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EMS Week

EMS Week


Dr. Eric Yazel, State EMS Medical Director

EMS Week

EMS Week: May 21–27, 2023

EMS Week proclamation

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb proclaimed May 21–27, 2023, as EMS Week (download proclamation), a time when Hoosiers are encouraged to celebrate and honor the work of emergency medical service personnel throughout Indiana. This is part of the national EMS Week campaign, now in its 49th year, led by NAEMT and ACEP. The 2023 theme is "Where Emergency Care Begins."

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security invites you to learn more about the EMS community in Indiana, whether it is the burgeoning area of mobile integrated health, EMS incident data or stories of the EMS personnel in the field.

For more EMS Week content, visit EMSweek.org.

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Stories From the Field

Indiana's EMS personnel rise to the challenge every single day. Here are just a few stories that show it.
IDHS thanks all who sent submissions. Unused EMS Week submissions may be used for future content.

Women smiling for camera
A thankful patient honored paramedic Jen Zanto (right) and her team for saving her life.

Women smiling for camera
A thankful patient honored paramedic Jen Zanto (right) and her team for saving her life.

Marion County
Pike Township Fire Department
Jen Zanto, Samantha New, Capt. Lloyd Effner, Brian Walsh, Matt Johnson, Eric Clapp

Jen Zanto is a civilian paramedic with Pike Township Fire Department, protecting the northwestern corner of Indianapolis and beyond. This year, in the early morning hours of St. Patrick’s Day, her unit was called to a residence for difficulty breathing. Upon arrival, Engine 61 was assessing a female patient who had been reported by her spouse as "not breathing right, even in her sleep" and found she had a decreased level of responsiveness and a heart rate of 30.

Working with the engine crew to carry the patient from the bedroom, she was prepared for transport and the decision was made to apply external pacing. In order to support an adequate heartbeat, the patient was medicated and started on electrical therapy, bringing her heart rate into the 70s and allowing her to wake up and resume speaking. Upon arrival to the emergency department, staff cardiologists diagnosed her with a complete heart block and deemed her a candidate for a pacemaker. After a successful procedure, the patient made a full recovery and was discharged to home.

A month later, the fire department received a call from the patient’s spouse, extending her gratitude and expressing that she would like to provide the crew with dinner, which the department had a few days later. After an update on her brand-new wireless pacemaker, the patient made the statement, "Because of you, I'm gonna live another 10 years, maybe 20."

Summing up the case, Zanto said, "In a profession as fast-paced and stressful as public safety, it's not always possible to see the good that one does, the positive outcomes that happen when the ambulance doors close and the patient is left in the hands of someone else. Being able to hold my patient's hand and receive a hug from her grateful partner, and envision another two decades of partnership for them to enjoy, was the most incredible feeling and why I continue to show up for the job that serves my heart as I serve my community."


Mother and daughter EMTs with Gloria Estefan
EMTs Julia Gunter (left) and her mother Helen Mudd (right) once met Gloria Estefan (center).
Mother and daughter EMTs with Gloria Estefan
Julia Gunter (left) and her mother Helen Mudd (right) once met Gloria Estefan (center).

Jasper County
Keener Township Ambulance, Stienke Ambulance of Rensselaer
Julia Gunter, Helen Mudd

Decades ago, Julia Gunter's mother, Helen Mudd, asked her to go to EMT training with her so she could have a study buddy. Although Gunter's heart was elsewhere for a more adventurous career, she agreed to help her mother.

The study buddy system paid off: They proceeded through the course, passed the state exams and both became state-certified EMTs. Throughout the years, they went on to help many injured or sick patients, and Gunter signed them up to become CPR instructors too. Despite naysayers, they became the first mother-daughter medical team at the Indianapolis 500 and served on the medical staff for nine years. The duo also worked the 1987 Pan Am Games in Indianapolis and became known for their nonverbal conversations during patient care, as they each knew what the other was going to do without having to chat about it. The pair even met the singer Gloria Estefan, who requested them as her medical team.

"Being an EMT was the best job I ever had," Gunter said.


Bailey Huffman and family
EMT Bailey Huffman (right) and her family participated in the Run With Shears 5K. She has decided to become a paramedic.
Bailey Huffman and family
EMT Bailey Huffman (right) and her family participated in the Run With Shears 5K. She has decided to become a paramedic.

