If you’re looking for the EMS schedule, you can find it here: http://schedule.mikegeorge.net
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September 6th, 2009June 2010 Update to SOG’s
July 18th, 2010The AFD EMS SOG’s have been updated and published. Get a copy here: AFD EMS SOGs June 2010
FDA sees increasing number of insulin pump problems
March 10th, 2010The Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday it has seen an increasing number of hardware and software problems with insulin pumps, tiny devices worn by thousands of diabetics to deliver insulin. “Device problems critical to insulin pumps exist across manufacturers,” the agency said, noting there have been 18 recalls of devices over a five-year period, including recalls by a Roche Holding AG unit and Medtronic Inc. The FDA is convening an advisory panel of outside medical experts on Friday to discuss what actions might be taken to “minimize risks associated with the devices in these recall situations.” Background materials for the meeting were posted on the FDA’s Web site Wednesday. The agency didn’t single out specific manufacturers, which also include a Johnson & Johnson unit. Insulin pumps are primarily used by people with Type I diabetes.
Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703862704575099961829258070.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Broome County Spring EMS Courses
January 4th, 2010Visit http://www.gobroomecounty.com/e911/spring-2010-emergency-medical-services-courses for a complete listing of Spring courses being offered for EMT and CME-based refreshers.
Tioga County Flu Clinics
December 24th, 2009H1N1 SHOTS
TUESDAY, DEC. 29, 2009
9 AM – 1 PM
SEASONAL FLU SHOTS
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 30, 2009
9 AM – 2 PM
CALL 687-8600 FOR APPOINTMENT
TIOGA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Tioga County EMT-Basic Refresher Spring Class
December 4th, 2009EMT-Basic Refresher Spring Class Registration, Tuesday, December 8th at 6:30PM at the Public Safety Building. Call the Bureau of Fire to pre-register.
How small is small?
November 28th, 2009An interesting perspective on the relative size of microscopic organisms, bacteria and viruses:
Updated N95 Guidance and Information
November 28th, 2009The NYS DOH has released information on healthcare provider protection from 2009 novel H1N1 pandemic flu. It has become abundantly clear that the nationwide supply of respirator masks is limited in the context of the demand for them created by this pandemic. As a result, numerous healthcare organizations have reported difficulty getting necessary supplies from their usual suppliers. It is therefore important that all healthcare organizations, including EMS agencies, develop and implement clear “prioritized use” policies for their providers.
For purposes of implementing this guidance, Apalachin Fire Department’s policy for the 2009 – 2010 flu season is as follows:
When responding to any calls for “general illness” or “flu-like symptoms”:
- The first-arriving responder should stop at the front door and ask about flu symptoms. They include: fever (100 degrees F or higher), cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Children may also have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea in addition to respiratory symptoms. Any of these symptoms alone are not the flu.
- Since we are not able to distinguish H1N1 flu from seasonal flu in the pre-hospital setting, for purposes of implementing this policy, we will assume any persons exhibiting flu-like symptoms are infected with H1N1.
- If it is determined there is a likelihood of flu in the home, providers are to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) before entering the home. This includes gloves and the N100 respirators available on the ambulances. Minimize crew size. Keep the number of individuals involved in the call to the minimum necessary to treat and transport the patient. Others should wait outside and not get involved unless needed.
- The ambulance’s exhaust fan in the patient compartment should be used on the high setting for the duration of the call.
- The partition between the cab and the patient compartment should be closed. This will eliminate the need for the driver to wear gloves and respirator while driving.
- After the call, the ambulance passenger compartment should be cleaned and all exposed surfaces wiped down with a disinfectant. Wash your hands.
The goal of this policy is to protect our EMS workers while conserving our PPE. Should we begin to experience a shortage or see our supply being rapidly consumed, we will take necessary steps to replace the respirator supply and/or issue a “prioritized use” policy to help control their consumption.