EMS Discussion - When Scope Meets Survival

Lessons from Kentucky’s Antivenom Case

When the call comes in, seconds matter. EMS Providers are trained to act decisively, but also within the limits of their medical scope.

What happens when those two imperatives collide—when a patient’s survival depends on a treatment that regulations forbid?

That question faced a Kentucky EMS crew this spring, and the outcome has sparked national discussion about scope of practice, ethics, and the realities of prehospital medicine.

The Case: A Mamba Bite and a Tough Decision

In May 2025, Powell County EMS responded to a call involving James Harrison, director of the Kentucky Reptile Zoo, who had been bitten by a Jameson’s Mamba - one of the world’s most venomous snakes.

As paramedics worked the scene, Harrison reportedly told them, “You have to give it, or I die.” The crew had access to antivenom - normally reserved for hospital or wilderness medicine use - and, after consulting with a physician, decided to administer it while awaiting helicopter transport.

That decision likely saved a life. But it also triggered an investigation.

Under Kentucky EMS regulations, only certified wilderness paramedics are authorized to administer antivenom. The Powell County crew did not hold that certification.

Despite acting under medical consultation and in good faith, they were reported to the Kentucky Board of EMS (KBEMS) for operating outside their scope of practice.

Importantly, the EMS providers self-reported their actions - a key factor later cited in their defense.

The Outcome: Case Dismissed, Questions Remain

In late September, the KBEMS Preliminary Inquiry Board reviewed the case and dismissed it, concluding that while the paramedics acted beyond their formal scope, their actions were justified by the unique circumstances and their immediate self-reporting.

Powell County Judge-Executive Eddie Barnes, who also serves as a paramedic and was part of the crew, expressed no regret, saying he take the same action again if faced with a patient in similar distress.

Kentucky State Senator Brandon Smith publicly supported the EMS team, calling for revisions to EMS regulations so that first responders are not punished for taking life-saving action in good faith. 

Understanding the Regulatory Context

Scope of Practice exists to protect patients and providers alike. It defines what interventions each level of EMS certification can safely and legally perform. But scope is not static - it evolves with medical evidence, training, and policy.

In Kentucky, antivenom administration falls outside the standard paramedic scope because it requires specialized training and monitoring, typically found in wilderness EMS or toxicology units. 

Risks include allergic reactions and the need for prolonged observation - conditions not always manageable in the field.

Still, real-world medicine is messy. In rare, life-threatening situations, rigid adherence to scope can feel incompatible with the provider’s duty to act.

This case underscores the challenge: how can systems preserve safety and standardization without punishing good clinical judgment? 

Ethical and Operational Takeaways for EMS Providers

This incident resonates with every provider who’s ever faced a “gray zone” decision. It highlights several practical lessons:

1. Consult Medical Control Early

When possible, contact online medical control before performing an off-protocol intervention. In this case, consultation reportedly occurred with an emergency physician - a critical step that strengthened the crew’s defense.

2. Document Everything

Thoroughly record your assessment, communications, rationale, and the patient’s condition. Accurate documentation can be your strongest protection in post-incident review.

3. Self-Report and Debrief

Transparency matters. The Kentucky team’s decision to self-report demonstrated integrity and professionalism - and likely influenced the case dismissal.

4. Know Your State’s Regulations

EMS scope and authority differ across states. Understand your protocols, but also be aware of how to escalate unusual situations through medical direction or administrative channels.

5. Advocate for Realistic Policy

This case may prompt states to consider “emergency exception” provisions - protocols that recognize provider discretion in extreme, time-sensitive cases where a patient’s life is at stake. 

A Call for Systemic Reflection

For EMS Leaders, Educators, and Policymakers, the Powell County case is not about right or wrong—it’s about readiness.

Do our systems empower providers to save lives when the textbook no longer fits? Are our regulations flexible enough to adapt to low-frequency, high-acuity calls? Do we support providers after they make those tough calls in good faith?

As medicine advances, so must the frameworks that govern it. No protocol can anticipate every scenario—but policies can be written to support critical thinking, consultation, and accountability without punishing courage. 

Conclusion

The dismissal of the Kentucky antivenom case is more than a regulatory footnote—it’s a reflection of what makes EMS unique.

