Upcoming Events
- April 4-6, 2024: NDEMSA EMS Conference
- April 18, 2024, 10:00 am- 4:00 pm: EMSAC Meeting
- May 2, 2024, 10:00 -11:00 am: Cardiac Ready Community Advisory Committee Meeting
- May 19-25, 2024: EMS Week
- May 22, 2024: EMSC Day
- June 6, 2024, 10:00 am-2:00 pm: Stroke Task Force Meeting
- June 11, 2024 at 1:00 pm: EMSC Meeting
- June 19, 2024, 12:00-1:00 pm: State Trauma Committee Meeting
- July 18, 2024, 10:00 am- 4:00 pm: EMSAC Meeting
- September 10, 2024 at 1:00 pm: EMSC Meeting
- September 18, 2024, 12:00-1:00 pm: State Trauma Committee Meeting
- September 20-22, 2024: NDEMSA Southwest Conference
- September 25-26, 2024: 25th Annual North Dakota Statewide Trauma Conference
- October 17, 2024, 10:00 am- 4:00 pm: EMSAC Meeting
- November 2, 2023, 10:00-11:00 am: Cardiac Ready Community Advisory Committee Meeting
- December 5, 2024, 10:00-2:00 pm: Stroke Task Force Meeting
- December 10, 2024 at 1:00 pm: EMSC Meeting
- December 18, 2024, 12:00-1:00 pm: State Trauma Committee Meeting
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Update
Emergency Medical Services Rules
- Revised EMS rules will go into effect on April 1, 2024. The following chapters have revisions: 33-11-01.2, 33-11-02, 33-11-03, 33-11-04, 33-11-07, 33-36-01. Click on the chapter to be taken to the Administrative Code.
- Emergency Medical Responder students in a course that starts after March 31, 2024, will need to take and pass the National Registry cognitive examination to be certified by the Department of Health & Human Services. Individuals certified as Emergency Medical Responders as of March 31, 2024, will not be required to become nationally registered and will recertify through the existing process.
General Updates
- An EMS Registration Form must be completed for each agency the EMS responder is affiliated with. This is key for AEMTs and above as they are authorized to practice by the medical director for each agency and must have each medical director's signature.
- This is a reminder that after each recertification cycle with the NREMT, the EMS responder must complete a new EMS Registration Form in order to be licensed by the Department of Health & Human Services. CPR/Drivers need to complete a new EMS Registration Form and submit a copy of their current CPR card each time they renew. Doing so keeps all EMS responders active on their agency's rosters and allows EMS responders qualified for emergency responder license plates to be eligible for that benefit.
- EMT-enhanced skills are included in the North Dakota EMS Personnel Scope of Practice as optional elements (indicated by "X*" in the linked document). EMS agencies incorporating these elements must maintain documentation demonstrating all individuals authorized by the EMS agency’s Medical Director to perform these skill(s)/procedure(s) have attended an EMS agency specific training module. EMS Agency documentation of competency validation is required every 24 months. This documentation must be available if requested by the EMS Unit.
- After July 1, 2024, testing for AEMT and Paramedic will include a psychomotor skills assessment within the computer adaptive test conducted by Pearson Vue. This new testing process is estimated to take 3.5 hours to complete. If an AEMT or Paramedic wants to recertify via testing, he/she/they must test via this new process.
- There is no longer NREMT psychomotor testing for AEMTs and paramedics in North Dakota. Other NREMT states are completing their final test sites before July 1, 2024.
- Access the updated North Dakota EMS Treatment Guidelines here.
- When submitting for EMS grants, utilize the PRS system. Instructions are here.
- North Dakota has transitioned to NEMSIS version 3.5. Please contact your ePCR vendor to ensure that they are sending version 3.5 data to the state repository.
Ambulance Service Licensure Renewal
- 2024-2026 North Dakota licensing for BLS Ground Ambulance Services, ALS Ground Ambulance Services, Industrial Ambulance Services, Substation Ambulance Services, and Critical Care Air Ambulance Services will be available online this fall. The expiration date for currently licensed services is 10/31/2024. A link with instructions will be sent to all service leaders before this date. An option for online credit card payment will be available.
