Category: Best Practices

Providing an in-depth analysis of the current trends and benchmarks in trauma care, the 2023 ESO Trauma Index pulls data from the nation’s largest de-identified medical database to establish best…

The 2023 ESO Trauma Index offers a detailed analysis of current trends and benchmarks in trauma care, setting a new standard for improvement and allowing healthcare professionals to get a…

The 2023 ESO Trauma Index offers a detailed analysis of current trends and benchmarks in trauma care, setting a new standard for improvement. Accompanied by the ESO Data Café Webinar…

January is Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the critical issue of increased cancer risk among firefighters, along with the importance of effective safety and…

In a perfect world, every patient seeking medical services would be given equal care and treatment regardless of their background. However, in reality, that’s not always the case. Gender, race,…

Just as important as EMS clinicians’ and firefighters’ physical health, is the protection of their mental health. According to the Ruderman White Paper on Firefighter mental health and wellness, the…

While lights and sirens have always been synonymous with ambulances, there’s been more and more research highlighting their potential risks outweighing their time-saving benefits. Due to this, the National EMS…

In both fire and EMS services, response time is obviously a crucial part to a successful resolution of an incident. However, it’s just one of a few different factors to…

Last week, we launched the 2022 ESO Trauma Index – the annual research to facilitate industry conversations, set benchmarks, and compare hospital and trauma systems’ performance with peers. Created from…

Time to read: 4 minutes 30 seconds In the last 30 years, the number of reported fire deaths declined by nearly 50%. While the U.S. still averages 3,000 home fire…

Quality Improvement projects can make a big impact in your EMS agency operations, helping processes run more efficiently, lightening the load on your providers, and even promoting more positive patient…

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were approximately 61,000 Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)-related deaths in the United States in 2019, translating to an average of…

Wearable health trackers have become a widely accepted technology integrated into many Americans’ lives. No longer just simple step trackers, today’s wearables can track a wide range of health metrics…

Datapoints and metrics continue to play an important role in the day-to-day function of fire agencies. Outputs are Useful and Important With numerous reporting requirements at national and state levels,…

For EMS agencies, managing assets can not only improve operational efficiencies and budget use, but can also improve mission readiness and outcomes during incidents. Maintaining a more accurate understanding of…

Whether you’re finally making the move from paper records to digital, or simply want to upgrade your digital record-keeping experience, switching to a new record management system for your fire…

If your fire department or EMS agency is still holding on to the old-school, paper-based ways of tracking incidents, equipment checks, supply levels, and even personnel records, the good news…

Situational awareness is no longer just for the field. It’s a concept that can also be used after incidents and in down times. Having an understanding of your crew’s physical…

In an information-rich age, data are constantly flowing to and from devices, towers, and satellites. While it can seem overwhelming at times, data are a valuable tool in the hands…

The concept of Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome, or PTSD, is not a new concept today; most of us associate it with combat veterans or someone who has experienced an extreme negative…

If you’ve been in the fire industry for any substantial length of time, you’ve undoubtedly heard about Insurance Services Office (ISO) Inspections and their associated rankings. ISO’s Public Protection Classification…

The health and wellbeing of emergency responders is in the spotlight now more than ever. Major events like COVID-19, extreme weather, and wildfires are testing the resilience of first responders….

Fire departments, especially volunteer fire departments, are constantly faced with the challenge of keeping communities safe while staying within budget. Tightening budgets and limited resources require departments to be more…

Completing patient care reports (PCRs) during your shift can seem like a tedious task, but it is essential to the operations of an EMS agency. A thorough and accurate PCR…

In an increasingly connected world, technology is making response for prehospital care faster and more efficient than ever. Today’s computer-aided dispatch (CAD) technologies offer greater situational awareness, smarter use of…

Many health emergencies require fast medical intervention, but certain incidents are particularly affected by the rate of response. ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a health crisis for which survival rates…

In this digital age, keeping personal identification information secure is a priority. Entire industries have been created that focus solely on helping people protect their digital footprint with robust passwords,…

One of the noticeable changes coming out of the global COVID-19 pandemic has been an increased opportunity for employees to work from home, and more virtual resources available for a…

In its recent annual report, the American Heart Association (AHA) noted that out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) continues to be a common and deadly problem in the U.S. Of the more…

Accurate patient data is arguably the most valuable tool a medic has at his or her disposal. It not only informs immediate treatment decisions, but it shows what is –…

Hospitals and EMS agencies alike have long associated the rate of positive outcomes for certain patients with the rate at which he or she received treatment. And while some of…

The world is experiencing another surge in COVID-19 cases, with the highly contagious Delta variant becoming the dominant strain in the U.S. Healthcare providers can prepare for this new surge…

Shock is a common and life-threatening medical emergency that many EMTs encounter during their careers; estimates suggest more than 1.2 million ED visits a year are for patients in shock….

