About Eric H. Nylander, MS, NRP

Eric H. Nylander, MS, NRP, is an instructor who retired from the San Francisco Fire Department as a firefighter/paramedic captain. He has more than 30 years of practical emergency medical experience in-hospital (ED) and pre-hospital (EMS). Nylander also has more than 25 years of experience in adult education with medical professionals and the public. He has taught in 20 countries and hold a masters degree in educational psychology and organizational development. He also serves as training center faculty with the American Heart Association, Operation Smile ITC, Virginia Beach, Va. Since 1997, Nylander has been the owner and director of EMSE, an educational enterprise dedicated to professional and public medical and safety education and training. Recently, he has been contracting and volunteering in the USA, Europe and North Africa to establish and develop training sites for NAEMT and AHA courses. He also holds a Tactical Medical Certification. He lives in Uppsala Sweden where he teaches advanced and basic ERC and AHA courses. He also devotes a large part of his time and energy toward the development of medical training courses for first responders for Swedish Coast Water Rescue Services, SSRS and routinely volunteers for rescue patrol tours.

Lightning strike calls are rare, but can be deadly

There are several forms of lightning — some of which are not dangerous — such as cloud-to-cloud flashes that account for 70% to 90% of all lightening strikes. But other types of strikes can cause burns, cardiac arrest and even death. Make sure you're prepared when the call comes in.

What is fentanyl-induced chest wall rigidity?

Fentanyl induced chest wall rigidity is uncommon, but the syndrome is potentially fatal if not recognized immediately and corrected. All providers should be aware of the syndrome and be adequately prepared to manage it should it occur.

Learn about laryngospasm causes and cures

Laryngospasm is defined as an uncontrolled or involuntary muscular contraction of the vocal cords and ligaments. The condition effects the cricoarytenoid, thyroarytenoid and the lateral cricoarytenoid. Learn how to treat the condition.