EMS on AIR

This month marks the one-year anniversary of the EMS on AIR Podcast! During this brief episode, we reflect on what we’ve achieved in our first year, as well as what we have planned for the near future.  We’re currently in season 2, which kicked off in October of 2020 with a primary focus on stroke, although we met some new friends along the way that are helping EMS prevent infant sleep related deaths. 

Season 2 will return in mid-April and run until June 2021 and we have at least another five to ten episodes lined up.  This includes interviews with experts from the American Stroke Association, Biospatial, CarterKits.com and other cool and interesting people and organizations.  In addition, we will also bring you content focused on the emotional, mental and physical well-being of first responders.  And, of course, we will continue to give you COVID-19 and vaccine updates, as needed.

Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and download the EMSonAIR Impact Report.

Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.

Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at EMSonAIR@gmail.com

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

This episode is the fourth in a four-part series focusing on EMS patient care reports, or PCRs.  This series has been developed in collaboration with the Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA) and various EMS providers as a way of providing information and guidance to EMS agencies and personnel.  Although we reference the OCMCA and our local and State EMS protocols, this series is beneficial to all EMS agencies and providers. 

In this episode, we discuss the value of EMS PCRs.  Primarily, our goal is to increase EMS’ appreciation and awareness of the value and relevance of EMS patient care documentation, as well as how to implement best practices into their work.  To accomplish the goal, our guests help us list and describe the use of various EMS narrative writing methods including SOAP, CHART, the chronological method and DRATT.  Then, we’ll list and describe the minimum information that should be included in the ePCR narrative of every EMS transport of a patient, as well as the additional information required for an EMS transport of patients with time sensitive emergencies.  Finally, we’ll list and describe the minimum information that should be included in the ePCR narrative of every patient care refusal, as well as what must be included in the ePCR narrative of every EMS patient pronounced on scene.

Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details.  Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.  Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. 

Geoff Lassers, Paramedic EMS-IC (QI@ocmca.org)
Host, EMS on AIR Podcast
EMS System Manager, Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA)
Firefighter / Paramedic, West Bloomfield Fire Department
American CME, Director of Education

Guests:
Emily Bergquist, MSA, Paramedic, EMS-IC (BergquistE@michigan.gov)
State of Michigan MCA Coordinator, MDHHS, BETP

Emily Baker, BS, Paramedic, EMS-IC (emily.holstine@ascension.org)
EMS Coordinator, Ascension Providence Southfield
CQI Supervisor, Alliance Mobile Health.

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

This episode is the third in a four-part series focusing on EMS patient care reports, or PCRs.  This series has been developed in collaboration with the Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA) and various EMS providers as a way of providing information and guidance to EMS agencies and personnel.  Although we reference the OCMCA and our local and State EMS protocols, this series is beneficial to all EMS agencies and providers.  In this episode, we discuss the value of EMS PCRs.  Primarily, our goal is to increase EMS’ appreciation and awareness of the value and relevance of EMS patient care documentation, as well as how to implement best practices into their work.  To accomplish the goal, our guests help us list and describe the terminology related to PCR data entry.  Then, we list and describe the minimum data elements that must be completed in the PCR of an EMS transport of a patient.  From there, we’ll discuss the additional elements required in the PCR of an EMS transport patients with time sensitive emergencies.  We round out the discussion by listing and describing the minimum data elements that must be completed in the PCR of an EMS patient care refusal, an EMS patient Dead on Scene and an EMS Termination of Resuscitation in the field.

Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details.  Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.  Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. 

Geoff Lassers, Paramedic EMS-IC (QI@ocmca.org)
Host, EMS on AIR Podcast
EMS System Manager, Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA)
Firefighter / Paramedic, West Bloomfield Fire Department
American CME, Director of Education

Guests:

Bonnie Kincaid (Bonnie@ocmca.org)
Executive Director, Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA)

Emily Bergquist, MSA, Paramedic, EMS-IC (BergquistE@michigan.gov)
State of Michigan MCA Coordinator, MDHHS, BETP

Emily Baker, BS, Paramedic, EMS-IC (emily.holstine@ascension.org)
EMS Coordinator, Ascension Providence Southfield
CQI Supervisor, Alliance Mobile Health

John Theut, MS, Paramedic, EMS-IC (Qi@ocmca.org)
QA/QI Coordinator, Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA)
Shift Captain / EMS Coordinator, Ferndale Fire Department.

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

This episode is the second in a four-part series focusing on EMS patient care reports, or PCRs.  This series has been developed in collaboration with the Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA) and various EMS providers as a way of providing information and guidance to EMS agencies and personnel.  Although we reference the OCMCA and our local and State EMS protocols, this series is beneficial to all EMS agencies and providers.  In this episode, we discuss the value of EMS PCRs.  Primarily, our goal is to increase EMS’ appreciation and awareness of the value and relevance of EMS patient care documentation, as well as how to implement best practices into their work.  To accomplish the goal, our guests help us aappreciate the hierarchy and role of laws related to EMS documentation, administrative rules, EMS protocols, and agency policies and how they all work in concert to cultivate quality and consistency amongst EMS patient care documentation.  Then, we’ll list and describe applicable protocols related to drafting and submitting EMS patient care records. 

Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details.  Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.  Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. 

Geoff Lassers, Paramedic EMS-IC (QI@ocmca.org)
Host, EMS on AIR Podcast
EMS System Manager, Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA)
Firefighter / Paramedic, West Bloomfield Fire Department
American CME, Director of Education

Guests:

Bonnie Kincaid (Bonnie@ocmca.org)
Executive Director, Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA)

Emily Bergquist, MSA, Paramedic, EMS-IC (BergquistE@michigan.gov)
State of Michigan MCA Coordinator, MDHHS, BETP

Emily Baker, BS, Paramedic, EMS-IC (emily.holstine@ascension.org)
EMS Coordinator, Ascension Providence Southfield
CQI Supervisor, Alliance Mobile Health

John Theut, MS, Paramedic, EMS-IC (Qi@ocmca.org)
QA/QI Coordinator, Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA)
Shift Captain / EMS Coordinator, Ferndale Fire Department

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

This episode is the first in a four-part series focusing on EMS patient care reports, or PCRs.  This series has been developed in collaboration with the Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA) and various EMS providers as a way of providing information and guidance to EMS agencies and personnel.  Although we reference the OCMCA and our local and State EMS protocols, this series is beneficial to all EMS agencies and providers.  In this episode, we discuss the value of EMS PCRs.  Primarily, our goal is to increase EMS’ appreciation and awareness of the value and relevance of EMS patient care documentation, as well as how to implement best practices into their work.  To accomplish the goal, our guests help us:  Appreciate the value of consistency and quality when drafting a PCR.  Then, we’ll list and describe benefits experienced by patients, EMS providers, EMS agencies or systems and hospitals regarding consistency and quality when drafting a PCR.  And finally, describe current data and trends identified in PCR quality assurance and quality improvement initiatives found throughout Michigan and the US.

Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details.  Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.  Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. 

