Comparing Symptoms of Allergies, Common Cold, Strep Throat, Flue and COVID-19
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PEMS July 2022 Protocol Update Information
Earlier this year, the Office of EMS (OEMS)announced changes to the State's Scope of Practice for EMS providers. Red Dot Authorization is new and therefore any provider Authorized by their OMD for access to Red Dot skills or medications must have their Authorization to Practice documentation updated as of July 1, 2022 to reflect OMD red dot authorization.
Red Dot = procedure or formulary is NOT included in that certification levels standard scope of practice.
- For a provider to have access to Red Dot(s) scope of practice; the following requirements must be met;
1. Documentation of EMS agency (post-affiliation) training, specific to red dot skills and medications, must be present and maintained in the providers personnel file, and
2. EMS agency Operational Medical Director must provide specific written authorization, to include and/or limit, red dot skills and medications, in the provider’s scope of practice. Written authorization must be kept and maintained in the providers personnel file.
To access the State's "Scope of Practice" Click Here or go to: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/education-certification/medical-direction-committee-standing/scope-of-practice/
In conjunction with this the PEMS Protocols Policies and Procedures (PPP) Committee along with the PEMS Medical Advisory Committee MAC) have updated the PEMS Regional Protocols to reflect the changes which are effective on July 1, 2022.
PEMS will provide designated agency representatives with the July 1, 2022 roll-out materials upon request by calling the PEMS Office at (804) 693-6234.
The July 2022 PEMS Protocols will go into effect and be available for download on the PEMS Protocol Apple Apps and Google Apps on July 1, 2022. All EMS providers are reminded that they need to download the update in order to have the correct version of the protocols.
The 2022 PEMS Protocols will be available for download from the PEMS website on July 1, 2022 for those who wish to print copies.
Epinephrine Shortage - Creating an Epinephrine 0.1mg/mL Syringe
Creating an Epinephrine 0.1mg/mL Syringe - Regional hospitals are experiencing a shortage of pre-filled epinephrine syringes. Because of this, the pharmacies may reduce the number of pre-filled syringes from 8 to 0 inside Medication Kits being restocked. A card will be placed in the outer pouch of a Medication Kit if it is affected. Please note that there is still a 30cc epinephrine 1mg/mL multi-dose vial in the Medication Kit. You can prepare epinephrine 0.1mg/mL by expending 1 cc from a pre-filled 10 cc saline syringe and drawing 1 cc of epinephrine 1mg/mL from the multi-dose vial. As always, have your partner verify your medication prior to administering and label your syringe!
Please watch the following PEMS-produced training video on how to appropriately create the correct dosage for an epinephrine 0.1mg/mL dose. The video may be found on PEMS' YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/EzNXSgOd4dE
PEMS Announces the 2022 Regional EMS Award Winners
The Peninsulas Emergency Medical Services (PEMS) Council, Inc., is proud to announce the 2022 Regional EMS award winners recognizing the outstanding achievements and notable work of individuals, agencies, organizations and facilities who provide emergency medical services in the PEMS region (Peninsula, Middle Peninsula, and Northern Neck). After a two-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, PEMS held its annual Regional EMS Awards Ceremony at Busch Gardens to give special recognition to our nominees and award winners.
This year’s theme EMS Strong: Rising to the Challenge is a relevant message for those in the EMS profession and reminds us that every day we are faced with so many new challenges in our lives and yet we still rise above them all and continue to respond, support, and care for the needs of our communities. EMS Strong reminds us that strength in our field can be found in a variety of ways: bravery, self-sacrifice, passion and dedication. Those in EMS are challenged to find both physical and mental strength daily.
Read more: PEMS Announces the 2022 Regional EMS Award Winners
Still Seek Help in an Emergency
While all of us are being asked to stay home to protect ourselves during this COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to know that if you have a time- sensitive medical emergency you need to get help immediately. That means going to the Emergency Room (ER) right away.
So what is a time-sensitive emergency? A heart attack, stroke or traumatic injury. In all of these cases, time is of the essence and you need to seek medical attention immediately. Don’t let fear delay you from getting the medical help you need.
Here’s what you need to do if you are having a time-sensitive emergency:
First call 9-1-1, the dispatcher is trained to help you decide if your medical emergency warrants a trip to the ER. If it does and you can’t drive yourself to the hospital, then an EMS agency will come pick you up and take you there. All EMS agencies are prepared and able to provide SAFE treatment and transport to the hospital. The Regional EMS Councils continue to work closely with the hospitals to ensure SAFE care through the transition into the emergency department.
Your visit to the ER will be different because of COVID-19. You will be screened before you even go into the emergency room and given a mask to protect you from possible exposure to the virus. All of the dedicated medical personnel you meet will be dressed in appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and because of the virus hospitals are not allowing visitors to come with you. Taking care of you and your immediate medical need is what the health care system was designed to do.
So while staying home is the best way to prevent COVID-19, when it comes to a medical emergency seeking help immediately is always the best and safest way to go.
