Unitek EMT

FEBRUARY 28, 2024

Explore the educational pathway, skills, and opportunities in community paramedicine. Community Paramedicine represents a transformative approach to healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved or rural areas where access to healthcare services is often limited. By extending the traditional role of emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, Community Paramedics are instrumental in bridging gaps within the healthcare system, […] The post How to Become a Community Paramedic appeared fir

Paramedic

Pulsara

JANUARY 3, 2024

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article originally appeared on FireRescue1.com. Special thanks to our guest author, Courtney Levin , for FireRescue1 BrandFocus Staff. Departments can play a large role in supporting the health and safety of underserved residents The inherent nature of the fire service means that responses to community needs are usually reactive.

Community Paramedicine

International Journal of Paramedicine

OCTOBER 8, 2024

Introduction - Internationally, prehospital workers practice in a wide range of community paramedicine roles. It can be unclear where community paramedics fit within existing paramedicine career structures and their professional capabilities are sometimes ill-defined or misunderstood. This study aimed to clarify some of these questions through the development of a community paramedic career structure and descriptions of their professional capabilities at different levels of practice.

Paramedic

NAEMSP

FEBRUARY 6, 2024

Article by Karlee De Monnin CASE During my first ambulance ride-along as a fourth-year medical student on an EMS elective, my unit responded to a call for abdominal pain. On arrival to the apartment building, we stepped inside to find a tearful, but otherwise well-appearing young woman lying on the floor of her living room. She was an otherwise healthy 23-year-old who called us for abdominal pain and vomiting.

Paramedic

International Journal of Paramedicine

JANUARY 5, 2024

Objective: The aim of this scoping review is to determine how feedback is used in paramedicine. Introduction: Feedback is widely recognised as essential for clinician growth in healthcare however there is limited research on its use within paramedicine. Paramedics place high value on effective feedback and different types and methods are used depending on context.

Paramedicine

ACEP Now

NOVEMBER 8, 2024

The quick-moving, high-stress practice of emergency medicine means health care professionals need to be prepared for anything. Among emergency physicians’ diverse patient populations, neurodivergent individuals represent a unique group with distinct challenges and requirements. Neurodivergence is an umbrella term that refers to a variety of neurological differences (not deficits), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dyslexia, among other

Emergency Department

FOAMfrat

OCTOBER 28, 2024

In this episode of FOAMfrat, Tyler speaks with paramedic Kyle Rice to discuss a deeply personal and eye-opening experience—rolling his ambulance after running a red light. Kyle shares the lessons he learned about complacency, crew resource management, and the often-overlooked dangers of driving with lights and sirens. Together, they explore how EMS providers can stay vigilant behind the wheel, adopt safer driving practices, and shift their mindset when responding to emergencies.

Ambulance

REBEL EM

NOVEMBER 6, 2024

Elbow Dislocation Definition: Disarticulation of the proximal radius & ulna bones from the humerus Epidemiology: Incidence Second most common joint dislocation (after shoulder) in adults Most commonly dislocated joint in children Accounts for 10-25% of all injuries to the elbow ( Cohen 1998 ) Posterolateral is the most common type of dislocation (80%) Demographics Most commonly affects patients between ages 10-20 years old As age increases, elbow dislocation rates tend to d

E-9-1-1

EMDocs

DECEMBER 1, 2024

Authors: Grant Gerstner, DO (EM Resident Physician, San Antonio, TX); Kyle Smiley, MD (EM Resident Physician, San Antonio, TX) // Reviewed by: Sophia Görgens, MD (EM Physician, BIDMC, MA); Cassandra Mackey, MD (Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School); Alex Koyfman, MD (@EMHighAK) Welcome to EM@3AM, an emDOCs series designed to foster your working knowledge by providing an expedited review of clinical basics.

