News & Information

May. 29, 2009 - 32nd Annual State EMS Conference

TAKE THE FAMILY ON VACATION AND RECEIVE CONTINUING EDUCATION AT THE SAME TIME!   Pennsylvania's 32 Annual Statewide EMS Conference will be held August 13-15, 2009 (with pre-conference sessions being held August 11th and 12th) at the Holiday Inn Harrisburg/Hershey in Grantville, PA -- Just minutes from Hershey Park and othe attractions!   Highlights of this year's conference include:   National Faculty including featured spealers:Bryan Bledsoe, DO, FECEP and Skip Kirkwood, EMT-P, JD, MS   Discount Hershey Park Tickets for you and your family - any day of the week!   Over 40 exhibitors   EMS Day and picnic at Hershey Park (Thursday, August 13th)   The State EMS Awards Lunchoen (Friday, August 14th)   Session informatioin and online regisration can be found online at www.pehsc.org   We hope to see you there!

Apr. 30, 2009 - Guidance for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems and 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has provided interim guidance for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems and 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) for management of patients with confirmed or suspected Swine-Origin Influenza A (H1N1) Infection.  Please click on the link below to view the document.   http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidance_ems.htm

Apr. 29, 2009 - Swine Flu (H1N1)

The following web sites contain important up to date information on swine flu:   Pennsylvania Department of Health www.health.state.pa.us   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/swineflu   Interim Guidance for Cleaning Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Transport Vehicles during an Influenza Pandemic http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/healthcare/cleaning_ems.html

Apr. 27, 2009 - PA Working with Federal Partners on Swine Flu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA April 27, 2009                                     Department of Health                                                          Commonwealth News Bureau                                                          Room 308, Main Capitol Building                                                          Harrisburg, PA 17120                                                            CONTACT: Stacy Kriedman                                                                           (717) 787-1783   PENNSYLVANIA WORKING CLOSELY WITH FEDERAL PARTNERS TO CONTAIN IMPACT OF SWINE FLU Federal Health and Human Services Department declares a Public Health Emergency   HARRISBURG - The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is working with federal officials to contain the impact of an outbreak of swine flu in Mexico that resulted in the declaration of a national public health emergency in the United States.   The Department of Health is working to educate the public and health care providers of recommended steps to prepare for potential cases of swine influenza in Pennsylvania.   "At this point we do not have any confirmed cases of swine influenza in Pennsylvania, but we remain in constant communication with health officials at all levels," said Health Secretary Everette James. "We are committed to keeping our health care providers, local health agencies, and public informed as this situation develops."   "The federal public health emergency declaration is simply a tool that allows for preparation and mobilization of resources to plan for and respond to this virus outbreak if we begin to see cases in Pennsylvania," said Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Robert French. "We are coordinating our activities closely with our federal partners and all the public health and emergency agencies across the state," said French.   The Department of Health has notified health care providers across Pennsylvania to be watchful for patients with influenza-like illness who may have been exposed to the new swine flu strain and immediately inform the local health department of any suspected cases. The department will assist all health care providers in evaluating the patients, recommending control measures, and assisting in specimen collection and testing when indicated.   This notification follows confirmation of a new strain of swine influenza A/H1N1 virus in Mexico and five locations in the U.S., including New York and Ohio. To date, all U.S. cases were "mild" with only one person requiring brief hospitalization.   According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, swine influenza A/H1N1 is a new strain of influenza that has not been previously been detected in swine or humans. The virus has also been confirmed in Canada and Mexico. It is still safe to eat pork and pork products.   The Department of Health provided information to all of the state's health care providers and hospitals late Friday regarding the swine flu, including how to quickly report possible cases and how to submit samples for testing. Anyone who has traveled to or from the affected areas and has a respiratory illness should contact their health care provider or local health department before seeking health care.   Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. Before the current outbreak, people rarely got swine flu, usually only if they were in very close proximity to infect pigs. However, during the current outbreak, the virus is able to spread from person-to-person.   Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to those of regular or seasonal flu and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some with swine flu also reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Although winter is over, there is still a low level of seasonal flu occurring in the state.   There is no vaccine available at this time, but the swine flu can be treated with certain antiviral drugs. Persons with swine flu are contagious for up to seven days or longer after the onset of illness, so it is important to take the following steps to prevent spreading the virus to others: Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others; Cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues; Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting plenty of rest and exercise; and Seek care if you have influenza-like illness. The CDC is asking that those individuals who have a recent history of travel and experience mild, flu-like symptoms to stay home. However, if you feel your symptoms worsen or become severe, call or visit your health care provider.   For more information on Swine Influenza A/H1N1, contact the Department of Health at 1-877-PA- Health or visit www.health.state.pa.us.   ###

