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MedicCast News: FDNY EMT Shortages, Fuel Costs, and Carnival Disasters

Jamie Davis — Thu, 22 May 2008 05:00:00 -0400

This week I wonder why the New York Fire Department is whining about the shortage of EMS providers when they pay them so poorly. Make your higher paid firefighters do the job and see how they like it!

I also looke at the way increased fuel costs are affecting all EMS services and ambulance fees. Plus a look at a cursing dispatcher and a recent carnival accident.

For more EMS news and commentary, don't forget to visit The MedicCast Podcast Site Now! The longer format weekend MedicCast EMS podcast features news, commentary plus tips, tricks and meds every week.

MedicCast News: Hepatitis C, Cardiac Treatment Delay and Babys and Booze

Jamie Davis — Thu, 15 May 2008 07:00:00 -0400

In this week's look at the mid-week medical news we will cover a new discovery that links compounds found in grapefruits that may hold the key to slowing or stopping the replication of the HCV (hepatitis C virus) at the cellular level.

Another interesting study looked at the effects of delaying seeking medical attention after the onset of symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, etc.

Finally, I talk about a disturbing survey out of Australia that has some surprising things to say about women who are pregnant and alcohol consumption.

Visit The MedicCast Podcast Site Now!

MedicCast News: Suing Patients, Car Seat Position, and EMS Memorial Plans

Jamie Davis — Fri, 09 May 2008 23:36:50 -0400

On this week's episode of the MedicCast News, I look at a shocking news item where an EMT/Firefighter from Florida is suing a patient for injuries suffered during a response.

Also, I look at a story about the safest place to position a child's car seat. Hint: Back Seat, middle position!

Finally, I close with a reminder for this year's EMS Memorial Service honoring 73 EMS providers who died in the line of duty in 2007. Keep their families and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers over the coming weeks.

Thanks for Blockbuster for sponsoring this program, visit MedicCast.com/blockbuster for information on saving $10 off your first month of Blockbuster Total Access.

Visit The MedicCast Podcast Site Now!

MedicCast News: Medic Spitting, Student CPR Saves, and Doc Stops Insurance

Jamie Davis — Fri, 02 May 2008 21:02:19 -0400

This week I look at a few news items from the previous week including a cautionary tale of a person who is charged and convicted of assault for spitting on an EMS provider.

I also look at the heroic efforts of two Wyoming EMS students who performed great CPR for 55 minutes, maintaining perfusion on the long transport to have a ROSC at the hospital ED. I also examine the tale of a Pennsylvania doctor who gave up private practice and playing the insurance game to give care to the uninsured.

Visit The MedicCast Podcast Site Now!

MedicCast News: Scene Safety Tragedy, L.A. EMS, and Recruiting Down Under

Jamie Davis — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 21:42:42 -0400

This week in the U.K. two stories caught my eye. The first was a tragic situation involving a dying teen and a paramedic ordered to not approach due to scene safety issues. Also, a story of the Queensland, Australia ambulance services recruiting EMS providers all the way from the U.K.

I also look at more issues with medical care in the L.A. area.

Visit The MedicCast Podcast Site Now!

MedicCast News: Aussie EMS Taxes, Ambo Joy Ride, and Virginia Tech Revisit

Jamie Davis — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:32:21 -0400

This week in EMS news, I look at a story about an Australian EMS levy (tax) that is causing some concerns about adequate coverage for the money spent.

Also, a look at a story out of Colorado where a hospital patient was discharged and jumped into an idling ambulance outside of the ER. He took it for a 100 mile an hour joy ride before he was stopped and taken back into custody.

And, finally, I look at the Virginia Tech massacre, one year later. What have we learned and what has really changed? Listen to the show to hear my take on the anniversary of the Virginia Tech shootings.

