Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers are often on the front lines of medical emergencies, facing high-stress situations, long hours, and the physical demands of the job. These factors can take a toll on their health, wellness, and resilience. Ensuring that EMS providers have the tools and support they need to maintain their well-being is crucial for their personal health and professional performance. Here are some tips and resources to help EMS providers stay healthy, well, and resilient.

Physical Health

1. Regular Exercise

   • Engaging in regular physical activity can improve cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility, which are essential for the physical demands of the job.
   • Resource: The American Heart Association offers guidelines and tips for maintaining an active lifestyle (heart.org).

2. Healthy Eating

   • Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can provide the necessary energy and nutrients to sustain long shifts.
   • Resource: The USDA's MyPlate (choosemyplate.gov) offers resources on creating a balanced diet.

3. Adequate Rest

   • Prioritize sleep and rest periods to ensure you are well-rested and alert during shifts.
   • Tip: Create a sleep-friendly environment by reducing noise and light and maintaining a regular sleep schedule.

Mental Health

1. Stress Management

   • Practice stress-relief techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness to manage the daily stresses of the job.
   • Resource: The American Psychological Association provides resources on stress management (apa.org).

2. Professional Counseling

   • Don't hesitate to seek professional help if you're feeling overwhelmed. Many organizations offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that include counseling services.
   • Resource: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a national helpline for mental health support (samhsa.gov).

3. Peer Support

   • Engage in peer support programs where you can share experiences and coping strategies with colleagues who understand the unique challenges of the EMS profession.
   • Resource: Check with your organization or local EMS associations for peer support groups.

Resilience Building

1. Continuous Education and Training

   • Stay updated with the latest protocols and best practices in EMS to build confidence and competence in your role.
   • Resource: The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) offers various continuing education courses (naemt.org).

2. Developing a Strong Support Network

   • Cultivate relationships with family, friends, and colleagues who can provide emotional support and understanding.
   • Tip: Regularly connect with your support network to share experiences and decompress.

3. Positive Coping Mechanisms

   • Engage in hobbies and activities outside of work that bring joy and relaxation.
   • Tip: Whether it's reading, sports, or creative arts, find activities that help you unwind and recharge.

Organizational Support

1. Health and Wellness Programs

   • Advocate for comprehensive health and wellness programs within your organization that address both physical and mental health needs.
   • Resource: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides resources on workplace health promotion (cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion).

2. Resilience Training Programs

   • Participate in resilience training programs that focus on building coping strategies and mental toughness.
   • Resource: The Resilient First Responders initiative offers training and resources to enhance resilience (resilientfirstresponders.org).

Conclusion

Maintaining health, wellness, and resilience is essential for EMS providers to perform their duties effectively and safely. By prioritizing physical and mental health, engaging in resilience-building activities, and utilizing available resources, EMS providers can enhance their well-being and continue to provide high-quality care to their communities.

For more information and resources, visit the SDEMSA website or contact our wellness coordinator.

Citations:

1. American Heart Association. (n.d.). Healthy Living.
2. United States Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). MyPlate.
3. American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Stress Management.
4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). SAMHSA National Helpline.
5. National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. (n.d.). Continuing Education.
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Workplace Health Promotion.
7. Resilient First Responders. (n.d.). Resilience Training.

By following these tips and utilizing the available resources, EMS providers can maintain their health, wellness, and resilience, ensuring they are always ready to respond to emergencies with the highest level of care and professionalism.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers face numerous risks daily while performing their duties. Ensuring the safety of EMS professionals is paramount, as they are the frontline responders who play a crucial role in saving lives. Here are some essential tips and resources to help EMS providers stay safe on the job.

1. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Properly

PPE is vital in protecting EMS providers from exposure to infectious diseases, hazardous materials, and other potential risks. Always ensure you have the appropriate PPE, such as gloves, masks, eye protection, and gowns. Training on the correct usage and disposal of PPE is essential.

