If I asked you what phrase immediately comes to mine when you think of EMT school, paramedic school, working at your job, trainings, etc.? Is that phrase “BSI, scene safe”? In my nearly 20-year career working as a medic I have probably heard that phrase thousands of times. Between taking classes, teaching classes, training at new [...]
Uncontrolled bleeding causes death. More than 1 million people die every year because they bleed out. That means bleeding control sometimes needs to be quick, aggressive, and effective. When it comes to life threatening bleeding, there are a lot of ways to attempt to control it: direct pressure, elevation, restrict movement, tourniquets, pressure dressings, wound [...]
If you have ever called 911, the dispatcher, operator, or call taker likely asked you for the phone number you were calling from as well as the address of your emergency. With today’s technology, it is very possible the 911 center already had that information pop up on their screen as soon as you called, so [...]
Many EMS providers have difficulty deciphering the difference between Placenta Previa and Abruptio Placenta in the field. While both conditions have some signs and symptoms as well as risk factors in common, each has its own defining factors and presenting symptomology such as the presence and consistency of vaginal bleeding. In this article we will outline [...]
For those with more than a decade of experience in EMS, the concept of the "Golden Hour" is likely familiar. This principle emphasizes the importance of transporting trauma patients to a Level 1 trauma center within an hour of injury to reduce mortality and morbidity. Over the years, this concept has undergone revisions, and several [...]
Utilizing invasive hemodynamic monitoring utilizing an arterial line has both advantages and risks that healthcare providers need to be aware of. While it offers the ability to monitor real time beat to beat changes in perfusion status, it also has potential complications that non invasive monitoring devices do not have. All prehospital providers should be familiar [...]
Healthcare providers are often seen as the epitome of wellness, the go-to experts for advice on maintaining physical and mental health. They are the ones who diagnose, treat, and guide patients through complex medical journeys, offering compassion and expertise along the way. However, in the midst of caring for others, healthcare providers frequently neglect a [...]
Mass Casualty incidents and natural or man made disasters are some of the most physically and emotionally charged and challenging calls that an EMS provider can face. Whether you are a first responder, EMT, AEMT, Paramedic or advanced provider, the fear of what lies ahead coupled with the overwhelming of the immediately available resources can [...]
Most people in EMS didn’t really think about terrorism before September 11th, but because of my military experience and being sort of a history nerd, it has been a topic that I have worried about since my late teens. Terrorism by definition is any act to create fear or disrupt a society. The motivation for [...]
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field, where staying up-to-date with the latest knowledge and skills is crucial for professionals dedicated to saving lives. EMS education is not just about meeting recertification requirements; it’s about being prepared for new challenges and advancements. This article explores some of the hottest topics in [...]
