Issuu

Maryland

EMS

News For All Emergency Medical Clinicians

Vol. 49 No. 5

June 2023

Maryland Celebrates National EMS Week agencies, answered nearly 1 million calls for help, and Maryland joined the country in celebrating “Where safely took more than 530,000 people of all ages to emerEmergency Care Begins” – the dedicated men and womgency departments throughout the state. Among them en who comprise the emergency medical services field are the sorts of specialty, intensive centers conceived by – in observance of the 49th annual National EMS Week, visionaries. They include: May 21-27, 2023. In 1974, President Gerald Ford design pediatric specialty nated the third week of centers, May as “National EMS n 14 perinatal centers, Week” to honor the n 39 stroke centers, hard work and dedican 24 cardiac intervention of EMS clinicians tion centers, and the important work n 2 burn centers, and they do in service to n 10 trauma centers, their communities. including the Primary This year also Adult Resource Center, marks the 50th anniversary of Maryland’s the R Adams Cowley EMS system. Created Shock Trauma Center, by the governor’s exin Baltimore. ecutive order in 1973, Each of these is the Maryland Institute a vital component of Scan this QR code to view a special of Emergency MediMaryland’s EMS sysEMS Week message from MIEMSS cine – the first orgatem, standing at the nized statewide EMS ready to deliver the Executive Director Dr. Ted Delbridge. system in the nation – most appropriate and would later evolve into sophisticated care to the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services patients in need. Systems (MIEMSS). Forward-thinking leaders worked At its core, however, the heart and soul of Marytirelessly to champion the ideas that lives and livelihoods land’s EMS system are emergency medical dispatchers could be saved if only there were coordinated, systematic and nearly 20,000 emergency medical responders, emerefforts to respond to sudden, unpredictable events such as gency medical technicians, cardiac rescue technicians, injury, acute shock, and cardiac arrest. The fruit of their and paramedics. Each EMS clinician represents 50 years vision, the Maryland EMS system, became an important of evolution, embodying a spirit and living a legacy to tool for their quest. improve the quality of life for Marylanders by empathetiToday, EMS is where emergency care begins. In See EMS Week page 16 2022, Maryland EMS, delivered by 29 jurisdictional

Maryland EMS News

EMS News Digest n New Medical Center Offers Advanced Technology in Prince George's County (Patch.com). A new $70 million medical center emphasizing wellness and preventative care, as well as treatment options for acute and chronic health conditions, opened June 4 in Laurel. The new University of Maryland Laurel Medical Center (UMLMC) replaces UMLMC's previous facility. Read more: https://patch. com/maryland/bowie/new-medicalcenter-offers-advanced-technologyprince-georges-co n Howard County Executive Announces Appointment of Tavon Claggett as Department of Fire and Rescue Services New Deputy Chief (Howard County Government). Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and Department of Fire and Rescue Services (HCDFRS) Fire Chief Louis Winston has announced that Tavon Claggett has been named

the department’s newest Deputy Chief, effective April 24. During his 25 years with the Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD), DC Claggett rose through the ranks from Firefighter/Paramedic to Assistant Chief before retiring from BCFD in 2020. Read more: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/News042123 n Lisa Lisle Receives Maryland Emergency Nursing Award (Bay Times & Record Observer). Lisa Lisle, MSN, RN, CEN, Clinical Nurse Coordinator, University of Maryland Shore Emergency Center at Queenstown and EMS Base Station Coordinator for UM Shore Regional Health, was recently honored as Maryland Emergency Nurses Association Emergency Nurse of the Year by the Maryland Chapter, American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). Read more: https://www.myeasternshoremd.

com/qa/business/lisa-lisle-winsma r yla nd- eme rgency-nu r si ngaward/article_17a30fff-67a2-5243aa03-e1a54bdc0a99.html n All-in-One: The EMS.gov Resources Hub (NHTSA Office of EMS). To expand access to important information for the entire EMS community, NHTSA's Office of EMS has created a convenient, new online source for all things EMS. EMS. gov’s completely updated Resources Hub makes it easy to search for, browse and download a wide variety of documents, reports and guidelines created by NHTSA’s OEMS, its partners, and other stakeholders. Read more: https://www.ems.gov/resources/newsletters/spring-2023/allin-one-the-ems-gov-resources-hub/ Submit recent EMS-related news and headlines for consideration to ptandy@miemss.org. n

