Congenital Heart Defects Demystified
Congenital Heart Defects (CHD’s) are the most common type of birth defect and can
affect approximately 1% of all live births worldwide. In the United States, this adds up to about
40,000 newborns annually.
Pediatric Meningitis Demystified
Pediatric Meningitis, while relatively rare, can have devastating effects. Meningitis is defined as an inflammation of the meningeal layers that surround not only the brain but also the spinal cord. It typically affects children under the age of 5 due the fact that their immune systems are still not fully developed. Other groups that are [...]
Fueling the Front Line: Healthy Eating and Hydration Tips for EMS Providers
As Donut day just happened I thought I would use the nutrition class I took to share some tidbits about eating healthier as EMS providers spend their shifts caring for everyone else, often while running on caffeine, gas-station snacks, and whatever food can be eaten between calls. Long shifts, missed meals, heat exposure, physical exertion, and [...]
Why Did YOU get into EMS?
Why Did YOU get into EMS?
After more than four decades of service, EMS remains a profession driven not by money, recognition, or convenience—but by purpose. This reflective piece explores the evolution of Emergency Medical Services, from the groundbreaking Freedom House Ambulance Service to today’s expanding scope of practice, education, and professionalism. While EMS has made significant strides toward becoming a respected part of the healthcare continuum, it still faces challenges in achieving parity with fields shaped by pioneers like Hippocrates and Florence Nightingale. Discover how EMS providers continue to push the profession forward—improving patient outcomes, advancing standards of care, and redefining their role in modern medicine.
Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide
🎄 Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide for EMS Providers: Thoughtful & Practical Ideas for the Heroes in Your Life Christmas is a time for giving — and when it comes to EMS providers, the best gifts aren’t just festive, they’re meaningful, practical, and show deep appreciation for the work they do every day. Whether it’s a paramedic, [...]
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.
Getting involved early, Explorer Programs.
Most people don’t know what they want to be or do when they grow up. Even adults are often lost, when it comes to picking a career. When you are close to finishing high school or college it becomes the number one topic, what are you going to do? Many people feel the pressure to [...]
Prevention, help them help themselves.
As a first responder, we have a duty to the public. If someone calls 911 for any reason, we have a duty to help them whether it’s a medical emergency, trauma, psychiatric issue, or something else. We have a duty to help achieve the best possible outcome. However, just helping when they ask for help, [...]
Leadership Styles and YOU!
Emergency responders operate in high-pressure, dynamic environments where effective leadership is crucial for ensuring the safety of responders and the public. Various leadership styles can be effective in emergency response scenarios, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Here are some leadership styles commonly observed among emergency responders and when they should and should not [...]