MedicCast News

Ambulance Diversion, High School EMTs, and Cleveland Cheats

Jamie Davis — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 23:45:00 -0400

This week's news features a look at a public education story about how ambulance diversion to specialty centers works. We also look at a story about a New Mexico group of high school EMTs, and a sad story about a possible Cleveland, Ohio cheating scandal involving new paramedics there.

Check out the MedicCast Podcast as well each weekend with more news, commentary, plus extra tips and tricks of the trade. Go to MedicCast.com for more information on the show.

Thanks to Blockbuster Total Access for sponsoring the show. Visit MyMovieSavings.com to learn how to save 50% ($10) off your first month and get DVDs sent to your home with no trip to the store!

Home Health Monitoring, Harrassment and Hazing, and Jobs

Jamie Davis — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 06:00:00 -0400

This week's look at the midweek medical news starts off with a look at a new home health chip that has been approved for home monitoring by the FDA. This Intel chip may offer a way for patients to be monitored remotely without needing a trip to the hospital. Also, we look at two stories on harrassment in the EMS workplace. One on hazing of paramedic students in New Jersey and another on female ambulance harrassment in Australia. Finally, we wrap up with a look at how having an EMS certification may help you land a job in other areas of the medical job market.

Don't forget to check out the MedicCast main program each week at MedicCast.com.

Copter Crashes, Bullying in EMS, and Oklahoma EMS

Jamie Davis — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:00:00 -0400

The last victim of dual helicopter crash dies of his injuries renewing calls for a review of safety procedures for air ambulance services in the U.S. Plus a look at a recent EMS accident between an ambulance and an SUV.

Also, a story from Australia on bullying accusations in the ambulance service in New South Wales and a Parlaimentary investigation into EMS workplace conditions. Finally a look at an Oklahoma training program offering paramedic training with pay for a two year committment from the EMS students.

For more EMS news, commentary, and tips and tricks for EMTs paramedics, and NREMT students, check out the MedicCast.com site and the weekly MedicCast Podcast.

Fake Paramedics, Bird Flu Vaccine, and Gas Prices

Jamie Davis — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:12:30 -0400

This week's look at the mid-week EMS news starts with a story about a fake paramedic and the headaches caused by reviewing patient care he performed. Other stories include a look at a new bird flu vaccine that offers a better, faster solution in the face of a pandemic situation. Also, a look at how gas prices are affecting the operations of all ambulance companies around the country.

For more EMS news, plus tips and tricks, interviews, and medication review, visit The MedicCast Podcast Site Now!

Mile High Baby, EMS Week Recap, and EMS Pension Shuffle

Jamie Davis — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 21:04:12 -0400

This week's MedicCast News features a look at a high flying childbirth. Also, how some companies served up EMS Week celebrations for their communities, what some areas are doing with EMS retirement benefits to make ends meet, and a look at Hawaiian EMS and the wireless transmission of ECG data to cardiac centers from the field.

Don't forget to check out the MedicCast Website at MedicCast.com for more EMS news and info as well as the full weekend version of the MedicCast with news, commentary, weekly tips and meds, plus a whole lot more!

High School EMS, Texas Ambulance Delays, and Blood Draws

Jamie Davis — Thu, 29 May 2008 06:00:00 -0400

This week's midweek EMS news features a look at three different stories. First I look at a Michigan program that is trying to bring some EMS training to high school seniors in an attempt to give them a look into the life of a paramedic.

Also, I check out a story about a Texas mom who waited for an hour to get an ambulance to her door for her sick child. This story may not be as bad as the headline reads. Finally, I check out a study looking at the method of blood draw and effects on the lab results at the other end. It can make a big difference.

If you like this look at the EMS news then check out the weekly MedicCast Podcast over at MedicCast.com. Each long format episode features news, tips and tricks, plus some commentary just emergency medical providers.

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.

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!

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!

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!