Oakland County, Michigan. Even though we are located in Southeast Michigan and we mention our home state a lot, most of the EMS on AIR content applies to EMS on the national and even the global scale. Before Dr. McGraw leads the way in the study data discussion, we welcome back Dr. Russel Faust, the medical director for Oakland County Health here in southeast Michigan. Russ kicks us off with an update of the COVID-19 pandemic for EMS and related healthcare providers. In addition, we take a little tangent and discuss some recent events that may have caused a little confusion over the last month or so here in Michigan. Dr. Faust will cover the details, but the bottom line is that in early October State of Michigan Emergency Orders by the Governor were struck down by the State Supreme Court. It seems that many people did not realize the orders were struck down on a procedural technicality, and a few days later, the technicalities were corrected, and the orders were re-issued by way of the Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. So, yes Michigan still has Emergency Orders in place and yes there are components that healthcare providers, like EMS, should be aware of. Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.

When an EMS provider or agency becomes convinced that a stroke severity scale is the right thing to adopt for their system, they often assume the best thing to do is take all stroke patients, or at least those with indicators of LVO, to stroke centers that can provide neuro intervention. It’s easy to consider bypassing one hospital for another in these situations, but the data clearly shows that the best thing we can do is gather ALL the necessary information related to the patient and their stroke. Then, transport them to the CLOSEST appropriate stroke center, which might not offer neuro interventional services like mechanical thrombectomy. Either way, it is a data driven decision steeped in evidence. In this episode, Geoff sits down with Chris and Jason Seitz. Chris is a traveling ED physician who works around the country in EDs that need the help. His brother Jason is a firefighter/paramedic at the Madison Heights FD. Together, they own and operate Seitz and Sirens, which provides American Heart Association courses, NREMT prep courses and a litany of other EMS and healthcare education. I just started collaborating with these gentlemen, and I think we’re onto something. You can get a hold of them at SeitzandSirens.com. Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.

In this episode, we present an example of an EMS system using FAST-ED to evolve their stroke system of care. The OCMCA Stroke Systems of Care Special Study is designed to evaluate EMS’s ability to measure stroke severity using FAST-ED. I’ll provide you with a nice clean overview of the study, who’s currently in it, how to get involved, and more. This study is rapidly expanding. If you’d like to know more information about the OCMCA’s stroke study, or if your agency or hospital would like to participate, visit OCMCA.org/stroke. There you’ll find all the information you need about the study and how your EMS agency or hospital can participate. You’ll even find study data, as well as a few presentations that you can download. You don’t have to be located in Michigan to participate. The OCMCA would LOVE participants from all over the U.S. help us to identify the strengths and weaknesses of implementing a stroke severity scale, so that we can share the knowledge amongst the entire prehospital community. Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Follow us on Instagram @EMSonAIR.And PLEASE, whatever podcast platform you use, subscribe to our podcast, and leave us a rating and a review. It REALLY helps us to grow this podcast.

The EMS on AIR is back with Season 2! In this season opener, Dr. McGraw kicks us off with a very brief COVID-19 update for EMS. Then, the doc gives us a clear picture of what is at stake for stroke patients. Stroke is a big deal. It’s the third leading cause of death, and according to the CDC, in 2018, 1 in every 6 deaths from cardiovascular disease was due to stroke. Someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds AND every 4 minutes, someone dies of stroke. It’s a big deal, but EMS can do something to help. Dr. McGraw provides an overview of the evolution of treatments available to stroke patients over the last 40-ish years. Over this time, the odds for these patients have improved with the advancement of technologies available at stroke centers. However, to truly realize the benefit, the entire healthcare system needs to evolve its awareness and ability to not only detect stroke, but to identify how severe a stroke is when it’s happening. Dr. McGraw and I discuss the evolution of stroke identification by EMS in the field over the last 40-ish years and how it has advanced to the point where many EMS systems across the nation are using stroke severity scales to efficiently and effectively measure stroke severity, obtain targeted pieces of information about the patient and the event ALL in an effort to get the patient to the best possible treatment in the quickest and safest manner. We’ll also touch on the OCMCA Stroke Systems of Care Special Study, which is assessing EMS’s ability to identify and measure stroke in the field using the FAST-ED stroke severity scale. If you’d like to know more information about the OCMCA’s stroke study, or if your agency or hospital would like to participate, visit OCMCA.org/stroke. You’ll find all the information you need about the study and how your EMS agency or hospital can participate. You’ll even find some of study data, as well as a few presentations that you can download. Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.