Prehospital medicine operates in uncertainty, in chaos, and often in the seconds between life and death. This case reminds us that clinical judgment, ethical courage, and transparency remain as vital to patient outcomes as any drug or protocol.

Let it also be a reminder that systems must evolve - to ensure that doing the right thing never becomes a career risk.

Sources & References

Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services (2024) Scope of Practice Guidelines

LEX18 News. (2025, September 27) Kentucky paramedics cleared of disciplinary action after antivenom administration. Retrieved from https://www.lex18.com

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of EMS (2023) National EMS Scope of Practice Model

WBKO News. (2025, September 25) EMS team under fire for treating man with antivenom after mamba bite. Retrieved from https://www.wbko.com

WKYT News. (2025, September 30) Case dismissed against KY EMS team that gave antivenom. Retrieved from https://www.wkyt.com

EMS Discussion - EMS Leadership During A Time Of Outrage

The Challenge

Today’s EMS Leaders face more than operational demands - they must also navigate a world shaped by public outrage, political division, and social media amplification.

Every statement, policy, or silence can be scrutinized, criticized, or misinterpreted. Balancing staff expectations, public trust, and professional neutrality is harder than ever.

Why It Matters

Outrage culture can fracture teams, erode trust, and distract from the mission. In EMS, where teamwork and composure are essential, strong leadership in emotionally charged times is critical for morale, credibility, and community confidence.

Core Leadership Strategies

1. Anchor in Mission and Human Impact

• Ground decisions in your agency’s purpose: serving patients and protecting the public.
• Ask: Does this issue directly affect our people, patients, or mission?
• Avoid performative responses that distract from care delivery or operational priorities.

2. Foster Respectful Dialogue

• Create safe spaces for staff to share views without fear of retaliation.
• Set clear boundaries (no hate speech, no harassment) but allow for conversation.
• Model Civility - leaders must demonstrate what respectful disagreement looks like.

3. Engage Employees in Decision-Making

• Don’t respond impulsively to every trending issue.
• Use consistent criteria to decide which issues merit an organizational response.
• Let your workforce have a voice in shaping those priorities.

4. Lead with Consistency and Integrity

• Match public words with internal actions.
• Empty statements damage credibility — authenticity builds trust.
• Ensure policies, behaviors, and culture reflect your stated values.

5. Build New Leadership Skills

• Today’s leaders need emotional intelligence, ethical clarity, and communication literacy.
• Equip your leadership teams with training in empathy, listening, and conflict navigation.
• Recognize that leadership in a polarized era requires as much heart as it does strategy.

6. Protect Leader Well-Being

• The emotional toll of constant outrage is real.
• Develop personal coping tools, peer support, and boundaries.
• “Presilience” - preparing emotionally before the crisis - is as vital as resilience afterward.

In Summary

For EMS leaders and providers, the path forward lies in focusing on purpose, consistency, and humanity. Not every social or political issue requires a public stance; instead, leaders should filter decisions through the organization’s mission and its direct impact on patients and personnel. 

Credibility comes from alignment — when an agency’s actions match its stated values, it builds trust both internally and externally.

Leading through outrage demands emotional intelligence, humility, and courage. It means fostering open, respectful dialogue rather than silencing dissent, and recognizing that empathy and transparency often carry more influence than public declarations. 

Ultimately, in an era of polarization, EMS can stand as a model of professionalism and composure — reminding communities that compassion and service remain the foundation of effective leadership.

This discussion piece is based on “Leading Through Outrage” by Shannon Gollnick, JEMS (Oct 2025).

Source:

Gollnick, S. (2025). Leading Through Outrage: EMS Leadership in an Age of Polarization. Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS).

https://www.jems.com/exclusives/leading-through-outrage/

EMS Words of Wisdom - Slow & Steady Wins

 

Images of EMS - Mobile NICU Unit

 

EMS Discussion - Urban Hospital Wait Time vs. Wall Time

Emergency Department (ED) delays are nothing new, but for EMS Providers, “wall time” is a unique challenge.

Unlike a walk-in patient who simply waits for triage, EMS crews remain fully responsible for their patient until the hospital formally accepts care.

This Ambulance Patient Offload Time (APOT) often ties up both crews and ambulances, straining already thin resources.