Resource: CDC - PPE

2. Maintain Situational Awareness

Situational awareness involves being aware of your surroundings, understanding the context of your environment, and recognizing potential hazards. Always assess the scene for safety before entering and continuously monitor for changes that could impact your safety.

Tip: Use the SLAM technique: Stop, Look, Assess, and Manage.

3. Practice Safe Driving

Operating emergency vehicles requires skill and caution. Ensure you are well-rested before driving and always adhere to traffic laws, even when responding to emergencies. Regular training on driving techniques and vehicle handling can help prevent accidents.

Resource: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

4. Communicate Effectively

Clear and effective communication with your team is crucial. Use radios or other communication devices to stay in contact and inform team members of any changes or potential dangers. Establishing hand signals or other non-verbal cues can also be beneficial in noisy environments.

5. Manage Stress and Mental Health

EMS providers often work in high-stress environments, which can take a toll on mental health. Regularly engage in stress-relief activities, seek support from peers or counselors, and take advantage of mental health resources offered by your organization.

Resource: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

6. Regular Training and Drills

Continuous education and regular drills ensure that EMS providers are prepared for various scenarios. Participate in training sessions that cover both common and rare emergencies, and practice skills regularly to maintain proficiency.

Resource: National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT)

7. Ergonomic Practices

Injury from lifting and moving patients is a common risk. Use proper body mechanics and lifting techniques to prevent musculoskeletal injuries. When available, utilize equipment such as stretchers, stair chairs, and lifting devices.

Tip: Partner with a colleague when lifting heavy patients or equipment to distribute the load.

8. Infection Control Practices

Following strict infection control protocols is crucial in preventing the spread of diseases. Regularly disinfect equipment, vehicles, and work areas. Stay updated on the latest guidelines from health authorities and participate in infection control training.

Resource: World Health Organization (WHO) - Infection Prevention and Control

9. Stay Informed

Keep up-to-date with the latest safety guidelines, protocols, and best practices. Subscribe to industry newsletters, attend workshops, and participate in online forums to stay informed about new developments in EMS safety.

Resource: Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS)

10. Utilize Technology

Leverage technology to enhance safety. Use apps and software for route optimization, patient tracking, and real-time communication with hospitals. Wearable devices can monitor vital signs and alert you to potential health issues.

Resource: EMS1 - Technology

Conclusion

EMS providers face numerous challenges and risks daily. By adhering to these safety tips and utilizing the available resources, EMS professionals can minimize risks and protect themselves while delivering critical care. Remember, your safety is just as important as the patients you serve.

The Department of Health is preparing to host a Volunteer Training Day. Attached you will find a copy of our Save the Date with a little information on the topics being presented. We welcome you to come join us for a day filled with education and networking opportunities. 

The Department of Health recognize the sacrifices our volunteers make and would like to take this opportunity to extend our gratitude for your efforts. We look forward to seeing you soon!

The Department of Health Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response

Thank you,

Statewide Emergency Registry of Volunteers in South Dakota

Upcoming courses:

Every minute of every day, incident responders put their lives at risk responding to traffic incidents. In the year 2020, even with significantly lower traffic, 46 responders were killed. In the year 2021, 65 responders were killed. 

The 4-hour National Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Responder Training course teaches every responder community how to safely and quickly clear traffic incidents. Traffic incident responders include emergency medical service (EMS), transportation and public works, fire and rescue, law enforcement, towing and recovery, and other professionals who support traffic incident management.

More about TIM training is on this website:  https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/tim/training/index.htm

Notice from Katie Fritz, Contracted Project Coordination Support, Division of Behavioral Health | SD Department of Social Services

A new funding opportunity is available for South Dakota-based organizations working to abate and alleviate the impacts of the opioid crisis and co-occurring substance use challenges in South Dakota communities. As you may be aware, over the next 18 years South Dakota will be receiving funding from the National Settlement Agreement involving a number of pharmaceutical companies. This funding is split between what is called the statewide share and the localized share. Department of Social Services in partnership with the Opioid Abuse Advisory Committee is utilizing 25% of the statewide share of the National Opioid Settlements to fund this grant program. 

