The ATEMSP Board of Directors unanimously approved the creation of the “Texas EMS Scholarship and Relief Fund”. The fund will be a 501(c)(3) dedicated to increasing education access for Texas EMS professionals and providing short term relief when needed. “It’s important to address EMS issues through the public, nonprofit, and…

The COVID-19 vaccine entered Texas on December 14th, and Phase 1A recipients have been steadily receiving vaccine access. Although Texas EMS Professionals are listed in 1A, many EMS professionals feel uninformed and excluded from the distribution process. This article examines five things Texas EMS professionals should know regarding COVID-19 vaccine…

The FDA approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine this week and Texas expects its first shipment around December 14th. Within days, Texas EMS professionals will be receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. Here are ten things to know about Texas EMS and the COVID-19 vaccine. Texas EMS Is Prioritized Texas is receiving 1.4 million COVID-19…

Texas EMS policy isn’t the fancy of many at the moment. In our world, it’s the focus of everything. As the 2020 election enters a climactic conclusion, the two biggest influences on EMS policy are quietly complete: The Texas Legislature and our Congressional Representatives. This article reviews the EMS policy…

Julie Oliver, the Democrat candidate for Texas’ 25th Congressional District, spent time with CD-25 paramedics last week. During the visit she pledged to join the Congressional EMS Caucus, if elected. “It was great getting to know Julie Oliver,” said Austin EMS Association President Selena Xie. “She was extremely interested in…

Governor Greg Abbott created concern yesterday, when he released a list of waivers in support of an expanded Texas EMS workforce. The greatest controversy stemmed from the allowance of, “qualified, but not formally certified”, personnel to work at an advanced level with medical director approval. Advocates are praising the decision…

The Almost Medics: The 2,400 Stalled Texas EMS Students Sierra Hayes had entered the final stretch of her paramedic program. She would soon graduate, promote, and progress in her career as a rural paramedic. On March 13th, her program was suspended due to COVID-19. “I understood. But I still grieved,”…

Texas is officially managing multiple COVID-19 cases and escalation is expected over the coming weeks. As Texas EMS increases its response, here are the things we know. Texas COVID-19 Cases There are 57 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Texas at the time of publication. Governor Abbott expects this number to increase…

The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its initial list of chosen agencies for their ET3 program. Texas had fifteen selected agencies representing over 40 counties of participation. Here are five things to know about Texas ET3 participation. 1. What Is ET3? ET3 stands for The Emergency Triage, Treat, and Transport Model…