EMS News Briefs from Mike McEvoy

By EMS Coordinator Mike McEvoy, Ph.D., NRP, RN, CCRN
NYSAFC EMS Committee

DOH Issues BLS CPAP Policy

CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure, has long been used by ALS providers for patients in respiratory distress. Now approved for use at the BLS level, the Bureau of EMS recently issued Policy Statement 15-02 describing the process for implementation of CPAP by BLS services. Approval is required by the local REMAC and each EMT must complete a training program. Click here to download Policy Statement 15-02.

Spinal Immobilization Protocol Coming

Likely in time for Christmas, the Bureau of EMS will release a revised Spinal Immobilization Protocol that will morph into the latest "Spinal Motion Restriction" practices being used worldwide. Yes indeed, long backboards will be relegated from their current top shelf status to a mere extrication and movement device. The sacred cervical collar is probably next to go, if you've been keeping up on the developments in first aid and CPR recommendations (click here for more info). Don't expect changes in cervical collars in New York any time soon. The backboard revisions have been three years in the making.