MedicCast News: Recruiting Providers, CDC on Autism, and Killer Bees

Jamie Davis — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:26:08 -0400

This week, I return after a bit of a hiatus. I'll be looking at the Washington, D.C. metro area's recruiting success. They've been able to hire and fill their staffing needs while parts of the nation can't get EMS coverage because of lack of crews.

I also link to a strongly worded report from the CDC about parental concerns regarding vaccines and autism. The short version is -- They have found no link between autism and vaccine preservatives despite scrutiny and study by the nations top medical researchers.

And I round out the show with kudos for a South African paramedic who braved an african bee swarm attacking an elderly man. This despite the paramedic's own allergy to bee stings.

Check out the MedicCast.com site for more news, commentary, articles, tips and tricks.

MedicCast News: Avoidable Lawsuits and a paramedics handles her own birth

Jamie Davis — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:49:00 -0400

This week I take a look at two recent lawsuits in the news that focus on paramedics in the field. The main point I want to make is that these suits were avoidable whether there was negligence or not. Listen in and tell me what you think.

Cot tips patient to ground

Patient dies enroute to wrong facility

I wrap up the show with some good news. An Ohio paramedic delivers her own baby girl when the family truck breaks down on the way to the hospital. Congratulations!

Check out the MedicCast each weekend for longer looks at the news with commentary, tips and meds.

Visit The MedicCast Podcast Site Now!

MedicCast News: No Doc for a Medic, AEDs in Schools, and Brachial Dilation

Jamie Davis — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 06:15:00 -0500

This week I look at a variety of stories including a story about a NSW, Australia paramedic who arrived at the emergency department of his local hospital with a heart attack of his own, only to find that no doctor was on duty there.

Also, a look at AEDs in schools and sports related injuries. Plus a review of an Italian study on a way to predict CVD related risks in post-menopausal women.

Don't forget to check out the MedicCast and Nursing Show Podcasts this weekend over at MedicCast.com.

MedicCast News: iPods, Pacemakers, Mardi Gras, and TB Rates

Jamie Davis — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 12:00:00 -0500

I was encouraged to hear from a study by an FDA researcher who refuted previous claims about the effects of iPods on people with implanted cardiac pacemakers. The prior research was conducted by the curious son of a cardiologist and was published in a medical journal about a year ago. Good news for podcasters!

Also this week:

Grandma pays a copay while being loaded in to an ambulance

New Orleans preps for EMS response to Mardi Gras

CDC Reports that TB Case Reduction Not Fast Enough for Goals

Thanks for listening to the show. Check out the MedicCast podcast each weekend over at MedicCast.com.

Ambulance Involved MVAs This Week on the MedicCast News

Jamie Davis — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:41:06 -0500

This week I saw a great many ambulance involved MVAs on the news wires. One fatality and numerous injuries reported in association with them.

Whether these are our fault or not, folks, we need to be on the ball out there on the streets. Drive with due regard means to obey traffic laws in your state. To me it means to drive with the understanding that the other guy is driving with his head up his *SS!

Safety, Safety, Safety People!

Alright enough said. In other MedicCast related news, we are celebrating the 2nd anniversary of the MedicCast site and podcast this week. Tune in this weekend for more on this opportunity to win cool prizes and learn about what's up next for the MedicCast Podcast over at MedicCast.com!

MedicCast News: EMS Council, EMS Funding, and a Rat's Heart

Jamie Davis — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 06:00:00 -0500

This week, I look at articles surrounding the future of EMS. The members of the U.S. federal EMS Advisory Council have been named. Check who they are here.

The new budget is in and EMS funding got the axe, including removal of new trauma center funding in the U.S. See how they slid that one past us in the news.

The discussion over using private ambulance services to cover municipal EMS when units are down or out of service crops up again. This time related to the death of a Philadelphia woman on new year's eve. Here's the story again.

And, finally, a story about scientists growing a rat heart in the lab. They grew, they got it beating, and this means that growing replacment organs for humans is not too far away. Check this story out here.