- Ground ambulance services must develop and upload, as part of the licensure application, a warning lights and sirens use policy. Other uploads include, but are not limited to, transport plans and a sample one-month call schedule.
Big Picture Update
- The revised EMS Personnel/Agency Registry, "Big Picture," is starting to take form. EMS personnel can now update contact information and print badges and certificates 24/7/365. Instructions are here.
EMSAC
- Next EMSAC meeting: April 18, 2024, 10:00 am-4:00 pm.
- EMSAC is looking for a physician to join the advisory council. If you are interested or have a recommendation, please contact Kerry Krikava at klkrikava@nd.gov.
Educational Opportunities
- June 19, 2024 in Jamestown, ND: Instructor Update (4-hour course)-Register with ND EMS Association
- September 20-22, 2024 in Medora, ND: SW Regional Conference
Visit the EMS website here.
If you have any questions regarding the EMS System, please contact Kerry Krikava at klkrikava@nd.gov.
Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Update
40th Anniversary of EMSC
EMSC Program Timeline:
Mark your calendar!
Pediatric Prepared Ambulance Recognition Program
- The Pediatric Prepared Voluntary Ambulance Recognition Program is a designation for EMS services. It signifies that the EMS service goes above and beyond in the care they provide to pediatric patients.
- To become a Pediatric Prepared Voluntary Ambulance. Complete the application here.
- Congratulations! Lake Region Ambulance Service in Devils Lake is the first EMS agency that has met the requirements of the Pediatric Prepared Voluntary Ambulance Service Recognition Program. ND EMSC greatly appreciates their efforts to ensure they are providing the best pediatric care possible.
Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator (PECC) for Prehospital Providers
- PECC for Prehospital Providers is an EMS provider designated within your organization who ensures that providers are prepared to care for ill and injured children. Having a PECC is the single more important step for enhancing pediatric care in your service. A PECC is an essential part to having your service be considered Pediatric Ready. Ideally every agency will have one or more PECCs but multiple agencies may share the same PECC.
- Ensure your service has a PECC signed up with ND EMSC so you aren't missing out on symposiums, equipment, and other opportunities!
- To learn more and apply: Complete the application to register as a Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator (PECC) here.
Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator (PECC) Program for Hospital Emergency Departments
- In the hospital setting, a PECC is an RN and a physician (in smaller facilities an APP may fill this role) team within the emergency department who ensure that its providers are prepared to deliver the best care for ill and injured children.
- Learn more and apply here.
- Did you know Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) now affects 1 in 36 children in the United States? Do you want tips and tools to help you better help individuals with ASD? Contact the EMSC Program Coordinator and get the information on a free training and materials to do just that!
Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Project (PPRP) Assessment
- The PPRP Assessment gauges an EMS or fire-rescue agency's ability to provide high-quality care for children based on its level of adherence to the latest national recommendations on prehospital pediatric emergency care.
- EMS and fire-rescue agencies who respond to 911, or are dispatched to similar calls, will be asked to complete the voluntary assessment. The assessment takes approximately 30-45 minutes to complete and results will be used to gather information to improve pediatric care.
- To review national recommendations, click here.
- Keep an eye out for this survey coming in early May!
Early Bird Award
Don't forget to fill out the Early Bird Award form after you have assisted with a delivery. Make sure to get your stork pin! Apply here.
Educational Opportunities
- EMSC virtual symposiums are currently being scheduled. Make sure your service has a PECC registered with EMSC so that you don’t miss out on these FREE education opportunities! Continuing education credits available.
- May 7, 2024 at 6:30 pm-Social Poisoning presented by Kirk Hughes of the Minnesota Poison Control System. Must register as a PECC for further information.
Visit the EMSC Program website here.
For questions regarding the EMSC Program, please contact Chettie Greer at cgreer@nd.gov.
Trauma System of Care Update
25th Annual North Dakota Statewide Trauma Conference
September 25-26, 2024 in Bismarck, ND
Pre-registration required.