IN THIS ISSUE n

MIEMSS Celebrates National EMS Week �� 1

EMS News Digest �� 2

Maryland EMS Care 2023 �� 3

Maryland Fire-Rescue Services Memorial Annual Gala 2023 �� 6

Maryland Fire-Rescue Services Memorial Program 2023. �� 7

Maryland Highway Safety Office News �� 8

Stroke Smart Resource Center Now Available �� 9

Commercial Services Corner �� 9

Roll into Summer with These Bike Safety Tips �� 10

Meet the Pediatric EMS Champions �� 11

MCFRS and PGFD Prepare for Technical Search and Rescue �� 13

Maryland EMS News "Save the Date" Calendar �� 14

EMS for Children Education Corner �� 15

Maryland EMS News

Maryland EMS Care 2023 EMS, Fire, and Public Safety personnel from across the region converged upon Ashore Resort & Beach Club in Ocean City, Maryland, April 27-30, 2023, for Maryland EMS Care, Maryland’s premier statewide EMS conference. Attendees, their families, and quality enjoyed five full days of high-quality continuing education in a beachfront resort setting that included a souvenir photo booth. EMS Care kicked off with three full days of preconference workshops, including an International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Peer Support Training, pediatric CPR and moulage training, a Tactical Emergency Casualty Care course, and a four-hour CPR training for BLS clinicians. Saturday morning’s plenary session opened with MIEMSS Executive Director Dr. Ted Delbridge, MD, MPH, delivering his update on the state of EMS in Maryland. State EMS Medical Director Dr. Timothy Chizmar, MD, FACEP, FAEMS, followed with a detailed exploration of the science driving changes to the upcoming 2023 Maryland Medical Protocols for Emergency Medical Services. Dr. Mark Kirk, MD, Director of Chemical Defense, Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Program, Department of Homeland Security discussed the unique challenges EMS clinicians face in chemical incidents, including current threats, how to recognize them, and what to do once the patient has been assessed. Later, Associate State EMS Medical Director Dr. Jennifer Anders, MD, FAAP, joined Dr. Chizmar for a comprehensive look at the

Pediatric EMS Champions Sterling Myers (Paramedic, Calvert County Emergency Services) and Caitey Kelshaw (Paramedic, Charles County DES) make it up as they go along during the moulage training.

Scan this QR code to view video highlights of Maryland EMS Care 2023. See pages 4-5 of this issue for more photos. evolution of Maryland’s Trauma Decision Tree. A host of breakout sessions on timely and relevant topics, such as medevac use in Maryland, legal and ethical issues for EMS, pediatric trauma assessment, mental health, EMS leadership, and more, rounded out the day’s programming. On Sunday, Kenny Barajas, DNP, CEN, Chief of the Office of Care Integration at MIEMSS, offered stroke pearls for prehospital clinicians during the morning plenary, while Heidi Halterman, MSN, RN, CEN, TCRN, NRP, Senior Clinical Nurse II, R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, and Asst. Chief of EMS, Mount Airy Vol. Fire

Co., Inc., discussed the transition from the "Trauma Triad of Death" to the "Lethal Diamond" and the effects of blood loss and shock on the trauma patient, as well as how EMS clinicians can intervene to help save trauma victims. From prehospital care to public safety, Maryland EMS Care strives to offer high-quality continuing education that speaks to a variety of disciplines. As Mental Health Manager with the Maryland State Police and a 34-year veteran of MIEMSS’ Critical Incident Stress Management Team, Erica Carlson recommended See EMS Care page 16

Maryland EMS News

Maryland EMS Care 2023

Scan the QR code at left to view your souvenir photos from Maryland EMS Care 2023. Scan the QR code at right to view more photo and video highlights from Maryland EMS Care 2023.

