The time has come again for award nominations for those individuals and organizations who have contributed to EMS in Missouri in a way that is above and beyond the call of duty.  We know there is never a shortage of those in our profession who put forth great effort to save lives and further strengthen and unify EMS. 

Now it’s time to consider those who stand out for these causes and recognize them!

The entire MEMSA board of directors is very excited to announce the new MEMSA website and electronic CODE 3 newsletter! 

By utilizing more advanced web tools we are able to save a significant amount of money each year, normally budgeted for the CODE 3 newspaper.  In addition, by making CODE 3 the focus of the website, we can offer up-to-date information quickly.

By Jason White 

Presently, HB 551, sponsored by Representative Tom Dempsey, is moving nicely through the Missouri General Assembly.  Your active email support for this bill on April 16 and 17 is needed!  Learn more at the end of the article. 

This legislation would provide a $100,000 payment to the family of a paramedic, EMT, air medical flight crew member, firefighter or law enforcement person who dies in the line of duty.

MEMSA members are invited to nominate new representatives to the MEMSA Board of Directors!  Nomination forms can be downloaded here. 

Five regions are open for new nominees.  Details are as follows:

Providing a medium that helps to share each other’s EMS related news, information and stories is an important part of our progress in serving Missouri’s EMS professionals. 

With our new website (a content management system) it is much easier to accept and publish your articles and stories.

By Lisa Meyer - Cornerstone Government Affairs 

Many changes have occurred in Washington over the last few months since the Democrats now control the House and Senate.  There are new chairmen of committees and new staff in many offices that Advocates and its member organizations are educating about emergency medical services (EMS) issues.   

Advocates for EMS members have been conducting meetings with House and Senate offices regarding its top priorities for fiscal year 2008.   

By Jason White 

What may not necessarily be the most exciting topic for the average paramedic or EMT, is a serious issue for many seniors and those with terminal diseases in our state.  Allowing patients to pass with the dignity and respect with which they lived their lives is a critical issue and one that we often do not fully recognize in the EMS world. 

By Ruby Mehrer 

Emergency Medical Personnel in the Greater Kansas City area are working to bring the National EMS Memorial Project to the Heartland.   

The goal of the project is to build a permanent, outdoor Tree of Life memorial to honor those EMS providers who have made the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives in the line of duty.  Each year on Memorial Day weekend families visit the national site to honor and remember those who have been lost.