E-9-1-1

The Skeptics' Guide to EM

NOVEMBER 30, 2024

Date: November 10, 2024 Reference: Couper et al. The Paramedic 3 Trial: A randomized clinical trial of drug route in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. October 31, 2024 NEJM Access to the SGEM Podcast episode at this LINK. Guest Skeptic: Missy Carter is a PA currently practicing in critical care after having attended the University of Washington's MEDEX program.

Epinephrine

ALiEM

OCTOBER 30, 2024

‘Dope’ is no longer heroin in an increasing number of our communities. The biggest change has been the gradual replacement of diacetylmorphine (heroin) by fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Due in large part to the proliferation of anonymous chemical factories able to produce industrial volumes of inexpensive synthetic opioids without opium or other controlled precursors, fentanyl spilled into the United States, Canada, and Europe, heroin soon fell to market forces [1, 2].

E-9-1-1

Emergency Medicine Cases

NOVEMBER 12, 2024

In this EM Cases main episode podcast, we tackle the complexities of trauma airway management, including direct trauma to the airway. We discuss indications and timing of intubation, penetrating neck trauma, the head injured patient, the agitated patients and the soiled airway. The critical question is: when should we deviate from, delay or modify RSI, and how do we navigate the unique challenges presented by trauma airways and airway trauma?

EMS

Pulsara

NOVEMBER 7, 2024

Editor's Note: In August 2024, EMS1 and Fitch & Associates released their annual EMS trend survey, What Paramedics Want, proudly sponsored by Pulsara. Because the articles and advice found within contain such critical subject matter, we've elected to publish each segment one at a time here on our blog. Read, enjoy, share, and take to heart the following information brought to you by the most prestigious thought leaders in EMS.

EMS

Paramedic Chiefs of Canada

DECEMBER 19, 2024

What will we be discussing? Join us for an in-depth exploration of the innovative Preburn Project: Preventing Burnout by Predicting Compromised Wellness in EMS Workers. This session is designed for EMS directors, EMS administrators, paramedics, dispatchers, mental health professionals and researchers who are committed to improving the well-being of frontline EMS workers.

EMD

Don't Forget the Bubbles

NOVEMBER 11, 2024

One-liner… Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in paediatric populations, and fever is associated with worse outcomes. Should we aim to prevent fever, or should we cool patients? A 12-year-old boy presents with a significant head injury following a road traffic accident. At the scene, his lowest GCS was 5 (E1V2M2).

ALS

ACEP Now

NOVEMBER 8, 2024

Airway management remains a fundamental skill for all emergency physicians. Extraglottic airway devices (EGAs) have become a widely accepted means of airway management along with rescue airway devices. We aim to clarify the role of these devices in the prehospital setting and discuss considerations surrounding the most frequently used devices in current practice.

E-9-1-1

FOAMfrat

DECEMBER 28, 2024

The integration of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is transforming emergency medical services (EMS) by enhancing diagnostic capabilities and improving accuracy in answering important clinical questions. Recently, I had the opportunity to discuss this topic extensively with Allen Wolfe, the Senior Director of Education at Life Link III. Breaking Barriers to Adoption A significant challenge in incorporating ultrasound technology within EMS has been overcoming initial barriers to adoption.

Emergency Medical Services

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

DECEMBER 3, 2024

This was written by one of our fine residents, who will soon be an EMS fellow: Michael Perlmutter Case A mid-50s male came to the ED with a burning sensation that was acutely worse while at home. He had recently returned from overseas travel where these symptoms had been intermittently bothersome over the preceding weeks and had been attributed to heartburn.

ED

St. Emlyn's

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

St.Emlyn's - Emergency Medicine #FOAMed Traditionally, large-bore chest tubes have been standard for managing hemothorax, but smaller tubes are now proving just as effective in stable patients, with added benefits like reduced pain and fewer tube days. This review explores outcomes in drainage efficacy, complication rates, and patient comfort, showing that small-bore thoracostomy may be a reliable alternative for non-emergent cases.