W W W. M IEMS S.ORG

Dr. Mark Kirk, MD, Director of Chemical Defense, Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Program, Department of Homeland Security, discussed chemical incidents and the unique challenges they present to EMS clinicians.

Susanne Ogaitis-Jones, coordinator for the Child Passenger Safety and Occupant Protection Health Care Project (part of MIEMSS’ EMS for Children department), is a familiar face to Maryland EMS Care attendees.

During their case-based presentation “Where’s the First Knuckle?”, Kathryn Burroughs (lower right corner), MS, PA-C, and Jill Glick, MS, PA-C, discussed hand anatomy, EMS protocols for upper extremity trauma, and how to best transport the patient and “package” the parts.

Maryland EMS News

Maryland EMS Care 2023

High-quality continuing education is the heart and soul of Maryland EMS Care.

MIEMSS Executive Director Dr. Ted Delbridge apprised attendees of the state of Maryland EMS.

"Survivors" of the moulage training.

The MIEMSS team is dedicated to delivering a first-rate conference experience for attendees.

Maryland EMS News

Maryland Fire-Rescue Services Memorial Program

On the first Sunday of each June, fire and rescue personnel from across the state converge upon the Maryland Fire-Rescue Memorial in Annapolis to pay tribute to colleagues, friends, and family members who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while serving the citizens and visitors of Maryland. This year’s ceremony took place on June 4, 2023, and honored the following fallen heroes: n Chief James P. Seavey, Jr., Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department n Firefighter/EMT M. Mark Blacker, Allegany County Department of Emergency Services n President Milton A. “Butch” Bloom, III, Leitersburg Volunteer Fire Company n MFRI Instructor Charles “Trey” Kelso, III, Maryland Fire Rescue Institute n Chief Neil A. Payne, Stockton

Scan the QR code below to view video highlights of the 2023 Maryland Fire-Rescue Services Memorial Program.

Volunteer Fire Company n EMT/Firefighter Juan M. Wilson, Baltimore City Fire Department Located on Rowe Boulevard, across from the Office of the Comptroller of Maryland building, the Maryland Fire-Rescue Services Memorial serves as a monument to

both volunteer and career men and women of the state’s Fire and EMS community whose lives were lost in the line of duty. “There could not be a better location than right here, at the entrance to the City of Annapolis, where everybody who comes and goes has to pass it,” notes Maryland State Firemen’s Association (MSFA) Chief Chaplain Rev. John F. Long, Jr. During the ceremony, family members of the honorees “are presented with a Maryland flag, a proclamation, and a rose,” explains MSFA President Benjamin Kurtz. “It’s our way of saying thank you to the families,” says Teresa Ann Crisman, a Past President of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association. “It’s critical, at the local level, the state level, and the federal level, See Memorial page 14

Maryland EMS News

Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s (MDOT MVA)

Maryland Highway Safety Office The MDOT MVA Highway Safety Office (MHSO) is dedicated to saving lives and working with many partners across the State to reduce the number of crashes each year. In addition, the MHSO looks for ways to reduce crash severity and ways to treat crash victims easier and faster. Maryland aims to reduce the number of crashes, and the resulting deaths and injuries, to zero by 2030.

Buckle Up for a Safe Ride HomeSafe Keeping Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Keeping KidsDriving Safe from Hot Cars Distracted is Deadly

There are a lot of poor excuses for not wearing a seat belt, you’ve probably heard them and maybe used one yourself:

Although it’s still spring, temperatures across Maryland are steadily rising. While our temperatures have not even come close to their summer peak, it’s important to know that it does not have to be a hot day to create a deadly environment within your vehicle. In just 10 minutes, a car can heat up by more than 20°, becoming dangerously hot, even on a seemingly mild day.

“It takes too long,” “It rubs my neck,” “I’m only driving a short distance.” The truth is, it takes only three seconds to buckle your seat belt and though you may find it mildly irritating, it could save your life in a crash. Unrestrained vehicle occupants become deadly projectiles in a crash, potentially injuring or killing other occupants or being ejected from the car. There are no good excuses for not wearing a seat belt, but there is one really great reason to do so. Keep yourself and others safe in the car. Buckle up in every seat, on every ride.

