Newsletters/February 18, 2026

EMS Briefing: Wednesday, February 18, 2026

February 18, 2026
published
Prehospital Academy

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Good morning and welcome to your daily briefing. Here are the top stories and clinical updates to keep you informed.

📰 EMS News Recap
N.Y. fire chief, firefighters in critical condition after church explosion
EMS1

A church explosion in New York resulted in a significant MCI, leaving a fire chief and other firefighters in critical condition.

Shooting at RI Youth Hockey Game Leaves Three Dead, Including Shooter; Three More Wounded
JEMS

Responders managed a multi-casualty incident at a Rhode Island youth hockey game following a shooting that left three dead.

Texas paramedic fired after alleged sexual assault of patient
EMS1

A Texas paramedic has been terminated and is under investigation for the alleged sexual assault of a patient during transport.

📋 Clinical Medicine Updates
Ohio paramedics begin administering whole blood in the field
EMS1

Paramedics in Ohio have expanded prehospital trauma care capabilities by starting field administration of whole blood.

MD County’s Whole Blood Program Saves 14 Lives Since May
JEMS

A Maryland county's prehospital whole blood program is demonstrating significant success, saving 14 lives since its implementation.

Airport Malaria Cluster in Certified Malaria-Free Country, Libya, 2024
CDC Emerging Infectious Diseases

The CDC is reporting a cluster of airport-acquired malaria cases in Libya, highlighting a rare transmission vector.

Here’s What to Watch for When Meeting ‘Abby Normal’
JEMS

This article provides clinical guidance for assessing and managing patients with unusual or abnormal presentations.

📈 Operational & Leadership Updates
CT Agencies Get Creative to Tackle EMT Shortage with Student Recruitment, VR Training
JEMS

Connecticut agencies are using innovative strategies, including student outreach and VR, to combat ongoing EMT shortages.

Alaska FD team targets repeat 911 calls with outreach program
EMS1

An Alaska fire department is utilizing a community outreach program to reduce system strain by addressing frequent 911 callers.

NY Medical Center Cuts Overnight Ambulance Service
JEMS

A medical center in New York has ceased its overnight ambulance service, impacting local EMS system coverage and response.

Navigating Stress, Communication, and Healing in Relationships
JEMS

A new article explores provider wellness by focusing on strategies to manage stress and improve communication in personal relationships.

⚖️ Legislative Updates
Congress extends Medicare ambulance add-on payments for 23 months
EMS1

Congress has approved a 23-month extension for critical Medicare add-on payments, providing financial stability for ambulance services.

[WA] HB2168: Facilitating the rapid sharing of overdose mapping information for overdose prevention.
WA Legislature

Washington state is considering a bill to improve overdose prevention by enabling the rapid sharing of overdose mapping data.

[WV] HB5168: To increase funding for EMS first responders.
WV Legislature

West Virginia lawmakers are reviewing legislation that aims to increase state funding for local EMS first responders.