January 2020
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.
How to implement crew resource management within your agency
Crew resource management includes everyone from dispatch to the emergency room staff. If we use it appropriately, we can improve teamwork, communication and problem solving; promote input from all team members regardless of level of certification or experience; and decrease the likelihood of a sentinel event.
November 2019
Strategies to improve care for mechanical ventilation patients
Mechanical ventilation has come a long way in ease of use and adjustability, but there is still no substitute for provider judgement and intellect. No one piece of the puzzle is 100% reliable, so the practitioner must use all pieces in unison to arrive at an informed decision as to whether the patient is benefiting from interventions.
September 2019
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.
Teen depression: Know the signs and symptoms
An EMT shares his personal experience with suicide and the signs he and his family missed before his son made an attempt. Learn how teen depression differs from adult depression and which clues can alert you to an impending problem.