Studies show that in some systems, wall times regularly exceed one, two, or even three hours.

Beyond frustration, this means fewer available units, longer response times, and increased operational risk.

For EMS providers on the ground, it also raises questions about supply readiness, patient monitoring, and when exactly responsibility transfers to the hospital under EMTALA.

Some regions, like Sacramento County, CA, are experimenting with solutions, such as streamlined protocols that allow paramedics to place stable patients in waiting rooms, expanded surge plans, and telehealth pilots.

Legislation in California (AB-40) now requires standardized APOT reporting, bringing new transparency and accountability to the issue.

For providers, the takeaways are clear:

• Track your own wall times to build local data.
• Work collaboratively with ED staff and administrators.
• Confirm local protocols for patient care responsibilities during wall delays.
• Be operationally prepared for long waits by keeping supplies stocked and equipment ready.

Wall time isn’t just a hospital problem — it’s a system problem.

By understanding, measuring, and addressing it together, EMS providers can help push for solutions that keep both patients and ambulances moving.

This is a summary of an article written by Bob Elling for the Public Safety Group in August.

Further Reading:

https://www.psglearning.com/blog/psg/2025/08/15/urban-hospital-wait-time-and-wall-time?

EMS Discussion - Live Tissue Training (LTT)

Live Tissue Training: An Overview

Live tissue training (LTT) involves using live, anesthetized animals to practice surgical and medical skills. While LTT has historically played a role in medical education- particularly in military trauma training - it is also a highly controversial practice due to ethical concerns surrounding animal welfare.

Arguments For LTT

Realism & Fidelity: LTT provides a level of realism that even high-fidelity simulators struggle to replicate, including the dynamic response of living tissue, active bleeding, and physiological changes.

Psychological Fidelity: The lifelike nature of LTT can evoke a stronger emotional and psychological response in trainees, potentially preparing them more effectively for the stress and urgency of real trauma situations.

Hands-on Experience: LTT offers opportunities to practice complex procedures in a setting that delivers immediate feedback based on the animal’s responses.

Confidence Building: Some research suggests that LTT increases self-efficacy and confidence among participants, particularly those preparing for combat deployments.

Arguments Against LTT

Ethical Concerns: Using live animals in training raises significant ethical questions regarding animal rights and welfare. Critics argue that it is inhumane and causes unnecessary harm.

Availability of Alternatives: Advances in simulation technology—including high-fidelity human patient simulators, cadavers, and realistic part-task trainers—are increasingly capable of replicating many aspects of LTT, often at lower cost and without ethical concerns.

Limited Transferability: Anatomical and physiological differences between animals and humans may reduce the direct applicability of skills learned on animals to human patients.

One-time Use: Animals used in LTT are typically euthanized after training, limiting opportunities for repetitive practice and skill refinement.

Policy and Regulations: The U.S. Department of Defense has implemented policies aimed at reducing and replacing LTT with alternative methods where feasible. Additional legislation has been proposed to further restrict its use.

Current Trends

The use of LTT has declined in many civilian trauma training programs, such as the American College of Surgeons’ Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) courses.

However, LTT continues to be used by the military for combat casualty care training, particularly for developing complex procedural skills and preparing personnel for the stresses of battlefield trauma.

Ongoing debate and research continue to evaluate the effectiveness of LTT compared with alternative training modalities, with some studies suggesting comparable skill acquisition and proficiency.

There is also a growing push to apply the 3Rs of humane animal use to LTT:  Replacement, Reduction & Refinement, seeking to minimize reliance on animals and improve their welfare when training does occur.

In Conclusion

Live tissue training presents a complex ethical and educational dilemma. While advocates emphasize its realism and benefits for skill development in high-stakes situations, critics highlight the ethical implications and the growing availability of effective alternatives. 

The overall trend suggests a reduced reliance on LTT, particularly in the civilian sector. However, it remains a component of certain specialized training programs, especially in the military, as efforts continue to balance training effectiveness with animal welfare concerns.

