I earned my first paycheck as a writer at age 14. I guess you could say I’ve been doing this for a while. That said, this past year has been a transformation. Blogging has introduced a new channel to my world, and with it has come a world of new lessons to learn. I have to say, I’m enjoying this learning and my next schooling comes in the form of WordCamp Boston. A few hundred bloggers will gather this morning to listen and share among four tracks—beginner, applied, practical and developer. With organizers also offering up an unconference and an expert genius bar, this event promises to be a great experience. I’m planning out my day and, in addition to sharing several hours with some smart and driven people, I have a handful of goals in mind…

1. Sharper clarity in my strategic approach to Wordpress
2. Better understanding of the best widgets and plug-ins
3. A primer on Wordpress security
4. Tips for better SEO
5. Some fresh ideas for how to leverage video
6. Some new blog marketing techniques
7. Thoughts on how to cultivate this learning for sharing among the EMS blogging community

"my new hat" by Tigresblanco, used under Creative Commons license.

Last week was a busy one. Lots of work. Several meetings. A few events. My last event came on Thursday night, just when I was starting to wind down and prepare for the final push before the weekend. It was a big social media event and I was helping to coordinate onsite. I had my marketer hat on. Little did I know I’d be swapping it for my EMT hat before night’s end.

As the Q&A session heated up, there was a shout from one of the 160 in attendance. It came from the row of seats behind me. We had a medical emergency on our hands and it was my duty to spring to action. There were no doctors, nurses or medics in the crowd. All eyes were on me and the patient to see what would happen next. I launched into rapid assessment and was quickly relieved to determine it wasn’t what I initially feared. Within a few minutes, the patient was conscious and stabilizing, but my work wasn’t over…we were waiting for local EMS, and the patient—and 159 others—were looking to me and me alone to manage the situation. So, manage it I did. I continued to check her vitals, got a SAMPLE history, and talked and joked with her to keep her calm in an unnerving situation…did I mention she was lying on the floor in the middle of an enormous room of people? To her credit, when she became alert enough, she asked that I kindly ask everyone to refrain from tweeting her episode. I passed it along. Most complied.

I’m not a full-time EMT and I’m not working for a service. Still, as an EMT, you naturally expect to be called on in all kinds of emergencies. But this was my first experience being caught out of context. I wasn’t surrounded by my EMS friends. I wasn’t in a patient care environment. And I had my other hat on. But it reminded me of something I should never forget…in EMS, regardless of what hat we’re wearing, we’re always on.

For many people, it seems 2009 was a year of challenges, changes and reinvention. That was certainly the case for me. I started the year reflecting and observing, reading the work of some of the smartest people in Marketing and Social Media (see a start to my list here), then took some time to define my place. I started Red Box Communications just before the end of the first quarter and am so happy to say today it was the right move for me. Still, while this year saw many changes, there is SO much I can improve upon and I’m anxious to kick off 2010 by focusing on the many aspects of positive change I can personally and collaboratively drive.

Content Strategy
I deliberately started Red Box with the intention of initially providing a fairly broad swath of communications services, knowing in my second year and beyond, I would hone this offering to my core. I plan to gradually start this move in the new year, particularly in the area of content strategy. I’m going back to my roots…not that I ever left them. I’m a writer and a media maker. I always have been. I got my first reporter gig at fifteen, and I never turned back. I’ve spent the past several months doing much more reading, observing and microblogging than substantive writing, and I miss it desperately. That stops now. Not only will I be holding myself to a regular blogging schedule and accepting more contributing writer opps, but I’m also placing a greater focus on content strategy and development as a client service. It’s already bearing out with my current clients, where this is a key need. Content is king, right? Time to return to the throne.