Geoff Lassers, Paramedic EMS-IC (QI@ocmca.org)
Host, EMS on AIR Podcast
EMS System Manager, Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA)
Firefighter / Paramedic, West Bloomfield Fire Department
American CME, Director of Education

Guests:
Bonnie Kincaid (Bonnie@ocmca.org)
Executive Director, Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA)

Emily Bergquist, MSA, Paramedic, EMS-IC (BergquistE@michigan.gov)
State of Michigan MCA Coordinator, MDHHS, BETP

Emily Baker, BS, Paramedic, EMS-IC (emily.holstine@ascension.org)
EMS Coordinator, Ascension Providence Southfield
CQI Supervisor, Alliance Mobile Health

John Theut, MS, Paramedic, EMS-IC (Qi@ocmca.org)
QA/QI Coordinator, Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA)
Shift Captain / EMS Coordinator, Ferndale Fire Department

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode, we welcome Dave Roth, DrPH, BSN, RN and Samantha DeMont, BSN RN.  Dave is the Oakland County Public Health Nursing Supervisor as well as the Health Division Safe Sleep Coordinator and the Coordinator for the Fetal and Infant Mortality Review, or FIMR.  Samantha is an Oakland County Public Health Nurse and FIMR Parent Interviewer.  Dave and Samantha have tough jobs, as they are all too familiar with infant mortality and preventable infant sleep related deaths.  Part of their job is to know the incidence, occurrences and circumstances of infant deaths in Oakland County, Michigan.  They are most familiar with our local data, so it makes sense to bring them into the fold to help guide us towards understanding the problem in our back yard.  Understanding the problem and appreciating what we can do to solve it is vitally important. 

Today, Dave and Sam lend their expertise and data help us appreciate what is at stake for newborns sleeping in unsafe situations.  Then, they describe what Oakland County Health is doing to limit preventable infant deaths in Oakland County, Michigan.  We finish off our discussion by describing how Oakland County Health is helping to implement DOSE into as many EMS agencies and systems, as possible. 

To learn more about how you can implement DOSE or to obtain more info, go to their website, www.DOSEprogram.com.

Guest contact info:
Dave Roth, DrPH, BSN, RN: rothd@oakgov.com
Samantha DeMont, BSN RN:  demonts@oakgov.com

Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details.

Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.

Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Samantha Mishra DO, MPH and Terrie S. Godde, M.Ed., CCP, Paramedic-IC to talk about how EMS agencies in Michigan can easily and painlessly adopt and implement DOSE with the full backing of the State of Michigan EMS for Children Program.  Sam is the EMS for Children Coordinator for the State of Michigan and her job is to support EMS agencies with access to information, programs and resources that will make them better prepared for pediatric emergencies.  Terrie is the State of Michigan EMS Education Coordinator and she oversees the initial and ongoing education standards for EMS in Michigan.  Today, our guests will help us appreciate what is at stake for newborns sleeping in unsafe situations.  Then, they’ll describe what the State of Michigan EMS system is doing to limit preventable infant deaths by providing support and resources to EMS agencies to adopt and implement DOSE.  To learn more about how you can implement DOSE or to obtain more info, go to their website, www.DOSEprogram.com. 

Guest contact info:

• Terrie Godde: GoddeT@michigan.gov
• Dr. Samantha Mishra:  MishraS@michigan.gov

Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. 

Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.

Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

This episode is an update of the recent changes made to the Oakland County Medical Control Authority Emergency EMS Protocols. As of January 28, 2021, emergency protocols 11-1 and 11-2 have been modified.  Please review these protocols to assure you understand the intent, purpose and process of each.  You can access the protocols via the OCMCA EMS Protocol App, which is free and available for all apple iOS and android devices.  Or go to www.OCMCA.org/protocols.  Contact your EMS coordinator or the OCMCA if you have any questions about the changes to these protocols

The following OCMCA EMS Emergency Protocols have been updated as of January 28, 2021:

• 11-1 Personal Protection During Treatment of Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Decontamination of Equipment after Use
• 11-2 Treatment of Cardiac Arrest for Patients Screened Positive for COVID-19

Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. 

Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.

Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

This episode is yet another COVID Vaccine Update from our resident experts Steve McGraw, D.O. and Dr. Russell Faust, MD, PhD.  Steve and Russ are both considered experts in their respective fields and they’re back to give us a COVID-19 vaccine update, as well as answer recent questions from the EMS and hospital communities.  Most importantly, all of their answers are based in the latest scientific data and literature that clearly demonstrates the safety of the current COVID vaccines that are currently available. 

Dr. Russel Faust is the Medical Director of Oakland County Health located in Pontiac, Michigan.  And Dr. Steve McGraw is an ED physician at Ascension Providence Hospitals in both Southfield and Novi, Michigan, as well as the EMS medical director of the Oakland County Medical Control Authority EMS Medical Director which provides oversight to 50 EMS agencies.  Together, these guys have been major part of EMS’ understanding and response throughout the entire COVID-19 pandemic. 

List of questions for the doctors:

• Should I get a second dose of the vaccine if I had an allergic reaction to the first dose?
• Are patients still delaying their care because of fear of the virus at the hospital
• Rapid COVID-19 tests - How inaccurate are they?  (NO!)
• Situation:  An EMS provider has a direct exposure to a COVID positive person. The EMS provider was not wearing a mask around the person.
  • How long should they wait to get tested?  
  • What type of test should they get?
    
    

Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details.

Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.

Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode we talk about something that is a little bit uncomfortable for most people.  It’s something that we all do, but we don’t like to talk about, because it might make us feel ashamed, or guilt.  Or maybe we don’t want to talk about it because we don’t want to damage our reputation or a fragile ego.  I’m talking about making a mistake.  Every single person that will ever listen to this podcast has made or will make a mistake at some point in their life and all of their careers.  This is especially true for EMS providers, because the imperfect world of emergency services is inherently fraught with the potential for error.  Being an EMS provider means taking care of people that are sick and or injured in an environment that is in a constant state of unknown, and/or change.  That’s not exactly a set of conditions that lends itself to mistake free system.  Remember, mistakes happen and you’re only human.  What matters is what we do after we make a mistake. 

Today, we welcome back Emily Bergquist MSA, EMT-P, EMS-IC, (email: BergquistE@michigan.gov) the Medical Control Authority Coordinator for the State of Michigan Bureau of EMS, Trauma and Preparedness.  She is the one at the State EMS office that works on all of the protocols and provides support to assure that the multitude of Michigan’s EMS systems function the way that they’re supposed to.  In addition, Emily spends quite a bit of time investigating situations where an EMS provider, crew and/or an agency has made a mistake.  Emily is here to give us her professional advice regarding the best practices an EMS provider should take after making a mistake either on or off duty. 

Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. 

Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.

Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode we’ll introduce you to Samantha Mishra DO, MPH.  Dr. Mishra, or Sam as she prefers to be called, is the EMS for Children Coordinator for the State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.  Sam is here to tell us what the EMS for Children Program is, what it does and how you can get prepared for your next pediatric emergency.

Specifically, we’ll discuss the intent and purpose of the EMS for Children Program, as well as appreciate the importance of maintaining a state of readiness regarding pediatric emergencies.  Finally, we’ll describe why it’s so important that one person from each and every EMS agency across the entire United States and its territories should complete the EMS for Children Program survey.  The word survey can be tough to digest and see how it can be beneficial, but we’ll convince you that it’s worth your agencies time to get this one done. 

Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. 

Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.

Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode, Dr. Steve McGraw and Dr. Russell Faust are back to answer more questions from the EMS and hospital communities about the COVID-19 vaccinations.  Russ and Steve are both considered experts in their respective fields and they are back to break down the latest info about the COVID-19 vaccinations with a nice clean update.  As always, everything you hear during this episode is based in the latest scientific data and literature. 

List of questions for the doctors:

• Have the vaccines caused any changes in return-to-work rules?
• Why is it important to get as many COVID-19 vaccines as possible in as many arms as possible, as soon as possible?
• Do I have antibodies after I’ve received my COVID-19 vaccination?
• Will I have a positive COVID-19 test after I receive the vaccine?
• What’s up with these COVID-19 variants?  What is a variant?  Are they dangerous? 

Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details.

Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.

Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode, we sit down with Randall Hawkins, the National Sales Director of GD.  Randall is here to discuss the importance of reliable, clear communication between EMS and the hospital.  Specifically, we’ll compare and contrast traditional EMS communication technology and tools versus the new mobile tele-health tech that has been becoming more popular and affordable over the last 5-10 years.  Then, we’ll discuss how the OCMCA is leveling up their game by introducing a new mobile tele-health platform by way of their brand-new Electronic Communications Special Study, or eComs for short. 

Communication technology has come a long way and it’s only getting better, cheaper and more reliable.  Instead of trying to stick to traditional communication tech, the OCMCA is testing out the use a telemedicine application called e-Bridge.  This application offers several features including live video streaming and voice and text communication. It is also capable of EMS tracking with live ETA, and specialized burn, STEMI, stroke, sepsis, and trauma functions. They can even customize pretty much any type of alert notification you can think of.  GD’s e-Bridge also offers seamless integration into CAREpoint, which is used by many hospitals throughout the nation. 

Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. 

Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.

Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

Over the past decade, numerous advances have been made in the treatment of stroke patients.  During that time, stroke center designations have evolved.  Designating bodies across the US generally recognize four stroke center levels. These four levels have been created in collaboration with the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. Starting with the highest level of care, they include:

• Comprehensive stroke centers 
• Thrombectomy capable stroke centers
• Primary stroke centers
• Acute stroke ready hospitals

In this episode, we sit down with two stroke experts from Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital.  Dr. John Whapham, MD, MS, FAAN, FSNIS, the Medical Director of Neuro Interventional Surgery, and Amanda Kalinsky, MS, AGACNP-BC, RN, CCRN, Nurse Practitioner and the Stroke and Neuroscience Program Manager.  They are here to discuss what it takes for a hospital to advance its stroke center capabilities and designation.  Specifically, their hospital is going through the process advancing from a Primary designation to a Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center designation. 

Both guests have experience with advancing a hospitals stroke center designation.  They are currently completing the process of advancing from a Primary designation to a Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center designation.  They’ll help us appreciate what it takes for a hospital to advance their stroke center certification.  In addition, they’ll give us their opinion on the use of stroke severity scales by EMS to identify and measure potential strokes.  Finally, we list and describe key things that every EMS crew should consider each time they encounter a potential stroke patient. 

Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. 

Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.

Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode, we welcome Emily Bergquist, MSA, Paramedic I/C (BergquistE@michigan.gov) to compare and contrast Michigan to other US state EMS systems.  Emily is the Medical Control Authority Coordinator for the State of Michigan Bureau of EMS, Trauma and Preparedness.  She is the one at the State EMS office that works on all of the protocols and supports the MCAs to assure that the multitude of Michigan’s EMS systems function the way that they’re supposed to. 

The spectrum of EMS system styles, organizational structures, and response methods in this country is vast.  In addition, each system faces a unique set of conditions, such as the specific geographic area, the citizen demographics, the number and level of EMS personnel, the number of hospitals, and the distance between citizens and the hospitals.  This is why there’s so much truth behind the old saying, “If you’ve seen one EMS system, you’ve seen one EMS system.”  This sentiment couldn’t be truer in the State of Michigan. 

In Michigan, our State EMS office communicates with the various constituent EMS systems, agencies and providers by way of a Medical Control Authority, or an MCA.  An MCA is a quasi-governmental body that maintains EMS standards, regulations and protocols within a defined geographic area.  Per the state law, an MCA is funded by all of the hospitals within that geographic area that receive EMS patients.  In a bit of an oversimplification, an MCAs job is to coordinate the EMS system and establish written protocols for its EMS agencies as well as ensure physicians, hospital staff, and providers are educated on the protocols.  This is a very unique structure with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. 

Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details.

Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.

Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode, Dr. Ethan Brandler discusses the S-LAMS stroke severity scale that is currently being used by the New York City Fire Department.  Dr. Brandler is an associate professor of emergency medicine at Stony Brook University Hospital and he is also the Associate Medical Director of the university-based EMS system which provides 911 and critical care services. He also provides online medical control for the NYFD EMS service and is the medical director for various EMS agencies around his home in Long Island, New York. He even responds to calls as a paramedic in his hometown of Plainvew, New York.  

When he’s not working in the hospital, teaching or going on calls as a paramedic, Dr. Brandler spends time conducting research on behalf of EMS and stroke.  His efforts have produced multiple published papers on the topic of EMS and the use of stroke severity scales, specifically on the S-LAMS scale.  In this episode, Dr. Brandler discusses a lot of very important and interesting things, but primarily he describes why NYFD EMS stroke protocols were updated to include stroke severity scales.  In addition, he walks us through their stroke protocol, the use of S-LAMS, how NYFD prepared to implement the updated stroke protocols into operation and, most importantly, he talks about the real life benefits their stroke patients are experiencing.  If you want to get a hold of Dr. Brandler you can email him at Ethan.brandler@stonybrookmedicine.edu

Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details.

Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.

Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/emsonair?fan_landing=true)

In this episode, Dr. Steve McGraw and Dr. Russell Faust are back to answer more questions from the EMS and hospital communities.  In episode 11 (launched Dec 15, 2020) of this season, Dr. McGraw and Dr. Faust laid out all the questions they’ve been receiving about the COVID-19 vaccinations and delivered clear and concise answers.  Most importantly, all of their answers were based in the latest scientific data and literature that clearly demonstrates the safety of the COVID vaccines that are currently available.  We’ll keep the ball rolling and field more questions from the EMS and hospital communities. 

During this episode, the doctors answer the following questions:

• Is the vaccine safe?  What about people that are immunosuppressed? 
• What happens to the mRNA after it completes its mission? 
• What are the known short and long-term side-effects of the current COVID vaccines?
• If I already had COVID, do I have natural immunity?  If so, why get the vaccine?
• How do the COVID vaccines impact flu vaccines or other similar vaccines I have had recently? 
• When do I get my second dose?  When I went to get my vaccine, they scheduled my second dose for 18 days later.  I thought it was supposed to be 21 days later.  Which is correct?
• Should women that breast feed, pregnant women, women trying to get pregnant or men trying to impregnate get the vaccine?
• Do I need to wear a mask after being vaccinated for COVID?

Dr. Steve McGraw is an ED physician at Ascension Providence Hospitals in both Southfield and Novi, Michigan.  Doc is also the current Oakland County Medical Control Authority EMS Medical Director which provides oversight to over 50 EMS agencies.  Dr. Russel Faust is the Medical Director of Oakland County Health.  Before medical school, Dr. Faust earned his pHD in cellular molecular biology.  After medical school he trained as a trauma surgeon and THEN, if that wasn’t enough, he did a fellowship in pediatric head and neck surgery.  My man Russ has 30 years in academic medicine, and he ran NIH funded labs to do applied translational cellular molecular biology.  Oh yeah, Russ’ first job in the medical field was as an EMT in the State of New York. 

Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. 

Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.

Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  

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In this episode, we introduce you to Jennifer Combs, MSN, ARNP,  from Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward, Inc. and Captain James Carrol from Fort Lauderdale’s Fire Rescue.  These two fantastic people have teamed up for about the last ten years to create and grow the Direct On Scene Education Program, more commonly called DOSE.  DOSE is an innovative attempt at eliminating sleep-related infant death due to suffocation, strangulation or positional asphyxia by using First Responders to identify and remove hazards while delivering education on scene. First Responders are trained to identify and remove hazards from an infant's sleep space while on scene during emergency and non-emergency 911 calls.  To learn more about how you can implement DOSE or to obtain more info, go to their website, DOSEprogram.com.