Further Reading

American College of Surgeons (ND). Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)® Program. https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/trauma/education/atls/ Accessed August 13, 2025

Department of Defense Instruction (2019) Use of Animals in DoD Programs. www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/321601p.pdf Accessed August 13, 2025

Liang, J. N., Ciampa, M., Kobylarz, F., Anklowitz, A. J., Barzanji, N. K., Sherman, W., & Faler, B. (2024) Impact of Live Tissue Training on Provider Confidence for Operative Trauma Management. Military Medicine, 190(3–4): e784 - e789. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usae403 Accessed August 13

NAEMT (ND) Tactical Combat Casualty Care www.naemt.org/education/trauma-education/naemt-tccc Accessed August 13, 2025

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2018) A Review of the Department of Defense’s Programs for the Use of Animals in Military Medical Training. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (2025) National Physicians Group Celebrates St. Elizabeth for Replacing Animals in Surgeon Training. https://www.pcrm.org Accessed August 12, 2025

Swain, C. S., Cohen, H. M. L., Helgesson, G., Rickard, R. F., & Karlgren, K. (2023) A systematic review of live animal use as a simulation modality (LTT) in the emergency management of trauma. Journal of Surgical Education, 80(9): 1320–1339 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsurg.2023.06.018 Accessed Aug 12, 2025

The Life-Saving Evolution of Tourniquet Use: From Battlefield to EMS

The use of tourniquets has transformed trauma care, moving from a once-feared intervention to a cornerstone of life-saving strategies, both on the battlefield and in civilian emergency response.

Navy Captain (Ret.) Dr. Frank Butler, the architect of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), helped shift the perception of tourniquets in the 1990s.

Earlier trauma care teachings viewed tourniquets as dangerous due to the risk of limb loss. However, research from past conflicts, and practical experience, revealed that failure to control extremity bleeding was a leading cause of preventable death.

With the rise of TCCC in military settings, particularly during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the widespread adoption of tourniquets helped save thousands of lives by controlling life-threatening hemorrhage early.

This success led to updated guidelines emphasizing tourniquet conversion, replacing the tourniquet with other bleeding control methods within two hours to avoid complications when possible.

Despite its military success, civilian EMS was initially slow to adopt tourniquet use. That changed following the Hartford Consensus and the creation of the Stop the Bleed campaign after the Sandy Hook tragedy.

These efforts brought battlefield lessons to the civilian sector, empowering both the public and EMS providers to take swift action in bleeding emergencies.

The key takeaway for EMS providers is clear:

👉 Uncontrolled bleeding is a time-sensitive emergency

👉 Tourniquets, when used correctly, are a safe and essential tool in prehospital care

👉 Every EMS provider should be trained, equipped, and ready to use a tourniquet when needed

For a deeper dive into the history, science, and best practices behind tourniquet use, you can read the full article here: 

The Evolution of Tourniquet Use in Trauma Care by Public Safety Group, 2025

EMS Words of Wisdom - Always Treat The Patient, Not Just The Problem

 

EMS Health & Welfare - Burnout (Part Two)

In Part One, we explored the definition and root causes of burnout - a chronic state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion.

Now, in Part Two, we dive deeper into the unique challenges faced by EMS providers and other frontline healthcare professionals.

These individuals often operate in high-stress, high-stakes environments where long shifts, emotional strain, and cumulative trauma take a heavy toll.

Recognizing the warning signs and proactively addressing burnout isn't just about self-care — it's about preserving our ability to provide lifesaving care to others.

THREE CORE DIMENSIONS OF BURNOUT

Research has consistently identified three dimensions of burnout, particularly in occupational and healthcare settings (Maslach & Jackson, 1981; Maslach, Schaufeli, & Leiter, 2001; Weinberg & Gould, 2019):

1. Emotional Exhaustion

This is the core component of burnout. It refers to feeling emotionally overextended and drained by one’s work. It may manifest in:

• Persistent fatigue, even after rest
• Psychosomatic symptoms (e.g., headaches, back pain, gastrointestinal issues)
• Sleep disturbances
• Difficulty adapting to daily work demands

Note: While physical symptoms like back pain and fatigue can occur, they are often part of a broader pattern of stress-related somatization and should be presented as such (Maslach et al., 2001; Leiter & Maslach, 2016; Lanzi, 2025).

