We often talk about a “culture of safety” in EMS and fire services, and ask any EMT or paramedic the first words in a scenario and you will hear a rousing chorus of “Scene Safe! BSI!”, but are we really promoting safety?

I propose we’re not.

While safety is a relative thing, and there is always dynamic tension between safety and our work, the increasing evidence points out some key deficiencies in our industry practices.

Like, you know, our ambulances are death traps.  Our personnel are under supervised and sometimes fail to use (or aren’t provided with) the right PPE for a task.

Some agencies are doing this right.  I talk about two, one in Virginia and one in Florida.

We also talk about the third of the STARS transitions - accelerated growth.  There’s some real value in using this method to find the best management style to deliver maximum change.

Plus, the podcast talks about Tulsa, Oklahoma, and how not to respond to city council’s request for information.  Seriously, what the hell?!