EMT/Paramedic refresher class in in May 2022

My dear fellow EMS professionals,

This is just a reminder that Gravette FD will be again attempting to host an EMT/Paramedic refresher class in in May.  The class will be broken up in to two parts and is CEU based to comply with National Registry and Arkansas Dept. of EMS requirements.  The class is 0800-1700.  You will be given CEU’s for each day’s attendance and/or a completion certificate at the end of the course.  The class is six days in order to squeeze in all the requirements and most of the needed hours. 

YOU WILL BE ASKED TO TEACH A TOPIC DURING CLASS!

The class is open to all who wish to attend so spread the word around.  There is no cost unless you want an ACLS or PALS certification which is $30 each.  Anyone may attend the ACLS or PALS classes for CEU’s only.  

Part one is Monday-Wednesday, May 2, 3 & 4.  This part includes ACLS, courtesy of Air Evac Lifeteam. 

Part two is Monday-Wednesday, May 16, 17 & 18.  This part includes PALS, also courtesy of Air Evac Lifeteam.   

Please let me know if there are any questions or if I can help you.

Email me your name, email address, and cell phone number to register for the class.  Let me know what day(s) you wish to attend.  I’ll assign you a topic as the class gets closer. 

See ya there!

—–Lt. Randy Ates – EMS Coordinator 

Gravette Fire & EMS

309 1st Ave. NW

Gravette, AR 72736

(479) 787-6600

rates@gravettear.com

Paramedic Opening

Southern Paramedic Service Inc. Seeking to Fill Full Time Paramedic Position

Salary

$70,000-$85,000 yearly

Job Description

***SALARY PER YEAR Up to $85,000 depending on Experience***

Southern Paramedic Service currently serves multiple rural counties in Arkansas, including Eastern Carroll County, Lonoke County, Prairie County, Arkansas County, Monroe County, and Cross County.  We are currently seeking experienced, dedicated and motivated Paramedics to join our team. We are looking for team members that can provide the advanced level of patient care that our patients and partners have come to expect from Southern Paramedic.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Respond to calls for emergency and non-emergency transports

• Assess a patient’s condition and determine a course of treatment per local protocol

• Provide first-aid treatment and/or advanced level life support to patients

• Clearly explain procedures to patients, give orders, and relay information to others

• Transport patients safely in an ambulance

• Transfer patients to the hospital or other healthcare facilities

• Report their observations and treatment to physicians, or other healthcare facility staff

• Document medical care given to patients in a prompt and effective manner

• Inventory, replace, and clean supplies and equipment after use

• Maintain and clean crew quarters, ambulance and station locations daily

Qualifications:

• Ability to sit, bend and stand for extended periods of time

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. from ground to waist level

• Ability to coordinate activities closely with others in stressful situations

• Ability to effectively communicate Verbal / Written English

• Ability to take direction and adapt to changing situations/job duties

• Experience with MICU level transports including IV Pump / Ventilator / Cardiac Monitoring

• 2 Years experience in Emergency Medical Services preferred

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off / PTO

• Uniform Allowance

• Medical Insurance Coverage

• Dental Insurance Coverage

• Vision Insurance Coverage

• Life and Accidental Insurance

• Cancer Insurance

• In-house Training

• Long-Term Stability / Advancement Opportunities

Education:

• High school or GED (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Arkansas State Paramedic License (Required)

• Current BLS, ACLS (Required)

• PHTLS or IBLS (preferred)

Work Location: Multiple Locations (including but not limited to)

Wynne, Brinkley, Stuttgart, Hazen, Carlisle, Lonoke, Ward. Carroll County; Green Forest and Berryville

Paragon Procedural Cadaver Lab

The Arkansas Ambulance Association (ArAA) is pleased to partner with the Arkansas EMT Association (AEMTA) in bringing back the Paragon Procedural Cadaver Lab. This immersive, hands-on education lab will provide critical skills review and education in hemorrhage control, advanced airways, gross anatomy and more. Multiple sessions will be offered June 2-3 at the Baptist Health Barrow Road Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. The cost for the four hour CEU session is just $40/attendee. Space is limited and is sure to sellout quickly. Click the link below to register and pay online or visit our website for more information.

https://promed.formstack.com/forms/paragon

2021 Parade of Lights EMS Rally Program Agenda

2021-Parade-of-Lights-Schedule

August virtual conference

Greetings! We have debated long and hard about the August Conference. Looking at the factors such as, time to prepare, venue cost, continued restrictions, and attendance, we have concluded that it would be in the best interest for the Association for us to forgo an in-person Conference and to have another Virtual Conference in August. We will have the Virtual Conference on August 26-28 of 2021. Some of the classes will be live and some recorded. We will once again have the classes open for an extended period for plenty of opportunity for you to attend all the classes. Each class will be available in an On Demand Format three (3) hours after its initial start time. Watch them when you can.

Factors explained:

Time to prepare:

Normally, we start planning the Conference a year in advance and meet every month and more as needed to get everything setup. Thousands of hours of preparation that goes into one in-person conference that we are not able to accomplish in time for this year.

