EMS Today

We Love Oxygen

As a kid growing up in Fort Worth, Texas I had little interest in ambulances or medicine. I do remember one thing about the ambulances in the late 1960s in that they always had signs on the side that stated “oxygen equipped” in big letters. Before that, the ambulances were emblazoned with the phrase “radio equipped”—but that is a different story.

Read the full article here.

Focused on improving EMS Personal Financial Health and Wellness

This episode’s theme is “The Link Between Money and Mental Health for Emergency Care Clinicians.” Host Sean J. Britton provides an overview of the link between money and mental health, within the framework of financial health being a component of overall well-being. This brief talk is focused on resources available to members of the emergency care profession.

Personal Development and the Value of the Mentor-Mentee Relationship

Eric Chase talks with John Sammons about the importance of patient-centered care and service in EMS.

Using Capnography to Titrate CPAP

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is a valuable tool for a wide variety of patients with acute shortness of breath. There are very few reasons why any acutely dyspneic patient should not have at least a trial of CPAP. In some situations, such as acute pulmonary edema, the beneficial effects of CPAP become apparent within seconds to minutes.

Read the full article on EMS Airway.

A Conversation with Rarchar Tortorello

Norman (OK) Councilmember Rarchar Tortorello talks to Eric Chase about leadership, discipline, toxicity and more in the city and at the fire department.

The Most Frustrating Thing

Dov and Raphael delve into the most frustrating things that happen to us all. From not being able to arrive at a call on time, to receiving a wrong dress from dispatch, to being pulled away from the most important moments to help save a life. Perhaps the most frustrating things of all is realizing we can only help so much.

While trying to keep it light-hearted the pair offer some advice on how to deal with the most frustrating things of all.

An Argument for BLS CPAP

Here’s an argument while BLS providers should be able to use continuous positive airway pressure when treating patients.

Read the full article on EMS Airway.

What Is the Major Organism Threat Today?

Infection control expert Katherine West explains why antibiotic resistance is a big problem right now.

The Economics of Co-Response: Designing a Sustainable Approach

Jonathon Feit gave this presentation for the Co-Responder Outreach Alliance.

Common Conditions Misdiagnosed as Asthma

As you enter the house your patient looks at you anxiously. He’s sitting upright, leaning forward. You note circumoral cyanosis and obvious respiratory distress as he attempts to speak. As you approach, you place him on oxygen with no relief. Upon auscultation of his chest, you note wheezing throughout his lung fields. You and your partner begin to administer a common bronchodilator albuterol when you remember — all that wheezes is not asthma.

Read the full article on EMS Airway.