Allowable activities must align with the Approved Uses for the Settlement Funds.

Please share this opportunity with your community-based partners. 
Applications are currently being accepted online, which can be accessed on the web page linked below. A FAQ document, budget template, and notes on preparing to apply are also available.  

https://dss.sd.gov/behavioralhealth/grantinfo.aspx
Settlements > Opioid Settlement Fund Community Grant Program

 Applications received by April 1st will be reviewed for funding beginning June 2024.

Here is the weekly update the last of the bills have filed with 258 House bills ad 220 Senate bills. Most everything is moving along at a steady pace. SB 114 will be heard on Tuesday Feb. 13^th at 10:00 in Room 412. Crossover day is February 21^st and the last day being March 4th. Remember please pass along and if you have any questions, or comments feel free to contact me. If a bill has had final considerations, I have highlighted them in the report.

EMS Day was a great success with 19 attendees for the picture with the Governor and Lt. Governor. For the social we had 15 EMT's and Paramedics, DOH-6, Sec. of Health-1, Lt. Governor-1, Avel-4, Healthcare Strategists-1, Stryker-3, Legislators-43, and Interns-8 for a total of 82. 

Any questions or comments please let me know.

Maynard Konechne Legislative chair

cell: 605-730-0462 

You are invited to attend the 11^th annual Avel eCare Emergency Airway Training Program powered by The Difficult Airway Course on April 25-26, 2024! Join us in Sioux Falls, SD, where world-class faculty from The Difficult Airway Course: Emergency™, and Avel eCare teaches the evidence-based, algorithmic approach to emergency airway management. This course provides advanced education in difficult and failed airway management. 

Event Information:
This event will be held at the Holiday Inn – City Centre in downtown Sioux Falls from 3:30-8pm on Thursday, April 25^th and 8am-4:30pm on Friday, April 26^th. Following the Thursday afternoon lectures from world-class faculty, there will be a tour of the Avel eCare hub along with a social hour with drinks and appetizers.  This will be a great opportunity for you to meet the physicians, nurses, and other team members behind the camera.

Registration Information:
Early bird pricing until February 1, 2024.
$800 - MDs, DOs, NP, PA’s/ $850 after Feb 1st
$400 - RN, EMT, RT, Paramedics/ $ 450 after Feb 1^st
Included in the registration fee is a light appetizer meal the evening of April 25^th, and breakfast and lunch on April 26^th. In an effort to keep costs manageable, this fee does not include the cost of the book. 

Learn more and register for the event here.
Registration is not finalized until payment is collected, please put attendee information as customer name during checkout.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the education team at education@avelecare.com.

South Dakota Department of Health Announces Grant Funding to Support Local Emergency Medical Services

PIERRE, SD – Today, the South Dakota Department of Health announced a new grant opportunity for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for the development and implementation of systems and solutions to support the sustainability of these critical services throughout South Dakota. This initiative is an outcome of the Regional Services Designation (RSD) analysis completed in 2023.

The initial grant application period is from Jan. 16, 2024, through March 15, 2024, with an anticipated notification of funding letter to be sent in late March. A second grant funding opportunity will open and be announced later this summer. Applicants seeking grant funding as part of this initiative must be knowledgeable in the report findings and incorporate components of the report into their grant application.

“This will be a competitive grant opportunity for our EMS providers across the state,” said EMS and Trauma Program Administrator, Marty Link. “The department will have approximately $7.5 million to distribute to these providers for a variety of activities that may include – but are not limited to – billing software solutions, supply procurement systems, workforce recruitment and retention, training programs, or the development and implementation of regional hubs.”

As part of the application, applicants must provide specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, relevant, and time-bound solutions for improving long-term sustainability of EMS in South Dakota. Funding for the grants must be obligated by the end of 2024, and grant recipients must spend the funding received by November 1, 2026.