Venue Cost:

We typically spend $50,000 to $60,000 on just the Convention Center each year for all the space needed to conduct a Conference. With the restrictions that would still be in place, we would not be able to have every member attend and would have to limit registrations. We cannot select whom we want there and who misses out. We feel that would be unfair to all members.

Continued Restrictions:

The Mask Mandates just changed from mandated to guidelines. CDC guidelines and ADH regulations still limit large groups mandating social distancing and masks to be worn at all times while indoors. We do not have the personnel to monitor compliance and enforce the guidelines. Not all of our Membership will have taken the vaccine so all the guidelines would have to be followed.

Attendance:

As stated previously, we would not be able to rent enough space to host an in-person conference. We rely on attendance to be able to have discounts and cover the costs associated with the venue. With having reduced attendance, we would not be able to cover that costs which would bankrupt the Association.

We are working hard and trying to make the right decisions for the Association and its membership. The Pandemic has been a trying time that no organization was prepared for. We, like most other organizations, have tried to stay within the constraints of the By-Laws. Unfortunately, like most other Organizations, nothing is in our By-Laws that cover Pandemic Events, which make in person meetings, in person elections, and other business not possible. The By-Laws give the authority to the Board to act in the best interest of the Association when By-Laws cannot be adhered to such as Pandemic times. Your Board is doing its best to do the right things for the Association to protect its membership and be the best stewards for the Association that we can be.

We know everyone is working hard and we are trying to give you our best we can during these trying times. We miss being able to visit with you in person and to “network” after classes. We thank you for your continued membership and for all you do for EMS and the citizens of the State of Arkansas!

Thank you again,
AEMTA Board

Free Webinar-Best Practices in EMS Transformation During the Pandemic

Many EMS agencies have dramatically transformed their clinical and operational and approach for care delivery, as well as enhancing their role in the community, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. EMS regulators have had to navigate the regulatory environment to change rules that facilitate the changes necessary for EMS agencies to effectively serve their communities. Implementing transformational change requires strong clinical leadership, responsive operational acumen, and in many cases, changes in the regulatory environment. Successful transformation takes close collaboration with medical direction, operations and regulatory oversight.

Join panelists from the Academy of International Mobile Healthcare Integration, the National Association of EMS Physicians, and the National Association of State EMS Officials as they highlight examples and best practices for navigating the clinical, operational and regulatory maze to facilitate transforming the role of EMS.

Kenneth A. Scheppke, MD, FAEMS
EMS Medical Director, State of Florida
Medical Director, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue

Veer D. Vithalani, MD, FACEP, FAEMS
System Medical Director, Office of the Medical Director,
Metropolitan Area EMS Authority
Chief Medical Officer, MedStar Mobile Healthcare

Ashley Thoele, MSN, MBA, RN
Division Chief, Emergency Medical Services and Highway Safety
Office of Preparedness and Response
Illinois Department of Public Health

J. Sam Hurley, MPH, EMPS, NRP
Director, Maine Emergency Medical Services

Kevin Smith, BAppB:ES, CMM III, ACP, CEMC
Chief, Niagara Emergency Medical Services

Kenneth J. Simpson, J.D., NRP
Interim Chief Executive Officer, MedStar Mobile Healthcare

Moderator
Matt Zavadsky, MS-HSA, NREMT
Chief Transformation Officer, Medstar Mobile Healthcare
Immediate Past President, NAEMT
Education Chair, AIMHI

Register Here

Christmas Thoughts- “Fear not”

Did you know that that phrase is found 170 times in the King James Bible?  We all know it plays an important part of the Christmas Story.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luke 2:10 

At this time of the year, we celebrate Christmas with all the glitter, lights, ornaments, and presents, but that is not the reason for Christmas.  We must admit that 2020 has been a different kind of year with us isolated from each other, and some have hearts that are filled with fear.  As we see the days of 2020 decrease and the hope for 2021 increase, it is the phrase “Fear not” ringing in my ears.  Fearing, it seems, is all we have been doing lately.  I had a Sunday School teacher who used the acronym F. E. A. R. to stand for False Evidence Appearing Real.   I feel She is correct in her observation. 

In March 1933 the 32nd President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his first Inaugural Address said, “So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is…fear itself — nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”

FDR’s message was to a country in the depths of The Great Depression. Times were hard, work was hard to find, and money was tight.  It was not a happy time, much like our current pandemic.  We are facing a lot of unknowns; like my Grandpa would say, “these are hard times”.  The Depression and this pandemic did not surprise God.  In the Bible it states, “4 …when the fulness of the time was come…” Galatians 4, reminding us that all things happen on His timeline. 

Paul wrote “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 “

Am I saying, don’t use PPE’s?  No; wear your mask, wear your gloves, use the PPE’s, follow the recommendations of The Arkansas Department of Health and CDC.  Have faith in your equipment as you have faith in God to keep you safe.  This virus, much like other viruses, will eventually run its course and we will have a new normal. 