Over the past 25 years, more than 940 children have died of heatstroke after being left or becoming trapped in a hot car. In 2022, 33 children died of vehicular heatstroke. These deaths were all preventable. Take steps to ensure that you have a routine in place to always check your back seat. Whether it’s placing your phone, bag, a shoe in the back, or setting an alarm to remind you to look. This is especially important if your daily routine is altered and you’re responsible for a child that you don’t have with you on a regular basis. Always make sure your car doors are always locked and your children know that the car is not a safe place to play. If you see a child alone in a hot car, take immediate action to get them out and call 9-1-1.

Emphasis Area Team Meetings Looking to become more involved in local road safety? MHSO welcomes participation from the EMS community for all emphasis areas. Mark your calendar for the upcoming meetings: •

Pedestrian & Bicycle – Emphasis Area Team: June 8, 2023 (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

Maryland EMS News

Stroke Smart Resource Center Now Available Affecting one in every six Americans, strokes are the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States. Now, in an effort to promote stroke awareness and prevention, Maryland has been declared a “Stroke Smart State”. Launched under the administration of former Governor Larry Hogan, the initiative has received continued support from Governor Wes Moore. Spearheading the effort is the Infrastructure Development Task Force, a subcommittee of the Maryland Stroke Center Consortium (MSCC). Its team of dedicated stroke coordinators from around the state work with partnering agencies to promote stroke education. Working with MIEMSS, the

Scan the QR code at right to view the Stroke Smart Maryland video

See Stroke Smart page 16

Commercial Services Corner Commercial Ambulance Services are a critical component of the Maryland EMS System. All commercial ambulance services that operate in Maryland are required to be licensed by SOCALR (State Office of Commercial Ambulance Licensing and Regulation). Did you know? n There are 29 licensed ground services and 6 licensed air services. n These services provide over 207,000 transports a year. n There are 435 licensed commercial ambulances in Maryland 262 BLS (60.2%)

173 ALS (39.8%)

n There are 3,100 clinicians currently working in commercial services in Maryland. Learn more about the State Office of Commercial Ambulance Licensing and Regulation online at https://miemss.org/ home/commercial-ambulance. n

Maryland EMS News

Roll into Summer with These Bike Safety Tips Biking is a favorite pastime for kids and adults alike, but all cyclists risk serious injury or even death if they do not learn and practice proper bicycle safety. Safety concerns include helmet use, proper bike fit, and learning the laws. The first and most important step in bicycle safety is wearing a helmet. Maryland law requires children under age 16 to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. Statistics show that head injury is the leading cause of death and permanent disability in bicycle crashes. According to the Maryland Highway Safety Office, bicycle helmets reduce the risk of serious head by 85 percent. It is important to choose a helmet carefully and make sure it fits properly. When choosing a helmet for a child, buy one that fits now, not one to “grow into”. Most helmets come with ways to adjust sizing to help ensure a better fit. A properly adjusted bicycle helmet fits comfortably and securely. It should be worn level on the head, not tilted back on the crown or pulled low over the forehead. Once fitted correctly, it should not move more than an inch in any direction. A safe bicycle is one that is the

When choosing a helmet for a child, buy one that fits now, not one to “grow into”. Most helmets come with ways to adjust sizing to help ensure a better fit. right size for the rider. Just like a helmet, purchase a bike that fits the child now, not one they will “grow into”. The wrong size bike, especially one that is too large, may cause the child to lose control and be injured.

