Newsletters/February 14, 2026

EMS Briefing: Saturday, February 14, 2026

February 14, 2026
published
Prehospital Academy

Saturday, February 14, 2026

Good morning and welcome to your daily briefing. Here are the top stories shaping the EMS landscape.

📰 EMS News Recap
Ambulance Carjacked at NJ Hospital; EMTs Forced Out
JEMS

Two EMTs were forced out of their ambulance at knifepoint during a carjacking incident at a New Jersey hospital.

Unknown Person Hitches Joyride on Back of WA Ambulance
JEMS

Washington officials are investigating after a video surfaced showing an individual riding on the back of a moving ambulance.

Shooting at a South Carolina State University Residence Complex Kills Two and Wounds One
JEMS

EMS responded to a mass casualty incident at a university residence hall that resulted in two fatalities and one injury.

TX Paramedic Facing Sexual Assault Charges, Officials Say
JEMS

A Texas paramedic has been arrested and charged with the sexual assault of a patient during transport.

📋 Clinical Medicine Updates
Ill. FD adds military-grade tourniquet to treat severe bleeding
EMS1

An Illinois fire department has equipped its apparatus with the SAM-XT tourniquet for improved hemorrhage and pelvic stabilization capabilities.

📈 Operational & Leadership Updates
Pa. FD secures $1.2M to launch mobile integrated health program
EMS1

A Pennsylvania fire department has secured $1.2 million in federal funding to establish a new mobile integrated health program.

Ohio launches drone first responder pilot at 9 locations across state
EMS1

Ohio has initiated a pilot program deploying drones as first responders to nine locations to enhance emergency response.

Cleveland Trauma Center Debate: Would a Third Facility Help or Harm?
JEMS

Healthcare and EMS leaders in Cleveland are debating the potential benefits and drawbacks of adding a third Level I trauma center to the city.

⚖️ Legislative Updates
[RI] S2560: Permits licensed providers to accompany emergency medical services and treat patients within the community
RI Legislature

A new Rhode Island bill would permit licensed mental and behavioral health providers to accompany EMS crews to treat patients in the community.

DHS shutdown could strain FEMA disaster relief if major catastrophe hits, officials warn
EMS1

Officials warn that a potential Department of Homeland Security shutdown could significantly impact FEMA's ability to respond to major disasters.

AI, body cams and bills on the Hill
EMS1

EMS advocacy efforts are focusing on key legislative topics including artificial intelligence, body camera implementation, and provider safety bills.