911cast EMS Podcast

We've all been taught that the last thing you want to do to a sick child in respiratory distress is upset them by sticking an oxygen mask to their face. For many of us, "blow by" oxygen is our go-to in these situations.  But is it actually the right choice?  In this episode we'll take a closer look at the practice and the evidence. (Spoiler alert: it doesn't work).References:Barends, C. R. M., Yavuz, P., Molenbuur, B., & Absalom, A. R. (2018). Performance of blow-by methods in delivering oxygen to pediatric patients during transport: A laboratory study. Pediatric Anesthesia, 28(12), 1142-1147. https://doi.org/10.1111/pan.13515 Blake, D. F., Shih, E. M., Mateos, P., & Brown, L. H. (2014). The efficacy of oxygen wafting using different delivery devices, flow rates and device positioning. Australasian Emergency Nursing Journal, 17(3), 119-125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aenj.2014.05.002 Davies, P., Cheng, D., Fox, A., & Lee, L. (2002). The efficacy of noncontact oxygen delivery methods. Pediatrics, 110(5), 964-967. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.110.5.964 Harris, M., Lyng, J. W., Mandt, M., Moore, B., Gross, T., Gausche-Hill, M., & Donofrio-Odmann, J. J. (2022). Prehospital Pediatric Respiratory Distress and Airway Management Interventions: An NAEMSP Position Statement and Resource Document. Prehospital Emergency Care, 26(sup1), 118-128. https://doi.org/10.1080/10903127.2021.1994675 

Alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal are life-threatening conditions that are often under-appreciated by EMS providers.  In this episode, we discuss what makes these conditions so dangerous and how to improve your detection and care of these patients.  There's even an obscure music lyrics reference hidden inside.  Enjoy!

Audio of Sepsis Detective EMS CE presented via Zoom on June 15, 2023.

Whether you call it Excited Delirium, Agitated Delirium, or the newer Hyperactive Delirium with Severe Agitation, this controversial condition often leads to restraint-related sudden cardiac arrest.  Listen to this episode before you restrain your next agitated patient!Madison Programs BrooklynCPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your locationOneKit First Aid KitsMore than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Given for Hatzolah EMS on March 10, 2022.  Capnography for EMS Providers.Watch the video version at https://youtu.be/MKgDG9KFMHEMadison Programs BrooklynCPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your locationDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Patients with Sickle Cell Disease often present to EMS with acute pain. In this episode we'll discuss best practices in assessing and treating that pain and discuss when to provide IV fluids and supplemental oxygen. Madison Programs BrooklynCPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your locationOneKit First Aid KitsMore than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

They may end in "LOL" but Beta blocker overdoses are no laughing matter! Join us this week as we discuss pearls and pitfalls for the EMS management of these dangerous overdose emergencies.EPISODE NOTE: In the case presentation the patient is identified as hypoglycemic but this was not specifically addressed in the episode.  If present, hypoglycemia should be addressed by administering IV dextrose.Madison Programs BrooklynCPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your locationOneKit First Aid KitsMore than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Drowning is a leading cause of preventable death in children and young adults. Join us this week as we discuss current best practices in prehospital resuscitation of drowning victims and dispel some common myths (spoiler alert: delayed drowning is not a thing).OneKit First Aid KitsMore than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

SVT is the most common dysrhythmia in children but it can be especially difficult to detect in infants. This week it's all about understanding, identifying, and treating supraventricular tachycardia in our pediatric patients.OneKit First Aid KitsMore than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Bleeding during pregnancy is a common complaint and while most causes are benign, some can be deadly! In this episode we'll discuss dangerous causes of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy including ectopic pregnancy, placenta previa, and placenta abruptia.Madison Programs BrooklynCPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your locationOneKit First Aid KitsMore than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Is it atrial fibrillation or SVT?  What's an atrial appendage anyway?  When is it too dangerous to cardiovert?  Join us this week as we talk about atrial fibrillation, the most common cardiac dysrhythmia, and considerations for EMS providers.Madison Programs BrooklynCPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your locationOneKit First Aid KitsMore than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

It's fall and you know what that means! Changing leaves, pumpkin spiced everything, and croup!  This week join us as we discuss this common childhood illness, how to determine its severity and spot impending respiratory failure, and common EMS treatment strategies.Madison Programs BrooklynCPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your locationOneKit First Aid KitsMore than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

We're back from vacation and this week it's all about chest pain!  Join us as we discuss cardiac and non-cardiac causes of chest pain, STEMI vs. NSTEMI, and answer that age-old question: what's the deal with pleuritic chest pain?Madison Programs BrooklynCPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your locationOneKit First Aid KitsMore than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

What's the difference between a simple pneumothorax, a tension pneumothorax, and cardiac tamponade? What's the best site for needle decompression?  This week's episode is all about tension pneumothorax for EMTs and Paramedics.

Preeclampsia and eclampsia affect about 5% of pregnancies but are a leading cause of maternal death. While generally occurring after the 20th week of pregnancy, it can develop as much as 6 weeks postpartum! In this episode we'll discuss the signs and symptoms to look out for and how EMS can better care for these patients.Madison Programs BrooklynCPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your locationOneKit First Aid KitsMore than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

When is a seizure more than a seizure?  What's the deal with febrile seizures?  Can someone have a seizure without being postictal afterward?  Join us this week as we talk all about seizures for EMS providers.Madison Programs BrooklynCPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your locationOneKit First Aid KitsMore than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

A building has collapsed and a roofer is trapped under the rubble. Learn how to avoid the "smiling death" as we discuss crush injuries and crush syndrome best practices.Madison Programs BrooklynCPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your locationOneKit First Aid KitsMore than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

This week we take a look at three common, life-threatening diabetic emergencies: hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state and how to recognize and treat them in the field.  Madison Programs BrooklynCPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your locationOneKit First Aid KitsMore than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

You just documented the patient's respiratory rate as 16.  But you know you didn't really count them.  In this episode we take a deeper look at the most neglected vital sign and how you might be ignoring one of the most parts of your assessment.Madison Programs BrooklynCPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your locationOneKit First Aid KitsMore than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

This week it's all about syncope.  Learn some common causes of syncope, whether near-syncope is any less concerning than actual syncope, and other warning signs that can help determine your patient's level of risk.Madison Programs BrooklynCPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your locationOneKit First Aid KitsMore than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.