Social Media
There’s no shortage of social media consultants, but like many of us, I’m a firm believer that there really are no social media experts…yet. We’re all learning the latest and greatest every day. It’s such an exciting and rapidly evolving field. The best way to keep on top of it and to help clients benefit from it, is to stay engaged in it, to play and work with it, to explore and question, to test and retest, and to keep, well, social. After all, social media will always be about the people…the people who create it and the people who consume it. I’m excited to target my consulting on driving success for healthcare and non-profit organizations with social media, and you’ll see more of this from Red Box in 2010.

Events
This past year, events took on new meaning in my world, partly because of my evolved role, but also as social media became an increasing part. Whether large-scale conferences or impromptu Tweetups, I was fortunate to attend, speak at, and even organize events this year that created great opportunities for networking, collaboration and genuine community creation. I see this growing in 2010. One exciting development was being a part of the social media team at EMS Expo. We covered the event top to bottom and introduced many there to the power of social media for the first time. It has opened up many other opportunities for our team and we’re looking forward to tackling them with greater gusto in the new year.

Chronicles of EMS
All you have to do is take one look at the trailer to see why I’m excited about what this project will mean in 2010. It’s a unique new web series that promises to transform the way people view and understand EMS. Chronicles of EMS was created by paramedics, for paramedics, and uses entertainment and education to show the real stories of EMS practitioners, the challenges they face and how we can all have a role in shaping its future. The response has been amazing. Our lead sponsor, Zoll Medical, has shown us great support. Others are clamoring to join the sponsorship roster, and systems from around the globe are inquiring about filming. I’m thrilled to be a part of the team bringing this series to the world and can’t wait to devote more of my time to making it a success in 2010.

Non-Profit Marketing and Social Fundraising
One of the true joys of 2009 has been finding more time to devote to non-profit work, both for paying clients, and for the few organizations that have a deep personal connection to my life. I always knew this was tremendously rewarding work and that I wanted to do more of it. But taking a step away from corporate marketing allowed me to create this focus for Red Box, while also revealing a relatively untapped skill in fundraising. Whether it’s for personal endeavors (like my annual March for Babies and the Memory Walk) or for projects on behalf of my clients, I’m looking to leverage more of my social media channels and a smart blend of online and offline efforts to creating more positive change for non-profits in the coming year.

Geolocation Services
Speaking of social media channels, the rise of location-based services (Foursquare, Gowalla, etc.) is an exciting trend that I’m watching very closely. These applications have positive implications for consumers, businesses, healthcare organizations, public systems and non-profits alike. The opportunities are staggering. I’m exploring them now, sharing thoughts with some smart folks, and see some exciting changes coming soon. 

Work/Life Flexibility
Talk about change. A year ago, I was still recovering from being a corporate marketer who worked something darn close to 24/7. And while I still work just as hard and sometimes just as long, it’s with a different purpose and a different design. I’ve found flexibility (notice, I didn’t say balance, because as my friend Leanne Chase says, balance implies one is always equal to the other and that’s rarely the case), and it has found me. My family is precious to me, and they need me more than ever. I have both a small child and aging parents, one of whom is struggling with Alzheimer’s and the other with caring for him. My time WILL be devoted to them AND to my work, and the key to making that work is flexibility…not to mention people in your life and on your client roster who understand how important that is. While I had accomplished a lot, I feel like last year I was still me-in-the-making. This year, I’m a business owner, an EMT, a blogger, a friend to more and, hopefully, the woman my family needs. Still, I can do much better, and I will.

It’s an ambitious list, but with focus and dedication, I know I can tackle it. So, what’s on your list of goals for 2010?

