In This Newsletter
Welcome to the October edition of our newsletter! As we enter Cyber Awareness Month, it’s a perfect time to focus on staying secure in the digital world. We also have some exciting articles lined up for you this month, covering the latest updates and important developments in EMS.
With Halloween just around the corner, it’s a time for both fun and safety. We hope you enjoy this month’s content, which includes helpful tips, upcoming events, and industry insights.
Stay tuned for all the details, and have a fantastic and safe October!
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Attention EMS Instructors: Update on Patient Contact Requirements
As part of the new EMS Instructor endorsement guidelines, we want to emphasize the change from tracking patient hours to requiring documented patient contacts. This shift ensures that instructors maintain active, hands-on experience in patient care.
To comply with the new requirements, instructors seeking to teach EMR, EMT, AEMT, or paramedic courses must now provide documentation of a minimum of 25 patient contacts within the prior year. This documentation must meet the following criteria:
- Agency Letterhead: The documentation must be provided on department or agency letterhead.
- Signature Requirement: It must be signed by the appropriate authority from the licensed or designated agency or emergency health care facility.
Additionally, all instructors seeking endorsement must submit a letter of recommendation that meets the following requirements:
- The letter must address both the instructor’s EMS skills and teaching abilities.
- It must be from a licensed or designated agency, on official department or agency letterhead, and signed by an authorized individual.
Both the patient contact documentation and the letter of recommendation are necessary for endorsement applications. Please ensure that you collect and submit the correct letters with your application to meet the updated standards.
For any questions or further assistance, feel free to reach out.
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The following documents will be released shortly
1. AEMT Student Minimum Competency Manaul
2. Course Coordinator Manual
3. BEMS Affective Behavior Assessment Form
4. BEMS Supplementary form for Affective Behavior Assessments
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Survey: Burnout Rate Among EMS Providers
Have you experienced burnout while working in EMS? Are you considering a career change? This survey is part of a follow-up study aimed at improving the work life of EMS personnel. Please take a few minutes to complete this 16-question survey. No identifying information will be collected, and your responses will remain confidential. Thank you for your participation!
Click here to take the survey.
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The Utah Newborn Safe Haven Law: What You Need to Know
The Utah Newborn Safe Haven Law is a law that lets birth parents or someone they choose to legally and anonymously give up custody of their newborn at any hospital in Utah. This law was made to prevent unsafe abandonments of newborns.
Why would someone use the Safe Haven Law?
There are many reasons why someone might hide their pregnancy and not want to keep their baby. They might be afraid of being judged or rejected. They might not have the resources to raise a child. Or they might not be in a situation where they can be a parent.
What happens when a baby is surrendered?
When a newborn is dropped off at a Utah hospital, they will be cared for by hospital staff. The Utah Division of Child and Family Services will find a safe and loving home for the baby.
What should you do if you come across a situation where someone is surrendering a baby?
Always accept the baby! No matter where you are, you are not required to ask questions. Babies that are surrendered need to be taken to the emergency room as soon as possible.
For more information:
Visit https://utahsafehaven.org/ or email utahnewbornsafehaven@gmail.com
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NATIONAL REGISTRY INFORMATION
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THE NEW AEMT & PARAMEDIC EXAMINATIONS
IMPORTANT TIMELINES AND INFORMATION
Key information about the timing of the new examinations and the associated fees.
ABOUT THE EXAMINATIONS
Information about the content, types of items, Clinical Judgment Domain Sample Packet, AEMT items, and Paramedic items.
CANDIDATE PATHWAYS
Specific information about various candidate pathways related to current cognitive examinations, psychomotor examinations and the new AEMT and Paramedic certification examinations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The most commonly asked questions about the examination requirements and other related information.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Important dates for future presentations at key EMS meetings.
Click on any one of these home page links, and you will be directed to a single page with important information on AEMT and Paramedic certification.
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Recertification Fees Remain the Same in 2024
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National Registry Recertification window is open!
The National Registry is excited to announce that the Recertification window is now open for all EMTs, AEMTs and Paramedics who are due to recertify by March 31, 2025! You are receiving this email to ensure you are up to date with important information pertaining to this Recertification window.
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We are pleased to inform you that we’ve made significant updates to the Recertification Application process that will benefit the clinicians you oversee and make your approval process more efficient.
Here are the key improvements:
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Streamlined Application: We’ve simplified the process by removing unnecessary steps, allowing clinicians to complete their applications faster.
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Reduced ConED Questions: We’ve reduced the number of questions related to continuing education (ConED), speeding up the application submission.
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Automagic Course Assignment: The CAPCE Import tool now automatically assigns courses to the NCCP domains, minimizing manual input for clinicians.
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Submission Assurance: In most cases, if a clinician forgets to submit their application, it will be submitted automatically once all sections of the application have been completed. You can focus on your role without worrying about incomplete submissions.
All these changes are designed to enhance your experience. To see an overview of these features, please watch this short video:
Recertification Improvements Video
You can start benefiting from these updates right now by logging into your account.
