68th MAST and Mercy-29 #WBW #EMSWeek2016 #EMSStrong

WBW (aka Way Back Wednesday) – because my First ambo ride was in Mercy-29.

Mad props to Ken and Andy.

IMG_1783

Also, for aeromedical evacuation, shout out to the MAST pros from the 68th Medical Detachment in Hawaii.

Evac-001C

Note: When I first started, they were still flying Hueys.

No matter the location, all EMS Professionals work hard 24/7 – and serve proudly in any community that calls.

Thank your local EMS Professionals for a job well done!

What is EMS Week?

Since President Gerald Ford first recognized EMS Week in 1973, communities, hospitals, healthcare organizations, survivors and EMS agencies spend a week every year in May recognizing the lifesaving work of EMS professionals. AROUND THE COUNTRY, EMS Week is celebrated with a variety of events.

2016 EMS Week: Sunday May 15 through Saturday May 21

emsweek

What is EMS Strong?

The EMS Strong campaign seeks to celebrate, unify and inspire the men and women of our nation’s emergency medical services. Created by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) in partnership with the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), EMS Strong brings together associations, EMS services, sponsors and national media to honor the dedication of EMS practitioners nationwide.

@rusnivek

Local Fire Department does EMS too! #EMSWeek2016 #EMSStrong

Happy EMS week peeps.

In many parts of the country, local Fire Departments also run all the EMS calls too.

CFDRescue

Whether Emergency First Responder (EMR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), or Paramedic – they are ALL a part of the safety in our jurisdictions

Thank your local Emergency Medical Services Professionals for a job well done!

 

What is EMS Week?

Since President Gerald Ford first recognized EMS Week in 1973, communities, hospitals, healthcare organizations, survivors and EMS agencies spend a week every year in May recognizing the lifesaving work of EMS professionals. AROUND THE COUNTRY, EMS Week is celebrated with a variety of events.

2016 EMS Week: Sunday May 15 through Saturday May 21

emsweek

What is EMS Strong?

The EMS Strong campaign seeks to celebrate, unify and inspire the men and women of our nation’s emergency medical services. Created by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) in partnership with the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), EMS Strong brings together associations, EMS services, sponsors and national media to honor the dedication of EMS practitioners nationwide.

@rusnivek

Happy #EMSWeek2016! # EMSStrong – M

Happy EMS Week peeps!

EMSWeek2016-Monday

Thank your local EMS Professionals for a job well done.

What is EMS Week?

Since President Gerald Ford first recognized EMS Week in 1973, communities, hospitals, healthcare organizations, survivors and EMS agencies spend a week every year in May recognizing the lifesaving work of EMS professionals. AROUND THE COUNTRY, EMS Week is celebrated with a variety of events.

2016 EMS Week: Sunday May 15 through Saturday May 21

emsweek

What is EMS Strong?

The EMS Strong campaign seeks to celebrate, unify and inspire the men and women of our nation’s emergency medical services. Created by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) in partnership with the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), EMS Strong brings together associations, EMS services, sponsors and national media to honor the dedication of EMS practitioners nationwide.

@rusnivek

Presidential Proclamation — Emergency Medical Services Week, 2016 #EMSWeek2016 #EMSStrong

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

May 13, 2016

Presidential Proclamation — Emergency Medical Services Week, 2016

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK, 2016

– – – – – – –

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Every day across our Nation, women and men sacrifice precious time with their loved ones, working long and hard to provide emergency medical services (EMS) to people they have never met before. Often operating in the midst of trauma and heartbreak, these professionals deliver urgent and essential care, saving lives and upholding a timeless belief that defines who we are as Americans — that we all must look out for one another. This week, we recognize the daily heroism of our EMS professionals at all levels, and we express our gratitude for their efforts to keep us healthy and safe.

Embodying the grit, compassion, and courage that has driven our Nation forward since its founding, our emergency medical technicians, paramedics, 911 dispatchers, nurses, physicians, EMS medical directors, firefighters, and law enforcement officers reflect a spirit of selflessness that makes us all strive to live up to their example. Their families stand beside them, enduring extraordinary anticipation and exercising sincere patience each day. As the steady anchors in an otherwise unpredictable daily routine, these families offer unwavering support for EMS practitioners — giving them the support and strength necessary to fulfill the demands of their unending work.

