Recent Changes for First Response Agencies The New York State Department of Health, Bureau of EMS has recently asked all EMS First Response agencies within the state to update their status in order to be eligible for free EMT and Certified First Responder training.  Those agencies that have complied with the request are still eligible.  Those who have not complied are no longer eligible for the free training.  Members of these agencies should check with their chief or training officer before filling out agency verification forms.  For those agencies who no longer are eligible the agency or the member must pay for the course.  If you have any questions about this please feel free to call Michael Walton at 845-615-0466 or 361-4035. EMT-B Original and Refresher for the Fall of 2012 These courses will be posted in June. New Protocol and Practicals Approved by the NYS-DOH, Bureau of EMS. The Bureau of EMS has just published new protocols and practicals which must be implemented as of August 1, 2011.  Protocol changes have been implemented in the following areas: Adult Cardiac Related Problems M-5.  There are major changes in how much aspirin and nitroglycerin to be administered, and checking whether the patient has used erectile disfunction medication in the last 72 hours. In the Adult and Pediatric Respiratory Arrest/Failure M-12 & 13, ventilation rates have changed and BVM volume for peds must be 450-500 ml.  The Cardiac Arrest Adult and Pediatric M-14 is entirely new to reflect the new changes in CPR.  In the Bleeding T-2 protocol, elevation has been taken out and Hemostatic Gauze Dressings and Tourniquets have been added. Field triage decision shemes have been added to the Adult and Pediatric Major Trauma protocols T-6 & 7.   Finally, in the Emergency Childbirth, Resuscitation and Stablization of the Newborn SC-3, changes have been made so that Suctioning of newborns is only to be done if the airway is obstructed or artificial ventilations are needed.  If respirations are depressed or absent before using supplemental oxygen you must rub the infants lower back, snap the bottom of the feet, clear the airway by suctioning, insert an airway, and ventilate without oxygen.  If the pulse rate drops below 100 beats per minute after doing all of that then you can ventilate with supplemental oxygen.  Also the ventilation rates have changed from 30-60/minute to 40-60/minute. There are also new pratical exam sheets for Cardiac Arrest Management AED (3) and Bleeding Control/Shock Management (6D). All agencies should put together some training for their members to bring them up to speed on these new protocols.  If you need help or more information call Michael Walton at 615-0466 or 361-4035. New Educational Standards Curriculum We have been informed by the NYSDOH, Bureau of EMS that we will be teaching the new standards for the fall 2012 classes.  We anticipate that it will add about another 25 hours to the program sponsored by the Orange County Division of EMS.  There is more emphasis on pathophysiology then there was in the old curriculum as well as other added information on such things as ventilators, CPR devices, different types of oxygen masks, etc.  There will be minimal changes in practical work done in the class.  All classes testing after December 20, 2012 will be tested on the new standards.  This will also entail changes to the protocols.  We have been told that the new curriculum is what is contained in the text books put out by the major publishers such as Brady.  So it you want to get a peek at what you are in for get hold of one of the new texts such as the Emergency Care 12th edition by Brady.  Those taking a refresher course will be allowed to challenge, but they will have added mandatory sessions to go over the new material since it will be on the January State Exam.  More information will be coming down from the Bureau of EMS.  If  you have any questions please call Michael Walton at 615-0466 or 361-4035.