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All Utah Licensed Providers who are State Only Users with NREMT
Regardless if you have tested with NREMT or not, every licensed provider in the State of Utah has an account with the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). National Registry expirations date will always fall on March 31st of what ever year is your second year from receiving your NREMT. All licensed providers are required to recertify with the National Registry every two years. A provider’s state license may not expire the same time as your National Registry, so it is up to each individual provider to know when their expiration date is with the National Registry. If you are a state only user, and you allow the National Registry to expire, you will have to follow the recertification process outline by the National Registry. This means you will at a minimum be required to take the written test, along with the psychomotor exam depending on your level of licensure. If you do not recertify with National Registry, and your state licensure expires will not be renewed.
You can find more information here to read the Lapsed EMS License Hot Sheet.
EMT Re-entry Pathway
AEMT Re-entry Pathway
Paramedic Re-entry Pathway
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ED Overcrowding Is Not Just an American Problem
By: Larry Beresford
Emergency department overcrowding, manifested by filled ER bays, overflowing waiting rooms, patients boarding in the department for days because there’s no available bed that can take them, other patients treated in bathrooms or in the back of ambulances, or else parked on gurneys pushed against the wall in ER hallways, is widely reported in the US. However, it is a public health concern in many countries, even though they have very different healthcare systems and funding mechanisms.
In many of these cases, you’ll find ambulance crews juggling ambulance diversion or emergency department closures, biding their time leaning against the wall or else ramping outside the ER, parked in the hospital’s driveway or parking lot because they can’t hand over the patient they are trying to deliver so they can move on to their next emergency out on the streets.
Click here for full article.
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Rural NC EMS System Adapts as Hurricane Helene Overwhelmed Resources
Garry Pomerleau shares his first-hand account of working through a major disaster.
By: Garry Pomerleau
September 26, 2024, started like most days in the mountains of North Carolina. There were warnings of Hurricane Helene being stronger than anticipated.
I was at home in North Cove, a small community north of Marion, running errands with my wife. I started to see significant water accumulation in the hours leading up to the actual arrival of Helene.
While we prepared for a weather event, and many conversations were had about Hurricane Frances in 2004 that caused significant damage to the area, we never imagined the ensuring carnage that was going to strike Western North Carolina.
As day broke, the winds and rain and trees falling continued with minimal 911 calls until 8 a.m. That’s when the announcement was made the 911 center was offline due to phone lines and internet connectivity being cut.
We were now receiving calls from 911 call center that was being routed and processed by another center 300 miles away from the county. We listened to calls for service where we couldn’t get to the victim because of road conditions and inaccessibility. By 10 a.m., we had to just shut down and wait for the storm to pass.
Click here for full study.
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Instructor Course Waitlist
Are you trying to get into an EMS Instructor course that is full? You can use the QR code or link tab to put your name on the waitlist. This is only for webinar courses that are currently full. You will most likely be notified the morning of the course in the event there is a “no show”. This is not intended to sign you up for a course that has available seats. All providers must sign up through their own account at emslicense.utah.gov. The state will not register anyone for any upcoming courses with available seats prior to the closing dates for registration.
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Utah EMS & PSAP Coordination Call (Quarterly)
- This meeting providers updates from the state in regards to EMS (education/training, legislation updates, etc)
- Virtually
- Next Meeting November 21, 2024
- Occurs every 3 months on 3rd Thursday
- 11 am-12 pm
- Video call link: https://meet.google.com/tnv-fvea-nsy
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21st Annual Utah Trauma Network
Registration Now Open!
The annual conference brings together trauma care providers from around the state of Utah. Join us to learn about the recent advances in trauma care from expert speakers!
This year the Utah Trauma Network Conference is being held in conjunction with the Utah Pediatric Trauma Network Conference at the Blair Education Center in Park City Utah. Attendees will have the opportunity to register individually for the Utah Trauma Network Conference, or both conferences on the same registration site.
When?
Thursday, Oct 24, 2024, 08:00 AM
Where?
Blair Education Center, 900 Round Valley Dr, Park City, UT 84060, USA
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Utah Pediatric Trauma Network
Registration Now Open!
The annual conference brings together trauma care providers from around the state of Utah. Join us to learn about the recent advances in trauma care from expert speakers!
This year the Utah Trauma Network Conference is being held in conjunction with the Utah Pediatric Trauma Network Conference at the Blair Education Center in Park City Utah. Attendees will have the opportunity to register individually for the Utah Trauma Network Conference, or both conferences on the same registration site.
When?
Friday, Oct 25, 2024, 08:00 AM
Where?
Blair Education Center, 900 Round Valley Dr, Park City, UT 84060, USA
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Initial EMS Instructor Course, IS2023200
Time: 0800-1800
Location: Webinar
When?
Tuesday, Dec 3, 2024, 08:00 AM
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Initial Course Coordinator Course, CC2023215
Time: 0800-1400
Location: Webinar
When?
Thursday, Dec 5, 2024, 08:00 AM
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Initial Training Officer Course, TO2023223
Time: 1430-1730
Location: Webinar
When?