OR

EMDocs

DECEMBER 18, 2024

Authors: Kyler Osborne (EM-3 Resident Physician; Tacoma, WA); Katey DG Osborne, MD (EM Attending Physician; Tacoma, WA); Rachel Bridwell, MD (EM Attending Physician; Charlotte, NC) // Reviewed by: Alex Koyfman, MD (@EMHighAK, EM Attending Physician, UTSW / Parkland Memorial Hospital) and Brit Long, MD (@long_brit, EM Attending Physician) Welcome to emDOCs revamp!

E-9-1-1

Medic Mindset

NOVEMBER 13, 2024

Want CE for listening? Here’s how. Dr. Casey Patrick is the EMS medical director of Montgomery County Hospital District (Texas). As an EM physician, he shares how he decides to care for his own patients in the ED who present with rapid atrial fibrillation. He wants paramedics to ask the same question he asks: Is the rapid A-fib the primary problem or secondary to another critical condition like sepsis, PE, DKA, hypovolemia, etc?

Paramedic

ALiEM

DECEMBER 9, 2024

A 25-year-old female with no pertinent past medical history presented to an emergency department in Massachusetts with four days of generalized malaise, myalgias, congestion, low-grade fever, and a rash behind her left knee. The patient denied cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. She lives with three roommates, none of whom were sick, and she denied any other known sick contacts.

Emergency Department

Emergency Medicine Education

OCTOBER 31, 2024

Epinephrine and cardiac arrest: what’s the question? How much epinephrine is enough? Garcia et al. published a retrospective study in AJEM discussing cumulative epinephrine dosage in cardiac arrest. Although the study includes a variety of patient settings, such as CT surgery and cath lab patients, which may not be directly applicable to ED patients, it’s certainly worth a read.

Epinephrine

Pulsara

NOVEMBER 20, 2024

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article originally appeared on EMS1.com under the title "Everyday use of this care platform helps prepare personnel for the 'big one.'" Special thanks to our guest author, John Erich, for EMS1 BrandFocus Staff. __ MCIs are no time to be learning new tools – this one is suitable for use on every call as well as major incidents In Texas, there’s rarely a dull moment for emergency responders.

Ambulance

First Responder Wellness

DECEMBER 6, 2024

Emergencies do not stop for the holidays, and neither do First Responders. As a public safety professional, working through the holidays while trying to maintain your family life, personal health, and social life may feel like juggling more than you can handle. As a result, you may find yourself attending more to one over the other, leading you to feel off balance.

First Responder

Don't Forget the Bubbles

NOVEMBER 29, 2024

It’s a busy day in the paediatric ED. A worried parent rushes in carrying a toddler who’s just had a gulp from an unlabelled bottle in the garage. The child looks unsettled but otherwise fine—for now. “It was just a bit of the stuff we use for cleaning the car windscreen,” the parent says. You smell the faint odour of alcohol on the child’s breath A quick mental note: methanol poisoning?

Plasma

ACEP Now

OCTOBER 29, 2024

On a busy day shift in the emergency department, our seasoned triage nurse comes to me after I finish caring for a hallway patient, “Hey, can you come see this guy in the triage room? His vitals are fine…”. Seemingly unsure, she pauses, “I’m getting an interpreter, and I think he has belly pain, but something just doesn’t seem right.” Coming into triage, I see a young man—Georgian-speaking—bracing himself with a hand against the wall and holding his lower abdomen.

Emergency Department

FOAMfrat

DECEMBER 26, 2024

TRIGGER WARNING: TOPICS OF SUICIDE MAY BE HARD FOR SOME PEOPLE TO READ ABOUT. THIS ARTICLE IS COVERING THE MEDICAL ASPECTS OF CHEMICAL SUICIDES. IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE NEEDS HELP, CALL 988 OR SEEK CARE AT A LOCAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT. REMEMBER, IF YOU ARE TREATING A SUICIDE ATTEMPT SURVIVOR, DO NOT PASS JUDGMENT. WE, AS EMS PROFESSIONALS, SHALL PROVIDE COMPASSIONATE, APPROPRIATE CARE TO ALL PATIENTS.