Our guests give us the real-world facts as well as the intent and purpose of the DOSE Program.  Then, they’ll provide real life examples of how DOSE has made a continuous positive impact on the number of sleep-related infant deaths each year.  Finally, we will walk you through how first responders and their agencies can implement DOSE and make a huge impact in their community.

Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. 

Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.

Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  

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The COVID-19 vaccines are here!  Today, we welcome back Dr. Steve McGraw and Dr. Russell Faust.  Together, these guys have been major part of EMS’ understanding and response throughout the entire COVID-19 pandemic.  Even though we are located in Southeast Michigan and we mention our home state a lot, today’s content applies to EMS on the national and even the global scale. 

Dr. Steve McGraw is an ED physician at Ascension Providence Hospitals in both Southfield and Novi, Michigan.  Steve is also the current Oakland County Medical Control Authority EMS Medical Director which provides oversight to over 50 EMS agencies.  Dr. Russel Faust is the Medical Director of Oakland County Health.  Before medical school, Dr. Faust earned his PhD in cellular molecular biology.  After medical school he trained as a trauma surgeon and THEN, if that wasn’t enough, he did a fellowship in pediatric head and neck surgery.  Our man Russ has 30 years in academic medicine, and he ran NIH funded labs to do applied translational cellular molecular biology.  My boys are wicked smart!  What we're saying is that Russ and Steve know what they’re talking about.  They’re both considered experts in their respective fields and they’re here to explain what the vaccines are, how they work and the safety profile.  Since the announcement of the release of the COVID vaccines, the docs have been fielding a LOT of questions from their colleagues as well as their family and friends about the vaccines.  Are they safe?  What if I already had COVID, should I get it? What if I’m pregnant?  Do the vaccines alter your DNA?  What if I don’t want to get it right now, can I get it later?  As you can imagine, the list of questions goes on and on. 

In an effort to help, we’ve invited Steve and Russ to come on and lay out all the questions they’ve been receiving and deliver clear and concise answers.  Most importantly, all of their answers are based in the latest scientific data and literature that clearly demonstrates the safety of the current COVID vaccines that are currently available. 

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Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  

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Hatzalah of Michigan is a volunteer EMS agency that augments existing EMS response in the cities of Oak Park, Southfield, and Huntington Woods, Michigan with community-based state-certified volunteer EMS providers. Their volunteers are local, dedicated community members, who drop everything and hurry to assist those in need. Nobody can argue that when something goes wrong, seconds can make the difference between life and death.  These guys take that statement VERY seriously.  It isn’t uncommon for them to have a dispatch to on scene time of 90 seconds.  Most 911 calls are longer than 90 seconds.  That’s crazy fast.   

In this episode we discuss who Hatzalah of Michigan is, what they do, and why they do it.  Then, we’ll discuss the impact their agency and community experienced, and/or still may be experiencing, during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Finally, we finish with a talk about Hatzalah of Michigan joining the OCMCA Stroke systems of Care Special Study.

Hatzalah is a Hebrew word that means rescue.  Hatzalah is the common title of volunteer EMS organizations serving mostly Jewish communities around the world.  There’s way more of these organizations then you might think, and they do some pretty amazing things.  Most local branches operate independently of each other, but they all typically use the common name Hatzalah. 

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During this episode, we welcome back Dr. Robert Swor, an emergency center physician at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, in Oakland County, Michigan. For over the last 30 years, Dr. Swor has been a staple in the EMS community in Michigan.  Especially when it comes to the latest research involving EMS and cardiac arrest.  Dr. Swor has an intensive background when it comes to EMS cardiac arrest outcome data and that’s why he’s here. 

In part 1 (S2E6), Dr. Swor discussed the data and related controversies regarding airway, breathing and ventilation and EMS management of cardiac arrest patients.  In today’s episode, we get into the details and data of compressions, blood flow and circulation.  Like many complicated things, the more I learn about cardiac arrest care, the more I realize how much I don’t know. 

Data provides us with an objective look at what is supposed to happen vs. what actually happened.  Sometimes, looking at the data from an objective perspective can reveal controversy regarding the “best” treatment options for cardiac arrest patients.  Bottom line, what we expect regarding how things work or how well they work isn’t always truth.  In this two-part discussion, we discuss many of the controversies that find their way into the discussions of EMS provides and give you with hard facts, as their currently known. 

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Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  

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In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Steve McGraw and Dr. Russell Faust.  Dr. McGraw is an ED physician at Ascension Providence Hospitals in both Southfield and Novi, Michigan.  Doc is also the current Oakland County Medical Control Authority EMS Medical Director which provides oversight to over 50 EMS agencies.  Dr. Faust is the Medical Director of Oakland County Health right here in Southeast Michigan.  Together, these guys have been major part of EMS’ understanding and response throughout the entire COVID-19 pandemic. 

Even though we are located in Southeast Michigan and we mention our home state a lot, most of the EMS on AIR content applies to EMS on the national and even the global scale.  This episode speaks to how our local system has been preparing for the availability of COVID-19 vaccinations.  We do address the topic from a national perspective, but we’ll be using Oakland County and many other areas of Michigan, as an example of how large systems are preparing for the next stage of this unfamiliar process.   

Dr. Faust will lead us off with an update of the current COVID trends, as of November 24, 2020.  Russ provides a nice overview of the national, state and local COVID updates and information.  Then, the docs compare and contrast the first wave of COVID in April 2020 to the current wave of COVID we’re seeing in late November early December 2020.  We wrap up the discussion with a focus on the current status of COVID-19 vaccinations and how EMS may be used in mass administration process to the public.  This is a very informative episode that I really enjoyed, and I hope you do, too. 

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In this episode, Geoff sits down with one of his long-time colleagues and friends, Chris Haney, Director of Operations at Star EMS.  Chris is a fixture of the first responder community in Oakland County, Michigan with over 37 years of experience in EMS.  He enjoyed a full career at the Pontiac Fire Department prior to his time at Star EMS.  Throughout his time on the job, Chris has been a part of pretty much every committee, work group and task force you can think of in our county, region and state EMS system.  He's here for a down and dirty discussion about what the everyday EMS provider in Michigan should know about the current COVID rules, emergency orders and related protocols. 

Let’s face it, we’re all going through a LOT of COVID fatigue in the prehospital community.  It’s hard to stay current on the “need to know stuff,” that “they” want us to know and do AND keep up with the constant barrage of COVID related calls.  Not only is there almost too much information out there, but much of it seems like it contradicts one rule or another which just makes things more confusing.  Trust me, we get it.  To make it easy, clear and concise, Chris and Geoff thought it would be a good idea to just sit down and talk about the various “things” the boots on the ground should know.  We also thought this would be a good chance to give everyone listening some background and context as to how the various medical control authorities, regional networks and the State of Michigan EMS system work in concert to share information back and forth to best serve the specific conditions of our diverse communities. The pandemic has given us an example to show how this giant state-wide system works and this talk may shed a tiny amount of light on a topic that isn’t always so clear.

Now, there’s NO WAY you can teach someone how a state EMS system works in a 25-minute podcast and today we’ll just skim the surface.  However, by the end of this episode I think you’ll find clarity regarding the general process of how EMS rules, protocols and directives cascade downward and upward in Michigan. 

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Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  

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In this episode, we welcome Dr. Robert Swor, an emergency center physician at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, in Oakland County, Michigan. For over the last 20 years, or so, Dr. Swor has been a staple in the EMS community in Michigan.  Dr. Swor ALWAYS been deeply involved in EMS and cardiac arrest research.  He has a pretty impressive background when it comes to EMS cardiac arrest outcome data. 

