"Unimpeded By Progress" - Seven Sacred Traditions That are Holding us Back
EMS simply can’t afford to adhere to outdated practices simply because of “tradition.” EMS is an essential healthcare service, and as healthcare agencies, we must ensure that all of our practices – whether operational, clinical or administrative – keep pace with science, evidence, emerging best practices, and ethical standards. This eye-opening session will take a critical look at seven “sacred traditions” in most EMS systems that are not only outdated, but that hold our organizations back financially, and limit our ability to become full players at the healthcare table.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the importance of clinical and operational research to guide the leadership decision-making process
- Identify three current practices in EMS that have no research support for their effectiveness or efficacy
- Identify strategies to make necessary change within the organization to eliminate ineffective and dangerous practices that can harm the patient, co-workers, and the community
- Identify and describe three steps that EMS practitioners and leadership can take to reduce risk for their EMS agency
G. Christopher Kelly
Attorney at Law
Chris Kelly is Of Counsel at Page, Wolfberg & Wirth, LLC. Chris is a nationally-known EMS attorney and consultant and works with the firm’s clients on issues of reimbursement, compliance, privacy and more. After graduating from UNC-Charlotte in 1994 and then law school at the University of Memphis in 1998, Chris spent several years in general practice before becoming a full-time EMS attorney. Chris has significant experience litigating health care cases, including representing clients in False Claims Act cases as well as successfully challenging CMS on Medicare regulations on behalf
Stephen R. Wirth
Attorney at Law
Steve Wirth is one of the best-known EMS attorneys and consultants in the United States. In a distinguished four-decade public safety career, Steve has worked in virtually every facet of EMS – as first responder, firefighter, EMT, paramedic, flight paramedic, EMS instructor, fire officer, and EMS executive. He was one of central Pennsylvania’s first paramedics.