When?  I’m not sure, but I have faith in God.  Before we arrive at that point in time, we will be bombarded with a lot of folks spreading fear.  It’s their job and they do it well.  Our job is to have a peace the passes all understanding with faith in God.  

How do we show a sound mind full of God’s power and love?  Smile under that mask; nod your head as you greet someone; wave as you pass to show the love of people that caused us to enter the Emergency Medical Services field.  Jesus Christ’s ministry was a ministry of Love, and if we are a follower of Him then our love should be evident.  

The angels concluded their announcement of the Saviors’ Birth found in Luke 2, “14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.”

After the Angels’ news, the Shepherds sought Jesus and found Him just as the angels had described; then the Wise Men sought Him and found Him.  Have you sought Him?  Today He stands at your door and knocks.  

Words of a president, my Sunday school teacher, an angel and the Bible: “Fear Not!”  Seek Him while He might be found.  Contact me if you need directions to Him. I’d love to give you the most wonderful Christmas Present, Jesus Christ!

EMS Program Director/Instructor

ASUMH seeks applicants for a full-time, 9-month EMS/Paramedic Instructor and Program Director for the fall semester beginning August 2021. This position will provide leadership and vision for the EMS Program at ASUMH. The role includes development and administration of the Paramedic, EMT, and EMR programs as well as teaching and service. A creative thinker with a strong work ethic, commitment to the concepts of innovation, continuous improvement, and excellence in higher education and in the EMS profession are fundamental to this position.

Minimum Qualifications Include:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field

• Current Arkansas Paramedic License and NREMT Certification

• BLS Certified

• ACLS Certified

• PALS Certified

• BLS, ACLS, and PALS instructor certification required

• Arkansas EMT Instructor

Compensation includes an annual salary commensurate with background and experience, and a comprehensive benefits and leave package. Application review will begin March 2nd.  For a complete description, preferred qualifications, and instructions on how to apply, please visit Job Opportunities at www.asumh.edu.

EOE/AA: ASUMH is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to excellence through diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Background Checks: Arkansas State University-Mountain Home is committed to creating a productive workplace in which both persons and property are secure. To achieve that goal, criminal background investigations are performed on the final candidate for each position, and financially sensitive or data sensitive jobs will require credit checks.

Julia Henderson Gist PhD, RN, CNE
Dean, School of Health Sciences
Arkansas State University Mountain Home
1600 South College Street
Mountain Home, AR 72653
870-508-6154

Tired of Covid-19 and 2020

Let me say I am tired of Covid-19 and 2020.  As a retired medical person, I am always listening to the latest on this pandemic.  The other day I heard one of the experts say, “This is a permanent virus.”  That got me to remembering back to my childhood when the ladies of our community would get together at our house to put a permanent wave in their hair.  Then a few months later they would repeat the smelly process.  So, I thought permanent meant forever but the hair treatment was not.  I believe this pandemic is not permanent like forever but more like the permanent hair treatments that lasts only a few months.  The only thing that is permanent is God’s love for us.  He knows us.  Let’s look at PSALMS 139-

1 O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. 2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.  3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.  4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.  5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.  6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.  7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.  9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

In this time of uncertainty, social distance and no physical contact, it is good to know that God still directs my path and he holds me in his right hand.  That blesses me!  Stay safe!

NAEMT Deeply Mourns the Passing of Dr. Craig A. Manifold

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our esteemed NAEMT Medical Director, Dr. Craig Manifold.

Dr. Manifold was a true and dear friend to all EMS practitioners in the civilian and military sectors.  He devoted countless hours of volunteer service to strengthening the EMS profession through his work in education and advocacy.  Dr. Manifold served on the NAEMT Board of Directors as Medical Director, as the chair of the NAEMT Military Relations Committee, Editor of the AMLS 3rd edition textbook, as an advisor on many EMS issues, and as a mentor and dear friend.

Brigadier General (Ret)(Bvt)(Dr) Manifold leaves behind a tremendous legacy within the EMS community. He actively participated in many organizations to advance EMS— including the American College of Emergency Physicians, the National Associations of EMS Physicians, the Special Operations Medical Association, the Metropolitan EMS Medical Directors (“Eagles”) Global Alliance, and the National Registry of EMTs, at which he was serving as a member of the Board.  As an advocate on behalf of Paramedics and EMTs, he helped to educate members of Congress on the critical service EMS practitioners provide to their patients and communities.  He was a true patriot on and off the battlefield, seeking to unite people and organizations in the interest of providing better medical care.

Dr. Manifold served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Emergency Health Sciences, School of Health Professions at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and as a Medical Director for several EMS agencies in the San Antonio area. He also served as a Joint Surgeon for the Texas Air National Guard, and Commander for the 149th Medical Group of the Texas Air National Guard in San Antonio, until his retirement last year.  He was devoted to advancing military medicine and the military medics who served our country.

Dr. Manifold has left a lasting imprint around the globe and his contributions will live on.  We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.