Data provides us with an objective look at what is supposed to happen vs. what actually happened.  Sometimes, looking at the data from an objective perspective can reveal controversy regarding the, “best,” treatment options for cardiac arrest patients.  Bottom line, what we expect regarding how things work or how well they work isn’t always truth.  In this two-part discussion, we’ll discuss many of the controversies that find their way into the discussions of EMS providers and give you with hard facts, as their currently known.  Dr. Swor discusses on the data and related controversies regarding airway, breathing and ventilation in regard to EMS management of cardiac arrest.  In part 2, we’ll get into the details and data of compressions, blood flow and circulation.

Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details.

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Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  

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In this episode, we introduce our listeners to three key role players at Beaumont Hospital - Royal Oak, located in Oakland County Michigan.  Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak is a Comprehensive Stroke Center that served 1,319 patients in 2019.  Needless to say, that’s a lot.  In addition, Beaumont Royal Oak is a participating hospital in the OCMCA Stroke Study.  In this discussion, we’re joined by Dr. Rebbeca Grysiewicz, Comprehensive Stroke Program Medical Director, as well as Beaumont Royal Oak’s stroke coordinators Caitlin Woodruff and Wendy Carriveau.  They’re here to talk about the value of EMS when it comes to the recognition and treatment of stroke patients.  It turns out, EMS has WAYYY more of an impact on the decision-making process a stroke team uses to select a treatment plan for stroke patients.   In this episode, our guests will provide us with their perspective regarding the value of EMS and how we can make even more of a positive impact.

The OCMCA Stroke Systems of Care Special Study is rapidly expanding.  If you’d like to know more information about the OCMCA’s stroke study, or if your agency or hospital would like to participate, visit OCMCA.org/stroke.  There you’ll find all the information you need about the study and how your EMS agency or hospital can participate.  You’ll even find study data, as well as a few presentations that you can download.  You don’t have to be located in Michigan to participate.  The OCMCA would LOVE participants from all over the US help us to identify the strengths and weaknesses of implementing a stroke severity scale, so that we can share the knowledge amongst the entire prehospital community. 

Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. 

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Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  

The primary objective of this episode is to provide you with an overview of the initial findings from the first two years of the Oakland County Medical Control Authority Stroke Systems of Care Special Study that is being conducted in southeast Michigan.  The pilot phase of this study went into effect January 1, 2018 and after two years the OCMCA has compiled some interesting and promising findings.  The big guy, Dr. Steve McGraw is here to provide us with an overview of these findings and tell us what they might mean for the future of EMS stroke care.  Dr. Steve McGraw is an ED physician at Ascension Providence Hospitals in both Southfield and Novi, Michigan.  Doc is also the current Oakland County Medical Control Authority EMS Medical Director.  The OCMCA provides EMS oversight to 54 EMS agencies within Oakland County, Michigan.  Even though we are located in Southeast Michigan and we mention our home state a lot, most of the EMS on AIR content applies to EMS on the national and even the global scale. 

Before Dr. McGraw leads the way in the study data discussion, we welcome back Dr. Russel Faust, the medical director for Oakland County Health here in southeast Michigan.  Russ kicks us off with an update of the COVID-19 pandemic for EMS and related healthcare providers.  In addition, we take a little tangent and discuss some recent events that may have caused a little confusion over the last month or so here in Michigan.  Dr. Faust will cover the details, but the bottom line is that in early October State of Michigan Emergency Orders by the Governor were struck down by the State Supreme Court.  It seems that many people did not realize the orders were struck down on a procedural technicality, and a few days later, the technicalities were corrected, and the orders were re-issued by way of the Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.  So, yes Michigan still has Emergency Orders in place and yes there are components that healthcare providers, like EMS, should be aware of. 

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Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  

When an EMS provider or agency becomes convinced that a stroke severity scale is the right thing to adopt for their system, they often assume the best thing to do is take all stroke patients, or at least those with indicators of LVO, to stroke centers that can provide neuro intervention.  It’s easy to consider bypassing one hospital for another in these situations, but the data clearly shows that the best thing we can do is gather ALL the necessary information related to the patient and their stroke. Then, transport them to the CLOSEST appropriate stroke center, which might not offer neuro interventional services like mechanical thrombectomy.  Either way, it is a data driven decision steeped in evidence.

In this episode, Geoff sits down with Chris and Jason Seitz.  Chris is a traveling ED physician who works around the country in EDs that need the help. His brother Jason is a firefighter/paramedic at the Madison Heights FD.  Together, they own and operate Seitz and Sirens, which provides American Heart Association courses, NREMT prep courses and a litany of other EMS and healthcare education.  I just started collaborating with these gentlemen, and I think we’re onto something.  You can get a hold of them at SeitzandSirens.com.

Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. 

Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.

Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  

The EMS on AIR is back with Season 2!  In this season opener, Dr. McGraw kicks us off with a very brief COVID-19 update for EMS.  Then, the doc gives us a clear picture of what is at stake for stroke patients.  Stroke is a big deal.  It’s the third leading cause of death, and according to the CDC, in 2018, 1 in every 6 deaths from cardiovascular disease was due to stroke.  Someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds AND every 4 minutes, someone dies of stroke.  It’s a big deal, but EMS can do something to help.  Dr. McGraw provides an overview of the evolution of treatments available to stroke patients over the last 40-ish years.  Over this time, the odds for these patients have improved with the advancement of technologies available at stroke centers.  However, to truly realize the benefit, the entire healthcare system needs to evolve its awareness and ability to not only detect stroke, but to identify how severe a stroke is when it’s happening.  Dr. McGraw and I discuss the evolution of stroke identification by EMS in the field over the last 40-ish years and how it has advanced to the point where many EMS systems across the nation are using stroke severity scales to efficiently and effectively measure stroke severity, obtain targeted pieces of information about the patient and the event ALL in an effort to get the patient to the best possible treatment in the quickest and safest manner.  

We’ll also touch on the OCMCA Stroke Systems of Care Special Study, which is assessing EMS’s ability to identify and measure stroke in the field using the FAST-ED stroke severity scale.  If you’d like to know more information about the OCMCA’s stroke study, or if your agency or hospital would like to participate, visit OCMCA.org/stroke.  You’ll find all the information you need about the study and how your EMS agency or hospital can participate.  You’ll even find some of study data, as well as a few presentations that you can download.  

Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details.  Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org.  

In this BONUS episode, Dr. Faust kicks us off with an update of the status of the virus and its impact on our communities. Then, our other resident expert and all-around amazing human being Dr. Steve McGraw joins in to discuss the differences in the COVID infection and severity rates between what we experienced in March and April 2020 and the spike that occurred in August 2020.  In August 2020, it appears there was an increased rate of COVID transmission, but a decreased rate in severity and fatality.  Dr. McGraw and Dr. Faust provide their perspectives on this topic, and much more.  Then, we finish off the episode about what EMS might expect as we transition to cold and flu season. 

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details.
Send your questions to QI@OCMCA.org.  

In today’s BONUS episode, we have put together a group of local experts to provide a nice clean overview of the most current OCMCA EMS Emergency Protocols that went into effect September 9, 2020.  Since then, all EMS providers in Oakland County, Michigan are expected to understand and provide care in accordance with these protocols.  The good news is that this will be easy, because the few updates were logical, reasonable and necessary.  We’ll dive into each of the four current EMS Emergency Protocols and spend a bit of time clearing up any misconceptions, but first let me remind you that you can access these protocols 24/7 through OCMCA.org/protocols, or on the OCMCA EMS Protocols App, which is totally free and available on Google and Apple devices.

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details.
Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

In this episode, we wrap up season one by providing you with a reminder that the fight is not over, not even close.  The world must remain diligent and EMS must maintain a high degree of operational and PPE discipline on duty and recognize the impact of social distancing off duty. 

