EMS Coordinator Mike McEvoy, Ph.D., NRP, RN, CCRN
NYSAFC EMS Committee
DOH Issues Community Paramedicine Program Guidelines
The Bureau of EMS recently announced an interpretation of the Executive Order 202.82 that EMS providers cannot administer COVID vaccines unless a physician, nurse practitioner, or PA is physically present. This put a screeching halt to numerous EMS vax programs. The alternative lies in another section of the EO that allows paramedics to vaccinate as part of a Community Paramedicine program. The new policy statement, #21-01, is available on the Bureau website.
USAMRIID Infectious Disease App
The United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) has created a free app based on their pocket-sized (but only for big pockets) handbook distributed at their Medical Management of Chemical and Biological Casualties course. The pocket reference guide to bio-agent/toxins and the app are for military and civilian clinicians and first responders. The USAMRIID Biodefense Tool can be downloaded now for free. For iPhone and iPad, go to the Apple App Store. For Android users go to Google Play.
New York State Association of Fire Chiefs