What do I read? Well, quite a lot. But there’s a short list of folks who I try to keep track of regularly, and there’s a good reason. They are some of the smartest and most passionate folk in Marketing, Content Creation and Social Media, in my own humble opinion (though I could find a gaggle of others who agree). I’ve always said one of the keys to being happy at work is being surrounded by smart, driven people. I’m so fortunate to know many of these folks personally. I’m a lucky gal…

• Adam Cohen
• C.C. Chapman
• Chris Brogan
• Frank Days
• Gary Vaynerchuk
• Jeff Cutler
• Katie Paine
• Rachel Happe
• Steve Garfield
• Tamsen McMahon
• Tim Walker

I’ll certainly add to this list as I encounter new, great resources, and as my reading list fluctuates. In fact, I’m already sensing the need to create a similar list for brands and organizations I follow. And I’m sure I’m already missing some I forgot. Care to jog my memory? What’s on your must-read list? Comment away!

With a 220 to 215 vote, the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962), blended and updated over many months of debate, passed the House on Saturday. While this milestone is a step toward broader access to healthcare in America, there is much debate over its finer points. Among them are the potential positive and negative impacts on the country’s EMS systems.

Some are concerned that a public health insurance option would provide for inadequate reimbursement resources, taxing already strained transport services. While others are praising provisions that would coordinate services to improve patient access to EMS, establish ways to get patients to the most appropriate care facilities, track hospital resources in real time, and coordinate standardized data management across emergency care.

It remains to be seen what the final bill, if passed in Congress, would mean to EMS. What are your thoughts? Concerns? Outstanding questions? Let’s have a conversation.

Whether you were at EMS Expo in Atlanta or not, you now have an easy way of catching up on some of the best the show had to offer with video coverage at EMS Expo Live. Check out the interviews Chris Montera and I captured on the show floor and post your comments. We’ll answer your questions and share your feedback with the makers of the products we highlighted. And, of course, let us know what you’d like to see us cover at the next EMS conference.

EMS Expo kicked off on Wednesday with great anticipation. As a healthy crowd prepared to enter the exhibit hall, I was poised with Chris Montera and Thaddeus Setla to capture it all on video. Chris and I had a great time co-hosting the video segments, interviews and podcasts from the show floor…and we’ll continue the excitement today. We had the chance to take a spin in the Force 911 police interceptor equipped with hybrid propane fuel conversion. This vehicle was so smart…using cheaper, cleaner fuel, it helps EMS, Fire and Police systems to extend their budgets and their travel and transport time, while being less dependent on foreign oil. And did I mention how fun it is to drive? It offered a smooth ride and complete ease of use in switching from propane fuel to gas and back again.

Review of the Force 911 Police Interceptor from Thaddeus Setla on Vimeo.

After our drive, we were hooked on motor vehicles, so we went to see the folks at Segway. Much to our surprise, they let Chris and I ride their specially-outfitted units. Chris rode the Segway StreetSmart LifeLine, fully-equipped for Paramedic response, while I took the Segway i2 for a spin. We raced around a bit, and while there was no official winner named, we all know I rocked the Segway…even in heels. The Segway is a tremendous solution for EMS, enabling responders to access a scene quickly, maneuver among crowds with ease, improve sightlines and have critical gear at their fingertips. I see a particular value for mass gathering events like city Marathons, where it enables responders to roam among the crowds and be ready for rapid response.

Motoring in EMS the Segway Way! from Thaddeus Setla on Vimeo.

We have our eyes set on ambulances and helicopters today, so keep checking back. Want to see our adventures? Stay tuned for more video to be posted soon.

One of the largest annual EMS conferences is taking place in Atlanta this week and I’m excited to be there. I always enjoy this show and usually have a few specific goals each year. I’ve taken on some new ventures and responsibilities since last fall, so my to-do list looks a little different this year, but I can’t wait to tackle it. Here’s a glimpse at my plan, in no particular order, to make the most of EMS Expo 2009. Do you have a plan?…