Use these three simple tests to check a bike for proper fit: n While sitting on the seat with hands on the handlebar, the rider must be able to place the balls of both feet on the ground. n While straddling the center bar, the rider should be able to keep both feet flat on the ground with about a oneinch clearance between the crotch and the bar. n When buying a bike with hand brakes, make sure that the rider can comfortably grasp the brakes and apply sufficient pressure to stop the bike. Maryland law regards bikes as vehicles, requiring cyclists to obey the same rules as motorists. Ride single file in the same direction as other traffic, be sure to signal your moves, and communicate with other motorists by making eye contact. Always check for oncoming traffic before you enter a road from a driveway, alley, bike path, or side street. Ride carefully, and watch out for other vehicles as well as for pedestrians, railroad tracks, construction zones, or problems in the road, such as potholes, cracks, expansion joints, wet leaves, grass clippings, or drainage grates, which could cause you to lose control of your bike. n

For more information about bicycle safety or for information about fitting a bike helmet correctly, visit www.miemss.org/home/bike-safety-project.

Maryland EMS News

Meet the Pediatric EMS Champions Maryland's EMS System is comprised of 29 EMS operational programs divided into five regions. In this month’s article, we will highlight some of the newest members of Maryland’s Pediatric EMS Champion Team from across the State. PHIL ZULAUF, NRP Cecil County Pediatric EMS Champion

CAITLIN LEDFORD, NRP Harford County Pediatric EMS Champion

Phil Zulauf, NRP, is the Pediatric EMS Champion for Cecil County. Zulauf is also a Lieutenant and EMT-T for Cecil County Department of Emergency Services. He was drawn to joining the Maryland EMSC Team when his son was diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy at the age of 3, requiring some 9-1-1 rides for specialty care. He saw firsthand how little education EMS clinicians receive initially on how to care

Caitlin Ledford, NRP, is the Pediatric EMS Champion for Harford County. She is currently enrolled at UMBC, pursuing her Master's degree in emergency management. Caitlin serves as the EMS Captain for Harford County Government. She shares she has a special interest in pediatrics and cardiology. Caitlin was drawn to EMS during high school, when she was involved in a MVC and required medical attention.

See Zulauf page 12

See Ledford page 12

CAMELLIA POWELL RUCH, NRP Howard County Pediatric EMS Champion

ETHAN FREYMAN, NRP BWI Fire & Rescue Pediatric EMS Champion

Camellia Powell Ruch, NRP, is one of the Pediatric EMS Champions for Howard County. She is a firefighter paramedic, preceptor, and instructor for Howard County Fire & Rescue. Camellia loves that her career allows her the opportunity and ability to help make someone’s worst day better. In fact, if she could have one superpower, it would be the ability to know exactly what is wrong with her patients. By

Ethan Freyman, NRP, is the Pediatric EMS Champion for BWI Fire and Rescue Department. He is also the Acting EMS Captain for the Department and performs multiple roles, such as EMS supervisor, educator, and clinician. Captain Freyman is passionate about EMS education and legal aspects of healthcare. Captain Freyman shares that a friend convinced him to pursue EMT in college. After enjoying the

See Ruch page 12

See Freyman page 12

Maryland EMS News

Zulauf... (Continued from page 11) for children with special needs and wanted to see that changed. When not at work, Lt. Zulauf plays guitar, mostly electric, and writes music ranging from blues to grunge and metal. He also is a stayat-home dad who enjoys spending time with his very intelligent and energetic son. While not a family motto per se, Lt. Zulauf discloses he has passed down to his son the phrase “keep on swinging,” a phrase first shared with him by a longtime baseball coach, and one he heard

Ledford... again while boxing. Simply put, it’s a shorthand way of saying to keep on trying – after all, he says, if you keep on swinging, you might just knock it out of the park or win the match. As an avid and shameless comic book nerd, Lt. Zulauf reveals that if he had a superpower, he would love to be able to create matter, from nothing to something, in an instant. The best advice he has ever received? “There are three things you cannot take back in this line of work – the meds you give, the electricity you deliver, and the words from your mouth,” he notes. “Use them wisely.” n

when hungry”. When not at work, Camellia loves spending time with her family. Her family motto is to always be kind – you never know what someone else is going through. Camellia’s favorite holiday is Christmas, for all of its blessings and being able to spend time with all of her kids making memories. n

