As a first responder, we have a duty to the public. If someone calls 911 for any reason, we have a duty to help them whether it’s a medical emergency, trauma, psychiatric issue, or something else. We have a duty to help achieve the best possible outcome. However, just helping when they ask for help, [...]
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 [...]
Were you ever told not to give Ketamine to your head injury patients, hypertensive patients, increased intracranial pressure (ICP) patients? I was taught that. “Early studies suggested that ketamine could increase intracranial pressure, decreasing cerebral perfusion pressure and thereby reducing oxygen supply to the damaged cerebral cortex.” (NIH, 2022). There have been 11 recent studies [...]
Have you ever wondered what do to with your career as an EMT or paramedic? The obvious choice is to work on an ambulance, either for a fire department, private company, or government run entity. But not everyone wants to work on an ambulance, not all ambulance jobs pay enough to support you, or maybe [...]
I understand that discussions about wearing masks for protection from COVID can evoke some strong emotions and differing opinions. However, I believe that using basic math we can come to the realization of what truly works and what does not work. Let’s first look at what is a virus and the sizes of viruses: A [...]
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets forth regulations and standards to ensure workplace safety. As emergency responders we too must follow all these safety standards even though our jobs do contain some very high risks. This article is to help you and your agency provide an understandable outline to set up your own training [...]
In the realm of emergency medical services (EMS), there exists a group of unsung heroes who navigate the thin line between life and death on a daily basis - paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Their job is not just a profession; it's a calling, a commitment to serving their communities in times of crisis. [...]
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 [...]
Have you ever worked for a remote or rural department or company and have also worked for a busy city department? Do you feel like you gained different skills because of the amount of time you were with your patients, whether it’s a lot of time or a little? Working for a remote or rural [...]
