Newsletters/March 21, 2026

EMS Briefing: Saturday, March 21, 2026

March 21, 2026
published
Prehospital Academy

Saturday, March 21, 2026

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

📰 EMS News Recap
San Antonio FD becomes first in nation certified as trauma-informed care agency
EMS1

This certification recognizes the department's commitment to understanding and addressing the impact of trauma on both patients and providers.

Tulsa (OK) Fire Department Wins National EMS Innovation Award for Cutting 911 Calls and ED Use
JEMS

The department's successful community paramedicine program was recognized for its innovative approach to reducing system load and improving patient outcomes.

Gunfire During Brawl at AZ Mall Leaves Two Wounded
JEMS

Crews responded to a multi-patient incident following a shooting at a mall in Arizona.

Mayo Clinic Moves Forward With Emergency Department Expansion in WI
JEMS

The expansion aims to increase capacity and improve emergency care access for the region.

📋 Clinical Medicine Updates
Higher Buprenorphine Doses Help Patients Stay in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment, New Study Finds
JEMS

New research suggests that increased initial doses of buprenorphine are more effective at retaining patients in OUD treatment programs.

On-the job injuries: Prevention, recovery and who’s most at risk
EMS1

This article outlines key strategies for injury prevention and identifies providers at the highest risk for career-altering injuries.

Stop guessing your blood gases
EMS1

A review of capnography and other tools offers a more precise approach to assessing a patient's respiratory and metabolic status.

📈 Operational & Leadership Updates
‘We have to right the ship’: FDNY commissioner doubles down on EMS pay parity
EMS1

FDNY leadership is reinforcing its commitment to achieving pay equity for its EMS providers.

Power Outages Can Threaten the Lives of Medical Device Users – Knowing Who Is Most at Risk Will Help Cities Respond
JEMS

Emergency planners are urged to identify and create contingency plans for vulnerable populations dependent on medical devices during power failures.

Leading from a position of support: A leadership message for NEMSMA
EMS1

Effective EMS leadership requires a focus on supporting field providers to improve retention and system performance.

Total wellness readiness checklist for first responders
EMS1

Agencies can use a comprehensive checklist to evaluate and improve their wellness and mental health support programs.

⚖️ Legislative Updates
AL Bill Requiring Insurance Payment for EMS Treat-in-Place Care Advances
JEMS

An Alabama bill that would mandate insurance reimbursement for treat-no-transport calls is moving through the state legislature.

Ill. voters approve tax increase to support ambulance service
EMS1

A successful referendum in Illinois highlights a potential funding model for struggling EMS agencies through local tax initiatives.

Mayor Mamdani signals shift toward civilian, EMS-aligned crisis response models
EMS1

Municipal leaders are increasingly exploring EMS-based models for mental health and crisis response as an alternative to law enforcement.

Lawyer Claims MA City Knew Its 911 System Discriminated Against Disabled
JEMS

A Massachusetts city is facing legal challenges over allegations its 911 system failed to accommodate disabled individuals.