Regional Trauma Meetings
Southwest (SW) Region Trauma Committee:
Northwest (NW) Region Trauma Committee:
Northeast (NE)/Southeast (SE) Region Trauma Committee:
Visit the North Dakota Trauma System website here.
For questions regarding the Trauma System, please contact Mary Waldo at mwaldo@nd.gov.
Cardiac System of Care Update
Coordinator Spotlight
Kayla Hanson has been in the healthcare industry for eight years. She worked as a certified surgical technician before pursuing her dreams to become a registered nurse, graduating from Rasmussen University in 2016. When she is not taking care of patients, she is busy helping her husband, Logan, on their farm and ranch. Together they have a two-year-old daughter, Eden and are expecting a baby boy due in July.
For the past four years, Kayla has worked at Jamestown Regional Medical Center in the emergency department. She quickly realized her passion for emergency nursing, as she loves providing critical care to patients during their most vulnerable moments. There is never a dull moment caring for a wide-ranging patient population, and there is always something new to learn. In January, she became the STEMI coordinator and is working towards designating JRMC as a Cardiac Ready Hospital.
When asked why her facility is working toward the Acute Cardiac Ready Hospital Designation, replied, "The mission at JRMC is to exceed expectations and make a positive difference in the lives of those they serve. JRMC serves many surrounding communities from Pingree to Edgeley and Kidder County to Barnes County. Becoming a Cardiac Ready Hospital ensures the facility has all the tools needed to get cardiac patients to a primary PCI hospital more quickly and efficiently when experiencing a STEMI. Currently, JRMC serves as a Level IV Trauma Center and Stroke Ready Hospital. JRMC is excited to become a Cardiac Ready Hospital to provide the best care for our patients!."
Acute Cardiac Ready Hospital (ACRH) Designation
- Enroll and contribute STEMI patient data to the state cardiac registry, GWTG-Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
- Meet established ACRH designation criteria.
- Apply to be designated as a STEMI referring center by the state.
Statewide Cardiac Registry FAQ
- What registry did Emergency Medical Systems choose as the North Dakota statewide cardiac registry? The American Heart Association's Get with the Guidelines-Coronary Artery Disease (GWTG-CAD) was selected.
- Is participation in the statewide registry mandatory? No. However, if your facility would like to be designated by the state as a STEMI referring or receiving center, contribution to the statewide registry is required.
- How is the registry paid for? The facility will pay for the registry and chart entry time, and the state will subsidize the cost as the legislature allows. Currently, the state pays for 100% of GWTG-CAD.
- What is the Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator Program? Enroll now and get GWTG-CAD registry for free for three years! A new AHA three-year initiative that aims to eliminate rural health care disparities by providing new enroller hospitals free access to GWTG programs, including GWTG-CAD. All ND critical access hospitals are eligible. More information here.
- What is required by the state to be designated a STEMI referring or STEMI receiving center? 1. The facility must be certified/accredited/verified by the state or one of the ND approved Cardiac Certification Programs for STEMI Receiving Center Designation. 2. The facility must participate in the statewide cardiac registry.
GWTG-CAD for free for the next three years!
Cardiac Education Opportunities & Events
2024 North Dakota Cardiac and Stroke Conference
Although, the North Dakota Cardiac and Stroke Conference will be scaled back this year, we wanted to give you the opportunity to earn some continuing education credits. Be on the lookout for the save the date in the future!
Visit the Cardiac System of Care website here.
For questions regarding the Cardiac System of Care, please contact Christine Greff at cgreff@nd.gov.
Stroke System of Care Update
Coordinator Spotlight
Chelsey Kuznia is a nursing graduate from the University of Jamestown and has been with Essentia health in Fargo since then for almost 9 years. She started her nursing career working on the Neuro Med/Surg Unit for 5.5 years and then spent time in Nursing Recruitment for 1.5 years, before transitioning to her role as the Stroke Program Manager for the last 2 years. Throughout her nursing career, Chelsey has also received certification as a Stroke Certified Nurse and an Advanced Stroke Coordinator. Chelsey enjoys collaborating with her colleagues at the hospital as well as those across North Dakota and Minnesota to improve the stroke system of care. One of her favorite events to participate in is the education of 5th grade students on how to “save a life,” which includes, stroke, trauma, heart attack, and hands only CPR topics. During her down-time, Chelsey enjoys spending time with her family and friends attending various activities.