“My team will also be providing educational seminars to address questions related to the grant application,” concluded Link. “Information and links to the seminars will be available on the DOH website.”

Grant applications must be submitted to DOHEMSgrants@state.sd.us.

The Department partnered with Healthcare Strategists to complete the assessment and report, which is the third piece of a $20 million infusion of funding into South Dakota’s emergency medical services infrastructure approved by Gov. Kristi Noem and legislators in 2022. This investment includes $11.6 million to replace current LIFEPAK 15 defibrillators and the $1.7 million Telemedicine in Motion initiative equipping ambulances with technology that connects EMS personnel to emergency room physicians and nurses during any type of service call. Governor Noem highlighted these efforts in her 2024 State of the State Address last week; you can find footage of those remarks here.

The Department of Health will be using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support this initiative. Grant recipients must comply with state and federal grant guidance as outlined in the application document and within the grant award.

For more information, please visit the DOH website.

At the heart of the Department of Health’s mission is a simple yet profound goal: to protect and improve the health of all South Dakotans. The department is entrusted with the vital task of promoting wellness, preventing disease, and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all South Dakotans across our great state.

The I/C Society sent out a note reminding EMS professionals to provide comments on the upcoming revision of the 2000 EMS Education Agenda for the Future: A Systems Approach. This new effort will apply the concepts of the EMS Agenda 2050 to EMS Education and the profession’s standing in the U.S. The output of this community effort will be EMS Education Agenda 2050, setting the path for the development of EMS clinicians of the future as identified in the EMS Agenda 2050. 

Fill out the survey. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 22, 2023

Sarah Feldman | 202.228.0371

Liz Timmons | 202.224.9241

 

Following Tester Efforts, VA Takes Action to Avoid Potential Reduction in Air and Ground Transportation Services 

VA delays rule that could have resulted in severe reductions in access to emergency ground and air transportation services in Montana

 

(Big Sandy, Mont.) – Following sustained efforts from U.S. Senator Jon Tester to protect rural veterans’ access to lifesaving emergency medical transportation services, the Department of Veterans Affairs is delaying a rule to change reimbursement rates for special mode transportation, including air and ground ambulances. This delay will give VA more time to work with stakeholders and Congress to implement the rule in a way that would ensure access and availability of emergency transportation to veterans and civilians, especially in rural America.

 

“The availability of emergency air and ground transportation services in Montana and rural America can be the difference between life and death,” said Tester, Chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “VA’s hasty implementation of its rate change for these services could have been the final straw for providers in rural America, and I’m glad to see VA answering my call and taking steps to fix this reimbursement issue. VA still has a lot more work to do, and I’ll continue pushing my VA Emergency Transportation Access Act to ensure VA gets this rule right for veterans and anyone who calls rural America home.”

 

VA’s rule was set to go into effect in February 2024, despite significant opposition from Tester, transportation providers, and Veteran Service Organizations. Now, VA is committing to delaying the rule’s effective date until February 2025, which would give the Department more time to work with providers to ensure the rule will not negatively impact their services and ability to serve veterans, especially those in rural and hard-to-reach areas. The previous implementation timeline of rate reductions could have resulted in emergency transportation providers severely reducing services, closing bases, or even billing veterans for the remainder of their costs in order to shoulder the financial impacts of this change.

 

Tester has led the bipartisan charge to push back on the Biden Administration’s proposed rule change and protect Montana veterans’ access to emergency medical transportation services since day one. In September 2022, he wrote to VA Secretary Denis McDonough to express his concerns with VA’s rule, and in February of this year, he called on the Secretary again to delay this rule. This September, he introduced the bipartisan VA Emergency Transportation Access Act to bar VA from reducing rates of pay and reimbursement for special mode transportation providers, including ground and air ambulances, unless the Department meets certain requirements that ensure rate changes will not reduce veterans’ access to this essential service.

 

The Senator also recently secured a bipartisan amendment to prohibit VA from implementing this rule in fiscal year 2024 to a key Senate bill that passed earlier this month.