Jan. 30, 2009 - EMS Informational Bulletin - #66

Subject: Guidelines for CPAP Devices From: Bureau of EMS, PA Department of Health The Bureau of EMS has received a number of inquiries regarding Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices and the characteristics of these devices. The CPAP protocol states a CPAP device must be approved by the service medical director and have a manometer or other device that can regulate the Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP). Currently the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council (PEHSC) Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) is reviewing equipment requirements for CPAP devices. The following items should be considered by Service Medical Directors when recommending what device their service should consider: The device must be portable and oxygen or battery-powered. The device must be capable of delivering at least 80% oxygen. The device must have manometer or other means of regulating PEEP delivered The device must have a disposable mask/breathing circuit. The Bureau of EMS is offering this Guidance regarding CPAP devices to assist services, but additional recommendations or requirements may be considered after the MAC completes their review.

Jan. 22, 2009 - EMS Information Bulletin #64

Operation of Ambulance and Other Emergency Vehicles While at Hospital Emergency Department   PA Department of Health Bureau of EMS- Concerns have been noted by hospitals located within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that Ambulance and EMS Services have been leaving their vehicles unattended, with the engine running, while parked at the facilities. This practice allows exhaust fumes from the vehicle to enter the facitity. Many Hospitals and Medical facilities have policies in place that require Ambulance and EMS crews to shut off their engines while dropping off or picking up patients in order to prevent fumes from entering the building.   In addition, the practice of allowing the vehicles engine to run while unattended is dangerous because this will allow for easy theft of the vehicle and its contents. There have been numerous Homeland Security Advisory bulletins issued on the theft of emergency vehilces and their equipment when parked at hospitals and other health care facilities.   The Department would ask that each Emergency Service issue a policy that would require vehicle operators to turn off their engines while the vehicle is at the Emergency Department to pick up or drop off patients. This will address the security issues, prevent the fumes from entering the building and will lower service operating costs by not wasting fuel.   Please cooperate with the hospital staff and security to address this issue as soon as possible. - Thank You.

Nov. 21, 2008 - EMS Informational Bulletin - #62

Subject: Implementation of Updated Protocols To: Ambulance Services From: Bureau of Emergency Medical Services   Statewide ALS and BLS protocols have been updated 11/1/2008.   The Bureau of EMS is authorizing the following changes to the Scope of Practice and Approved Drug list which are included in the updated protocols.   Changes to the Prehospital Personnel Scope of Practice are: Adding the King LTS-D Airway as a device to be used as a rescue airway Adding CPAP/BiPAP as a skill that can be performed by EMTs Listing tracheostomy suctioning as an EMT and EMT-P skill Permitting Ambulance Attendants to make verbal patient reports to individuals receiving the patient Permitting Ambulance Attendants to complete patient care reports Adding the use of hemostatic agents to the methods that can be employed to stop bleeding Changes to the approved Drug list are: Addition of Activated Charcoal Addition of Calcium gluconate Addition of Captopril Addition of Enalapril Removal of restction that Nitroglycerin by intavenous drip may only be used for interfacility transports During interfacility transports medications by continuous infusion must be regulated by an infusion pump Addition of requirement that administration of nitroglycerine by intravenous drip must be regulated by an infusion pump

Oct. 27, 2008 - EMS Informational Bulletin - #60

Subject: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure for Basic Life Support To: Pennsylvania EMS Organizations & Personnel From: Bureau of EMS, PA Department of Health   The Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in cooperation with the Emergency Health Services Federation (EHSF), conducted a pilot study on the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) for Basic Life Support (BLS) Program is being implemented statewide.   For the pilot study, EHSF located each Advanced Life Support (ALS) station within their region, plotted it on a map and then identified a 15-minute drive time. Each BLS unit was then layered over the map and any BLS unit outside of the 15 minute drive time was requested to participate in the pilot study.   The Statewide BLS Protocols are written to allow an EMT who has the appropriate training, is working with an ambulance service that meets the requirements of the CPAP program, and who has the approval of the ambulance service medical director to administer CPAP in accordance with the BLS Protocols or medical command orders. The Department of Health, Bureau of EMS, pursuant to the EMS Act (35 P.S. section 6924), has the responsibility and authority to guide and coordinate the development of emergency medical programs into a unified Statewide system. Therefore, recognizing the importance of CPAP to an effective EMS system, the Bureau of EMS is issuing the following requirements for ambulance services that wish to participate in the CPAP for BLS Program...    http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/lib/health/ems/emsib_60.pdf