Bartholomew County
Columbus Regional Health 911
Bailey Huffman

"EMS is the glue that creates family in community," says EMT and paramedic-to-be Bailey Huffman.

Huffman grew up in LaGrange in northern Indiana, where her father was a volunteer fire department fire chief. She was raised in the emergency care world with her values being shaped by public service. Later, while studying at IU, she signed up for an EMT course "just for fun" and fell in love with EMS.

She returned to her hometown where she worked for a neurological care service. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she came to a crossroads in her career: She had taken the CPAT and was hoping to land a fire department position and was also being pulled to fill EMT shifts in the emergency department. But she also received guidance to go into nursing, and so she moved to Indianapolis and earned her nursing degree.

While working as an ER nurse at a level one trauma center and an EMT on a critical care transport team, she started feeling that nursing had not been the right choice. Then came a turning point in summer 2022, when two police officers were killed in the line of duty not too long apart (Noah Shahnavaz and Seara Burton, who were recently honored during National Police Week). Huffman took to heart the outpouring of support for them, noting that police, fire and EMS share a special, familial bond. It reminded her of another tragedy from her childhood, in 1996, when two first responders from her hometown, Laura Halsey and Bryan Allred, were killed in the line of duty. She says she grew up hearing stories about them and the impact they had.

Following the Shahnavaz and Burton passings, Huffman enrolled in a paramedic program because, as she puts it:

"I wanted to do more. I wanted to serve and be in my community. I didn't feel I was getting that from my role as a nurse. The doors of the ER separate the ER from the community; you don't see or experience the situations that your patients are in, in the same way. That is different when I am working in EMS, where I am in their homes and I am there, moments after tragedy. I feel that it isn't just a job when I am working in EMS."

Huffman graduates in July and hopes to encourage and promote the growth of EMS by advocating to youth about the fulfilling career that EMS provides.


Crowd with ambulances with messages written on it
Community members write messages of support to Ukrainians on an ambulance being donated from Valparaiso.
Crowd with ambulances with messages written on it
Community members write messages of support to Ukrainians on an ambulance being donated from Valparaiso.

Porter County
inHealth Ambulance

As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, inHealth Ambulance Service, based in Valparaiso, has partnered with US Ambulances for Ukraine and the UA Resistance Foundation to donate two ambulances stocked with medical equipment and supplies to the humanitarian effort in Ukraine.

During the ambulance and equipment handover at the inHealth base, the public dropped off more supplies and added their messages to the ambulances, including messages of hope, strength, and peace. A local priest blessed the vehicles and supplies and offered prayers for peace for Ukraine, Russia and all people. The ambulance service was touched by the outpouring of support and gratitude from the community.

inHealth CEO Ron Donahue hopes that the donation will inspire others to help as well: "This is a way to help all the people involved in this humanitarian crisis."

The donation was made possible by a partnership between inHealth, US Ambulances for Ukraine and the UA Resistance Foundation. Since Russia's invasion in February 2022, US Ambulances has successfully delivered 38 American ambulances to Ukraine. According to Christopher Manson of OSF HealthCare, representing US Ambulances for Ukraine, Russian forces have been targeting ambulances and fire engines, putting these vehicles in short supply. The donation from inHealth will help replace some of these vehicles.

Read more about the donation efforts


Ambulance crew in ambulance
Ashley Ratcliff (left) and her EMS partner Mike Fox (right) faced the unexpected when dropping off a patient at a nursing home.
Ambulance crew in ambulance
Ashley Ratcliff (left) and her EMS partner Mike Fox (right) faced the unexpected when dropping off a patient at a nursing home.

Clay, Montgomery, Tippecanoe, Marion counties
STAR Ambulance, Indianapolis Fire Department, Indianapolis EMS
Ashley Ratcliff, Mike Fox

In January, partners Mike Fox and Amy Ratcliff were arriving at a nursing home to drop off a patient in the Indianapolis area. They unloaded the patient from the BLS ambulance to start to walk inside when Fox witnessed an elderly man fall from a standing position face first onto the ground in the parking lot. Ratcliff started to render aid to the man while the original patient was still on the stretcher, so Fox went inside to request additional assistance and a nurse to come take over care for the patient on the stretcher. The nursing facility called 911, and while waiting for medics, Ratcliff turned the patient over while holding C-spine, with help from staff. C-collar was applied and assessment started.

