February 2020
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.
January 2020
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.
Flu deaths happen, so why don’t we get vaccinated?
Flu deaths claim tens of thousands of lives a year, yet not everyone gets vaccinated. The debate on whether or not to vaccinate has proven contentious among both laymen and medical professionals. To help shed some light on this issue, we explore the pros of vaccination and reasons why people opt out.
EMS pay, do we really deserve better?
I read it all the time: “They need to pay us better.” But do they need to increase EMS pay? Across the board, there is a lack of professionalism in our industry. I spent several years working in the field before moving to the administrative side of the house. It was an eye-opening experience to say the least.
December 2019
Disruptive behavior disorders are often misunderstood
In a video of a father and son arguing many people left comments placing blame on the parents. But when I watch the video, I do not see a parenting failure. I see a kid suffering from disruptive behavior disorders.