Thanks for listening and check back here next week for another episode. You can also visit the MedicCast.com site for the long format MedicCast Podcast with expanded news and commentary as well as tips and tricks just for EMS providers.

MedicCast News: Major MVAs, A Look Back, and A Mother's CPR

Jamie Davis — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:17:27 -0500

This week I look at a variety of news stories including:

Comparing EMS Then and Now

MVA Disaster in Florida

Mother Performs CPR in Infant in Ambulance

AHA President Urges Congress Towards Prevention

Check out the MedicCast.com website for more EMS news and tips and listen to the MedicCast Podcast each weekend for a long format show including news, tips and commentary.

MedicCast News: 50 Patients, Volunteer DUI's and a Retention Idea

Jamie Davis — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:59:08 -0500

This week I look at news stories about a North Carolina mass casualty accident involving a Greyhound bus and a tractor trailer, another ambulance involved accident where the unit struck a fire truck, a story about an EMS volunteer driver who was picked up for DUI while responding at the hospital, and finally, a great article that shows another way to encourage and educate your public to volunteer with your services.

Thanks for listening! Check out more news, tips and tricks, and more at the MedicCast site at MedicCast.com and make sure you listen to the Weekly MedicCast Podcast for a one hour EMS update available for you each Monday Morning when you wake up!

MedicCast News: Nightvision, Tasered EMTs, and Holiday Weight Gain

Jamie Davis — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 08:45:03 -0500

This week on the MedicCast News, I feature stories on new night vision goggles for Air Evac crews nationwide, an Oregon paramedic who got tasered by police officers while trying to subdue a patient, tips to beat holiday weight gain, and kudos to an EMT who is recognized by her community for work and professionalism. Thanks for listening and happy holidays from the MedicCast Team. Check out the 1 hour MedicCast podcast each week at MedicCast.com.

MedicCast News: Hep C News, Christmas Coronaries, the EMS Memorial

Jamie Davis — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 12:01:19 -0500

This week I look at news about new hepatitis C vaccine advances, holiday coronary risks, injuries surrounding building collapse, and the progress towards finding a home for the national EMS Memorial. Visit MedicCast.com for more news, tips, and EMS related information. Thanks for listening!

Mental Health Missives: MHM # 266 Crossing the Line in Second Life

Dr. Fran the OT — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 05:21:40 -0500

Hello, and welcome to a story about a friend of mine in Second Life. This friend seemed about to go off world in a very serious way. How far would you go to cross the line from virtual to real? Tune in, listen to the podcast, IM me in world and let me know what you think.

Second Life

Mental Health Missives: MHM #265 Getting TINY

Dr. Fran the OT — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 04:42:28 -0500

I begin an exploration of the worlf of tinies in Second Life by becoming one and doing some field experiences. I kinda like having an ankle high view of the metaverse. Come along with me as I explore.

MedicCast News: EMS Spying, Hawaii EMS, and more Flu News

Jamie Davis — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 10:07:52 -0500

This week I look at news about a Homeland Security Department program to use firefighters and EMS providers to spy on patients, Honolulu's new paid training program, Pennsylvania hospitals get pandemic flu help, and new FDA warnings on flu meds for pediatric patients. Thanks for listening! Check out the main MedicCast program each weekend over at MedicCast.com!

Mental Health Missives: MHM#264 Sex in Seocnd Life

Dr. Fran the OT — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 07:08:14 -0500

Don't get too excited. This is just the beginning, and so far I find it to be stooopid.

Mental Health Missives: MHM#263 Real Life Second Life

Dr. Fran the OT — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:49:20 -0500

Well I did it again...I met some people in Real Life that I knew from Second Life. Tune in to hear about it, and check out the pics.

