EMS education Archives

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.

The Workhorse of the Human Body: How the Human Heart is a Behind the Scenes Hero

Most of us give little thought to how consistent and reliable the human heart is. Without an effectively pumping heart, the human body ceases to function and can die physiologically within minutes. Some organs can tolerate a lack of blood flow better than others. Vital organs such as the brain, the kidneys, the heart, and the liver are the most rapidly affected by a lack or decrease in blood flow while other organs of the body can tolerate a lack perfusion for a longer period of time. The heart is considered “the pump’ of the circulatory system and without a consistently functioning pump, the human body cannot perform adequately to sustain life.

The EZ-IO You Think You Know Part 4

In the previous articles, we talked about the indications, contraindications, use, landmarking, insertion and maintenance of the EZ-IO vascular access system. In this final installment, we will cover insertion in the pediatric patient, pain control and removal of the device. As stated earlier, this device like all other medical devices, has limitations. No medical device fits [...]

The EZ-IO that you think you know Part 3

In parts 1 and 2 of this series, we have outlined the indications, contraindications, medications that can be infused through and IO, needle size selection and driver characteristics. Now lets unpack how to landmark for EZ-IO insertion. As stated in Part 2, the ends of long bones contain a large amount of red blood cells (RBC) [...]

The need for and proper utilization of specialty teams in the HEMS environment

While many may view HEMS organizations as a specialty unto itself many programs have true specialized teams for certain populations. One can think of HEMS providers as a jack of all trades but generally a master of none. We care for all patient populations a health system can see, from the earliest of premature babies [...]

The EZ-IO You Think You Know: Part 2

In part one of this series we talked about the indications, contraindications, MRI conditional compatibility and what medications can be administered via an intraosseous route. Today we will further unpack the specific needle sizes, driver options, usage and potential anatomic sites for insertion using the EZ-IO system. As stated earlier, intraosseous access should be reserved [...]

EMS Agenda 2050, Did you hear about it?

Hang around any EMS advisory council meeting or attend a few local, State or Federal EMS symposiums and eventually you may hear some talk about the EMS Agenda 2050. So what is all the fuss about and how does it affect me now and in the future? EMS Agenda 2050 has been described as a [...]

Ketamine’s effect on cerebral perfusion

Were you ever told not to give Ketamine to your head injury patients, hypertensive patients, increased intracranial pressure (ICP) patients? I was taught that. “Early studies suggested that ketamine could increase intracranial pressure, decreasing cerebral perfusion pressure and thereby reducing oxygen supply to the damaged cerebral cortex.” (NIH, 2022). There have been 11 recent studies [...]

Weight Loss: Are Shots the Solution?

As of 2017, it is reported that at least 75 percent of American adults are overweight, obese, or morbidly obese, so it is not surprising that more and more people are trying to lose weight. I know that we have all heard about the recently popular weight loss shots: Ozempic (Semaglutide), Mounjaro (Terzepatide), Wegovy, Zepbound, [...]

EMS Providers: To mask or not to mask?

I understand that discussions about wearing masks for protection from COVID can evoke some strong emotions and differing opinions. However, I believe that using basic math we can come to the realization of what truly works and what does not work. Let’s first look at what is a virus and the sizes of viruses: A [...]