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Articles by George W. Contreras
Why EMS Should Ditch Standard Geometry Blades for Hyperangulated-And Never Look Back
Editor’s Note: This manuscript originally appeared on EMS Airway. By John Wheeler, BHS, LP, FP-C Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is widely recognized as one of the most technically demanding and high-risk procedures performed by paramedics in the prehospital setting. The stakes are immense – a failed airway can rapidly lead to hypoxia, aspiration, or cardiac arrest.
Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: George W. Contreras
In 1985, I had my first encounter with EMS and the health care system in New York City. My mother was in a motor vehicle collision, and she was taken to the local emergency department. At the time, I was in high school and had a general interest in health care.
‘Asphalt City’ Highlights the Harsh Reality of Mental Health in EMS
The project began in 2018, but we never anticipated that a straightforward movie about New York City EMS could take this amount of time from start to finish, but after the experience we have a much better understanding. During 2018, a former EMT, Michael Kaufman, who has ties to the film industry was randomly introduced to movie director Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire who wanted to make a film about NYC EMS. Jean-Stéphane then asked if he knew anyone in the NYC EMS with whom he could speak.
Avalanche 1, Ducks 3: John Gibson backstops Anaheim win
Anaheim found a way to squeeze some points out of these past four games of the first homestand against a good Minnesota Wild and an even better Colorado Avalanche, bringing the Ducks to the .500 mark (2-2-2) after six games. It was the Swedes who helped the Ducks rout the Avalanche tonight, with Jakob Silfverberg scoring just 58 seconds into the game for his first of the season.
Tulsa, Uvalde and Buffalo remind us to prepare for the unexpected Original
On June 1, a lone gunman killed his physician and three other people at a hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. On May 24, an 18-year-old killed 21 people — 19 children and 2 adults — at a local elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. This tragic event comes almost 10 years after another similar incident at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, in which 20 children and six adults were killed by a lone 20- year-old gunman.
Tulsa, Uvalde and Buffalo remind us to prepare for the unexpected
On June 1, a lone gunman killed his physician and three other people at a hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. On May 24, an 18-year-old killed 21 people — 19 children and 2 adults — at a local elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. This tragic event comes almost 10 years after another similar incident at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, in which 20 children and six adults were killed by a lone 20- year-old gunman.
Even as restrictions loosen, we must all stay vigilant against COVID-19 | Opinion Original
George W. Contreras The weather is warming up, and along with spring, we have welcomed a loosening of some COVID-19 restrictions. Many have shed their masks and participated in group gatherings once again, but the virus is still very much with us, and we must remember to stay vigilant, or restrictions are certain to return.
Even as restrictions loosen, we must all stay vigilant against COVID-19 | Opinion
The weather is warming up, and along with spring, we have welcomed a loosening of some COVID-19 restrictions. Many have shed their masks and participated in group gatherings once again, but the virus is still very much with us, and we must remember to stay vigilant, or restrictions are certain to return. As of March 26, the United States leads the world with nearly 80 million reported COVID-19 cases and 980,000 COVID-19-related deaths—- with the grim milestone of one million deaths very soon.
You Do Not Need a Mandate to Use Common Sense and Do the Right Thing
By George W. Contreras As we start a new year with widespread transmission of COVID-19, we need to carefully assess our surroundings, situations and do a personalized risk assessment to do what is right based on what we know. With the arrival of the Delta and Omicron variants of the virus, we know that these variants are easier to transmit and may not elicit the usual debilitating and severe symptoms.
A plea from a NYC paramedic: Only call 911 for true medical emergencies | Opinion Original
George W. Contreras The United States is seeing a surge in COVID-19 cases these past few weeks, due in part to increased available testing and indoor gatherings over the holidays, which will certainly cause more cases throughout January. As of Jan. 10, according to Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Dashboard, the United States is leading the world with 60 million cases and nearly 840,000 deaths. The good news is that many of the hospitals are seeing less severe COVID-19 cases.
A plea from a NYC paramedic: Only call 911 for true medical emergencies | Opinion
George W. Contreras The United States is seeing a surge in COVID-19 cases these past few weeks, due in part to increased available testing and indoor gatherings over the holidays, which will certainly cause more cases throughout January. As of Jan. 10, according to Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Dashboard, the United States is leading the world with 60 million cases and nearly 840,000 deaths. The good news is that many of the hospitals are seeing less severe COVID-19 cases.