1. Spend quality time with the great people of EMS
   As is typical with annual conferences, it’s a time to catch up with acquaintances and meet some new people. This year, my list of people to track down is longer than ever. In addition to the many folks I want to catch up with, I’ve met a ton of people via social media and other networking over the past several months that I’m planning to meet face-to-face for the first time this week.  That personal connection is important to me, so this is firmly planted at the top of my list. Do you have a short list of people to meet?
2. Help introduce EMS Expo to social media
   I’m thrilled to meet Chris Montera (@geekymedic), Greg Friese (@gfriese), Thaddeus Setla (@setla), Jamie Davis (@podmedic) and the entire social media team for EMS Expo, and to work with them on live podcasting from the show floor. I dove deep into social media several months ago and never looked back. Having connected with these guys on Twitter for so long, I’m really looking forward to meeting in-person and teaming up to share the valuable content from the show with folks across the globe. Watch for us at http://www.emsexpolive.com.
3. Introduce my new baby, seek input and prepare for big changes
   I couldn’t be more excited to “launch” my new blog for EMS this week. I say “launch” only because it’s really more of a gentle nudge off the shore, than a full-fledged launch into the open waters, but it’s the start of something I’m determined to make great. I plan to use this week to ask questions and listen a LOT. I want to know what EMS wants in a new blog, how I can uniquely help provide it and, as Gary Vaynerchuk (@garyvee) says in his new book, “Crush It!,” what makes “me authentically me.” Meet Baseline Vitals. I’d love to hear what you think.
4. Make new connections for the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation
   Among my client work, I’m really pleased to be directing media relations and social media for the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation. I’ve been working for close to ten years, in various capacities, on SCA awareness programs, something that has a very personal connection for me, so this client work is highly rewarding. I’m looking forward to spreading the word about our campaigns and making new connections to help further that cause. Are non-profits on your radar?
5. Tackle the exhibit floor and seek out the best and brightest new stuff
   It wouldn’t be a tradeshow without the manufacturers and organizations exhibiting their products and services. Honestly, I love this part. It’s a unique opportunity to explore and find some of the hottest new solutions and trends in EMS, all in one place. I’ve earmarked a few booths that I want to be sure to visit, and I know there will be others that will catch my eye once I’m walking the floor. And, of course, there are the standards that always get my visit. I know I’ll meet some fascinating people with interesting ideas. What are you looking forward to checking out?
6. Have some fun already
   We work hard in EMS, but we sure know how to party hard too. I’ve found Tweetups (link def) are a great way to bridge the two. They often provide an opportunity for some great networking in a more casual environment. I’m thrilled to be hosting a Tweetup on Thursday, October 29 at 7:00pm at STATS. They’ll have a food & drink special for us #EMSExpo folks, the social media crew from the show will be there, and you’re invited to join us. You coming? Let me know on Twitter, or email me at carissao AT carissao.com so I can prepare STATS for our crowd. If you want to sponsor the Tweetup, please call me at 978-875-2020.

Atlanta, here I come…

I spent my lunchtime on Friday sitting at a roundtable with some really smart people, many of whom have become my friends over the past several months. We were talking about Community Management, a term more recently associated with social media and the function of hosting and fostering an online community (and sometimes its offline activities). One of our hosts for this lunch, Jim Storer suggested that we are all community managers and challenged the group to consider how we each play that role. I was the first to speak up (mostly because I was nodding enthusiastically and he called me on it).

I immediately thought of EMS and the unique community that it is. We are a passionate group of people who tend to have strong opinions and even stronger personalities. We work and live in communities across the globe, and many spend countless hours responding to emergency calls in those communities.

But I wonder if we’re really taking full advantage of what that community has to offer. Maybe some departments or systems are. Perhaps some groups or organizations are finding synergies and leveraging them for the broader good. But there are tens of thousands of EMS practitioners around the globe. Imagine the possibilities if we were all sharing more.

And that’s at least part of what I’m hoping Baseline Vitals will be…a community for EMS, a place where practitioners, leaders, clinicians, manufacturers, trainers, non-profits and others can come together, learn, share and engage with one another. You know that old adage, “It takes a village to raise a child”? I believe it takes a community to build tomorrow’s EMS. I’ll be there. Will you join me?