A paramedic from Indianapolis Fire Department arrived on scene and eventually the patient was loaded onto a stretcher of the BLS unit and loaded into the ambulance for further assessment. Indianapolis EMS then arrived and took over patient care.

Afterward, the Indianapolis Fire Department paramedic wrote to STAR Ambulance to recognize the STAR crew members for their quick actions and assistance.


Monticello MIH employees
The Monticello MIH team of Courtney Dyer (left) and Nick Green (right) has helped scores of Hoosiers in the program's short history.
Monticello MIH employees
The Monticello MIH team of Courtney Dyer (left) and Nick Green (right) has helped scores of Hoosiers in the program's short history.

White County
Monticello Fire Department
Courtney Dyer, Nick Green

The Monticello Fire Department started its Mobile Integrated Health division in February 2022, made possible by a charitable donation from IU Health West Central Region. The donation allowed firefighter/paramedic Nick Green to transition from the 24-hour shift schedule of the fire department to be the first full-time community paramedic, working Monday-Friday. Since starting the program, grant funding was achieved to add registered nurse and OBGYN specialist Courtney Dyer to the team, helping expectant mothers with resources and education they need to make their pregnancies as successful as possible.

In a brief 15 months, the Monticello MIH team has completed over 400 home visits, taken on more than 90 patients and changed lives. According to Mayor Cathy Gross, "Sometimes they move mountains to help their patients with a wide variety of needs, and sometimes they are just good neighbors and friends for their patients. Oftentimes people think of the fire department as who you call when it's the worst day of your life, but with Mobile Integrated Health they have the ability to take care of people in a non-emergent setting."

With encouragement from IDHS, Monticello's MIH team attended the 2022 EMS World Expo, where the Indiana EMS Section presented to more than 400 people from across the nation. Monticello MIH was to attend to network, but also showcase what a small city with a big heart can accomplish. Bigger cities like Denver, Colo., were amazed how Monticello MIH has been able to connect with so many people in such a short time.

"Mobile Integrated Health is changing the culture in our communities in profound and positive ways. Preventive and proactive follow-up care can become the blueprint for future emergency care savings, both in lives and costs. We are blessed to have such a great team in Nick and Courtney; their service exemplifies 'EMS: Where Emergency Care Begins,'" said Gross.


Superior ambulance with double rainbow
EMT George Schulp was saved by his coworkers from Superior Ambulance in fall 2022.
Superior ambulance with double rainbow
EMT George Schulp was saved by his coworkers from Superior Ambulance in fall 2022.

Lake County
Superior Ambulance
Allison Cheeseman, Jody Jimenez, George Schulp

On Nov. 1, 2022, EMT George Schulp was working on his wife's car when he felt a very slight tightness in his neck, which became chest pain after a few minutes. He called his wife at work and told her he was calling 911. Being an EMS educator, he always teaches students and coworkers as if someday he would need to call an ambulance, and that day he did.

Schulp was happy to see his Superior Ambulance coworkers Allison Cheeseman and Jody Jimenez come to his rescue. By the time they arrived, the chest pains were at a 10 and Schulp was sweating profusely and short of breath. They assessed him and found he was having a STEMI.

They immediately got Schulp to the cot and ambulance and started transport. Cheeseman provided treatment en route to the hospital, including ASA, IV and MS. Upon arrival at the emergency room, Schulp's pain was still a 10, and about nine minutes into treatment there, he coded, went into V-tach and was resuscitated after three shocks and then was taken to the cardiac cath lab for a complete blockage of the LAD (widow-maker).

Schulp credits Cheeseman and Jimenez's quick response and eight-minute scene time for saving his life (in 2021, the statewide average for STEMI was 20 minutes). He also greatly appreciated how Cheeseman also kept his wife updated and comforted in the quiet room while he was being treated in the hospital, until other family members arrived.


Jackson County EMS ambulance
A Jackson County EMS crew helped Seymour firefighters save the life of a house fire victim.
Jackson County EMS ambulance
A Jackson County EMS crew helped Seymour firefighters save the life of a house fire victim.

Jackson County
Jackson County EMS, Seymour Fire Department
Teia Thomas, Nicholas Shaw

In early April, Seymour Fire Department firefighters found a victim in a bedroom during a house fire. The victim had burns to his hand and arm, was not breathing and had no pulse. The firefighters passed the man through a window to other firefighters and the Jackson County EMS crew of Teia Thomas and Nicholas Shaw.