MedicCast News: Teaching EMS, Kidney Disease, and Cardiac Care

Jamie Davis — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 08:00:00 -0500

This week I look at stories about a Massachusetts instructor who started her own EMS school, a new study that looks at rising kidney disease rates, a story that shows the reason we stabilize impaled objects in place, and a look at the success of a new North Carolina cardiac care initiative. Thanks for listening! Check out the long format MedicCast podcast over at mediccast.com

Mental Health Missives: PCN262 Anti-social Bots in Second Life

Dr. Fran the OT — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 05:44:45 -0500

There are people doing research in Second Life--this we know. Unfortunately, some of these people are doing research without letting people know that they are doing research, which I find unethical. Listen in as I talk about the research and my opinions about that.

Social Bots

Mental Health Missives: MHM#261 Relationships, again !!!

Dr. Fran the OT — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 07:22:51 -0500

Again. Sorry, just have to do this. I would love for a discussion about this to start.

MedicCast News: Local Kudos, Diesel Exhaust, and Rochester EMS

Jamie Davis — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 23:49:52 -0500

This week I look at an Illinois crew that gets kudos from a local ER on a job well done, a UK paramedic attacked by a patient, the increased risk of AMI and Stroke related to diesel exhaust fumes, and the future of Rochester EMS care on the line. Thanks for listening! Check out the MedicCast this weekend and the MedicCast Live call-in show next Tuesday night (11/13) at 10 PM ET. MedicCastLive.com

Mental Health Missives: MHM#260 It'a Not What You Know...

Dr. Fran the OT — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 04:17:32 -0400

Hello, and good day. Today I explore, or start to explore, the ways in whcih people succeed in the Metaverse. I think it's partly having the right connections, and partly being a magnetic personality. Listen as I discuss both of these concepts and talk about two of my friends who have these qualities.

MedicCast News: EMS Staffing, Checking DOA, and VA Diversion

Jamie Davis — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:09:49 -0400

This week I look at stories on EMS staffing and Equipment in the U.S. and Australia, a newborn DOA that was still alive, and VA hospital diversion rates. Thanks for checking out the show and check out the other shows here on the Podcasternews Network. Visit MedicCast.com this weekend for the MedicCast Podcast.

MedicCast News: Staff and Staph, and a SCHIP Sinks in D.C.

Jamie Davis — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 07:00:00 -0400

This week, I look at a collection of stories about EMS in Washington D.C. including an academy death and paramedic suspension and a MRSA outbreak at the academy. I also talk about the failure of the Child Health Insurance Program Act to pass the President's veto and how a pig pancreas again holds hope for a cure for diabetes. Check out the MedicCast.com site for this weekend's long format MedicCast show.

Mental Health Missives: M2M002 This week in the Metaverse Messenger

Dr. Fran the OT — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 05:45:02 -0400

This week the M2 has articles on beauty and avatar attractiveness, gender, and a lot on how free music is a problem for performers in Second Life. Please send me feedback. I want to give you what you want :-).

Diet Science: High Fructose Corn Syrup

Dee McCaffrey — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Diet Science is a fun 5 to 7 minute weekly program with insights and straight scoops on today's health and diet issues from Dee McCaffrey, CDC. Dee is an Organic Chemist who lost 100 pounds, nearly half her body weight, and has kept it off for over 15 years by staying away from processed foods. This week Dee talks about high fructose corn syrup and it’s effects on the body.

MedicCast News: Politics and EMS and a New Chief in Charm City

Jamie Davis — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 21:33:59 -0400

This week I look at news about the veto of California's background check law for EMS providers, an upcoming U.S. Senate bill for EMS grant funding, Baltimore's new EMS Chief and the first woman chief there, and a look at a call for volunteers in Australia. Check out the MedicCast site at MedicCast.com.

Mental Health Missives: M2M001 Welcome to the New Podcast

Dr. Fran the OT — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 06:54:59 -0400

Hello, it's DrFran with a brand new Second Life Podcast in which I will summarize some of the items in the current edition of the Metaverse Messenger--the paper of recdord for the virtual world of Second Life. Stay subscribed and learn the stuff you need to know ahead of the curve.

