The James O. Page Charitable Foundation and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) have announced the launch of a special collection dedicated to the archives of Jim Page, including original articles, correspondence, speeches, audio tapes and even a video of the last lecture he gave. Page is credited as the father of modern EMS and was founding publisher of JEMS, the Journal of Emergency Medical Services. An attorney and fire chief, he was known for his insightful writing, speeches and love of EMS history. He died from sudden cardiac arrest in 2004. The Collection is physically housed at the Louise M. Darling Biomedical Library at UCLA and can be accessed by the public by making an appointment. The Collection’s website can be accessed at
http://www.jamesopage.org. The website makes dozens of articles and various multi-media materials available as well as information about the library’s location, hours and contact points. The Collection was endowed by the James O. Page Charitable Foundation through a grant from the Physio-Control Corporation, and through the contributions of individuals and organizations. The James O. Page Collection is produced in collaboration with the James O. Page Charitable Foundation.The annual EMS Night at the Curve is scheduled for May 8, 2010. Game time is at 5:00 p.m.
The 2010 Medical Command Authorization Applications are now available. Click on Home to access the links.
USFA Announces the Release of a Report on Emergency Vehicle Visibility and Conspicuity
The United States Fire Administration (USFA), in partnership with the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA), announces the release of the Emergency Vehicle Visibility and Conspicuity Study (PDF, 2.2 Mb). The study report highlights the results of a U.S. Department of Justice - National Institute of Justice (NIJ) supported project intended to enhance emergency vehicle and roadway operations safety for firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other emergency responders. The study report discusses best practices in emergency vehicle visibility and conspicuity, including cutting edge international efforts. It covers retroreflective striping and chevrons, high visibility paint, built-in passive light, and other reflectors for law enforcement patrol vehicles, fire apparatus, ambulances and other EMS vehicles, and motorcycles. The Emergency Vehicle Visibility and Conspicuity Study and further information on USFA’s emergency vehicle safety projects may be found on the USFA Web site at www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/research/safety/vehicle.shtm
New NIMS Alert Encourages Use of Plain Language
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has just released NIMS Alert 06-09 “NIMS and Use of Plain Language.” In the Alert, FEMA observes that “The use of plain language in emergency response is a matter of public safety, especially the safety of first responders and those affected by the incident. It is critical that all local responders, as well as those coming into the impacted area from other jurisdictions and other states as well as the federal government, know and utilize commonly established operational structures, terminology, policies and procedures.”
Mapleton Depot VFD recently was the subject of a press article that recognized the service for their innovative use of technology and use of multiple funding sources to improve the response capabilities within their community.
Read the Article.On August 18, 2009, Governor Ed Rendell signed Act 37 of 2009 which becomes the new EMS Systems Act. Act 37 replaces Act 45 which has governed EMS in Pennsylvania for over 20 years. More information on Act 37 will be provided as it becomes available. A copy of the original bill can be downloaded here.