EMS Briefing: Thursday, March 19, 2026

A Missouri EMT was tragically killed in a line-of-duty racetrack incident and is being remembered for his dedication and kindness.

A North Carolina college has received $5.8 million in funding to develop a new regional training facility for fire and EMS personnel.

First responders in Michigan managed a chaotic and challenging mass casualty scene following a deliberate vehicle attack.

The state of Oregon has provided financial assistance to a rural hospital facing closure, highlighting systemic rural healthcare challenges.

A new portable ECG device in California is allowing EMTs to acquire and transmit 12-leads, enabling earlier STEMI identification.

A new Delphi study establishes a consensus-based definition to help guide air medical transport decisions for injured patients in rural areas.

A recent case report underscores the critical importance of considering VP shunt malfunction in patients presenting with altered mental status.

Smartphone technology is improving 911 dispatch operations by providing more accurate location data and enabling video from callers.

Agencies are facing challenges with high call volumes and constant radio traffic, leading to increased dispatcher stress and operational strain.

Alabama legislators are advancing a bill aimed at addressing the state's rural EMS crisis and the prevalence of 'ambulance deserts'.

A federal lawsuit against Tennessee paramedics and police regarding a patient death during a medical call has been dismissed by a judge.

An analysis highlights ongoing policy and reimbursement challenges for EMS agencies when a patient is pronounced deceased without transport.

Alabama is considering legislation that would link all ambulance service reimbursement rates to the current Medicare fee schedule.