Monday, March 11, 2013

** New training added to EMT certification standards in Colorado

** Washington D.C. EMS puts two units on standby after no ambulances available to respond to cop MVA

UNITED STATES NEWS

** EMS responders in Colorado have now had a new facet added to the critical care training for EMT certifications. That is the word from The Chieftain (Peter Roper/March 9) which said the module, known as a critical care endorsement, is largely aimed at ensuring rural practitioners can treat patients during lengthy hospital transports. Signed into law by Gov. John Hickenlooper last week, the measure was proposed by state Rep. Leroy Garcia who is a Pueblo Community College EMT instructor.

** Washington DC’s EMS service is placing two ambulances on standby after a last week incident that saw no units available to respond to an injured police officer. WTOP (March 8) said the plan was outlined Thursday by EMS Chief Keith Ellerbe. Ellerbe said his department is still looking into the Monday car crash call that resulted in a Prince George County ambulance transporting the policeman to hospital. Though normally fielding 39 EMS units, the service had only 29 available during the MVA with 10 out of service. Three of these may have been inappropriately taken off duty. City councilman Terry Wells said it is about time there was a review of EMS so that it can be determined whether a systemic problem has developed or whether difficulties are just isolated incidents.