2. Depersonalization / Cynicism

This is the interpersonal dimension of burnout. Individuals begin to detach emotionally from their work, often developing a cynical or negative attitude toward clients, coworkers, or the organization itself. Symptoms can include:

• Irritability and frustration
• Reduced empathy or compassion fatigue
• Feelings of detachment or “numbing”
• Loss of motivation or interest in one’s tasks
• Insomnia, attention difficulties, and increased conflict

This detachment can be a self-protective response to emotional overload (Maslach & Jackson, 1981; Maslach et al., 2001; Lanzi, 2025).

3. Reduced Personal Accomplishment / Inefficacy

This dimension involves a decline in one’s sense of effectiveness and competence at work. The person may feel that they are no longer making a meaningful contribution. This can present as:

• Negative self-appraisal
• Reduced productivity and confidence
• Feelings of incompetence, guilt, or worthlessness
• Decreased coping capacity
• Increased absenteeism or presenteeism

In severe cases, burnout may be accompanied by depression, social withdrawal, substance misuse, or even suicidal ideation — though these represent co-occurring risks rather than diagnostic criteria of burnout itself (Maslach et al., 2001; Weinberg & Gould, 2019; WHO, 2019).

Conclusion

Burnout is not a sign of weakness - it’s a signal that the system, workload, or support structure needs attention.

For EMS providers and healthcare workers, prioritizing mental health and resilience is vital not only for personal well-being, but for patient safety and long-term career sustainability.

By fostering a culture that values rest, boundaries, peer support, and continued education, we can begin to turn the tide on burnout — one shift, one provider, one department at a time.

Further Reading:

• Demerouti, E., Bakker, A. B., Nachreiner, F., & Schaufeli, W. B. (2001) The Job Demands-Resources Model of Burnout. Journal of Applied Psychology, 86(3), 499–512. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.86.3.499
• Maslach, C., & Jackson, S. E. (1981) The Measurement of Experienced Burnout. Journal of Occupational Behavior, 2(2), 99–113. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.4030020205
• Maslach, C., Schaufeli, W. B., & Leiter, M. P. (2001) Job Burnout. Annual Review of Psychology, 52, 397–422. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.52.1.397
• Mental Health First Aid Staff (2015) Mental Health First Aid USA (1st Ed.). National Council for Behavioral Health.
• Lanzi, R. G.(2025) Holistic Health: Bridging Disability and Mental Well Being Promotion Through Community Engagement. ACSM’s Health and Fitness Journal, 29 (2): 48-55
• Leiter, M. P., & Maslach, C. (2016) Understanding The Burnout Experience: Recent Research & Its Implications For Psychiatry. World Psychiatry, 15(2), 103–111. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20311
• Weinberg, R. S., & Gould, D. (2019) Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology (7th Ed.). Human Kinetics.
• World Health Organization. (2019) Burnout, An “Occupational Phenomenon”: International Classification of Diseases. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/mental_health/evidence/burn-out/en/

EMS Health & Wellness - Burnout (Part One)

Burnout is more than just feeling tired or stressed. It’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress — especially when that stress feels unmanageable or unrelenting.

The World Health Organization defines burnout as a syndrome stemming from chronic workplace stress that hasn’t been successfully managed. It has three main features:

• Exhaustion (feeling drained and depleted)
• Cynicism or detachment (mental distance from work or roles)
• Reduced performance or a sense of ineffectiveness (Maslach & Jackson, 1981; World Health Organization, 2019)

In healthcare settings, burnout can also feel like losing the passion or purpose that originally drew you to the profession.

What Causes Burnout?

Burnout often happens when there’s a mismatch between what’s being asked of you and what you realistically have the capacity to deliver (Weinberg & Gould, 2019).

Whether that’s time, emotional energy, physical stamina, or support, when your resources are constantly being outpaced by the demands, the result is chronic stress. Left unaddressed, that stress becomes burnout (Mental Health First Aid, 2015).

This model is supported by decades of research, including the widely recognized Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, which explains how high demands and low support/resources can wear people down (Demerouti et al., 2001).

Signs To Watch For

Common warning signs of burnout include:

• Feeling exhausted even after rest
• Becoming more irritable or emotionally numb
• Feeling like your work doesn’t matter anymore
• Struggling to concentrate or feel motivated
• Withdrawing from colleagues, family, or activities you used to enjoy

Conclusion

Burnout isn’t just “part of the job”, it’s a serious, well-documented occupational hazard with real consequences for healthcare workers, patients, and the healthcare system as a whole. 