Recordando la importancia de la preparación en el Mes de la Herencia Hispana
Un apartamento en un sótano, en Queens, muestra los daños causados por las inundaciones provocadas por las lluvias y fuertes vientos de los remanentes del huracán Ida el pasado 3 de septiembre. Foto: Spencer Platt / Getty Images Por: George W. Contreras 20 de Septiembre 2021 Como alguien apasionado por la preparación y respuesta ante desastres, me gusta encuestar a mis amigos y colegas y preguntarles cuándo es el Mes Nacional de la Preparación.
Hurricane Ida: Mother Nature reminds us that we always need to be prepared
George W. Contreras As someone who is passionate about disaster preparedness and response, I like to survey my friends and colleagues and ask them when National Preparedness Month is. Some give me a blank stare while others respond nervously guessing different months. The correct answer is September, which has been National Preparedness Month since 2004, and is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Hurricane Ida: Mother Nature reminds us that we always need to be prepared
George W. Contreras As someone who is passionate about disaster preparedness and response, I like to survey my friends and colleagues and ask them when National Preparedness Month is. Some give me a blank stare while others respond nervously guessing different months. The correct answer is September, which has been National Preparedness Month since 2004, and is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Hurricane Ida: Mother Nature reminds us that we always need to be prepared
George W. Contreras As someone who is passionate about disaster preparedness and response, I like to survey my friends and colleagues and ask them when National Preparedness Month is. Some give me a blank stare while others respond nervously guessing different months. The correct answer is September, which has been National Preparedness Month since 2004, and is sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
A Reflection from the Front Lines
I cannot believe that twenty years have passed since the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. Even more remarkable is that I am still here to write this piece. In the middle of the chaos and screams, I distinctly remember thinking to myself, “Damn, this is not going to end well.” On that day, nearly three thousand persons died. And since then, many more have died because they were there on that day in some capacity.
Partner Content: Seven Resources to Help You Be Prepared for Any Type of Emergency
George W. Contreras, DrPH(c), M.E.P., M.P.H., M.S., CEM, EMTP, FACEM, is the assistant director of the Center for Disaster Medicine, assistant professor in the Institute of Public Health and assistant director of the Advanced Certificate in Emergency Management at New York Medical College September is National Preparedness Month and, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters throughout the country, its importance cannot be stressed enough.
We Need to Care for Each Other as Much as We Care for Others
During this 2021 EMS week, we salute all our EMS personnel across the United States and thank them for their selfless work every day. This year, the theme is “caring for our communities” and it could not have been a better description of what EMS has always done. I want to propose, however, that we take this week of heightened awareness of EMS to help each other once again.
Todavía tenemos que mantener la guardia alta
Mayor Bill de Blasio deliver remarks and cut the ribbon on the reconstruction of Betsy Head Park in Brownsville, Brooklyn on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office Foto: Michael Appleton / NYC Mayoral Office Por: George W. Contreras 07 de Abril 2021 Esta semana, muchos estudiantes regresaron a la escuela o la universidad, ya sea en persona o de forma remota. Acabamos de terminar una semana de reuniones religiosas durante el clima más cálido.
COVID Vaccines are here. So why are the cases still rising? We can't relent | Opinion
George W. Contreras Many people are celebrating Passover and Easter this week. There will be gatherings to enjoy each other’s company during these holidays. However, we must not forget that we are still in the middle of a global pandemic. We must still follow public health guidelines in order to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases especially in the New York tri-state area.
COVID Vaccines are here. So why are the cases still rising? We can't relent | Opinion
George W. Contreras Many people are celebrating Passover and Easter this week. There will be gatherings to enjoy each other’s company during these holidays. However, we must not forget that we are still in the middle of a global pandemic. We must still follow public health guidelines in order to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases especially in the New York tri-state area.
COVID Vaccines are here. So why are the cases still rising? We can't relent | Opinion
George W. Contreras Many people are celebrating Passover and Easter this week. There will be gatherings to enjoy each other’s company during these holidays. However, we must not forget that we are still in the middle of a global pandemic. We must still follow public health guidelines in order to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases especially in the New York tri-state area.
COVID Vaccines are here. So why are the cases still rising? We can't relent | Opinion
George W. Contreras Many people are celebrating Passover and Easter this week. There will be gatherings to enjoy each other’s company during these holidays. However, we must not forget that we are still in the middle of a global pandemic. We must still follow public health guidelines in order to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases especially in the New York tri-state area.
