In parts 1 and 2 of this series, we have outlined the indications, contraindications, medications that can be infused through and IO, needle size selection and driver characteristics. Now lets unpack how to landmark for EZ-IO insertion. As stated in Part 2, the ends of long bones contain a large amount of red blood cells (RBC) [...]
In part one of this series we talked about the indications, contraindications, MRI conditional compatibility and what medications can be administered via an intraosseous route. Today we will further unpack the specific needle sizes, driver options, usage and potential anatomic sites for insertion using the EZ-IO system. As stated earlier, intraosseous access should be reserved [...]
For years, intraosseous (IO) access has been considered the “hail mary, last ditch effort” of vascular access. The procedure was often only utilized after all other repeated intravenous (IV) attempts had proven unsuccessful. What if intraosseous access could be utilized earlier? What if we could prevent the dynamic downward spiral that often accompanies multiple unsuccessful [...]
Hang around any EMS advisory council meeting or attend a few local, State or Federal EMS symposiums and eventually you may hear some talk about the EMS Agenda 2050. So what is all the fuss about and how does it affect me now and in the future? EMS Agenda 2050 has been described as a [...]
OK, so you decide to finally look up how much continuing education hours you have either accrued or need to successfully re certify your National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification using the continuing education option. Being in EMS, one thing we are all good at is waiting until the last minute to check [...]
Thermal burns occur with alarming frequency. Nearly a half a million americans suffer burn injuries severe enough to require specialized burn care annually. Of those, approximately 3500 adults and children suffer fatal burns, this works out to just under 10 fatalities per day. Add that to the number of individuals who suffer smoke inhalation or [...]
Most healthcare providers, when asked would equate the role of the pancreas with blood sugar regulation. While true, this fact was unknown until the late 19th century. The pancreas’ role in blood sugar regulation was initially discovered by Dr. Oscar Minkowski and Dr Joseph VonMering much by accident. These two researchers were studying the role of [...]
The History of the Modern Pacemaker and Symptomatic Bradycardia The year was 1952 and Paul Zoll introduced the first transcutaneous cardiac pacemaker to treat symptomatic bradycardia. Six years later, the first successful implantation of a pacemaker was performed in Sweden on Arne Larsson by performing a thoracotomy and suturing 2 epicardial electrodes to the heart. [...]
Very few things strike as much fear in most EMS providers more than the critically ill or injured pediatric transport. Some of the forces that instill fear in most EMS providers is the lack of available appropriately sized pediatric equipment, the general lack of familiarity with what would be deemed “normal” vital sign parameters, the [...]
Many providers in EMS often strive to and eventually attain their certification to transport patients via rotorcraft and/or fixed wing modes of transport. While these modes of transport are often looked at as the apex of one’s EMS career, non pressurized flight comes with not only emotional and intellectual stressors due to the inherent acuity of [...]