2024 Acute Stroke Ready Hospital (ASRH) Designation Criteria
- The ASRH designation criteria have been updated.
- Essential updates include a comprehensive stroke log, protocol for reversal and treatment of post-lytic complications, provider documentation requirements, CT downtime protocol, utilization of clinical practice guidelines blood pressure management medications, and a comprehensive performance improvement program with up to date data submission (within 90 days).
- Recommended updates include utilization of telehealth services, BEFAST education provided to all staff, community outreach on stroke recognition and activation of the emergency response system, and subacute stroke care resource awareness.
BEFAST Public-Facing Poster
As a result of our 2023 Stroke Task Force performance improvement program, the BEFAST public-facing poster was created. It aims at improving recognition of stroke-like symptoms within communities.
2024 Stroke Task Force Performance Improvement
- The Stroke Task Force has chosen three quality measures to work toward improving compliance in 2024. These measures are critical access hospital quality measures and include door-to-CT interpretation less than 45 minutes, door-to-IV thrombolytic less than 60 minutes, and stroke consultation.
- Improve your door-to-CT interpretation quality measure at your facility by ensuring your provider documents the time the radiologist calls the CT results to the provider. This can improve interpretation times!
- Improve your door-to-needle times by reviewing your stroke code performance and ensure providers are documenting any delays in treatment such as blood pressure management.
- Improve your stroke consultation quality measure by ensuring your provider documents consultation with a stroke professional via phone or video. Neurology consults with the tertiary centers meet this quality measure and can help guide decision making for the acute stroke patient (e.g., IV thrombolytic eligibility, blood pressure management in hemorrhage, etc.). Take credit for what you are doing!
Stroke Task Force
- Next Stroke Task Force Meeting: June 6, 2024, 10:00 am-2:00 pm.
- The Stroke Task Force is looking for critical access hospital stroke coordinators and a representative from the North Dakota Emergency Medical Services Association (NDEMSA) to join the Stroke Task Force. If interested, please Contact Christine Greff at cgreff@nd.gov.
Stroke Educational Opportunities & Events
2024 North Dakota Cardiac and Stroke Conference
Although, the North Dakota Cardiac and Stroke Conference will be scaled back this year, we wanted to give you the opportunity to earn some continuing education credits. Be on the lookout for the save the date in the future!
Advanced Stroke Life Support (ASLS)
Sanford Fargo is offering the new blended ASLS course with two separate focuses: pre-hospital and in-hospital. The primary audience is nurses, mid-level providers, and paramedics.
This AHA course has two components: on-line modules and in-person skills check-off.
1) The on-line modules are deployed by the Sanford Ambulance EMS Education Department.
2) The in-person skills check-offs can be done in Fargo or at your local hospital.
The AHA course fee per person is $162 for in-hospital, $142 for pre-hospital, and $182 for both. The in-hospital course is 5.25 CEUs/CMEs.
For more information on registering for ASLS and arranging skills check-off, reach out to Sue at Sue.johnson@sanfordhealth.org or Holly at Holly.nissen@sanfordhealth.org.
Stroke Care Bootcamp
If your facility is looking for stroke education hours, Essentia Health offers a Stroke Care Bootcamp! This includes a presentation and case review on stroke at your facility and offers 2 hours of continuing education credits. It is geared toward nursing but any staff on your acute stroke team are welcome to attend. If interested, email WestStrokeProgram@EssentiaHealth.org to learn more.
Other Stroke Education
Sanford Fargo provides stroke education to providers, nurses and other team members in the hospital and pre-hospital EMS staff and first responders. Lectures or stroke code simulations are tailored to meet individual hospital needs.