EMS providers brave danger and uncertainty, and their efforts deserve our most profound appreciation. We rarely know when tragedy will strike, and in our most vulnerable moments, we rely on these dedicated professionals. During Emergency Medical Services Week, let us celebrate and support the EMS professionals who demonstrate the values at the heart of the American spirit, and let us thank them for their heroic work.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 15 through May 21, 2016, as Emergency Medical Services Week. I encourage all Americans to observe this occasion by showing their support for their local EMS providers and taking steps to improve their own personal safety and preparedness.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth.

BARACK OBAMA

 

https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/05/13/presidential-proclamation-emergency-medical-services-week-2016

Wilson…I mean Willson!

The  varied schedule allowed me to catch up to one of Cleveland’s finest Paramedics – Jim Willson!

Willson

The man, the myth, the legend, Commander Jim Willson! In lieu of posting an embarrassingly old picture of Cmdr Willson, I figured this one is best. Plus he knows too many stories. 

I remember first meeting Jim at the ER. Years later, I remember meeting him again during EMS week as a Cleveland EMS Commander. Shortly thereafter, I sat and co-chaired the UASI EMS Functional Committee…Jim was always there.

(Funny note: I remember spelling his name wrong for about a decade until I got it right. Jeez.)

Jim’s career at Cleveland spans decades including finishing his career with Cleveland Public Safety as the Emergency Operations Center Manager. Almost every time I was in the EOC, Jim was there. I can’t think of a more dedicated EMS professional who’s been there/done that.

So glad to catch up to my friend Jim Wilson…I mean Willson.

@rusnivek

 

My former flight team smiling

After a lukewarm week, what made me smile again? This.

KaitoAndGayle

Kaito and Whooba

Seeing my former flight team smiling on a great day in Ohio.

UHMedEvac-2

University MedEvac-2 (Medina)

Yes, I knew these two jokersters when they first started with the flight program.

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Left to right: Kilo-Charlie (117KC) and Whiskey-Sierra (118WS) with Mike-Bravo (626MB) on the fins. If you know the meaning behind these tail numbers, you know what it means to me.

Yups, back in the original EC-135 and BK days.

CamposGayleKaito

Lead Pilot Campos, Base Supervisor Celebrezze, and Kaito

So glad to see they now are leading their respective teams as Lead Pilot and Base Supervisor. Ahhh, great memories. Outstanding flight crews. Transition approved!

5

Kaito….I mean @rusnivek

Doctor! Doctor! Give me the news!

Doctor! Doctor! Give me the news!

SurGlaude

It was outstanding to see one of my all-time favorite ER Docs today in the Emergency Department – ladies and gents, I give you the prestigious Dr. Larry Glaude!

Many of you know that in public safety, friendships are forged that last a lifetime…and Dr. Glaude is a great example. So many great memories and of course epic stories to tell!

@rusnivek

 

Heat STROKE vs heat EXHAUSTION vs heat CRAMPS

Heat-related illnesses!

Knowing the differences is critical when determining the need for immediate medical care.

  • Heat Stroke, also referred to as “sun stroke,” degrades the body’s temperature control system, which regulates perspiration. A victim experiencing heat stroke can suffer brain damage or death if they do not receive proper medical care.
  • Heat Exhaustion typically occurs when people overexert themselves in hot, humid weather conditions. Heat exhaustion causes an increase in blood flow to the skin, resulting in a deprivation of blood in the vital organs. If untreated, heat exhaustion may cause a victim to suffer heat stroke.
  • Heat Cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are non-life threatening, they are often a precursor to more serious heat-related health concerns.

edf6298c-dc4f-47f1-93af-ef0c261cd346

Each year, extreme heat is responsible for hundreds of deaths in the United States. Medical professionals are available 24/7 to respond.

Stay informed and know the signs/symptoms.

Hydrate often peeps!

@rusnivek

 

A few of the 68th Medical Blackhawks

Just looking through a few pictures from my visit with the 68th Medical Detachment in Hawaii this morning.

Evac-001C

Just a slight different configuration for aeromedical patient care transport.

CrewChiefseat

Probably slightly less comfortable than a Stryker or Ferno cot huh?

Mahalos to the flight team for the hospitality.

FlightTeam

Happy Aloha Friday everyone.

@rusnivek

EMS Zoom ZOOM! More like no-NO! #SlowTheEffDownNOW #Paramedic #EMT

EMS call – yes!

faster – Faster – FASTER!!!!

But I am sure this GoPro footage is being reviewed by all the bosses.

I can’t image that they’d be happy to see this.

Also, that siren is weird too.

Just keep in mind, if EMS doesn’t even make it to the scene because of their own reckless crash, who will treat the patient?

Duh.

image

Safety first peeps.

@rusnivek