EMS departments and COVID-19: Industry undergoing serious change
EMS departments are seeing a huge change in procedure due to COVID-19. Will the changes in PPE use, education and call volume persist after the pandemic?
Essential service and EMS: Why aren’t first responders recognized?
EMS providers have an exhausting, difficult, and dangerous job. Yet, they are not recognized as an essential service. We explore the implications.
Traumatic brain injury treatment and assessment for first reponders
We review three common types of traumatic head injury (epidural bleed, subdural bleed, and subarachnoid bleed) and effective treatments for these injuries. By knowing what types of neurological injuries you're dealing with in the field, you will be better equipped to help your patients in a prehospital setting. After all, when it comes to brain injuries, there's no time to waste.
EMS and the opioid crisis: Where do we go from here?
The opioid crisis began in the 1990s as the result of unethical practices by pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professional. Now, millions of people in the United States struggle with addiction. How can we, as EMS professionals and first responders, help people who have fallen victim to this broken system? We look into this question through the story of someone who has overcome addiction.
Tamiflu for kids debate picks up as flu season strikes
As flu season gets into full swing, many are again asking questions about Tamiflu's safety, especially Tamiflu for kids. In this article, Distance CME instructor and healthcare professional Tara Vlaun examines this in more depth. Drawing upon recent research and the opinions of pediatricians, Vlaun goes over the pros and cons of using Tamiflu to treat flu symptoms and addresses the issue of Tamiflu for kids.
EMS professionals begin to identify sepsis earlier and start treatment
Sepsis Awareness Month may have you thinking about how far we can still go to make improvements, especially in the prehospital environment. Let's explore where sepsis recognition begins, guidelines and those who are successfully doing this in the field.
Motorcycle accidents can be devastating for patients and paramedics
The danger of riding motorcycles has been a hot topic for decades because the potential morbidity and mortality for those involved in motorcycle accidents is greater than those traveling in other vehicles. Learn about the injuries these patients sustain.
Heat emergencies and you: Symptoms, signs, and prevention
Prepare for more heat emergencies during the hotter months. Patients are more likely to present with heat stroke and heat exhaustion during this time. Also ensure you stay well-hydrated on the job.
Important metrics to monitor when treating pediatric trauma
When faced with responding to a pediatric trauma call, it is important for you to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of impending shock and intervene rapidly.
Can you get popcorn lung from vaping? Most likely
There is yet to be a known case of popcorn lung as a result of e-cigarette smoking because vaping is so new. However, there is strong indication that vaping e-juice with diacetyl, pentanedone and acetoin could lead to the condition over time.