Thomas and Shaw immediately began providing treatment and prepared the man for transport to a local hospital. The patient's condition became stable enough to be air-lifted to a hospital in Indianapolis. There, after a few days, the man was removed from a ventilator and treated for his burns. The latest update is that the man has been released from the hospital and is recovering in a rehabilitation facility.

"The immediate care rendered by Teia and Nicholas was critical in the successful mitigation of this incident, and they should be recognized for their efforts," said Seymour Fire Chief Brad Lucas.

The Seymour firefighters involved were later recognized publicly by the Seymour mayor and city council.

Read more about this team effort


Medics handle blood transfusion supplies
TEMS paramedics in Indianapolis have started doing blood transfusions in the field for high-risk incidents.
Medics handle blood transfusion supplies
TEMS paramedics in Indianapolis have started doing blood transfusions in the field for high-risk incidents.

Marion County
Indianapolis EMS/Indianapolis Fire Department Tactical Emergency Medical Support Unit, Eskenazi Health, Metropolitan Emergency Services Agency

Marion County public health and safety partners have come together to launch an effort to bring life-saving blood to the streets.

The Indianapolis EMS and Indianapolis Fire Department Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS) Unit has been working with Eskenazi Health the past two years on emergency blood transfusions in the field. The initial protocol was used exclusively for hostage rescue situations, due to the high-risk nature of those incidents, as the TEMS paramedics support the police SWAT and EOD police units. The Indianapolis EMS medical director worked with the Eskenazi blood bank director to create transfusion protocol and procedures, and the TEMS unit collaborated with Metropolitan Emergency Services Agency leadership to draft an EMS dispatch protocol for hostage rescues.

When hostage incidents arise, a control operator contacts the blood bank, and an Indianapolis EMS district lieutenant dispatches to the hospital to retrieve the blood cooler. After several months training and multiple requests for blood through this new protocol, the team became comfortable with the procedures, and in early 2023, the team's capability improved with blood being proactively deployed with the TEMS medics while they are on duty.

In the past month, paramedics have transfused blood into multiple gunshot victims and the blood has been available on scene for several high-risk law enforcement operations, including an incident where two police officers were shot during a traffic stop.

New Incidents Dashboards

The Indiana Community Risk Reduction Coalition released two interactive dashboards designed for public safety agencies and the public to access fire and EMS incident data statewide. These incidents are shown on a map, and statistical figures are available at the state, district, county and local agency levels. Visit the Community Risk Reduction page for more information on how these dashboards fit into the larger picture of improving public safety.

EMS Incidents Dashboard Fire Incidents Dashboard

Note: The dashboards were designed for viewing on screens 10 inches and larger.

Dive Into EMS

Take a deeper look at the world of EMS.

Dive Into EMS

Take a deeper look at the world of EMS.

  • Flyer screenshots

    Governor's Public Health Commission

    Learn about the commission's report
    and recommendations for EMS

    Public Health Commission

    Flyer screenshots

    Governor's Public Health Commission

    Learn about the commission's report
    and recommendations for EMS

    Public Health Commission

  • Stop the Bleed

    Know how to recognize and respond to life-threatening bleeding during emergencies

    Stop the Bleed

    Stop the Bleed

    Know how to recognize and respond to
    life-threatening bleeding during emergencies

    Stop the Bleed

  • CPR and AEDs

    Watch how to perform CPR and how to use an AED in case of a cardiac arrest

    CPR and AEDs

    CPR and AEDs

    Watch how to perform CPR and how to
    use an AED in case of a cardiac arrest

    CPR and AEDs

  • Black ribbon

    EMS Memorial

    Remember fallen first responders

    Memorial

    Black ribbon

    EMS Memorial

    Remember fallen first responders

    Memorial

  • Hands-on Education

    Check out the Mobile Sim Lab, a free training resource for EMS and fire instructors

    Sim Lab

    Hands-on Education

    Check out the Mobile Sim Lab, a free
    training resource for EMS and fire instructors

    Sim Lab

  • Indiana EMS for Children

    Discover the work of iEMSC, which focuses on improving emergency care for children in the hospital and EMS systems

    iEMSC

    Indiana EMS for Children

    Discover the work of iEMSC, which focuses on
    improving emergency care for children in
    the hospital and EMS systems

    iEMSC