Recognizing the signs early is the first step toward prevention and recovery. 

From emotional exhaustion to a loss of purpose, these symptoms are not a personal failing, they are a reflection of chronic, systemic strain.

In Part Two, we’ll explore why EMS providers and other frontline healthcare workers are particularly vulnerable to burnout. 

We’ll also highlight strategies to prevent, manage, and recover from burnout - both individually and as a team - so we can protect not only our own well-being, but also the quality of care we deliver every day.

Further Reading:

Demerouti, E., Bakker, A. B., Nachreiner, F., & Schaufeli, W. B. (2001) The Job Demands-Resources Model of Burnout. Journal of Applied Psychology, 86(3), 499–512. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.86.3.499
Maslach, C., & Jackson, S. E. (1981) The Measurement of Experienced Burnout. Journal of Occupational Behavior, 2(2), 99–113. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.4030020205
Maslach, C., Schaufeli, W. B., & Leiter, M. P. (2001) Job Burnout. Annual Review of Psychology, 52, 397–422. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.52.1.397
Mental Health First Aid Staff (2015) Mental Health First Aid USA (1st Ed.). National Council for Behavioral Health.
Lanzi, R. G.(2025) Holistic Health: Bridging Disability and Mental Well Being Promotion Through Community Engagement. ACSM’s Health and Fitness Journal, 29 (2): 48-55
Leiter, M. P., & Maslach, C. (2016) Understanding The Burnout Experience: Recent Research & Its Implications For Psychiatry. World Psychiatry, 15(2), 103–111. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20311
Weinberg, R. S., & Gould, D. (2019) Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology (7th Ed.). Human Kinetics.
World Health Organization. (2019) Burnout, An “Occupational Phenomenon”: International Classification of Diseases. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/mental_health/evidence/burn-out/en/

EMS Words of Wisdom - Your Patients Deserve Empath

 

EMS Education - Advisor: Basic Life Support (BLS)

 

The Advisor: Basic Life Support (BLS) program is a specialized certification pathway developed by the AHA for individuals who have successfully completed the cognitive portion of the HeartCode® BLS course but cannot physically perform the motor skills of CPR due to a disability.

Rather than demonstrating the physical actions (like chest compressions or AED pad placement), participants demonstrate competency by advising another person through those steps — showing they fully understand the why, when, and how of BLS.

Purpose & Importance

This program:

• Promotes inclusivity in lifesaving education by recognizing that knowledge is just as critical as physical ability.
• Allows people with physical disabilities to become certified in BLS and empowered to guide and direct others during a real cardiac emergency.
• Increases the number of trained individuals in a given community who can contribute during a medical crisis — even if they aren't able to perform CPR themselves.

Eligibility and Certification

To earn the Advisor: BLS certification card, participants must:

1. Pass the HeartCode® BLS Provider Course cognitive exam (the same as all BLS providers).

Successfully demonstrate their ability to verbally direct another person in performing:

• High-quality CPR
• AED use
• Basic resuscitation team skills

This is assessed by an AHA instructor, who ensures that the candidate can provide accurate, timely, and effective instructions that align with AHA guidelines.

The issued certification card is an Advisor: BLS card, which is distinct from the standard BLS Provider card — but still represents formal AHA-recognized certification.

Who Is It For?

This program is designed for:

• Individuals with physical disabilities that prevent them from completing hands-on CPR testing.
• Candidates who want to contribute to emergency preparedness in workplaces, schools, or communities, even if they cannot perform compressions themselves.

Impact and Accessibility

The Advisor: BLS program aligns with the AHA's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in resuscitation science and training. By expanding the definition of who can be trained and certified, the program:

• Acknowledges the contributions and capabilities of persons with disabilities.
• Increases the total number of CPR-capable bystanders in society — a crucial factor in improving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes.
• Encourages organizations to embrace broader emergency readiness by including all capable team members.

Learn more about it here: https://newsroom.heart.org/news/new-program-developed-for-persons-with-disabilities-to-advise-others-on-cpr