Ann Landers may have passed on but her advice column still hits home. Compliments of Creators.com check out this letter that was written to Ann from an EMT in Memphis, TN.

Dear Ann Landers: I am tired of people who refer to emergency medical technicians and paramedics as “ambulance drivers.” There is a great deal of education involved in being an EMT or a paramedic, from initial training courses to continuing education classes.

We do not go to school and attend seminars to be “drivers.” We spend long hours studying so that we can provide the best possible emergency care to the people in our communities. When we are called to accident scenes, we use our knowledge to save lives.

Ann, I love my job, but it is frustrating to walk into a home and hear someone say, “The ambulance drivers are here.” Please make it clear to your readers that we don’t just drive the ambulances; we save lives. — An EMT in Memphis, Tenn.

Dear EMT: You made it clear. I’m pleased to remind people of the splendid work done by paramedics and emergency medical technicians. Thank you for the opportunity to give them the praise they deserve.

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In mid January 2009 the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) announced a voluntary recall of peanuts and peanut products processed in its Blakely, Georgia facility since January 1, 2007 due to the potential of Salmonella contamination. On February 12, 2009 the Texas Department of State Health Services ordered PCA to cease the manufacture and distribution of all products from its Plainview, Texas plant and to immediately recall all products manufactured there since March 2005.

On February 13, 2009 PCA filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in the U.S. bankruptcy court in Virginia.

By now most people have probably done away with any questionable peanut butter and other peanut containing products but just in case a recalled product or two got by you (as of February 22, 2009 there was 2591) the FDA provides a very thorough recall list that is updated regularly.

If you took your chances on a peanut butter or other peanut containing product and are now having some new sensations here’s what you need to know: most infected people develop diarrhea (which may be bloody), fever, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps 12 – 72 hours after infection. To find out if you’re indeed infected a culture of a stool sample is usually taken. Salmonella poisoning usually lasts 4 – 7 days. Most people recover without treatment however there is the possibility of severe infections (especially in infants, elderly people and those with impaired immune systems.) As of February 19, 2009 the CDC had 654 case counts in 44 states.

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Have you noticed anything different on the Emergency Medical Products website within the past week? There is now a “share link” on all EMP product pages. This new bookmark link features all the most popular social networking sites, including some of the not so known ones, to allow you to share your thoughts about your favorite (and not so favorite) products.

Is there a stethoscope you recently purchased from EMP and want to let everyone in cyberspace know exactly how you feel about it? Just click on the Bookmark & Share link and you’re on your way to getting your word across. Perhaps you just purchased a Red Cross First Aid Kit and you want to give a shout out to your fellow online shoppers that this is THE First Aid Kit to get.

The new Bookmark & Share link puts spreading your word right at your fingertips. Sing your praises for all those great EMP products and don’t be shy to share your thoughts on products that didn’t measure up to the EMP standard. Help your fellow online shoppers by sharing your opinions on the products you know and love, and maybe not love so much.

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Okay, so who watched The Office after the Super Bowl 43 Sunday night? Did the writer’s of The Office happen to catch the EMP Blog about “Stayin’ Alive” providing a near perfect beat to perform CPR to and decide to base a show around it?

It is about time The Office cast had the Red Cross come in with a CPR manikin and teach them what needs to be done when someone stops breathing…remember the ABCs! Too bad it had to come to Stanley having a heart attack after Dwight had an emergency preparedness fire drill in order to get the Red Cross trainer in The Office.

All in all a funny episode of The Office – what did you think? Is there a Safety Officer on your department or in your office? In the event of an emergency does your staff or family know what do? If you work in an office, factory, warehouse, or virtually anywhere do you have an emergency plan? Does your staff know where the first aid kits are, defibrillator, or a copy of the plan? When was the last time the first aid kit was updated, items tend to get used up and often on one takes the time to re-supply them until it’s too late…

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