COVID Vaccines are here. So why are the cases still rising? We can't relent | Opinion
George W. Contreras Many people are celebrating Passover and Easter this week. There will be gatherings to enjoy each other’s company during these holidays. However, we must not forget that we are still in the middle of a global pandemic. We must still follow public health guidelines in order to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases especially in the New York tri-state area.
Incluso con la llegada de las vacunas, no podemos bajar la guardia en los próximos meses
El Diario NY Opinión Cualquier programa de vacunación tomará meses para que cualquier efecto tenga un impacto significativo en la propagación de esta pandemia Aunque la vacuna será una nueva herramienta en esta guerra contra COVID-19, la herramienta inmediata que tenemos es seguir las pautas de salud pública lo mejor que podamos. Foto: Getty Images Por: George W.
Even though President-elect Biden finally has the green light, the most effective tool to combat COVID-19 is in OUR hands
By George W. Contreras, DrPH(c), MEP, MPH, MS, CEM Now that the U.S. 2020 elections are over (for the most part), the country needs to regroup quickly and take aim at the ongoing threat that is ravaging the entire country. As of November 24, Johns Hopkins University reports that the United States has 12.5 cases. The concerning part is not that actual number as is the pace at which we are getting there.
El mejor regalo para las fiestas de este año es “mantenerse alejado”
A medida que nos acercamos a Navidad, Nochevieja, año nuevo, Día de los Reyes Magos y otras festividades, es normal reunirnos con nuestras familias y seres queridos para comer, beber y divertirnos. Pero debido a la pandemia, este NO es un año normal. Debemos recordar que debemos actuar de manera diferente para proteger a nuestros familiares y seres más queridos. Ya estamos viendo un aumento de casos en todo el país, incluida el área de Nueva York.
The tale of two lines — at COVID testing sites and polling sites — in one city | Opinion
George W. Contreras On Oct. 26, there were more than 8.6 million cases of COVID-19 and nearly 226,000 deaths in the United States. At the global level, there are more than 42 million cases and nearly 1.2 million deaths. Eight countries have now surpassed the one million mark of cases: the United States, India, Brazil, Russia, France, Argentina, Spain and Colombia. Across the nation, there are numerous states that are struggling with the surge of cases.
Who’s to blame for the COVID hotspots in NYC
By George W. Contreras New York Daily News | Oct 09, 2020 at 12:00 PM People are seen not wearing facial mask are seen walking on 13th Avenue near 49th Street in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn Wednesday afternoon. (Luiz C. Ribeiro/for New York Daily News) As of Oct. 5, we have surpassed 35 million cases of COVID-19 and nearly 1.1 million deaths worldwide. In the United States alone, we’ve recorded an estimated 7.5 million positive cases and nearly 210,000 COVID-19 related deaths.
COVID-19: As we emerge into a 'new normal,' balance your risks | Opinion
Adam Block and George W. Contreras When lockdown began in March 2020, we believed it was temporary and that, at a point, life would go back to normal. In some areas, such as western Europe and the northeastern United States, the peak of COVID-19 has passed, but there is no treatment, there is no vaccine and the virus lurks around every corner.
COVID-19: As we emerge into a 'new normal,' balance your risks | Opinion
Adam Block and George W. Contreras When lockdown began in March 2020, we believed it was temporary and that, at a point, life would go back to normal. In some areas, such as western Europe and the northeastern United States, the peak of COVID-19 has passed, but there is no treatment, there is no vaccine and the virus lurks around every corner.
‘I can’t breathe’: A plea that resonates in policing reform and vigilance against the coronavirus
By George W. Contreras New York Daily News | Jun 19, 2020 | 12:00 PM A crowd of approximately 2,500 protesters march down Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, New York City on Friday, June 5. (Gardiner Anderson/for New York Daily News) We watch it in deadly videos, see it on t-shirts and spray-painted walls, but I heard the phrase “I can’t breathe” in another terrible way, from the lips of victims of COVID-19, shortly before the virus claimed their lives.
A Poignant EMS Week Amid a Historic Pandemic
National EMS Week is an annual event throughout the United States which celebrates and recognizes the hard work that all EMS providers do on a daily basis – from emergency medical technicians (EMTs) up to paramedics. These EMS providers can be paid, volunteer or a both (but at different agencies). No matter what the level, just remember that this person made a conscious decision to help someone in need, even while putting themselves (and/or their loved ones) at increased risk.
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