In the field Archives

What is Counterpulsation Therapy ????

Transporting a patient with an Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) can be intimidating for EMS and critical care transport providers—but understanding how counterpulsation therapy works makes it far more manageable. This blog breaks down the core functions of IABP therapy, including how it increases coronary perfusion, reduces cardiac workload, and improves overall cardiac output. Learn how precise balloon inflation and deflation during the cardiac cycle enhances perfusion and decreases afterload, why helium is used, and what this means for safe patient transport. Perfect for paramedics and transport clinicians looking to build confidence in managing IABP patients in the field.

Airway Positioning Practices and Pitfalls

Airway management is often a skill that Paramedics and Critical Care Paramedics are thought to be experts on. It is a skill that we often practice, practice again and then practice again to become comfortable with. One pitfall of being an advanced provider is the fact that many advanced providers look for the shiny object in [...]

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.