Website Redesign
2009-2010 EMSOF Program
Watch your mail for your service's 2009-2010 EMSOF Purchase Request Packet. Click Here to view the 2009-2010 EMSOF information. Price lists updated 01/12/2010 to correct CPAP error listing CPAP on Urban and Rural price list rather than Special Projects.
First Responder Testing Postponed
The First Responder practical retest and written exam scheduled for February 6 at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has been postponed due to the expected inclement weather. The testing is rescheduled for Saturday, February 13 at the same time and location.
OSHA Training-Lebanon, PA
A 30 hour training on OSHA programs will be presented in the Lebanon area May 10-13, 2010. Click Here for more information.
H1N1 Vaccination Clinics
Department of Health to Offer H1N1 Vaccine Clinics
for All Pennsylvanians
It's important for people to still get immunized, even though influenza activity in the state is declining. It is anticipated that a third wave of this pandemic will occur in Pennsylvania. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to get vaccinated.
You can get vaccinated at one of the 60 state health centers every Saturday through February 6, from 9 a.m. to noon. Appointments are not needed. In addition, staff will be holding immunization clinics on specific days during the week. For more information and to find a clinic, call 1-877-PA HEALTH.
For more information about H1N1, visit www.H1N1inPA.com or call 1-877-PA HEALTH (1-877-724-3258).
2010 Medical Command Authorization
The 2010 Medical Command Authorization applications are available:
Act 37 Effective Dates Chart
The attached chart indicates the anticipated dates that specific sections of Act 37 will take effect. The dates are subject to change and are dependent upon publication of regulations under the new law. Click Here to view the chart. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
EMS Information Bulletins
The Bureau of EMS has published three new EMS Information Bulletins:
EMS Information Bulletin #72-Statewide ALS and BLS Blast Injury Protocols
EMS Information Bulletin #71-Picture Identification Cards
EMS Information Bulletin #70-Guidelines for Reflective Chevrons
Act 37 Update
The Governor has signed Act 37 of 2009 that is now the new EMS Systems Act. The provisions of this act will be implemented over a period of time. Certain portions become effective 180 days after being signed, while others become effective 180 days after the regulations (still to be developed) are published. Information on the bill can be found here.
Email Listserv
To improve communications, Southern Alleghenies EMS Council will begin to use an email system from Constant Contact to distribute information to EMS organizations and providers within the region. Similar to a listserv, this system will allow us to provide both urgent and routine messages to as wide of an audience as possible. Watch for more information on how to sign-up to receive emails.
H1N1 Influenza
Although it is not getting as much press coverage as the early days of the pandemic, H1N1 influenza is still circulating, and is becoming more common. It is anticipated that the fall flu season will bring widespread H1N1 influenza to the United States. EMS providers are reminded to use appropriate personal protective measures to keep themselves safe and healthy. The best way to prevent the flu is through good hand-washing techniques along with frequent hand-washing or use of alcohol based hand sanitizers. For the latest on the H1N1 influenza check out the Pennsylvania Department of Health website at www.health.state.pa.us or the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov. Additional information will be distributed to providers and organizations as warranted.