UT Health San Antonio EMS Fellowship

09/12/2025

Hairdo twins?? 👯 “EMS people are kind of weird” said our EM colleagues 😤🤓🤩🤪

09/11/2025

For those of us in EMS, 9/11 was more than a headline. It was the streets we worked, the calls we answered, the chaos we ran toward.

I remember the smoke, the dust, the screams, and the sound of firefighters’ alarms under the rubble. I remember the air that burned our lungs, the helplessness, and the weight of knowing that lives were lost right in front of us.

Surviving that day came with a price. Many of our colleagues have since suffered or died because of it.

Today, we honor the fallen.

EMS is essential.

"A Reflection from the Front Lines" by George Contreras - https://ow.ly/oJl450WVeuE

09/05/2025

09/03/2025

We are honored to celebrate 50 years of dedicated, selfless service of SAFD Paramedic Melvin Fitzgerald. Now assigned to our Mobile Integrated Healthcare Team, Melvin plays a crucial role in ensuring some of San Antonio’s most vulnerable residents receive the medical attention they desperately need, and without a doubt saving lives. Thank you Melvin for your compassion, care, and professionalism in all you do!

09/02/2025

Everyone is learning a lot today at EMS Grand Rounds and Medical Directors Committee at 🤓

08/28/2025

Our very own grad Dr. Heyratifar co-authored this paper! 👏🏼🐕

🐾 Working Dogs Deserve Working Protocols.�

Today we review the landmark joint statement by NAEMSP, NAVEMS, and VetCOT that lays out a clear path for EMS to provide lifesaving support to operational canines—from tactical K9s to search & rescue partners.

Background:�Operational K9s face similar risks as their handlers: trauma, heat stroke, opioid exposure, and more. But few EMS systems have defined K9-specific protocols, training, or equipment—until now.

📊 The Statement Covers:
• Scope of EMS care for working canines
• Legal protections under the PAWS Act
• Required medical equipment for K9 response
• Suggested training for EMS clinicians
• Transport considerations and veterinary hand-off

📌 Key Points:
• K9s are not pets—they are officers & partners in harm’s way
• EMS can treat these animals under the federal PAWS Act (2022)
• Recommend carrying canine-specific airway, hemorrhage, and antidote tools
• Veterinary medical oversight is encouraged but not required under federal protections
• Every EMS system supporting tactical teams or SAR should develop a K9 protocol

✅ Takeaways for EMS:
• Get trained: consider canine TCCC or veterinary tactical med
• Update protocols: define what your team can and should do
• Equip rigs: include tools like K9 O2 masks, naloxone, and trauma gear
• Honor the bond: Operational canines deserve high-performance care just like their handlers

🔗 Study Link:https://www.handtevy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Care-of-the-Operational-Canine-in-the-Prehospital-Environment-A-Joint-Position-Statement-and-Resource-Document-of-NAEMSP-NAVEMS-and-VetCOT.pdf

08/23/2025

Our EMS docs are animal lovers too! Dr. Pilkey’s ride out in the Physician Response Vehicle was instantly enhanced after getting to meet this little cutie! 🐱

08/14/2025

A letter from Office of EMS Director Gam Wijetunge informed NEMSAC members that their appointments had ended

08/08/2025

08/07/2025

Re-launching our CE webinar series!

Heat Related Canine Injuries with Dr. Rita Hanel

This upcoming education is open to anyone in public safety or the veterinary community who works with public safety / operational canines (Law Enforcement, SAR, MWD/MPC). Current NAVEMS members are eligible to receive free RACE or EMS approved continuing education hours. Sign up at the google form link below to receive the access invite. Share this with your canine handler or healthcare friends, space will be limited - sign up today!

https://forms.gle/BnFAAaTan6NVmKbf8

We also have some other new education opportunities we can’t wait to share with you soon 👀

08/07/2025

Kerrville Pets Alive is warning local families to keep their pets — and themselves — out of the Guadalupe River for the time being.

MORE INFO: https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2025/08/06/kerrville-pets-alive-warns-local-owners-to-keep-pets-out-of-contaminated-river-water/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=snd&utm_content=ksat12