The real trick will be to avoid COVID fatigue in the healthcare world as a topic of discussion, training and operations even though it has pretty much overshadowed everything in our life for almost 6 months and counting.  Getting numb to a topic, especially under the circumstances, even for a short time, provides an opportunity for something bad to happen, and we need to do everything we can to avoid that. 

So, even though the pandemic isn’t over, and even though the first season of the EMS on AIR podcast is ending, we will be shifting our focus from COVID-19 as our primary topic to an in-depth look at the world of stroke and how EMS has been rapidly expanding their knowledge and skills to benefit stroke patients.  The goal is to keep our listeners motivated with leading edge topics and experts and we think stroke is primed to remain a huge focus on the national stage. 

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details.
Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

Learning through first-hand experience is likely the most impactful way to successfully absorb information when training and preparing for the next big emergency.  Unfortunately, many areas throughout the US and the rest of the world had plenty of first-hand experience with the COVID pandemic, especially in the earliest and scariest stages.  Southeast Michigan was hit pretty hard by COVID and the city of Southfield, located in Oakland County, MI, which is just north of Detroit, and was Michigan’s ground zero for the COVID-19 pandemic and the Southfield Fire Department was forced into a very stressful, but overall successful operation.  In this episode, we sit down with Chief Johnny Menifee, and Captain Melissa Medici from Southfield Fire Department to discuss what it was like to endure the early stages of the pandemic, as well as what they’re doing now to maintain EMS operations and safety. 

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details.
Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

In this episode, Dr. McGraw leads off the discussion with an update regarding the status of COVID-19 pandemic, as of July 28, 2020.  Then, we discuss current vaccinations undergoing evaluation throughout the world.  Including two that are showing signs of hope.  We also talk about what it’s going to take to create distribute, administer and track hundreds of millions of doses in this country alone.  In addition, Dr. McGraw gives us something to consider regarding future patients that may be apprehensive to take a vaccination, as he reminds us to always approach the subject in an objective and scientific manner.  Finally, we talk about what EMS and hospitals can expect over the next few months as we approach the national school start season

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details.
Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

Like many areas across the nation, Michigan continues to experience an increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.  In this episode:

• Dr. McGraw leads off the discussion with an update regarding the status of COVID-19 pandemic, as of July 14, 2020.  
• Then, we talk about the importance of referencing credible sources of information when doing your own fact finding, because it’s important to understand that there are two major types of information sources.  Those that publish peer-reviewed science and admit when they make mistakes or when the science changes and print retractions and updates.  And those that are, “always right,” in their opinion, and never have a reason to admit a mistake or change in the science.  
• We finish off with a talk about the critical and fragile nature of continuing to mitigate our social behavior and actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  Dr. McGraw shares some of his thoughts as to what might happen if the confirmed cases continue to rise.  Like doc says, it’s probably best that we don’t evaluate the pandemic through a political prism.  

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details.
Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

In this episode, we sit down with Angela Madden, the Executive Director of MAAS, which is a resource and advocate for ambulance services in Michigan.  Angela is here to discuss MAAS’ mission to continue to advocate for and advance the profession of EMS within the State of Michigan, as well as tell us about some cool stuff that they’ve helped get for the EMS community recently and not just for its member agencies.  MAAS is one of many associations throughout the State of Michigan that aim to serve its members, as well as the rest of the non-member EMS community.   Did you know that MAAS has been instrumental in getting every EMS provider in Michigan a $1,000 hazard pay bonus from the government?  I had no clue the money was even available until Angela told me about.  Don’t worry, we’ll let you know what your agency needs to do to ensure everyone who qualifies gets their check.  MAAS has been working on some other cool stuff that we’ll get into in this episode and we’ll talk about what they are working on for the benefit of future EMS providers. 

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details. Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

Like many other States across the nation, Michigan has begun to experience a COVID-19 spike over the last few weeks.  In this episode, Dr. McGraw and Dr. Faust discuss the recent accelerated rise in infection and the impact on our EMS, hospital and social communities.  As you’ll hear the doctors say multiple times, maintaining social distancing, wearing a mask and not going to work when you’re sick will help knock down the spike and get back to the positive trends that we had been experiencing until recently.  More importantly, these three primary things are likely the only way to avoid another lockdown here in Michigan.  Then we move onto a more positive aspect of the pandemic. Dr. McGraw tells us about the incredible impact that our local EMS and healthcare providers have made by volunteering their time with things like testing thousands of people in all sorts of facilities in an effort to track the spread of this virus. 

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details.

Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

As of July 1, 2020, ketamine will finally be stocked in the Southeast Michigan EMS Medication Boxes.  The changes to our protocols and additions to our medication box effects 9 MCAs, hundreds of LSAs, thousands of drug boxes and even more EMS providers.  In this episode, Bonnie Kincaid, Executive Director of the Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA), and Dr. Steve McGraw, the OCMCA EMS Medical Director, walk us through the updated protocols, as well as the process of implementing ketamine into the Southeast Michigan EMS Medication Box.  Dr. McGraw is assisted in this discussion by Dr. Gedaliah Cooper, the Oakland Med Control Deputy EMS Medical Director and an ED physician at Beaumont Hospital in Troy, Michigan.  We are also joined by Dr. Jon Chenet, an ED physician resident who was once a professional firefighter/paramedic right here in Oakland County, Michigan.  Dr. Chenet is here to provide his perspective as a seasoned road medic and a fairly young ED physician, to help our EMS providers better understand and appreciate the use of ketamine in the prehospital setting.

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details.
Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

In this episode we are joined by Allison Biliti, who is the Southeast Region Coordinator for the State of Michigan Bureau of EMS and Trauma Preparedness.  Allison is one of five State of Michigan Regional EMS Coordinators whose job it is to perform things like EMS Agency and Licensed Vehicle Inspections, Initial Education Program Site Visits, as well as reviewing Continuing Education (CE) Applications

She provides an overview of what to expect when she, or one of her colleagues, come to your agency to complete an inspection on any of your licensed, or soon to be licensed, EMS vehicles.  In addition, we talk about how the State has adapted to using virtual meeting technology during the COVID pandemic to complete inspections.  

We’re also joined by Captain John Theut from the Ferndale Fire Department who is also their EMS Coordinator.  John has been through a lot of vehicle inspections in his career, so he’s here to help me ask questions, because I’ve never been through an inspection.  

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details.
Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

In this episode, Dr. Faust provides us an update on the most recent national, state and local COVID stats, as well as an overview of current trends we’re seeing out there. Then, Dr. McGraw addresses recent concerns from the EMS community about loosening up our airway management restrictions, found in our protocols during the pandemic.  He also touches on why we saw a near doubling of priority 4 patients in February through May of 2020 compared to 2019 and it isn’t due to the airway procedures listed in our Emergency Protocols.  We finish with a discussion about the recommendations for hospitals in the new Executive Orders to allow one visitor per patient in hospitals.  Remember, these are just guidelines and each hospital gets to make their rules in the best interest of their patients.  So, please contact your EMS Coordinator to identify the patient visitor rules at your local hospitals. 

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details.
Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

You may have heard that the COVID-19 virus creates an increased risk of forming blood clots. Dr. Griauzde is here to talk to us about the effect of COVID and the incidence of stroke.  Then, he walks us through what he specializes in, mechanical thrombectomy, or MT, which is the physical removal of a blood clot from one of the larger arteries of the brain.  These strokes in big arteries of the brain are known as large vessel occlusion, or LVO, strokes.  MT is an endovascular therapy, done on the inside of a blood vessel, that has been growing in effectiveness and availability in the US for over the last ten years, and trajectory appears to continue to rise.

