MERGINET.News (January 2002 Vol. 7, No. 1): NEW DESIGN!

["Richard Bilger" <rbilger@merginet.com>]

We're pleased to bring you the latest additions to
MERGINET.News (January 2002 Vol. 7, No. 1).
You can view this issue online at:

http://www.merginet.com/newsroom/
Select "MERGINET.News" or "Current Issue" from
the navigation menu's.

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FROM THE EDITORS:
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Welcome to the new year! MERGINET comes to you with a new look. Yes, our
long-awaited site redesign is now on-line! Let us know what you think.

Of course, content is the most important element of any self-respecting
webzine, and we have some great reading for you. There’s a profile of EMS
inventor Steve Church, by Tonya Schafer. Jeff Kopito’s “Party Drugs” series
continues with chilling information about Ecstasy and Rohypnol -- good to
know on both a personal and professional level. Jim Crabtree’s WMD series
continues with a look at nuclear devices.

We are thrilled to begin a regular product review feature with Dick Clinchy’
s assessment of the “Thermal Angel.” Clinchy and Jeff Robinson -- both
longtime EMS field providers who know what they’re looking at -- will bring
us regular reports on industry toys in coming months and (we hope!) years.

Among MERGINET’s regular columnists, you’ll find an excellent piece on
branding by Valerie DeFrance and Mike Taigman’s book review of “Endurance,”
which sounds like a must-read. Tom Scott brings us up to date on the CMS
4/1/02 implementation (and we’re wondering if they realize that’s April Fool
’s Day). John Becknell continues his columns for both administrators and
managers in the “Management Matters” section.

As always, feel welcome to send your comments, concerns, and compliments. We
reply to everyone who writes. Send email to publisher Richard Bilger at
rbilger@merginet.com or to Kate at editor@merginet.com -- be in touch!

Welcome to January 2002!
Kate Dernocoeur, Editor
Laura Bennett-Kimble, Managing Editor

New in this issue!

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Feature Articles
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>> Dancing the Night Away — Ecstasy and Rohypnol (01-03-02)
by Jeff Kopito, EMT-D
Originally synthesized and later patented in Germany by Merck in 1914, MDMA
(Ecstasy) was thought to have some appetite-suppressant possibilities.
Although it was never brought to market, legend has it that during the 1950s
the US Army briefly investigated it for possible military applications as
part of its chemical warfare program.
http://www.merginet.com/newsroom/feature-partydrugs2.shtml

>> An Inventor with a Dream (01-03-02)
by Tonya Schafer
He's got a patent. He's got a prototype. He's even got medical supply
companies eager to distribute his invention, a backboard harness that he
says incorporates "the best strapping technique available." Now all Steve
Church needs is someone to make the darn thing.
http://www.merginet.com/newsroom/feature-inventor.shtml

############ NEW BLUE TAG SPECIALS ############
Are your budgets as tight as everyone else? If so, be sure
to visit MERGINET.com frequently to view an ever changing
list of Blue Tag Specials.

In a new collaboration with MooreMedical.com we will now
feature a constantly changing list of close-outs, overstocks
or just plain discounted items. Save money every day simply
by checking this list regularly. Click the URL below or enter
it into your web browser.

http://www.merginet.com/shopping/bluetag.shtml

Here are some of what is on sale today!
> VanishPoint Syringes 		$58.00
> Uni-Body Oxygen Regulator 	$125.00
> Stethoscope Master Classic II 	$75.00
> Poison Oak and Ivy Cleanser 	$23.50
> Paramedic Tube Restraint 	$1.25
> IV Pump Microdrip Set 	$15.50
> Burn Face Mask Dressing 	$4.95

############### SAVE MONEY NOW! ###############


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Educators Corner
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>> Branding (01-03-02)
by Valerie DeFrance
Unbeknownst to many EMS instructors, they have their own version of the
marketing tool known as "branding."
http://www.merginet.com/newsroom/educators2-0201.shtml


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Columns
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>> THE EMS TOY REVIEW: Thermal Angel (01-03-02)
by Dick Clinchy
Each month here at MERGINET.News, I'll discuss a new or novel product that
I've discovered in my travels around the USA. I'll describe the application,
according to the manufacturer, and how much it will cost you.
http://www.merginet.com/newsroom/product-0201.shtml

>> BOOK REVIEW: Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage ( 01-03-02)
by Mike Taigman
One of the benefits of writing a book review column is that lots of people
tell you about their favorite titles.
http://www.merginet.com/newsroom/review-0201.shtml


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Management Matters
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>> Medicare Fee Schedule Implementation for April 1, 2002 (Maybe) (01-03-02)
by Tom Scott
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced plans to
begin implementation of the new Medicare Fee Schedule on April 1, 2002.
Although CMS has not published the final rule with the fee schedule amounts,
it has published a series of Program Memoranda with instructions to the
Carriers and Intermediaries on how to implement the fee schedule.
http://www.merginet.com/newsroom/scott-0201.shtml

>> For Managers:
Be Cautious with Online Education (01-03-02)
by John M. Becknell
Creating online EMS continuing education or orientation programs has many
advantages for the EMS manager. Delivering a course online allows uniform
delivery of material without the variation of different instructors on
different days. It enables "any time," around the clock learning, which is
especially advantageous for EMS shift workers. And, online learning may
reduce instructor time and organizational costs — something every manager
likes. However, your online learning may need some tweaking if students are
really going to get the goods and come away with something meaningful,
making your investment in computers and program development worthwhile.
http://www.merginet.com/newsroom/mm-mgt-0201.shtml

>> For Administrators:
Don't Do It Alone! Lead with a Group (01-03-02)
by John M. Becknell
The Lone Ranger cowboy paramedic who says "I can do it all myself" is a big
scene liability recognized by every EMS leader. Paramedics who hog the
spotlight and try to be heroes by themselves have no place in the team
environment of EMS work. But EMS leaders may be less likely to let go of
their own Lone Ranger attitudes when it comes to leadership.
http://www.merginet.com/newsroom/mm-admin-0201.shtml

More online!

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MERGINET.News Online!
Click here: http://www.MERGINET.com/newsroom/

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MERGINET is a service designed to provide resources, news, education and
fun to the all in EMS, Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medicine. Updated daily.
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mailto:Editor@MERGINET.com

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