Hampden County Emergency Medical Services

Our Fall Newsletter is live!!! This issue we decided to tackle some difficult and sometimes taboo topics, such as provider mental health, substance abuse, burnout and where we go from here. We interviewed providers regionally and have a column piece dedicated to their responses. Here's a small snapshot below:

Q: Do you think there is a higher risk of substance abuse as a coping mechanism in the fire and EMS culture?
A: "Yes, substance abuse is often a result of self-medicating behavior due to under diagnosed mental health issues related to trauma. Our Type A personalities allow us to be helpers but never ask for help. It’s easier to sit at a bar than it is to admit you need help and seek it out. The culture of the fire service and EMS historically embraced alcohol as a healthy way to deal with traumatic calls; “Nothing a few beers won’t fix.” That was the motto and to some extent, it still is...."

To see the entire newsletter, click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10fK2SJnsQG4vAaElmoMl288jmaT-A5h6/view?fbclid=IwAR1CBsoT93rib8y7AdOzr_RXrp0K21LHb0IvpRiDmg5NoNuzLG3liqT1ZVg

DPH and OEMS Waivers/Advisories/Guidance Documents issued Post-Pandemic: Clarification of "First Responder' under temporary P staffing waiver Clarification of First Responder for temporary P-staffing issued 6/26/23 NOTE: this is

Great educational opportunity!

Disaster Day 2023 - July 12th is now approved for 4 CEU credits❗
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Spots are filling up fast - you don't want to miss this event!

Registration closes THIS Friday, June 30th!

To Register: https://baystateaha.enrollware.com/enroll?id=8074088

Iron Man 70.3 triathlon is coming to Springfield MA!

Want to volunteer? Love getting t-shirts? We are reaching out to medical community members to volunteer for this exciting local endurance event. We have a variety of medical volunteer options available for EMTs/paramedics.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Volunteer Captain Erin Markt or message us on here.

To register as a volunteer, please visit https://ironman.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=69785
after registering, select your volunteer shift(s) by using password: med2023

Please welcome our new Region I Director, J Dominic Singh! Dominic comes to us with extensive experience in EMS, Fire, EMS education, agency leadership and more. He is currently onboarding with the outgoing Director. Welcome Dominic!

THE COURSE YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR!

⛑🪢🐍🩺EMS Week Off the Grid🩺🐍🪢⛑


This one-day program will give EMS providers of all levels an introduction to wilderness EMS and the response to environmental emergencies. Topics in the program include hypo/hyperthermia, drowning, lightning strikes, animal bites/envenomation, extrication, search and rescue concepts, and splinting. This course will be presented by subject matter experts.
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OEMS credit pending.
When: Friday, May 26th from 0830-1500
Where: Six Flags New England
Cost: $15 (includes small breakfast and lunch)
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To register: https://baystateaha.enrollware.com/enroll?id=7896335

UPDATED administrative requirement on Nero's Law. Training deadline extended to 2/10/24. Other training changes added. Read the entire AR here: https://wmems.org/p/1049/Neros-Law

There is a 3-day GRIN class coming up in January at 6 Flags in Agawam. Go to Fire Academy site to register. There is no charge despite what description says. If you plan to join our Team email or call the office. https://hraccess-us.technomedia.com/mfa/?

Revised EMS regs passed by Public Health Council today. Effective in 90 days. FR/EMT staffing model in place for all BLS transports, not just hospital discharges. Removed requirement to submit PCR before leaving hospital but inserted a required 'verbal report'. More info to come when we get a look at the revisions.

We have 3 upcoming opportunities to for our Multi-Lead EKG course taught by the AMAZING Gary Childs.. Space will be limited so sign up soon!!

https://community911training.enrollware.com/schedule