Newsletters/March 4, 2026

EMS Briefing: Wednesday, March 4, 2026

March 4, 2026
published
Prehospital Academy

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Good morning. Here is your daily briefing on the latest news and research impacting the prehospital environment.

📰 EMS News Recap
‘Another miracle on the Hudson’: 2 survive plane crash in icy N.Y. river
EMS1

Two individuals survived after their small plane crashed into the Hudson River, prompting a multi-agency rescue response.

At least 15 teens injured after bonfire flares up at party in Ga.
EMS1

A large bonfire incident in Georgia resulted in a mass casualty incident with at least 15 teenagers sustaining burn injuries.

7-hour rescue saves climber after 50-foot fall, landing 600 feet above the ground at Nev. canyon
EMS1

Rescuers in Nevada conducted a complex, seven-hour technical rescue to save a climber who fell at Red Rock Canyon.

OH Woman Accused of Stealing Ambulance During Call
JEMS

Authorities in Ohio have charged a woman for allegedly stealing an ambulance while the crew was attending to a patient.

📋 Clinical Medicine Updates
Butterflies in the Field: Introducing Point-of-Care Ultrasound to Paramedics in Rural and Wilderness Emergency Medical Services
Prehospital Emergency Care

A new study explores the feasibility and benefits of implementing point-of-care ultrasound for paramedics in rural and wilderness settings.

Mass Opioid Exposure
International Journal of Paramedicine

This case study reviews the prehospital management challenges presented by a mass casualty incident involving opioid exposure.

Readers respond: Should paramedics be intubating?
EMS1

EMS professionals debate the role and necessity of paramedic-performed endotracheal intubation in modern prehospital care.

Optimal Specimens and Lesions for Mpox Diagnosis Using Real-Time PCR, South Korea
CDC Emerging Infectious Diseases

New CDC research identifies the most effective specimen collection sites for accurate Mpox diagnosis via PCR testing.

📈 Operational & Leadership Updates
Mich. FD rolls out peak-demand EMS units to fight paramedic burnout
EMS1

A Michigan fire department is implementing specialized peak-hour units to manage call volume and reduce crew burnout.

EMS Calls Are Rising. How One MI City Is Reprioritizing 911 Calls
JEMS

In response to rising call volumes, a Michigan city is adopting a new 911 call prioritization strategy to better allocate resources.

How OneDose and Council Bluffs (IA) Fire Department Are Taking Steps to Modernize EMS Medication Safety
JEMS

An Iowa fire department is partnering with a technology company to implement a new system aimed at improving medication administration safety.

Peer-to-Peer Feedback Among Ambulance Clinicians
International Journal of Paramedicine

Research indicates that structured peer-to-peer feedback programs can improve clinical performance and professional development.

OH Medics Complete Active Shooter Emergency Care Training
JEMS

Paramedics in Ohio have completed advanced training focused on providing medical care during active shooter incidents.

⚖️ Legislative Updates
[AL] SB269: Ground ambulance services; to prohibit balance billing and set minimum reimbursement rates by health care insurers to emergency medical service providers
AL Legislature

An Alabama Senate bill aims to prohibit balance billing by ground ambulance services and establish minimum reimbursement rates from insurers.

MedPAC Meets on Ground Ambulance Services
American Ambulance Association

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission recently discussed current payment models and potential reforms for ground ambulance services.

How opioid settlement funding has expanded support for EMS
EMS1

National opioid settlement funds are being allocated to EMS agencies to enhance response capabilities and purchase necessary supplies.