Epinephrine

REBEL EM

NOVEMBER 11, 2024

Background: Patients with sepsis are routinely treated with empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics while awaiting source identification, as recommended by the surviving sepsis campaign.2 Vancomycin, in combination with either piperacillin-tazobactam or cefepime, is commonly used for empiric treatment in these cases. Literature comparing the two regimens has largely focused on the adverse effects of each medication, rather than on overall efficacy.

E-9-1-1

St. Emlyn's

DECEMBER 16, 2024

St.Emlyn's - Emergency Medicine #FOAMed The blog highlights the updated 2024 guidelines from the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) on imaging in pediatric trauma. It emphasizes critical changes from the previous 2014 guidelines, focusing on the judicious use of imaging to minimize ionizing radiation exposure in children. Key updates include algorithms for blunt trauma, penetrating trauma, and blast injuries.

EMDocs

NOVEMBER 13, 2024

Today on the emDOCs cast with Brit Long, MD ( @long_brit) , we cover the literature on evaluation and management of primary SBP. Episode 110: Primary Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis Background: End-stage liver disease with cirrhosis and ascites is a major cause of death worldwide. Primary spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is one of the most common infections in those with cirrhosis and ascites.

E-9-1-1

First Responders Foundation

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

Service dogs play an invaluable role in supporting Veterans and first responders, offering assistance that ranges from anxiety relief and refocusing in public settings to specialized tasks that help manage daily challenges, such as diabetic or cardiac alerting. Whether it’s helping a firefighter cope with trauma or aiding a police officer with mobility issues, these specially trained dogs provide a level of support that can be life-changing.

First Responder

ALiEM

DECEMBER 16, 2024

A 12-year-old male with a history of autism spectrum disorder and chronic sinusitis presented for forehead swelling. His mother reported that she noticed progressive forehead swelling for about one month. She had followed up with the patients pediatrician and ENT and was given oral cephalexin and fluticasone nasal spray which did not make any changes in his symptoms.

OR

Chicago EMT Training

NOVEMBER 4, 2024

We are ready to begin hosting psychomotor exams for BLS providers that successfully completed their written NREMT requirement. Assessments include: Medical Assessment (Neuro) Trauma Assessment (Head to Toe) Airway Management (with iGel) CPR//AED/choking for adults, pediatrics, and infants Bleeding Control (tourniquet) Penetrating Chest Trauma Spinal Motion Restriction OB Delivery Please schedule an appointment with Victor at info@chicagoemttraining.com To prepare, you can utilize our study guide

BLS

Pulsara

NOVEMBER 13, 2024

Editor's Note: In August 2024, EMS1 and Fitch & Associates released their annual EMS trend survey, What Paramedics Want, proudly sponsored by Pulsara. Because the articles and advice found within contain such critical subject matter, we've elected to publish each segment one at a time here on our blog. Read, enjoy, share, and take to heart the following information brought to you by the most prestigious thought leaders in EMS.

Paramedic

First Responder Wellness

NOVEMBER 15, 2024

Enhancing Mental Health Support for Public Safety and First Responders Lexipol , the leader in solutions that enhance performance excellence in public safety, is proud to announce a new partnership with First Responder Wellness (FRW). This collaboration aims to enhance mental health support for first responders by integrating Lexipol’s clinician and peer support training with FRW’s residential treatment services for public safety personnel in need of specialized care.

First Responder

Don't Forget the Bubbles

OCTOBER 28, 2024

Karageorgos S, Ren D, Ranaweera M, et al. Fifteen-minute consultation: a guide to paediatric major haemorrhage Archives of Disease in Childhood – Education and Practice. Published Online First: 24 June 2024. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2024-327224 Six-year-old Rhaenyra is brought into the emergency department after being hit by a car. On primary survey, she is found to be tachycardic and hypotensive, with bruising over her abdomen.

Frozen Plasma