EMS World Magazine is the most authoritative source in the world for clinical and educational material designed to improve the delivery of prehospital emergency medical care.
Issue link: https://emsworld.epubxp.com/i/890710
EMSWORLD.com | NOVEMBER2017 21 For More Information Circle 20 on Reader Service Card on disseminating the lessons they and oth- ers have learned to all corners of the state, from the rural forests of the Upper Penin- sula to downtown Detroit. For example, an increase in CPR quality happens when EMS agencies take advan- tage of tools such as real-time CPR quality feedback devices. Indeed, for EMTs or para- medics, a critical skill like CPR is considered "high-risk, low-frequency," meaning it's a potentially lifesaving technique but one that may not be applied often. One EMS agency in Alpena received FEMA support as well as grant funding intended to help rural EMS systems imple- ment CPR feedback devices and train pro- viders in high-performance CPR. Shields would like to see other EMS agencies do the same. "We need to download the CPR perfor- mance data and debrief after the call is over," she says. "This will help ensure quality CPR is provided during a resuscitation. All providers need feedback about their per- formance to improve for the next patient." Dunne continues to work on certifying more than 1,300 firefighters in the Detroit area as emergency medical responders (EMRs). These firefighters were not tra- ditionally trained as EMTs or EMRs, and cardiac arrest victims were sometimes treated by as few as two providers. Now that number is often closer to six. "We've had two different cultures of providers in the past," says Dunne. "These newly trained firefighters who are now medical first responders make our team- work more seamless and integrated." To help promote evidence-based prac- tices in EMS response to cardiac arrest, the HeartRescue Project ensures that new partners attend a "resuscitation academy." The academy, which began in Seattle, is intended for EMS managers and medi- cal directors to learn how to measure and For more information call 800.558.6765 or visit GrahamMedical.com F I R S T R E S P O N D E R S ' F I R S T C H O I C E MegaMover ® : the Original transpOrt Unit The MegaMover® Portable Transport Unit Line is ideal for transporting, transferring, and rescuing patients when they can't be reached with stretchers. Go Where Stretchers Can't With MegaMover® Select ™ The University of Michigan Health System is one of many organizations that support SaveMIHeart.