Sep. 17, 2008 - PA Tax Credits For Volunteer EMS & Fire Personnel

Bureau of EMS Director & Pa Fire Commissioner Release Tax Credit Process More than 85,000 qualified active volunteer ambulance, fire and rescue personnel are eligible for a tax credit of up to $100 to be used against their state personal income tax liability through the Volunteer Responder Retention and Recruitment Tax Credit (Act 66 of 2008). Per the Act, the PA Office of Fire Commissioner and the PA Department of Health, Bureau of Medical Services, established a points system by which fire, rescue and EMS volunteers can accumulate points necessary to be eligible for the tax credit.  Responders can accumulate points through obtaining certifications, attending training courses and organizational meetings, through response rates, sleep-in and standby times, holding elected and/or appointed positions, lifetime membership, military leave, and other related administrative and support activities as outlined on the Points System Overview document.    Responders must earn a total of 50 points between Jan. 1, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2008, to be eligible for the state income tax credit. Once a responder has accumulated 50 points, he/ she must have his/her primary volunteer company’s president or chief certify the points by signing the PA Schedule OC-V tax form provided by the PA Department of Revenue.  A responder must include the PA Schedule OC-V form with his/her 2008 PA Personal Income Tax return: A responder who files his/her state income tax return electronically (over the Internet or through a tax preparer), should submit the electronic version of the PA Schedule OC-V with the return.  However, the responder should keep the signed copy of the schedule on file for at least three years, along with his/her Form PA-8453 (Pennsylvania Individual Income Tax Declaration for Electronic Filing). A responder who files his/her state income tax return by mail, should include the PA Schedule OC-V form with his/her PA-40 Personal Income Tax return.  According to the Act, the amount of the tax credit must be prorated by the months of volunteer service.  A chart to make this calculation easier is available on the PA Schedule OC-V tax form. Notes:  The program is a tax credit of up to $100 for responders to use against their state personal income tax.  You should be aware that no one will receive more money back in the form of a tax refund than he/she paid in state income tax.  Responders whose state tax has already been reduced or eliminated through the state Tax Forgiveness program (filed using a PA Schedule SP form), may not benefit from the tax credit or may receive a reduced tax credit in the current tax year. If the entire credit cannot be used on a volunteer’s 2008 income tax return, it can be carried over for up to three years.        The Act established a $4.5 million cap on the tax credit program.  Although the Revenue Department does not anticipate the cap will be reached, if it is, the department will have to deny tax credits claimed on any returns received after that date.  The deadline to file state personal income tax returns for tax year 2008 is April 15, 2009.  For more information: Volunteer fire personnel with questions about the points system or obtaining the points necessary for the tax credit, should call the State Fire Commissioner at 1-800-670-3473 or visit http://www.osfc.state.pa.us/. Volunteer ambulance and rescue personnel who have questions about the points system or obtaining the points necessary for the tax credit, should call the PA Department of Health, Bureau of Medical Services, at 717-787-8740 or visit www.health.state.state.pa.us/ems.   The PA Schedule OC-V tax form will be available in January on the PA Department of Revenue’s Web site at www.revenue.state.pa.usor by calling the department’s automated Forms Ordering Service at 1-800-362-2050.  If you have questions about applying for the tax credit, visit the PA Department of Revenue’s Online Customer Service Center at www.revenue.state.pa.usor call the department at (717) 787-8201.

Jun. 23, 2008 - EMS Information Bulletin #57

Air Ambulance Guidelines   http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/lib/health/ems/emsib_57_airambulance_guideline.pdf

Mar. 5, 2008 - EMS Information Bulletin #56

Paramedic-PHRN Certification Process   http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/lib/health/ems/emsib_56.pdf

Dec. 1, 2007 - EMS Information Bulletin #53

http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/lib/health/ems/bulletin/emsib_53_medical_command.pdf