Thursday, Dec 5, 2024, 02:30 PM
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Standardized Pediatric Education Course Update
Our EMSC program has moved from providing PEPP courses to EPC (Emergency Pediatric Care) courses. EPC is through the NAEMT, which co-authored the PEPP textbook. The goal is to certify all (who are interested) EMS agencies PECCs as EPC instructors under the state’s NAEMT training center by the end of 2025. This will provide a network of instructors to better serve the state’s pediatric standardized course license requirements and increase our state’s pediatric readiness. If your agency is interested or have questions, contact Jared Wright jaredwright@utah.gov for more information.
The pediatric standardized course list for EMS licensure stayed the same. We still accept PEPP, PALS, EPC, HandTevy, ect.
Pediatric Emergency and Trauma Outreach Series (PETOS) to EMS providers
Utah EMS for Children (EMSC), Primary Children’s Hospital (PCH), and Utah Telehealth Network (UTN) have partnered to offer the Pediatric Emergency and Trauma Outreach Series (PETOS) to EMS providers.
This course provides one free CME from the Utah Bureau of EMS for EMTs and paramedics. The lectures are presented by physicians and pediatric experts from Primary Children’s Hospital. The format is informal, inviting questions and discussion.
Join us on Zoom each 2nd Monday at 02:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/98193757707?pwd=UzdNeXppQUdtZ01KZUp2UFlzRk9vdz09
Meeting ID: 981 9375 7707
Password: EmscPCH
Archived presentations can be viewed and also qualify for CME. Access at https://intermountainhealthcare.org/primary-childrens/classes-events/petos
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MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP
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Hero Link Bridges the Gap Between Technology and Live-Saving Resources
By: Carol Brzozowski
Law enforcement, firefighters, and paramedics often respond to emergency situations that may include stabbings, gunshots, robberies, and burglaries in progress. And at the end of their shift, everyone wants to return home safely. But suppose something does happen that renders a first responder unable to communicate. In that case, two Sheriff deputies from Charlotte County, Florida invented a wristband that may make a difference in the health outcome of that individual. Hero Link is an adjustable silicone waterproof and fire-resistant wristband that provides information with the ‘tap’ of a smartphone: age, height, weight, place of employment, medical history, surgical history, allergies, medications, mental illnesses, blood type, donor status, emergency contacts, mental health resources, and primary physician contact information.
The person rendering the aid ‘taps’ a Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled smartphone to the Hero Link band logo. On the iPhone, a firm back top-middle tap of the phone is required to access the Hero Link logo. On Android, it requires a firm back-middle tap of the phone to the Hero Link Logo.
Click here for full study.
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National Registry Useful Links and Resources
The National Registry provided BEMS useful links for a number of resources. It will be posted on the Bureau’s website under Personnel Resources. You can find it in the EMS Professional Licensure under the helpful resources.
Click here to go to website.
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2023 Utah EMS Protocol Guidelines
Great news!! The 2023 Utah EMS Protocol Guidelines have been updated and published to the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services website.
Click here to access.
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Professional Conduct & Code of Ethics for EMS Providers
BEMS has a state-wide policy on the Professional Conduct & Code of Ethics for all EMS Providers.
This policy can be found at https://ems.utah.gov/ regulations – laws/rules/fee’s.
Click here for the policy
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Lapsed EMS License Hot Sheet
In response to a number of questions regarding the process for lapsed licenses, EMSP created a guide that will walks you through the steps to renew your provider license. The document is located on the EMSP’s website under EMS Professional Licensure, then scroll down to RENEW LICENSE or click the link below.
If you should find any errors or you have some recommendations, please feel free to send those to Robert or Rachel: robertstirling@utah.gov or rachelstewart@utah.gov
Click here to access the hot sheet
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Rural EMS Liaisons Contact and County Information
Marcy Willits
801-541-5740
mwillits1@utah.gov
Sanpete, Millard, Sevier, Beaver, Piute, Wayne, Garfield, Iron, Kane, Washington Counties.
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Linda Simmons
435-459-1549
lindasimmons@utah.gov
San Juan, Grand, Emery, Carbon, Uintah, Duchesne, Daggett, Summit, Wasatch Counties
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Dan Camp
801-560-2821
dcamp@utah.gov
Tooele, Juab, Morgan, Box Elder, Cache, Rich Counties
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COMMITTEE/SUB-COMMITTEE VACANCIES
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State EMS Committee
There are the positions currently open for applications:
- surgeon who actively provides trauma care at a hospital
- representative from private ambulance provider
- representative from an ambulance provider that is neither privately owned nor operated by a fire department
- director of a law enforcement agency that provides emergency medical services
- hospital administrator
Apply for EMS Committee here.
Professional Development Subcommittee
The professional development subcommittee has a vacancy for the following:
- REMSDAU Representative
- University or College Representative
- EMS Medical Director
- Fire Department Representative-Urban
- Fire Department Representative-Rural
Click here for application/directions.
Operations Subcommittee
The operations subcommittee has a vacancy for the following:
- AEMT
- Private EMS
- Paramedic
- Rural Agency Administrator
- RN
Click here for application/directions.
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“If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For passion will lead you right into your purpose.”
-T.D. Jakes
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