Conclusions of the State Interfacility Transport Task Force
By Scott Sholes
EMS Chief, Durango Fire-Rescue

According to a first-of-its-kind study of interfacility transport (IFT) in Colorado, EMS systems have experienced sharp increases in IFT demand in the past 5 years. Not only has the number of trips increased by 25% during that period, the time required to complete each trip now averages close to 2 hours.  The study, a combination of data analysis by CDPHE and statewide research by Sarah Weatherred (CMRETAC) and Austin Wingate (Grand County EMS), revealed in addition to putting a significant strain on Colorado EMS systems, IFTs present significant safety concerns for patients and providers.

Q&A with Donnie Woodyard, Jr., Executive Director of the U.S. EMS Compact

Q: What is the United States EMS Compact, and why is it important?
A: The United States EMS Compact is an agreement between states that allows licensed EMS clinicians to practice in any of the 24 Compact Member states without requiring additional licenses. It provides a "Privilege to Practice," enabling clinicians to work in multiple states while maintaining public safety and professional accountability.

American EMS—the national view

EMS at Burning Man 2023

One month later
By Jason Kotas
EMS Outreach and Education Program Manager at Children’s Hospital Colorado

It’s been 30 days since I returned from Black Rock City and my experience serving as a medic for Burning Man. I’ve been trying to process what happened and to find just the right words to describe what “it” was like. The fact is, there simply are no words and the topic of how to explain what we were experiencing was a common topic on the playa.

It was all the things. A choose-your-own-adventure city of 80,000 in the desert. I was so honored to be let into the family of Rebel Camp (comprising of about 60 medical volunteers from around the country) and for my field training experience (officially and non-officially) from Bob and Odie.

Advocacy and public education

The Surprise Billing Act—and why ambulance services are not yet included