She explain that the crew was kind and made an everlasting impression on her. Now, she gets to do the same in her career as she loves having the privilege of helping make someone's worst day hopefully turn around and become manageable. As a child, Caitlin enjoyed playing sports. She was named All-American Field Hockey Player. She grew up playing field hockey and devoted her time to practices and running. Given her passion for sports, it comes as no surprise that Caitlin's favorite subject in school was physical education. Caitlin shares that her favorite holiday is Christmas Eve. For her, the excitement and innocence she sees in her children's eyes is priceless. If Caitlin came with a warning label, it would read, "Will break out in dance at any moment." As a means to relax when away from work, Caitlin loves to play with her children. She shares that they are an adventurous family who love to be outdoors, spending many hours on the bike trails, snowboarding, and having bonfires in their yard. n

tions on legal topics, as he has been a practicing lawyer since 2010. Captain Freyman expresses a personal goal of helping to elevate the EMS profession to the level that associated allied health professionals enjoy. He loves making a difference by helping to create future generations of EMS clinicians. If Captain Freyman had a superpower, he would choose the ability to fly; he likes the idea of being able to

soar through the air, and the feeling of freedom to be able to go in any direction the wind takes him. It would also enable him to travel anywhere at any time. Working on his Jeep keeps Captain Freyman busy when not at work. Additionally, he enjoys running and triathlons. Captain Freyman shares that if he came with a warning label, it would read “Caution: handle with care, I am a lawyer”. n

Ruch... (Continued from page 11) eliminating the grey area, it would allow her to provide the most definitive care possible in a timely fashion. Growing up, Camellia’s favorite subject in school was English. She also enjoyed riding her horse. But beware – if Camellia came with a warning label, it would read “Cranky

(Continued from page 11)

Ruch... (Continued from page 11) class, he decided to further his EMS education and become a paramedic, as well as an instructor for CPR, ACLS, PALS, and ITLS. Captain Freyman has taught in the CCEMT-P and Paramedic refreshers for UMBC and remains involved in helping teach continuing education topics in adjacent jurisdictions. He has also assisted MIEMSS in creating presenta-

Maryland EMS News

MCFRS and PGFD Train to Prepare for Technical Search and Rescue The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) and Prince George’s Fire Department (PGFD) participated in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Technical Search and Rescue class to enhance the lifesaving skills of firefighters during a complex rescue event. The course provides practical knowledge of technical rescue techniques by incorporating advanced technology that helps locate, remove, and recover trapped victims. The MarylandNational Capital Region Emergency Response System (MDERS) supported MCFRS and PGFD personnel attending the technical search and rescue course to enhance firefighter safety, equipment deployment, and victim management. The purpose of technical rescue serves to provide an immediate rescue process that deploys skilled firefighters and appropriate equipment to ensure an effective response operation. Technical rescue is the use of special knowledge, skills, and equipment to safely resolve complicated rescue situations (PGPD Special Operations, 2010). Technical rescue encompasses specialized subsets, including structural collapse rescue, rope rescue, confined space rescue, trench rescue, rope rescue, vehicle/ machinery rescue, and water rescue. In the National Capital Region (NCR), structural collapse incidents require specialized response efforts from firefighters to maintain public safety. MDERS provided an opportunity for 18 participants from MCFRS and PGFD to attend FEMA’s Technical Search and Rescue class

to improve their abilities in the rescue process. The technical rescue class is designed to provide personnel with the expertise and abilities necessary to perform technical search functions (TEEX, 2023). This course provides an engaging learning experience for participants to approach any rescue situation safely. Beginning with an introduction to technical rescue and subsequent field exercises, the instructors dis-

cuss the necessary tools, equipment, and search operations to reinforce proper response techniques. Participants were introduced to the concepts of using the rescue equipment through real-world examples to perform exploration strategies. More specifically, participants learned about the principles of technical rescue surrounding the different environments in which first responders may respond. Discussions consisting of technical search procedures and innovative rescue equipment allowed participants to recognize certain methods that help bolster the identification of trapped individuals. The instructors presented in-depth coverage of the collapsed building types, confined See MDERS page 14

