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 [...]
Most healthcare providers, when asked would equate the role of the pancreas with blood sugar regulation. While true, this fact was unknown until the late 19th century. The pancreas’ role in blood sugar regulation was initially discovered by Dr. Oscar Minkowski and Dr Joseph VonMering much by accident. These two researchers were studying the role of [...]
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 [...]
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals are the frontline heroes who tirelessly respond to crises, saving lives and providing critical care. In New York State, where the rhythm of life is as fast-paced as the city streets, EMS providers stand as guardians of health and safety. However, the nature of emergency medical care demands continuous learning [...]
It’s 3 am on a dark winding stretch of road a father, husband, son is driving home from work to rejoin his family after a long nightshift. His eyes begin to tire as his trunk slowly drifts off the road. The tones drop as you rub your eyes wishing for just a few more hours of [...]
If you want to be a good paramedic you need to be able to effectively and accurately read a 12-lead. If you want to be a great paramedic you have to be able to interpret 12-leads. What does that mean, it means more than just identifying the standard ST elevated myocardial infraction (STEMI). With that in [...]
What do you do when your family is not supportive of your EMS work schedule? We work long hours, never knowing for sure what time we will get off. We work holidays, birthdays, and many other important days and nights. We can’t just call in sick or demand to get off work on time, just because [...]
If you have ever worked on an ambulance, you know that ambulance abuse happens. People call for an ambulance like they’re calling for a taxi. You pull up on scene, six vehicles sitting in the driveway, an entire family standing there, and the patient already has their bags packed, and they’re ready to hop in the [...]
How much weight can you lift? How much can you safely lift without hurting yourself? As EMTs and paramedics, we are expected to lift an enormous amount of weight several times a day. Now days, most of us have a Stryker gurney… the normal size, power Stryker gurneyweighs about 125 pounds, and the manual one weighs [...]
Recent wartime experience has demonstrated that tourniquets can save lives. Yet many common military and civilian injuries, particularly armpit and groin injuries and pelvic fractures, remain difficult to treat in the field. Patients with these injuries are at high risk for bleeding to death. Since 2012, special operations forces worldwide have been using an advanced tourniquet [...]