Diet Science: pH Balance and Cancer

Dee McCaffrey — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:42:55 -0400

Diet Science is a fun 5 to 7 minute weekly program with insights and straight scoops on today's health and diet issues from Dee McCaffrey, CDC. Dee is an Organic Chemist who lost 100 pounds, nearly half her body weight, and has kept it off for over 15 years by staying away from processed foods. This week Dee talks about the importance of keeping your body’s pH in balance, discusses the link between acidic pH and disease, and shows you what foods to eat to keep your pH in balance.

Mental Health Missives: MHM# 257 Second Life in France

Dr. Fran the OT — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 05:26:02 -0400

Well, I am back, and rested, and ready to podcast. Listen in as I talk about my Second Life experience while I was in France. Changes coming to this podcast soon...

MedicCast News: Farm Injuries, ER Nurses Week, and a Vodka Drip!

Jamie Davis — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 11:36:29 -0400

This week I look at news about farm related injuries, a man who gets a vodka drip, a novel EMS hiring approach by the Medic company of North Carolina, and a thank you to the ER nurses who take patients off of our hands as this week is Emergency Nurses Week. Check out the MedicCast.com website and the MedicCast program each weekend with tips, tricks, news and commentary for EMS providers.

MedicCast News: Wrecks, New Students, ER Violence, and Wrecks

Jamie Davis — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 12:15:00 -0400

This week I look at news about weekly ambulance involved MVAs, press releases on new student graduation, a study on emergency room nurse violence, and tragedies surrounding un-found motor vehicle accident patients and search responsibilities. Thanks for listening. Check out the MedicCast Podcast at MedicCast.com each weekend.

MedicCast News: Iowa RV, Jersey Shortage, Flu Vaccine and a CPR Kid

Jamie Davis — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 23:52:29 -0400

This week I cover news about an Iowa RV that is a mobile training center for EMS, the critical shortage of new EMTs in New Jersey, the CDC report on Flu Vaccine this year, and a 13 year old CPR kid. Thanks for listening and check out the MedicCast podcast at mediccast.com. Thanks to GoToMyPC.com for sponsoring this podcast! Visit http://gotomypc.com/podcast for a 30 day free trial.

Mental Health Missives: MHM# 256 Ratting on Myself

Dr. Fran the OT — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 04:33:52 -0400

Eating humble pie on the last day of work before my European vacation. Come along with me as I reveal some of the not-so-prettry aspects of my personality. What happens when the things you believe about yourself turn out to be untrue?

About Primtionary

MedicCast News: Heavy Lifting, Patient Attacks, and EMS Oldtimers

Jamie Davis — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 15:22:41 -0400

This week I look at news about a 900 pound man removed from his home by forklift, a paramedic attacked in Ireland, a 50% decrease in meth use by Montana teens, and an Indiana EMT retires to fanfare after 30 years on the street. Thanks to GoToMyPC.com for sponsoring the show. Check out the link below for a 30 day free trial!

MedicCast News: Bariatrics, Ultra Sound, and Ambulance Simulators

Jamie Davis — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 12:15:00 -0400

This week on the MedicCast News, I look at a story that focuses on the need for bariatric equipment to save our aching backs, a story pointing out why we need to do inter-agency training for rescues requiring many disciplines, a new mini ultra sound that would be great for abdominal trauma diagnosis, and a Texas college gets a new ambulance simulator. Thanks to GoToMyPC.com for sponsoring the show. Visit GoToMyPC.com/podcast for a free 30 day trial.

Mental Health Missives: MHM# 254 Adults brains can be plastic

Dr. Fran the OT — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 05:46:10 -0400

Can you teach an old dog new tricks? Well, according to current research the brain can learn and adapt and change. Tune into this podcast, a little too self-revealing to be professional :-), and find out.

Can Old Brains Learn New Stuff?