Topics can range from a general overview, stroke recognition, neuro/stroke assessment, NIHSS tips, stroke syndromes, anatomy/physiology related to stroke, diagnostics/treatment for stroke, risk factors, stroke work-up, stroke prevention-medications/lifestyle changes, and/or your stroke code process. For pre-hospital groups, the lecture focus would be on recognizing stroke and beginning the stroke code process.
Contact Sue at Sue.johnson@sanfordhealth.org or Holly at Holly.Nissen@sanfordhealth.org to arrange an education offering that meets your hospital’s needs.
Stroke Awareness Cornhole Tournament
Stroke Support Groups
2024 Meeting Dates
Bismarck
Fargo
Survivors of Stroke (SOS) Support Group
- Stroke survivors and family/caregivers invited.
- When: Third Thursday of the month from 3:00 – 4:30pm.
March 21, 2024
April 18, 2024
May 16, 2024
June 20, 2024
July 18, 2024
Aug 15, 2024
Sept 19, 2024
Oct 17, 2024
Nov 21, 2024
Dec 19, 2024
- Sanford South University Hospital, 1720 South University Drive (hospital main entrance is on 11th Street). Room 1A-1 (near guest services desk).
- Survivors of Stroke Newsletter available. For more information or to receive the newsletter, email StrokeFargo@sanfordhealth.org
Minot
Visit the Stroke System of Care website here.
For questions regarding the Stroke System of Care, please contact Christine Greff at cgreff@nd.gov.
Cardiac Ready Community Program (CRC) Update
In February, American Heart Month and the designation of the State's Capitol Cardiac Ready Campus was celebrated at the ND State Capitol.
Ongoing Community Awareness
As a part of the Cardiac Ready Community Program, your community should have an ongoing community education campaign. It should include information on heart attack, sudden cardiac arrest, and stroke, and what to do should one of these emergencies occur.
- Find the Cardiac Ready Community Guidelines here.
PulsePoint AED Application
- Your community's public access AEDs should be entered into the free PulsePoint AED application.
- It is free, easy to use, and enables you to build an AED registry for your community. Making it easier to find an AED when a cardiac emergency strikes.
- AEDs entered into PulsePoint are accessible to emergency dispatchers and disclosed to emergency responders, including nearby citizens trained in CPR and off-duty professionals.
- Once AEDs are entered they are visible to anyone using the application. This increases awareness of community AED locations.
It is quick and easy to add your AEDs to the registry. Watch the how to video below:
Cardiac Ready Community Advisory Committee
- Next Cardiac Ready Community Advisory Committee Meeting: May 2, 2024, 10:00-11:00 am
- Interested in becoming a Cardiac Ready Community Advisory Committee member? We are looking for new members that represent Cardiac Ready Communities. Contact Christine Greff at cgreff@nd.gov.
Visit the Cardiac Ready Community Program website here.
For questions regarding the Cardiac Ready Community Program, contact Christine Greff at cgreff@nd.gov
Helmsley ND Law Enforcement AED Project Update
Project Evaluation
- During the evaluation of this project, we found that law enforcement officers arrived on the scene and applied the AED 7.32 minutes before EMS arrival in urban areas and 11.9 minutes before EMS arrival in rural areas.
- Minutes matter when a patient needs defibrillation.
- We are thankful for the Helmsley Grant that equipped law enforcement officers with AEDs.
Hearts on Duty Program
- When a LIEFPAK CR2 AED funded by the Helmsley Charitable Trust is used to save a life during a sudden cardiac arrest, the Hearts on Duty Program gives an AED to the officer involved in the save to donate to a community organization of their choice on the survivor’s behalf.
- Our team is currently working to recognize officers that were involved in saves in 2023.
For questions regarding the Helmsley ND Law Enforcement AED project, contact Christine Greff at cgreff@nd.gov
News from our Unit
- New Team Member: Megan Kramer has joined the EMSU Team as the Emergency Medical System Program Assistant. Her primary responsibility will be assisting with the Helmsley ND Law Enforcement AED Project. Welcome, Megan!
- Visit our HHS Emergency Medical Systems Unit website here
Emergency Medical Systems
Phone: (701) 328-2388
Website: www.hhs.nd.gov/health/EMS
Email: dems@nd.gov