Newsletters/February 25, 2026

EMS Briefing: Wednesday, February 25, 2026

February 25, 2026
published
Prehospital Academy

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

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

📰 EMS News Recap
Air Ambulance Crashes in Eastern India Forest, Killing 7
JEMS

An air ambulance crash in India resulted in the tragic loss of all seven individuals on board.

Pittsburgh EMS crew chief adds crocheted newborn hats to ambulance kits as pre-hospital births rise
EMS1

A Pittsburgh crew chief is adding handmade hats to OB kits to better care for newborns delivered in the field.

Former female Va. fire captain alleges sex discrimination, hostile workplace in lawsuit
EMS1

A former fire captain in Virginia has filed a lawsuit alleging systemic sex discrimination and a hostile work environment.

Idaho woman drives stolen ambulance into building in attempted arson attack on DHS office
EMS1

An Idaho woman faces felony charges after stealing an ambulance and crashing it into a government building.

📋 Clinical Medicine Updates
Low Dose Ketamine as an Alternative to Morphine for Prehospital Analgesia in STEMI
Prehospital Emergency Care

A new study suggests low-dose ketamine may be a feasible and hemodynamically stable alternative to morphine for STEMI analgesia.

Maternity Care Deserts: Applying NAEMT and ACOG Guidelines to Real-World EMS Protocols
JEMS

EMS protocols are being adapted with NAEMT and ACOG guidelines to address rising challenges in prehospital obstetric care.

Can Emergency Medical Services Telehealth Prevent Interfacility Transfers in Patients with Chest Pain?
Prehospital Emergency Care

Research indicates that EMS-based telehealth consults can safely reduce unnecessary interfacility transfers for low-risk chest pain patients.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Bloodstream Infection Outbreak in Acute Care Hospital, California
CDC Emerging Infectious Diseases

The CDC is investigating a multi-drug resistant bacterial outbreak linked to contaminated medical equipment in a California hospital.

📈 Operational & Leadership Updates
After a 32-Hour Shift in Pittsburgh, I Realized Medics Should Be Napping on the Job
JEMS

An opinion piece argues for implementing protected nap times during long shifts to combat provider fatigue and improve safety.

Ariz. FD removes EMS captains from city's behavioral health crisis team
EMS1

The Mesa Fire Department is reassigning EMS captains from its behavioral health response team due to staffing needs elsewhere.

Interfacility Transport of Emergency Patients by Helicopter Emergency Medical Services Versus Ground Emergency Medical Services
Prehospital Emergency Care

A study compares outcomes and transport times for critically ill patients moved by HEMS versus ground CCT units.

Implementation of Mental Health Supports for Canadian Paramedic Students During Practicum Placements
International Journal of Paramedicine

Canadian educators are implementing new mental health support systems for paramedic students during their field practicums.

⚖️ Legislative Updates
Treatment in place: The future of EMS … and yes, someone has to pay for it
EMS1

A new article explores the significant reimbursement and legislative hurdles for establishing sustainable treatment-in-place models.

AAA Releases 2026 Medicare Rate Calculator
American Ambulance Association

The American Ambulance Association has released its updated Medicare rate calculator for agencies to model reimbursement scenarios.

Opioid Settlement Funding Report February 2026
EMS1

The latest report details how states are allocating opioid settlement funds, with opportunities available for EMS agencies.