A career in firefighting can be very rewarding, and it become a lifelong calling for those wanting to serve their communities. However, starting a fire career can be a challenging…

For millions of Americans, a trip the ED may be one of the only ways to receive medical care, whether their condition is truly an “emergency” or not. Populations like…

The Joint Commission recently released its National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs) for 2021, listing seven focus areas it recommends for health care professionals to improve patient safety. Established in 2002…

Quality data plays a key role in health care, and drives every decision that a provider makes to improve health outcomes for his or her patient. In the field of…

In one of the strangest and most disruptive years in recent American memory, EMS professionals continued to suit up every day and face the COVID-19 pandemic head on. And just…

Volunteer firefighters are key to keeping communities in the United States safe; in fact, volunteers make up 67% of firefighters in the country. Volunteer firefighters are particularly vital for small,…

You can’t beat situational awareness when responding to a fire incident, and a key way to increase your knowledge of the involved property is by utilizing a fire preplan. The…

With budget cuts becoming more common, fire departments are looking for ways to infuse new dollars into their operations to improve training, recruit new crewmembers, obtain new equipment, conduct CRR…

Healthcare payers looking to drive down medical care costs in the U.S. have increasingly begun partnering with EMS agencies and other providers to ensure that patients receive the proper treatment…

Since the 1970s, the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) has been actively working towards its two main objectives: to 1) help state, local, tribal, and U.S. territory governments develop…

In the fast-paced and stressful workflow of an Emergency Department, accurate communication is a valuable commodity. A failure in communication between health care professionals can have results ranging from mild…

Modern health care is an information-rich endeavor. Along the entire spectrum of care – from prehospital all the way to discharge and follow-up – patient data is critical in helping…

The role of emergency medical professionals has always been a quick, effective response in high-pressure settings. Being able to perform in stressful situations is a staple characteristic for EMTs and…

In an increasingly competitive industry, hospitals can use performance data to stay in compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC) and expedite reimbursements from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)…

As communication methods for first responders and prehospital health care professionals continue to modernize – and sharing data digitally becomes more critical than ever – many EMS agencies are taking…

A large portion of a fire department’s service to its community is fire inspection. From new construction to regular checks on existing properties, fire professionals’ time making buildings safer pays…

It’s a regular part of the business for fire departments these days: collecting and submitting data to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) regularly. And while NFIRS has its own top 3…

Firefighting technology continues to evolve rapidly, with advancements in vehicles, apparatus, SCBA, and other gear making the work “smarter” and more efficient every year. This new technology undoubtedly creates a…

Many commercial companies easily use boxed resource management software such as ADP, Workday, and Paychex for their payroll and scheduling needs. However, EMS agencies need a more customized solution. With…

Just like any business or industry, EMS agencies benefit from regular assessments, QI/QA projects and accurate reporting that allows benchmarking and easily shared metrics. However, the ability to trust these…

A firefighter knows going into his or her career that shift work in the fire industry is anything but typical. Long and varied hours, time away from home, and emergency…

A busy, bustling hospital is not a quiet place. Physicians, nurses, and EMTs alike deal with a significant amount of noise on a daily basis. In fact, a recent study…

Digital information is the key to modern life; with the pervasive nature of smart phones and device, the Cloud, and city-wide wireless networks, information is at our finger tips, 24…

For hospitals around the world, data and databases are the keys to improving processes, improving patient outcomes, and better understanding one’s community. While medical professionals have reviewed and analyzed trends…

Firefighters are accustomed to making their best assessment of a structure when they arrive at a fire incident. They base their response tactics and expectations on generalized construction concepts, community…

Emergency Departments are often a place of controlled chaos; alarms ringing, people rushing, ambulance crews arriving and leaving. The most serious patients need immediate attention and face life-threatening circumstances where…

A fire department knows its community probably more intimately than almost any other organization out there. From going inside people’s homes on medical calls, to inspecting new construction, to driving…

Note: This blog was updated in July 2022 with more current data on number and types of sentinel events. Even in the top-functioning, best-maintained hospital facilities, medical errors can happen….

Data from EMS providers can be vital to your hospital system and should not get overlooked. Not only is it required for your pre-hospital data submissions, but it also helps…

One of the unique – and often challenging – elements of running an EMS agency or fire department is the complexity of scheduling requirements. Whether you’re deciding which staff members…

For fire departments looking to improve efficiencies and get more use out of their own data, a digital fire records management system (RMS) can make getting insight into operations easier…

Hospitals and trauma registrars are well-aquatinted with state and regional requirements that require the inclusion of EMS data into trauma registries. However, the collection and representation of this data can…

The alarms are going off. The ED is full of chatter and noise. You’re trying to get your patient to the right room, and you only have a moment to…

If you’ve spent any significant amount of time working in a fire department, you’re well-familiar with an important (but sometimes tedious) job of asset management. Hours spent meticulously doing checks…

If you’ve ever wondered how your agency compares to its peers – or about trends in the EMS industry as a whole – the ESO EMS Index gives you answers….

