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NYS 2019 Statewide Protocol Update

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By December 31, 2019 all certified EMS providers in NYS (CFR, EMT, AEMT, EMT-CC and Paramedic) will need to complete on-line protocol updates as indicated by level of care.

At this time, we are providing information pertaining to the 2019  Statewide BLS Protocols which must be completed by all providers no later than December 31, 2019.

The protocol update was prepared by the Bureau of EMS through their on-line learning management system (LMS) called “Vital Signs Academy”.  It is important to note that each provider in NYS will need to individually complete this update prior to December 31, 2019.  Group training is not possible for this update.  The 6 module training will take approximately 90 minutes to complete.  The training does NOT need to be completed all at once.

For services in the Wyoming-Erie County region, two fields have been added to the UBMD EMS Portal where completion dates should be recorded for the both BLS and ALS (announced at a later date) completion dates.  EMS officers/training managers should plan to update these fields once a provider has completed the update and a certificate is on file.

To begin the 2019 Statewide BLS Protocol Update, please download the directions below.

Download 2019 Statewide BLS Protocol Update Instructions

WREMAC Provider Privileges and CME Policy Update!

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At its September 18, 2019 business meeting, the Western Regional Emergency Medical Advisory Committee (WREMAC) adopted updates to their Policy #2013-1: Provider Privileges and Continuing Medical Education.  No significant changes were made to the policy; rather, a few items were clarified to better help providers and agencies understand WREMAC expectations.

Here is a brief overview of the changes:

  1. The policy now clarifies that reports are due to the EMS program agency no later than June 30 each year.
  2. The policy emphasizes that individual providers are responsible for meeting regional requirements.  Agencies are responsible for monitoring provider compliance and taking appropriate action when providers are not compliant with the policy at any time.
  3. Previously, there was uncertainty as to when a provider had to be registered with the EMS Program Agency.  This has now been clarified: “No provider shall provide stand‐alone patient care with an agency in this region until the agency has validated his/her eligibility for credentialing set forth in this policy and registered the provider with their agency using the EMS Program Agency’s approved format (paper or electronic).”
  4. The “Didactic Requirements” now reflect protocol updates/exams (as required by NYS and/or the region)
  5. The “Skill Requirements” were updated to match the skills within the BLS and ALS protocols.
  6. “WREMAC Approved Courses” now states the WREMAC’s position on certifications that use the terminology “recommended renewal date” rather than “expiration date”.  In this region, a recommended renewal date is considered to be the same as an expiration date.

WREMAC Policy 2013-1_September 2019 REVISED

NYS CME Recertification Program: New Administrative Manual Released

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The Administrative Manual for the NYS CME-Based Recertification Program has been published to the Bureau of EMS’ Website.  There have been a number of changes to the CME recert program.  We strongly encourage all CME Coordinators to review the manual.

There will be in-service opportunities for CME Coordinators to learn about the new changes and how to properly administrate the program moving forward.  As the UBMD EMS Division becomes aware of training opportunities, we will circulate through this list.

Change is difficult but we are certain most, if not all, will welcome the changes made to this program.

https://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/ems/certification/docs/cme_recert_pgm_adm_manual.pdf

National EMS Education Standards Public Comment Period

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National EMS Education Standards (Draft 1) open for Public Comment Until early Sept 

https://emseducationstandards.redflashgroup.com/

The National EMS Education Standards, first published in 2009, are being revised with the support of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The revision is a community-wide, collaborative effort being led by the National Association of EMS Educators and the RedFlash Group. The project’s Development Team met earlier in 2019 to review the recently released National EMS Scope of Practice Model and stakeholder input to produce a first draft of the revisions. This draft is now available and public comment can be provided until September 20 using this online form.

Select the link above to learn more about the National EMS Education Standards and how comments may be provided.

CME Opportunity: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Conference

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The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) conference will be held on October 4, 2019 at UB’s South Campus.  The program is designed to help providers and advocates for victims of sexual assault to maximize their effectiveness in providing care, treatment and services.

EMS is welcome and encouraged to attend this conference.  For more information, please download the conference flyer.

Download 2019 SANE Conference Flyer

Vital Signs EMS Agency Innovation Awards

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Vital Signs Conference is excited to announce the new EMS Agency Innovation Awards! These awards will be split into four innovation categories: organizational, clinical delivery, recruitment & retention and educational.

Award nominations are welcomed via electronic submission using the link provided below.

To submit a nomination, please electronically submit your application via https://apps.health.ny.gov/pubpal/builder/survey/innovative-award

Download EMS Agency Innovation Awards Descriptions

Mercy Hospital of Buffalo Awards Dinner

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On Wednesday, November 6th, 2019 Mercy Hospital of Buffalo will be hosting an awards dinner to recognize some of the amazing life-saving work being done by first responders throughout Western New York.

For more information regarding the awards program, including nomination information, please download the flyer below.

Please note: It is not a requirement that Mercy Hospital of Buffalo was the patient transport destination for the call being nominated.

Download Mercy Hospital of Buffalo Awards Flyer