Newsletters/October 21, 2026

EMS Briefing: Wednesday, October 21, 2026

October 21, 2026
published
Prehospital Academy

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Good morning. Here is your daily briefing from Prehospital Academy, keeping you informed on the latest developments in EMS.

šŸ“° EMS News Recap
The optics are bad: EMS is missing from the table — again
EMS1

An opinion piece argues that EMS continues to be excluded from critical national discussions affecting the industry.

NC 911 Caller With Appendicitis Asks for an Ambulance, Offered a Lyft Rideshare Instead
JEMS

A North Carolina 911 caller with appendicitis was reportedly offered a rideshare service due to a lack of available ambulances.

The EMS Pulse: Providers share tips for recovering after a tough call
EMS1

Fellow providers share personal strategies for mental and emotional recovery after difficult and stressful calls.

Origin story: The history of National First Responders Day
EMS1

This article explores the origins and significance of the resolution creating National First Responders Day.

šŸ“‹ Clinical Medicine Updates
Missed Opportunities for Prehospital Transfusion in Pediatric Trauma
Prehospital Emergency Care

New research suggests there are significant missed opportunities for prehospital blood transfusion in severely injured pediatric trauma patients.

Strengthen clinical decision-making with capnography
EMS1

Capnography can be a vital tool for improving diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making in the field.

SCCAD is building a culture of excellence in airway care
EMS1

St. Charles County Ambulance District in Missouri is implementing programs to create a culture of excellence in advanced airway management.

Michigan Brings OneDose Statewide, Putting MI-MEDIC and Current EMS Protocols in Every EMS Provider’s Hands
JEMS

Michigan is implementing a new statewide digital platform to ensure all providers have immediate access to the latest protocols.

šŸ“ˆ Operational & Leadership Updates
NYC ambulance response times up nearly 4 minutes since 2015, report finds
EMS1

A new report reveals that New York City ambulance response times have increased by nearly four minutes since 2015.

Factors Associated with Low-Acuity EMS Transport to the Emergency Department
Prehospital Emergency Care

An observational study identifies key behavioral and systemic factors that contribute to low-acuity patient transports to the ED.

Medical Directors in the Classroom
JEMS

The involvement of medical directors in initial and continuing education can significantly elevate the clinical proficiency of an agency.

Baraboo (WI) Fire and EMS to Hold Listening Session on Department’s Future
JEMS

A Wisconsin agency is holding a public listening session to gather community input on the future of its fire and EMS services.

āš–ļø Legislative Updates
Wash. fire chief warns city must find long-term funding for EMS
EMS1

A fire chief in Ephrata, Washington is urging the city to establish a sustainable, long-term funding solution for EMS operations.

Up to $200K Available to Local Fire, EMS Departments Through the AES Safer Tomorrow Fund
JEMS

The AES Safer Tomorrow Fund is offering grants of up to $200,000 for equipment and training to local fire and EMS departments.

Fired Wash. firefighters appeal ruling over COVID vaccine mandate lawsuit
EMS1

Firefighters terminated over a COVID-19 vaccine mandate are appealing a court ruling that upheld their dismissal.