The JEMS Report

The JEMS Report - How Critical Incident Response Canines Are Changing First Responder Support

JEMS Managing Editor Jeff Frankel sits down with Janeen Baggette, the founder of K9s for Freedom and Independence, to explore a unique approach to first responder well-being.

With a background as a military medic and law enforcement handler, Janeen shares how her nonprofit trains specialized Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) canines. These dogs differ from typical therapy and patrol dogs—they’re specially conditioned to operate in chaotic environments, offering emotional support while maintaining confidentiality crucial for legal and occupational safety.

Janeen walks us through the rigorous selection and training process, highlighting their ability to detect cortisol levels reflecting human stress. Through heartfelt stories, she illustrates the quiet impact these canines have on victims and first responders alike.

Challenges around funding and awareness remain, but Janine’s vision for expanding certified teams across the country offers hope for better communication, reduced suicide rates, and stronger peer support in these high-pressure fields.

Infection control consultant Katherine West breaks down the critical distinctions between infection prevention practices in EMS settings versus medical facilities.

She clarifies how EMS-specific CDC guidelines account for unique factors like ambulance ventilation systems, the rear exhaust fan and closed suction systems that impact airborne and droplet disease transmission risks.

Katherine addresses the evidence behind mask and respirator use, emphasizing that clinical data since 2015 shows no clear advantage of N95 respirators over surgical masks for many respiratory infections in EMS contexts.

She also highlights post-exposure protocols, explaining why EMS personnel do not require immediate baseline blood testing, unlike hospital staff. Practical advice on COVID-19, tuberculosis, measles, Ebola precautions and aerosolized medication administration underscores why EMS must follow tailored guidelines rather than hospital-based protocols.

JEMS Managing Editor Jeff Frankel sits down with occupational therapist Bonnie Ekman and paramedic leader Alanna Badgley to explore sensory modulation therapy as a breakthrough tool for first responders’ mental health.

Bonnie explains how engaging all eight senses helps regulate the nervous system, moving beyond traditional talk therapy when first responders are stuck in fight-or-flight activation.

Alana shares her personal experience and the positive feedback from EMS professionals who have benefited from sensory rooms designed to soothe hypervigilance and stress.

They discuss practical, budget-friendly ways departments can implement sensory modulation spaces, emphasizing low-cost solutions like colored lighting, calming sounds, and tactile tools.

JEMS Managing Editor Jeff Frankel hosts a deep dive into the mental health challenges facing first responders. Featuring Dr. Robin Jacobowitz, interim director at SUNY New Paltz’s Institute for Disaster Mental Health, and paramedic and union leader Alanna Badgley, the discussion centers around a groundbreaking 2024 New York State Mental Health Needs Assessment.

Alanna emphasizes that mental health struggles aren’t anomalies but an expected reality for first responders, advocating for open dialogue, culturally competent care, and union-backed mental health leave policies. This episode sets the stage for ongoing conversations and upcoming solutions to better support those on the front lines.

The other day I was working an arrest and I watched the provider preparing to intubate take a big deep breath and hold it while they used their fingers to scissor open the patient’s lips and then introduce the blade into the mouth. They had not elevated the head to optimize the airway angles and ease the need for vallecula displacement. They just went right in, holding their breath, and immediately started to struggle and shake. I tapped them on the shoulder and said, “Hey, let’s bag the patient, reposition the head, and try again.”

Read the full article on EMS Airway.

Before you start listening this article, I want you to sit back, relax, and take a deep breath. How refreshing was that? That was a nice 21.3% (ish) atmospheric oxygen breath that your body just enjoyed. Please keep that thought in the back of your mind for a minute. We will revisit that. We will spend a moment on PEEP, not the delicious and iconic Easter marshmallow treats that have become a yearly staple for many, but Peak End Expiratory Pressure. For this bit of time we have together, we will focus on why PEEP should be your go-to for desaturating patients or patients needing their SpO2 to rise.

Read the full article on EMS Airway.

JEMS Spotlight: How Memphis Fire Department Cracked the Code on Recruitment and Retention

Memphis (TN) Fire Medic Stephen Zachar breaks down how his department tackled the nationwide recruitment crisis in firefighting and EMS.

Moving past outdated hiring tests, Memphis revamped the entire process by prioritizing interviews, valuing real-world experience, and replacing the traditional Candidate Physical Ability Test with a coachable physical fitness matrix.

Stephen reveals how placing paramedics strategically across all units, not just ambulances, slashed burnout and boosted job satisfaction. Their innovative approach cut paramedic attrition by 60% and achieved a remarkable 75% retention rate overall.

With over 800 hires from 40 states, Memphis offers a blueprint focused on respect, career growth, and financial literacy from day one.

The JEMS Report: Women’s Health Challenges in EMS and Fire Service Culture

Not A-Fib Podcast : Gwenny Winkler on Critical Care, Coaching and Embracing Growth

Veteran flight nurse and educator Gwenny Winkler shares her journey from accelerated nursing programs to helicopter EMS and becoming a sought-after critical care instructor. Gwenny opens up about the steep learning curve when transitioning from emergency department nursing to flight nursing and the rapid evolution of tools like blood transfusions and advanced ventilators in air medical transport. She dives into her passion for education through social media, emphasizing the importance of understanding the “why” behind protocols, not just memorizing facts. Gwenny offers insights on coaching across all experience levels, tackling EMS culture challenges, and balancing professional identity with personal life. She also discusses her unique approach to engaging learners with authentic, down-to-earth content on TikTok and Instagram.

In this inaugural episode of the Chief’s Cadence, Chief Shane Wheeler sits down with FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito to explore effective leadership approaches in fire and EMS services.