Maryland EMS News

MDERS... (Continued from page 13) spaces, hazards, and personal protective equipment (PPE) that first responders must consider during a technical rescue event. Participants learned about operating listening devices, camera systems, and sensor technology to improve scene management. During the field exercises, participants worked collaboratively to deploy search equipment within the parameters of a simulated structural collapse incident. Participants conducted a preliminary assessment of the collapsed structure to determine hazards, points of entry, exposures for collateral damage, and possible locations of victims. This information allowed participants to strategically position cameras and use life detection devices near trapped individuals to increase situational awareness. These technologies provided the ability to develop more informed and accurate decisions that make the response phase less labor intensive. The Technical Search and Rescue class offers the practical knowl-

edge that all NCR first responders continue to train on for future structural collapse events. As a part of our mission, MDERS places significant emphasis on providing joint training opportunities to first responders from Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties to mitigate public safety threats collectively. MDERS will continue supporting integrated training courses to ensure a higher quality of preparedness and response. References n Prince George’s County, Maryland, Fire/Emergency Medical

Services Department General Order. Special Operations. (2010). Retrieved from https://www. princegeorgescountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3718/General-Order-09-01-Technical-Rescue-Services-01-10-PDF n Texas Annual Fire Training School. TEEX. (2023, May 15). Technical Search Specialist – InstructorLed Training. Retrieved from https:// www.teex.org/class/9p1231/ Urban Search & Rescue. FEMA. (2023). Retrieved from https://www. fema.gov/emergency-managers/ national-preparedness/frameworks/ urban-search-rescue. n

Memorial... (Continued from page 7) that there be recognition – for their family members to know that their loved one did not die in vain,” says Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki, Executive Director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, who delivered this year’s Memorial Address.

“We don’t want to forget about those who paid the ultimate sacrifice,” says Dennis E. Beard, President of the Maryland Fire-Rescue Services Memorial Foundation. Learn more about the Maryland Fire-Rescue Services Memorial at https://mdfirerescuehero.org/. n

~ Maryland EMS News "Save the Date" Calendar ~ JUNE 2023 n 17-22: Maryland State Firemen's Association Annual Convention & Conference. Ocean City Ocean City Convention Center, Ocean City, MD. (https://tinyurl.com/MSFAConvention2023) SEPTEMBER n 19: 64th Annual Mid-Atlantic Life Safety Conference. Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD. (https://www.midatlanticlifesafetyconference.com/) n 23: Maryland Fire-Rescue Services Memorial 2023 Annual Gala. DoubleTree by Hilton, Annapolis, MD. For tickets, sponsorships, or questions, email mdmemorialgala@gmail.com. Submit events to Patrick Tandy at ptandy@miemss.org.

Maryland EMS News

EMS for Children Education Corner n The Maryland EMS for Children Department offers multiple online learning modules on a variety of topics in the MIEMSS Online Training Center located at www.emsonlinetraining.org. We are highlighting the Pediatric Stroke: Time is Brain (At Any Age!) module within the Pediatric Education tab. Stroke can happen to anyone at any time - including teenagers, children, newborns, and unborn babies. A third of pediatric strokes occur in neonates and infants. Early recognition of strokes in children requires proper assessment and stabilization along with appropriate triage and transport decisions to minimize neurologic disability. Presented by Ryan J. Felling, M.D., Ph.D., Director of the Johns Hopkins Pediatric Stroke Program and Co-Director of the Johns Hopkins Pediatric Neurocritical Care Program. The module objectives are listed below: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Identify the many and varied causes of pediatric stroke Recognize the presentation of stroke in children that may looks like seizure or migraines Plan prehospital care of child with possible stroke Understand hospital treatments and destination choices for children with possible stroke

