The Balance of Spontaneous Ventilation
So the next question is: what causes us to breathe in and what causes us to breathe out?
Managing the Obstetrical Airway
"When faced with managing the airway of the pregnant patient, it is important to understand the anatomic and physiologic changes that occur during gestation. Not only does the pregnant female have to oxygenate, ventilate, perfuse and nourish the developing fetus, specific anatomic changes occur due to hormonal changes and fluctuations due to pregnancy. Often, intubation and [...]
Airway Assessment To The Letter (Or Number)
Predicting the difficult airway is a combination of art and science. Sometimes the airway that looks relatively easy to manage can turn out to be a nightmare and the supposedly difficult airway based on external assessment can be managed relatively simple to maintain. A good rule of thumb is to always hope for the best [...]
Mechanical Ventilation: A Double Edge Sword
The role and consequences of mechanical ventilation during transport is something that must be both understood and respected. While it can free up much needed manpower and allow for more consistent delivery of oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide, it can also have negative effects if applied incorrectly. Broadly speaking, mechanical ventilation can be utilized [...]
Abdominal Trauma: The Silent Killer
Many traumatic injuries result in outwardly gruesome and visually grotesque injuries. Abdominal trauma however, often can go unnoticed and can be a silent killer if the injuries go unrecognized or untreated. While skeletal injuries often present with obvious deformity and are easily recognized, abdominal injuries are much more difficult to identify. In regards to traumatic injuries [...]
Comparing and Contrasting Placenta Previa and Abruptio Placenta
Many EMS providers have difficulty deciphering the difference between Placenta Previa and Abruptio Placenta in the field. While both conditions have some signs and symptoms as well as risk factors in common, each has its own defining factors and presenting symptomology such as the presence and consistency of vaginal bleeding. In this article we will outline [...]
Arterial Lines: A Balancing Act Between Positives and Negatives
Utilizing invasive hemodynamic monitoring utilizing an arterial line has both advantages and risks that healthcare providers need to be aware of. While it offers the ability to monitor real time beat to beat changes in perfusion status, it also has potential complications that non invasive monitoring devices do not have. All prehospital providers should be familiar [...]
Let’s get STARTED!
Mass Casualty incidents and natural or man made disasters are some of the most physically and emotionally charged and challenging calls that an EMS provider can face. Whether you are a first responder, EMT, AEMT, Paramedic or advanced provider, the fear of what lies ahead coupled with the overwhelming of the immediately available resources can [...]
The Circulatory System: The Plumbing of Our Body
In the two previous installments, we talked about the role of cardiac output and blood volume as it pertains to overall perfusion in the human body. Today we will finish up with the circulatory system and how it assists the body not only in day to day maintenance of homeostasis but also how it responds to [...]
Blood Volume: Products
When we think about our blood, most health care providers agree that it is necessary to perfuse our body and losing too much will not be good for our patient. But what is blood and why do we need it? This question has many correct answers. Human blood is not only responsible for providing nourishment and oxygenation to the cells of the body’s organs but it also plays a role in fighting off infection, promoting clotting and regulating body temperature. Human blood is made of four basic components: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma. Each of these components play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis within our body. Overall blood volume in relation to body mass is also an important part of discussing the importance of human blood on overall functioning of the body.