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details.
Send your questions to QI@OCMCA.org. 

This episode dives into two important topics that are annual occurrences for the Oakland County Medical Control Authority.  Every year, the staff of the OCMCA produce and present an Annual Report for the Board of Directors and depicts the organization’s achievements from the previous year and provides a glimpse into the next year and beyond. Today, we provide you with a presentation of the 2019 OCMCA Annual Report, as well as the official 2020 EMS Quality Improvement Program, more commonly known as EQIP.

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details.

Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

After a week-long break the EMS On Air Podcast Crew is back and we’re excited to be here.  Today, Bonnie and I are joined once again by our friends Dr. McGraw and Dr. Faust to provide an update regarding the status of the pandemic and talk about how things are going for EMS and hospitals.  Then we get into a discussion about the value of serology testing, as long as it’s the RIGHT kind of serology testing.  We also mention when you can get tested at the OCMCA this week, if you’d like.  We finish off the podcast with an overview of multisystem inflammatory response syndrome in children, or MIS-C, and list recommendations for EMS providers.

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details.
Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

In today’s episode, we give everyone an update on the changes that were made to the Oakland County Med Control COVID-19 Emergency Protocols.  As of May 15, 2020, multiple Emergency Protocols were deleted, and a few were updated. Again, the purpose of this episode is to dial into what changed and why it changed, so that EMS and associated ED personnel may better understand the application of each of the current Emergency Protocols still in effect. 

Since March 5, 2020, the EMS on AIR podcast crew has produced 22 episodes designed to assure that the most recent information is available on a regular basis.  After recording and editing that many episodes in such a short amount of time we decided it was time to take a little break.  Don’t worry, we’ll be back in a week, or so.  The good news is that when we come back, many of the EMS on AIR Podcast episodes will be available on AmericanCME.com, where EMS providers will be able to earn EMS continuing education credits after finishing an entire episode, completing a short survey and passing a post podcast quiz.  Imagine driving into work and knocking out some CEs while listening to your new favorite EMS podcast.  Not a bad deal.  More to follow on that in the very near future. 

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details.
Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

In this episode, we address one of the effects the pandemic has had on EMS providers in Michigan.  Michigan has been deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  During that time, the State government has adjusted to facilitate the continuation of EMS operations throughout the State at the highest level possible.  These adjustments included time extensions for EMS re-licensing, as well as other required certifications for EMS providers.  In addition, the State allowed certain EMS testing candidates to obtain a temporary State EMS license in order to expand the number of available EMS providers during the crisis.  In this episode, Terrie Godde, the State of Michigan EMS Education Coordinator will provide an overview of what changes were made in this regard and what EMS providers can expect as we progress towards a “new normal”.  We are also be joined by Allison Biliti, the Southeast Region EMS Coordinator for the State of Michigan.

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details.
Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mike Dettloff, an ER physician who was once a paramedic, to discuss his decision to leave the job he worked so hard for as a full-time professional firefighter paramedic, as well as his transition from Paramedic Dettloff to Dr. Dettloff.  In addition, Mike spends time providing insight and pointers to EMS providers that may be considering a similar transition.  In addition, the doc talks about his experiences in March and April of this year, as he was working in one of the COVID-19 hotspots right here in Oakland County, Michigan. Finally, Dr. Dettloff shares his recommendations for our EMS providers regarding the virus and beyond. 

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details.
Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

In this episode, Dr. Steve McGraw, the Oakland County Med Control EMS Medical Director, and Dr. Russell Faust, the Oakland County Health Division Medical Director join us for a discussion.  More and more states are planning to progress towards loosening up on stay at home orders and other related restrictions.  As this happens, we need to consider the potential effects on our EMS and hospital systems.  During this episode, we focus on the potential impact on EMS and hospitals over the next 6-months, as States continue to “open up” more and more. 

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details.
Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

In this episode, Dr. McGraw begins with a continuation of his thoughts on the extension and the need to avoid complacency with our PPE.  Then, he presents the notion that even though COVID numbers are going down in states like Michigan, that doesn’t mean the numbers in your community will necessarily be going down.  In fact, this virus may not have made it to your geographic area yet, and it still may.  After that, we discuss what it will take to get back to a “pre-COVID” EMS protocols world and what that even means.  That leads us into a lesson on what it’s going to take to get herd immunity, which hopefully, comes from a very effective vaccine.  Then, we dive deeper into main topic of this episode, the vaccination development process, all the associated nuances and hurdles that each virus species presents, why it seems to take so long to develop vaccines, and what to expect as more and more of them work their way through the testing and validation process and reveal to what degree the resulting antibodies have at protecting us from COVID-19. 

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details.
Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

As of May 7, 2020, the stay at home executive orders in Michigan have been extended to May 28, 2020.  Today’s episode is a nice brief update for our listeners regarding what to expect over that time period and beyond.  We have more great content scheduled for the next week, which we’ll briefly touch on today. 

The Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA) has produced this podcast series in response to the concerns of our communities regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It provides context, direction and guidance to EMS agencies and their personnel regarding the current status of the virus, what EMS should be prepared for and where to get the most reliable information. 

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details.
Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

In this episode we introduce you to Dr. Russell Faust, MD, PhD, Medical Director of the Oakland County Health Division located in Pontiac, Michigan.  Dr. Faust provides us with an overview of the various types of COVID-19 testing, what their results tell us and what EMS agencies are doing to help test residents of long-term-care facilities in Oakland County, MI.  

The Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA) has produced this podcast series in response to the concerns of our communities regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It provides context, direction and guidance to EMS agencies and their personnel regarding the current status of the virus, what EMS should be prepared for and where to get the most reliable information.   

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details.
Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

This five-minute episode provides an overview of the four OCMCA EMS Emergency Protocols that have been discontinued, at this time and is in line with OCMCA EMS Advisory 052, that was released on May 4, 2020.  The OCMCA Protocols App and website have been updated with this information.  

The Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA) has produced this podcast series in response to the concerns of our communities regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It provides context, direction and guidance to EMS agencies and their personnel regarding the current status of the virus, what EMS should be prepared for and where to get the most reliable information.  

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details. 

Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

In this episode, you’ll get to hear directly from two paramedics on the front lines of the epidemic, who, unfortunately, got struck down by the virus and had it pretty rough.  First, we’ll get to hear each them detail their experiences with the associated signs and symptoms, as well as the COVID-19 testing procedures they endured.  Then, we’ll get into the steps they took to self-isolate and how that affected them and their families physically and emotionally.  Luckily, each of them made a strong recovery and are both back on duty, but it wasn’t looking good at times during their sicknesses.  Especially for my buddy Dave, who you’ll get to hear a lot from today.  

This episode is dedicated to all of the healthcare workers that have gotten sick during this crisis. A HUGE thank you to David and Aaron for sharing their experiences, so that other EMS providers may have a deeper understanding and appreciation for what they and other healthcare providers have gone through during this time.  

The Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA) has produced this podcast series in response to the concerns of our communities regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It provides context, direction, and guidance to EMS agencies and their personnel regarding the current status of the virus, what EMS should be prepared for, and where to get the most reliable information.  

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details. 

Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

 In this episode, we take a step back from our operationally-focused discussions surrounding patient treatment and take a closer look at the pathophysiology COVID-19.  Dr. McGraw breaks down the virus for us, how it proliferated to such pandemic proportions, and his outlook on potential vaccinations.  He also spends time comparing and contrasting COVID-19 to other coronaviruses and other similar viruses and much more.  

