When providing trauma treatment, stopping patients from bleeding and using wound packing are paramount. But first, let's dispel some long-standing myths.
During interfacility transfer, it's key for paramedics to have access to as much information as possible. Yet, for a long time, paramedics haven't had the proper equipment to effectively X-ray patients. We discuss the issues around this and how the field can move forward.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Most EMS calls have one thing in common — the fact that some form of cardiac assessment is completed. Many times, the assessment is minimal, while other times require detailed, in-depth cardiac evaluation. Review the essential functions for comprehensive cardiac assessment.
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.
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.
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.