The course offers 0.5 hours of NCCP Individual credit for ALS clinicians and 0.5 hours of Medical credit for BLS clinicians. For more information, please email pepp@miemss.org. n The Maryland EMS for Children Department offers multiple online learning modules on a variety of topics in the MIEMSS Online Training Center located at www.emsonlinetraining.org. This month we will highlight the newest of these modules – Neonatal Resuscitation in the Prehospital Setting. The goal of this course is to better prepare EMS clinicians for neonatal resuscitation in the prehospital setting. Clinicians should remember that transition to extrauterine life is a normal process. The primary goal of neonatal care at birth is to facilitate the transition from the fluid-filled womb to the air-filled environment, and the majority of babies accomplish this just fine. That said, approximately 10% of newborns need help beginning breath at birth, and approximately 1% of these need intensive resuscitative measures to restore cardiorespiratory function. For these 10% of babies, the advancements in neonatology over the past 60-70 years have made an enormous difference. This online learning module is based on the mantra: Babies are meant to be born. Babies are going to do what babies are going to do. The online learning module is interactive and covers BLS and ALS scope of practice that also applies to emergency department births. The module objectives are listed below: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Identify key physiological differences between a fetus and a neonate. Explain important physiological changes that occur in the transition from fetus to neonate. List the initial steps for caring for any neonate and explain why they are necessary. Assess a newborn’s breathing, tone, and heart rate to determine if the baby is vigorous or not. Determine when advanced resuscitative measures (chest compressions, intubation, and medication) are necessary. Identify the correct steps to take based on the Neonatal Resuscitation Algorithm.

This course has been approved for 1 hour of distributive education (ALS NCCP Individual or BLS Medical). For more information, please email pepp@miemss.org. n

Maryland EMS News

Stroke Smart... (Continued from page 9) task force has developed the Stroke Smart Resource Center (https:// miemss.org/home/hospitals/strokeresources). The website offers information on how to become, and stay, Stroke Smart, including an educational video featuring health care personnel, stroke experts, and stroke survivors. “The focus of this initiative, and our hope for the state, is to increase awareness of common stroke signs and symptoms, and reinforce the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately, which will ensure patients access to acute stroke treatment quickly,” explains MSCC Chair Nicole Leonard, BSN, RN, Neuroscience Specialist/Stroke Coordinator, University of Maryland Shore Regional Health. Maryland EMS News MIEMSS 653 W. Pratt St. Baltimore, MD 21201-1536 Governor Wes Moore Lt. Governor Aruna Miller Copyright © 2023 by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems 653 W. Pratt St. Baltimore, MD 21201-1536 www.miemss.org Chairman, EMS Board: Clay B. Stamp, NRP Executive Director, MIEMSS: Theodore R. Delbridge, MD, MPH Managing Editor: Patrick Tandy (ptandy@miemss.org) Design & Layout: Patrick Tandy Photography: MIEMSS Media Services (unless noted otherwise)

“We are so appreciative of the collaboration and support we have received from leadership across Maryland,” adds Leonard, “and we would like to continue to encourage all Marylanders to join us in this ini-

tiative of pursuing a Stroke Smart Maryland.” More stroke-related information and resources, including the video, are available at https://miemss.org/ home/hospitals/stroke-resources. n

EMS Care... (Continued from page 3) the IAFF Peer Support Training to anyone in public safety or health and human services. “The more you learn about your body’s response to traumatic events and difficult situations, the more able you are to stay healthy, and also help your coworkers get through very difficult times,” she explains. Charles County DES Paramedic

and County Pediatric EMS Champion Caitey Kelshaw enjoyed practicing proper make-up application techniques during the moulage training. Doing so, she explained, would enable her agency to “do better with our training modules, in order for people to see what these injuries actually look like.” “I’m very excited to bring this back home,” said Kelshaw. n

EMS Week... (Continued from page 1) cally delivering advances in emergency care. To all our EMS clinicians, who dedicate themselves to helping oth-

ers at their times of greatest need, and on behalf of all Marylanders, thank you for what you do each and every day. Learn more about National EMS Week at https://emsweek.org/. n

As part of our extended celebration of EMS Week, MIEMSS is currently traveling around the state to honor EMS clinicians and other individuals for going above and beyond in the delivery of emergency care to their fellow citizens and visitors of Maryland. Look for complete coverage of the 2023 Maryland EMS Awards and Right Care When It Counts Awards in the July issue of Maryland EMS News.