Enjoy the Episode! Please leave us a review in your podcast app, and follow us on Insta!

In this episode, Dr. McGraw provides another update on the status of the pandemic.  Then, we get a little deeper into some things like, “What is herd immunity? and, does having antibodies mean that I’m immune? Our buddy, Dr. McGraw breaks it down for us in his own special way for us.  

 The Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA) has produced this podcast series in response to the concerns of our communities regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It provides context, direction, and guidance to EMS agencies and their personnel regarding the current status of the virus, what EMS should be prepared for and where to get the most reliable information.  

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details. 

Contact us, or send your questions, comments, or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

In today’s episode, Dr. McGraw gives us his opinion on what the transition to reopening parts of our society, both locally and nationally, and what it may look like for our EMS and EDs.  

 The Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA) has produced this podcast series in response to the concerns of our communities regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It provides context, direction and guidance to EMS agencies and their personnel regarding the current status of the virus, what EMS should be prepared for and where to get the most reliable information.  

 Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details. 

Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org. 

n this episode, we sit down with three of our key docs to briefly continue the discussion from the last episode and highlight the importance of transporting patients to the ED, as we normally would, because our EDs can handle the patient load and maintain the level of safety necessary.  Then, we get into a deeper discussion and Q&A regarding cardiac arrest care during the COVID pandemic.  You all know Dr. McGraw by this point, but today you’ll get to know Dr. Tressa Gardner, the OCMCA PSRO Chair and Vice President, as well as Dr. Rahul Mehta, who serves as the Med Control Physicians Committee Chair. 

 The Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA) has produced this podcast series in response to the concerns of our communities regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It provides context, direction and guidance to EMS agencies and their personnel regarding the current status of the virus, what EMS should be prepared for and where to get the most reliable information.  

 Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details. 

Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

In this episode, we discuss the importance of recognizing that non-COVID medical emergencies are still happening.  People continue to have strokes, STEMI, traumas and alike. Dr. McGraw discusses some of the concerns that have surfaced since the implementation of EMS Emergency Protocol 8-46, Decision to Transport During COVID-19.  

The Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA) has produced this podcast series in response to the concerns of our communities regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It provides context, direction, and guidance to EMS agencies and their personnel regarding the current status of the virus, what EMS should be prepared for and where to get the most reliable information.  

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details. 

Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

In this episode, we join the OCMCA EMS Operations Committee meeting that was held April 9, 2020.  But first, Bonnie and I have a short chat with Chris Haney, who is currently the Chair of the EMS Ops Committee, to give a brief overview of who makes up the Committee and what they do.  Then, we jump into a recording of the meeting where, Dr. McGraw continues to field many important and necessary questions from members.  

The Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA) has produced this podcast series in response to the concerns of our communities regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It provides context, direction and guidance to EMS agencies and their personnel regarding the current status of the virus, what EMS should be prepared for and where to get the most reliable information.  

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details. 

Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

 In today’s episode, Dr. McGraw provides an update of the pandemic, as well as how it’s affecting us here at home.  The doc also provides fantastic insight and answers to a number of questions that we’ve received from EMS providers.  

 The Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA) has produced this podcast series in response to the concerns of our communities regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It provides context, direction and guidance to EMS agencies and their personnel regarding the current status of the virus, what EMS should be prepared for and where to get the most reliable information.  

 Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details. 

Contact us, or send your questions, comments or ideas to QI@OCMCA.org.  

In today’s episode, we cover the changes made to Emergency Protocol 8-41 and introduce EMS to Emergency Protocol 8-46.  All emergency protocols can be found on the OCMCA Protocols App and website.  

The Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA) has produced this podcast series in response to the concerns of our communities regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It provides context, direction and guidance to EMS agencies and their personnel regarding the current status of the virus, what EMS should be prepared for and where to get the most reliable information.  

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details. 

Send your questions to QI@OCMCA.org.  

 In today’s episode, we walk through each of the OCMCA System Emergency Protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  All emergency protocols can be found on the OCMCA Protocols App and website.  

The Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA) has produced this podcast series in response to the concerns of our communities regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It provides context, direction and guidance to EMS agencies and their personnel regarding the current status of the virus, what EMS should be prepared for and where to get the most reliable information.  

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details. 

Send your questions to QI@OCMCA.org.  

In today’s episode, Dr. McGraw provides an update of the state of emergency and how it’s affecting us here at home.  He also spends time answering many of the questions that we’ve received.  In addition, we cover new information recently released by the State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that applies directly to EMS.  And, Bonnie gives us an update regarding the status of our PPE.

The Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA) has produced this podcast series in response to the concerns of our communities regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It provides context, direction and guidance to EMS agencies and their personnel regarding the current status of the virus, what EMS should be prepared for and where to get the most reliable information.  

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details. 

Send your questions to QI@OCMCA.org.  

  A LOT has happened over the last few weeks and EMS is wondering what to do now and what to expect next.  It’s safe to say there are more questions than answers.  In this episode, Dr. Steve McGraw, the OCMCA EMS Medical Director, answers questions from EMS providers in our system.  In addition, Bonnie Kincaid, OCMCA Executive Director, gives an update regarding the availability of PPE.  

The Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA) has produced this podcast series in response to the concerns of our communities regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It provides context, direction and guidance to EMS agencies and their personnel regarding the current status of the virus, what EMS should be prepared for and where to get the most reliable information.  

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details. 

Send your questions to QI@OCMCA.org.  

In this episode, we present an example of an EMS system using FAST-ED to evolve their stroke system of care.  The OCMCA Stroke Systems of Care Special Study is designed to evaluate EMS’s ability to measure stroke severity using FAST-ED.  I’ll provide you with a nice clean overview of the study, who’s currently in it, how to get involved, and more. 

This study is rapidly expanding.  If you’d like to know more information about the OCMCA’s stroke study, or if your agency or hospital would like to participate, visit OCMCA.org/stroke.  There you’ll find all the information you need about the study and how your EMS agency or hospital can participate.  You’ll even find study data, as well as a few presentations that you can download.  You don’t have to be located in Michigan to participate.  The OCMCA would LOVE participants from all over the U.S. help us to identify the strengths and weaknesses of implementing a stroke severity scale, so that we can share the knowledge amongst the entire prehospital community. 

Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at QI@OCMCA.org. 

Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details. 

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And PLEASE, whatever podcast platform you use, subscribe to our podcast, and leave us a rating and a review.  It REALLY helps us to grow this podcast.  

This episode is a follow up to our first podcast that was recorded on March 5, 2020, which focused on EMS awareness and response to COVID-19. Since then, a LOT has happened and Dr. Steve McGraw, the OCMCA EMS Medical Director, provides an update on the status of the situation and what EMS should be prepared for.  Dr. McGraw also gives EMS some tips and tricks to consider regarding treating the airway of a potential COVID-19 patient.  

The Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA) has produced this podcast series in response to the concerns of our communities regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It provides context, direction and guidance to EMS agencies and their personnel regarding the current status of the virus, what EMS should be prepared for and where to get the most reliable information.  

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details. 

Send your questions to QI@OCMCA.org.  

In the first ever EMS On Air Podcast episode, Dr. Steve McGraw (EMS Medical Director for the Oakland County Medical Control Authority) provides an overview of the developing pandemic, and what EMS can expect and what we need to be prepared for.  

The Oakland County Medical Control Authority (OCMCA) has produced this podcast series in response to the concerns of our communities regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). It provides context, direction and guidance to EMS agencies and their personnel regarding the current status of the virus, what EMS should be prepared for and where to get the most reliable information.  

Visit www.OCMCA.org/coronavirus for more details. 

Send your questions to QI@OCMCA.org.