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EARLY BIRD VENDOR REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 15, 2024
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FINAL VENDOR REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MARCH 28, 2024
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Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program |
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The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, awarded $38 million to EMS and 911 systems working on highway safety. These funds will support efforts to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on roadways. Key recipients include various cities and organizations, such as Alabaster, Alabama, and Batesville, Arkansas. The SS4A grants support both planning and demonstration projects, as well as implementation of strategies to improve safety and enhance prehospital care. EMS agencies are encouraged to apply for future funding opportunities.
Read Full Article Here |
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EMS1 Reviews the Actions Taken by the 118th Congress & President Biden |
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The article "Inside Politics: Reviewing the Actions Taken by the 118th Congress and President Biden" provides an overview of the legislative and executive actions during the 118th Congress under President Biden.
The article highlights key legislative efforts that impact fire and EMS, such as the reauthorization of firefighter assistance programs and funding for safety equipment. Although wildfire-related bills didn't pass, many of the provisions focus on funding initiatives designed to improve public safety, which directly affects EMS services, especially in rural areas and during large-scale emergency events. These measures aim to enhance EMS operations by ensuring better resources and funding, especially during disasters. Some of the bills passed include the following:
- The Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023, which reauthorizes firefighter assistance programs.
- Medicare payment extensions for rural ambulance services, extending support for EMS operations in underserved areas.
- Funding for public safety relief, aimed at supporting EMS operations and providing necessary resources during emergencies.
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National Rural Health Association: 2024 Year-End Health Package Update |
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The National Rural Health Association provided a 2024 Year-End Health Package Update as summarized below. The House Appropriations Committee has released the proposed Continuing Resolution (C.R.) for funding the federal government through March 14, 2025. The path forward for passage remains uncertain due to opposition within the House. Key health provisions in the C.R. include:
- Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities: Extended for two years, ensuring continued access for beneficiaries.
- Rural Healthcare Funding:Medicare payment adjustments for rural hospitals, including a one-year extension for low-volume and Medicare-dependent hospitals.
- Rural ambulance services will receive two years of extended payment support.
- Rural physician practices will benefit from an extended Medicare Geographic Practice Cost Index.
- Community Health Centers funding extended for two years, with allocations for FY 2025 and FY 2026.
- Seniors and Home-based Care: The C.R. includes funding for Medicare’s Acute Hospital Care at Home program for five years, supporting home care models.
- Extension of Funding for various programs such as the National Health Service Corps and Medicaid DSH relief.
- Payment Boosts: A 2.5% increase to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for one year, which helps mitigate cuts from the 2025 Physician Fee Schedule rule.
In addition to healthcare provisions, the package includes measures for cost-offsetting, including a six-month extension of Medicare sequestration and reforms to pharmacy benefit managers.
The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) is advocating for:
- A longer-term extension (3-5 years) of rural hospital and ambulance payment supports.
- Preserving telehealth flexibilities.
- Supporting the addition of Medicare Advantage prior authorization reform to the package.
- Delaying Medicare sequestration extensions.
NRHA calls for focused advocacy to maintain these provisions and ensure continued support for rural healthcare.
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JEMS: 2024 EMS Reflection |
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In the article "2024 EMS Reflection: A Year of Continued Ups and Downs," Edward 'Ted' Lee, Ed.D, NRP, provides an overview of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) landscape in 2024. He notes significant advancements in technology and the expansion of mobile integrated health programs, which have enhanced patient care and operational efficiency. However, Lee also highlights ongoing challenges, particularly staffing shortages and financial constraints, which continue to impact EMS operations. He emphasizes the need for sustained support and innovation to address these issues and improve EMS services.
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EMS Now: Trends to Watch in 2025
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The article "EMS Trends to Watch in 2025" from EMSNOW explores key challenges and trends within the EMS industry for 2025, building upon the difficulties faced in 2024. Key points include:
- Demand Uncertainty: EMS companies must carefully navigate market predictions, particularly in sectors like medical, automotive, and defense, as growth is difficult to forecast.
- Inventory Visibility: Following pandemic-driven disruptions, EMS companies are struggling with high levels of inventory and need better forecasting data to manage component acquisitions effectively.
- Workforce Challenges: The rise in labor costs in low-cost regions is making workforce recruitment and retention difficult, especially with lower demand leading to fewer hours.
- Automation: More investment is being made in automating repetitive tasks in the manufacturing process, though high-mix, low-volume manufacturing continues to face challenges.
- Reshoring/Regionalization: The industry anticipates a continued shift toward localizing manufacturing due to geopolitical issues, with countries aiming for the "China Plus One" strategy.
- Regional Manufacturing Ecosystem: Rebuilding the regional electronics supply chain, including PCBs, will be crucial for future stability and security in the industry.
- Macroeconomic Factors: Global tensions and economic shifts may impact the EMS market, with expected growth slowing until late 2025.
While 2025 may not be as challenging as 2024, the industry will need to adjust to these trends for sustained growth. |
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Vanguard Awards: Recognize women leaders that have 35+ years of experience in EMS.
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EMSNext Awards: Know a wonderful rising leader you’d like to recognize as the future of EMS? Nominate by clicking below (formerly Mobile Healthcare 40 Under 40)! |
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Webinar: Adding AI to Your EMS Toolbelt
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Join a webinar with John Eich, Director of the Wisconsin Office of Rural Health, presented by the American Ambulance Association, exploring how EMS providers can use generative AI tools for tasks like drafting communications, job descriptions, and policies. Learn how AI can improve operational efficiency, from strategic planning to data analysis, and provide 24/7 advisory support to enhance your team's performance. This session is perfect for those looking to leverage AI in EMS operations.
When? January 21, 2025 Cost? $0 Time? 1:00 pm CST |
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Webinar: 2025 National Registry Update: EMR and EMT New Examination Blueprint Launch – Functional Activity
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When? January 23, 2025 at 11:00 am CST Cost? $0 *CEU Opportunity*
This presentation will provide information regarding the new EMR and EMT examination blueprints. The topics of the presentation include the 2023 BLS Practice Analysis, changing test domains, item types, and many frequently asked questions will be covered.
After attending the session, the participants will be able to:
- Understand the importance and role of a practice analysis
- List five upcoming testing domains for EMRs and EMTs
- Understand the job tasks associated with each testing domain
- List the item types being used by the National Registry
- Discover resources for curricula development
Presented by:
Paul Rosenberger, EdD, NRP
Examinations Content Manager
National Registry of EMTs Read More Here
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Respiratory Virus - % of Emergency Department Visits - CDC Data The data is updated by the CDC weekly and can be accessed here. |
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ArAA wants to hear from you! |
Looking to contribute an article, news, or other information on the Pulse? Click below! |
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Looking to highlight an ArAA member on the Pulse and on the website? Click below! |
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