Newsletters/February 28, 2026

EMS Briefing: Saturday, February 28, 2026

February 28, 2026
published
Prehospital Academy

Saturday, February 28, 2026

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

📰 EMS News Recap
Suspected CO Leak at N.C. Solar Plant Sends at Least 18 to Hospital
EMS1

A suspected carbon monoxide leak at a North Carolina solar plant resulted in a mass casualty incident requiring multiple EMS agencies.

Bill Seeks National Honor for Freedom House
JEMS

A new bill seeks to grant national recognition to the pioneering Freedom House Ambulance Service for its foundational contributions to EMS.

EMS Providers Invited to Apply for 2026 Fitch Foundation Scholarships
EMS1

The Fitch Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2026 scholarships focused on leadership development in emergency medical services.

Two Found Unresponsive on Boat Near MA Pier; Eight Taken to Hospital
JEMS

First responders in Massachusetts treated multiple patients, including two found unresponsive, in a potential hazmat incident on a boat.

📋 Clinical Medicine Updates
Projected Effects of Changing Global Tuberculosis Epidemiology
CDC Emerging Infectious Diseases

New modeling from the CDC projects significant changes in global tuberculosis epidemiology that may impact future patient assessment and care.

Teaching the Lost Art of Small Talk in EMS
JEMS

An editorial highlights the clinical importance of teaching communication skills and building rapport to improve the overall patient experience.

Beyond Check-the-Box: Making National Registry Prep Actually Stick
EMS1

Experts suggest moving beyond rote memorization toward critical thinking exercises for more effective National Registry exam preparation.

📈 Operational & Leadership Updates
N.D. Ambulance Services Lose Nearly $500 Per Transport, Survey Finds
EMS1

A comprehensive study of North Dakota ambulance services reveals an average loss of nearly $500 per transport, highlighting severe financial challenges.

Pa. Nonprofit EMS System Absorbs Local Service to Restore 24/7 Coverage
EMS1

A Pennsylvania nonprofit EMS system has acquired a smaller local service to prevent a gap in coverage and ensure continued 24/7 availability.

Boston MedFlight Relocates NH Base
JEMS

Boston MedFlight has officially moved its New Hampshire operations from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport to a new base at Nashua Airport.

Inside Look: Assessing Unmanned Ground Vehicles for Emergency Response
EMS1

A new report explores the potential operational roles and assessment criteria for unmanned ground vehicles in public safety and disaster response.

⚖️ Legislative Updates
RI Legislature Reviews Bill to Increase Ambulance Reimbursement Rates
RI Legislature

Rhode Island bill S2685 proposes increasing insurance reimbursement rates for ambulance services to better align with the cost of care.

DOL Proposes New Rule to Clarify Worker Classification
American Ambulance Association

The Department of Labor has proposed a new rule that could significantly impact how EMS workers are classified as employees versus independent contractors.