Whether your EMS agency is working to develop your next QI project or need a quick overview of all the agencies in your system, real-world data is key in making…

Large-scale change and legislation are important in driving improvements in the fire and EMS industry. However, a key component of making change happen is in the ability of fire departments…

From an industry-level view, down to your own agency datapoints, the ability to use real-world EMS data to make improvements in your agency is invaluable. Learn how data collected in…

Emergency response jobs are some of the most demanding in the world. Responders often risk their own personal safety and health on a daily basis, while working long shifts that…

Better communication between healthcare providers and first responders along the spectrum of care – both prehospital and hospital– can have real benefits for patients, communities, and agencies. Learn how ePCR,…

Purchasing a new electronic patient care record (ePCR) tool can be an investment for your agency on many levels. Besides the initial cost of purchase and training, you’ll use this…

Since the migration to electronic patient care records (ePCRs) in the late 2010s, software has become an increasingly important part of the daily experience for a medic. We all use…

Having access to high-quality data is imperative to creating effective quality improvement projects. See how ESO tools simplify your data gathering and allow you to focus on the changes you…

Fire departments across the country are feeling the squeeze of tighter budgets and making do with less. Sometimes pitching your budgetary needs can feel like going into battle, but it…

A trauma registrar’s job is full of data points, attention to detail, and – unfortunately – hours often spent making follow up emails and calls to track down missing information….

More and more fire departments are today moving towards using automated, fire-specific record management systems (RMS) to maintain operations data for their stations. From employee HR records and scheduling to…

An effective community risk reduction (CRR) program can be a powerful tool for a fire department looking to improve the overall safety of its community. Whether you are installing fire…

Time is a precious commodity in the world of first response and prehosptial care. Whether it’s more time to rest after a long shift or get more work done on…

As healthcare professionals and administrators continue to adapt to working in COVID-era conditions – caring for patients while also taking extra steps to keep their providers safe – many hospitals…

Creating digital patient care reports – or electronic patient care records (ePCRs) – in the prehospital setting is an important part of documenting treatments, collecting the right data needed to…

Every year, EMS and fire departments host a variety of outreach efforts, also known as community risk reduction (CRR) programs, to improve their communities’ health and safety proactively. From school…

Fire departments are increasingly being asked to share data that offers greater insight into what they do on a daily basis, as well as the value they bring to their…

If your EMS agency is using an electronic patient care record (ePCR) tool, you don’t want to miss out on the benefits you can gain from specialized forms. Today’s top…

Transcript: Hello, my name is Bill Gardner. I’m a retired fire chief with 35 years experience in public safety — both fire and EMS. One of the most important things…

   Transcript: Hello, my name is Bill Gardner. I’m a retired fire chief with 35 years experience in public safety, both fire and EMS. One of the most difficult…

Transcript: Hello, my name is Bill Gardner. I’m a retired fire chief with 35 years in public safety, both fire and EMS. The Fire Service of today has taken on…

You can check your email on your phone, see who is at your front door from your work, and monitor your city’s traffic in real time via satellite imagery. But…

While some hospitals across the nation are slowly recovering from the massive first wave of COVID-19 cases – and others are gearing up to battle the growing second wave –…

Digital patient records – also known as electronic patient care records or ePCRs – offer countless benefits in prehospital care. From built-in analytics, easier-to-complete forms, and less paperwork post-call, ePCR…

Today’s fire departments are increasingly facing the blessing and the curse of large amounts of data. From incident reports and inspections to personnel information and electronic patient care records (ePCRs),…

As department’s needs change, compliance requirements evolve, and technologies mature, EMS leaders have a responsibility to ensure their patient record solution is up to snuff. Whether making the big leap…

Today’s fire industry continues to evolve to better incorporate a wide range of data available from both incident response and department operations. Going beyond the reactive mode of simply responding…

Gone are the days of recording patient feedback with paper and pencil, and spending hours compiling reports from different systems. Integrated software – designed to address the numerous inputs from…

Sharing patient information along the continuum of care not only improves patient care and operational efficiencies, but it also allows learning opportunities for all providers. Having access to a complete…

From tracking patient care to being aware of what your own team members are experiencing out in the field, clinical-quality data that is easily accessible not only improves your operations…

Larger departments face challenges ranging from training the newest individual, all the way up to managing change in leadership. A single, cloud-based work environment not only brings a new team…

A recent study of the global fire service is indicating that agencies across the world are experiencing a paradigm shift in not only how they are currently use data, but…