In this BONUS episode, Dr. Faust kicks us off with an update of the status of the virus and its impact on our communities. Then, our other resident expert and all-around amazing human being Dr. Steve McGraw joins in to discuss the differences in the COVID infection and severity rates between what we experienced in March and April 2020 and the spike that occurred in August 2020. In August 2020, it appears there was an increased rate of COVID transmission, but a decreased rate in severity and fatality. Dr. McGraw and Dr. Faust provide their perspectives on this topic, and much more. Then, we finish off the episode about what EMS might expect as we transition to cold and flu season. Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details. Send your questions to QI@OCMCA.org.

In today’s BONUS episode, we have put together a group of local experts to provide a nice clean overview of the most current OCMCA EMS Emergency Protocols that went into effect September 9, 2020. Since then, all EMS providers in Oakland County, Michigan are expected to understand and provide care in accordance with these protocols. The good news is that this will be easy, because the few updates were logical, reasonable and necessary. We’ll dive into each of the four current EMS Emergency Protocols and spend a bit of time clearing up any misconceptions, but first let me remind you that you can access these protocols 24/7 through OCMCA.org/protocols, or on the OCMCA EMS Protocols App, which is totally free and available on Google and Apple devices.Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details. Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.

In this episode, we wrap up season one by providing you with a reminder that the fight is not over, not even close. The world must remain diligent and EMS must maintain a high degree of operational and PPE discipline on duty and recognize the impact of social distancing off duty. The real trick will be to avoid COVID fatigue in the healthcare world as a topic of discussion, training and operations even though it has pretty much overshadowed everything in our life for almost 6 months and counting. Getting numb to a topic, especially under the circumstances, even for a short time, provides an opportunity for something bad to happen, and we need to do everything we can to avoid that. So, even though the pandemic isn’t over, and even though the first season of the EMS on AIR podcast is ending, we will be shifting our focus from COVID-19 as our primary topic to an in-depth look at the world of stroke and how EMS has been rapidly expanding their knowledge and skills to benefit stroke patients. The goal is to keep our listeners motivated with leading edge topics and experts and we think stroke is primed to remain a huge focus on the national stage. Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details.Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.

Learning through first-hand experience is likely the most impactful way to successfully absorb information when training and preparing for the next big emergency. Unfortunately, many areas throughout the US and the rest of the world had plenty of first-hand experience with the COVID pandemic, especially in the earliest and scariest stages. Southeast Michigan was hit pretty hard by COVID and the city of Southfield, located in Oakland County, MI, which is just north of Detroit, and was Michigan’s ground zero for the COVID-19 pandemic and the Southfield Fire Department was forced into a very stressful, but overall successful operation. In this episode, we sit down with Chief Johnny Menifee, and Captain Melissa Medici from Southfield Fire Department to discuss what it was like to endure the early stages of the pandemic, as well as what they’re doing now to maintain EMS operations and safety. Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details. Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.

In this episode, Dr. McGraw leads off the discussion with an update regarding the status of COVID-19 pandemic, as of July 28, 2020. Then, we discuss current vaccinations undergoing evaluation throughout the world. Including two that are showing signs of hope. We also talk about what it’s going to take to create distribute, administer and track hundreds of millions of doses in this country alone. In addition, Dr. McGraw gives us something to consider regarding future patients that may be apprehensive to take a vaccination, as he reminds us to always approach the subject in an objective and scientific manner. Finally, we talk about what EMS and hospitals can expect over the next few months as we approach the national school start seasonVisit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details. Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.

Like many areas across the nation, Michigan continues to experience an increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases. In this episode:Dr. McGraw leads off the discussion with an update regarding the status of COVID-19 pandemic, as of July 14, 2020. Then, we talk about the importance of referencing credible sources of information when doing your own fact finding, because it’s important to understand that there are two major types of information sources. Those that publish peer-reviewed science and admit when they make mistakes or when the science changes and print retractions and updates. And those that are, “always right,” in their opinion, and never have a reason to admit a mistake or change in the science. We finish off with a talk about the critical and fragile nature of continuing to mitigate our social behavior and actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Dr. McGraw shares some of his thoughts as to what might happen if the confirmed cases continue to rise. Like doc says, it’s probably best that we don’t evaluate the pandemic through a political prism. Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details. Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.