EMS Coordinator Mike McEvoy, Ph.D., NRP, RN, CCRN
NYSAFC EMS Committee
EMT-CC Sunset Delayed
In 2017, the State EMS Council (SEMSCO) and State Medical Advisory Council (SEMAC) made an extensive review and solicited input from across the state on the EMT-Critical Care certification level, which no longer aligns with national standards. A 10-year plan was effected, creating a special bridge program to allow EMT-CCs to bridge to Paramedic level. After extensive discussion and review of data by SEMAC and SEMSCO, a decision was made in 2024 to transition away from the Critical Care level effective July 2027.
At the December 2024 SEMSCO and SEMAC meetings, the health commissioner asked to open dialogue and collaboration with his office to better understand the process. This led to agreement that the original 2027 timeline will be adjusted. SEMSCO is committed to finding an equitable solution that supports all current Critical Care technicians and offers care to the public consistent with national standards. This includes ensuring a smooth pathway for them to transition to the Paramedic or Advanced EMT level, a process already underway for many. Continued collaboration with the commissioner’s office will bring a new implementation plan to the SEMAC and SEMSCO membership.
AHA Rolls Out New Guidelines
On October 22, the American Heart Association rolled out new guidelines for CPR, advanced adult and pediatric life support and first aid. The full guidelines were published in their journal Circulation and can be downloaded here. Summaries of each of the guidelines are available here. For the first time ever, all of the new materials (textbooks, instructor manuals, references) were released at the same time. They can be purchased here. Instructors will be required to complete an update on the new guidelines and begin using the new course materials by February 2026.
New York State Association of Fire Chiefs