Newsletters/April 18, 2026

EMS Briefing: Saturday, April 18, 2026

April 18, 2026
published
Prehospital Academy

Saturday, April 18, 2026

Good morning and welcome to your daily briefing. Here are the top stories and clinical updates from around the EMS industry.

📰 EMS News Recap
Texas firefighter injured by knife-wielding woman during welfare check
EMS1

A Texas firefighter was stabbed during a welfare check, highlighting the unpredictable dangers providers face on seemingly routine calls.

Mental Health Challenges Among First Responders and Their Families
JEMS

This article explores the significant mental health burdens faced by first responders and the ripple effect on their families.

Man prowling around W.Va. EMS station dies after jumping onto ambulance hood
EMS1

A West Virginia man died from self-inflicted injuries following erratic behavior at an EMS station, underscoring station security concerns.

ACEP and NAEMT Announce EMS Week 2026
JEMS

The American College of Emergency Physicians and NAEMT have officially announced the dates and theme for the upcoming EMS Week 2026.

📋 Clinical Medicine Updates
EMCrit 423 – Hyperbaric Therapy for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
EMCrit

A new podcast critically reviews the current evidence for and against using hyperbaric oxygen therapy for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Is High-Flow Nasal Oxygen Really Non-Inferior?
ACEP Now

This article examines recent studies comparing high-flow nasal oxygen to other non-invasive ventilation methods for patients in respiratory distress.

Remember 2 Things: Patient complications from high-dose, high-potency marijuana
EMS1

Providers must be aware of complications like cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome and acute psychosis in patients using high-potency marijuana.

Case Report: Subacute Headache in an Adolescent Male
ACEP Now

A clinical case report details the diagnostic process for a subacute headache, highlighting key differential diagnoses in adolescent patients.

📈 Operational & Leadership Updates
Average New Orleans EMS Response Times Hit 17 Minutes Due to Understaffing, Low Pay
JEMS

New Orleans EMS is facing a crisis as chronic understaffing and low wages push average emergency response times to a critical 17 minutes.

Laguna Beach (CA) to Add an Ambulance, Raise Transport Rates
JEMS

To improve service levels, Laguna Beach will add a new ambulance to its fleet, funded by an increase in patient transport rates.

April 2026 Press Release
CAMTS

CAMTS announces its latest list of medical transport services that have successfully achieved or renewed their operational accreditation.

IN Paramedic Named Northwest Health’s New Director of Emergency Medical Services
JEMS

Northwest Health has appointed a new Director of EMS, promoting a paramedic from within to a key leadership position.