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EMS Tips

EMS Tips – Yes to Glucagon – POTUS says ‘paramedics’ in SOTU – Telemedicine in Jail

1. Glucagon, yes we can! (EMS1.com)

Harvard researchers looked at some NEMSIS (ePCR data) and speculated EMTs can’t use glucagon – a medication to treat hypoglycemia.

Many EMTs inside (and outside) the U.S. are authorized and trained to administer the ~$200 per dose medication, but treat low blood sugar with food, oral glucose, or prepare the patient to receive IV D10 or D50 from an AEMT or paramedic.

“After reading a news article about the data analysis, EMTs across the U.S. have pointed out, correctly, that glucagon is within their scope of practice. However, many EMS personnel, including EMTs, shared that though they are able to administer glucagon, they choose other treatments for hypoglycemic patients.”

EMS Research – more please! 

Underutilization of Glucagon in the Prehospital Setting” is noteworthy for two primary reasons. First, is the researchers used the NEMSIS database. Second, the examination of NEMSIS records for glucagon utilization was performed by non-EMS physicians. Kahn, Wagner and Gabbay are researchers focused on patients with diabetes and improving the care those patients receive. Their interest in EMS patient care is appreciated and laudable.

Read: Yes, EMTs can administer glucagon

2. Paramedics get first ever State of the Union shout out

A Washington Post text analysis highlights the words never before mentioned in the President’s State of the Union Address. There were several first-time ever words that might be found in an EMS word jumble:

  • Paramedics
  • Spine
  • Crutches
  • Opioid
  • Amputations
  • Booby

“We are incredibly grateful for the heroic efforts of the capitol police officers, the Alexandria police, and the doctors, nurses, and paramedics who saved his (Congressman Steve Scalise) life and the lives of many others some in this room”

Thanks Trump.

3. Telemedicine in corrections (CorrectionsOne.com)

EMS response to jails and prisons can be high-risk for the EMS crew and the correctional officers charged with riding with the patient.

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago published an in-depth review of how video technology can expand access to high quality healthcare within the correctional setting.

The benefits of synchronous and asynchronous telemedicine for inmate healthcare are described in an article by Catherine Counts, Ph.D. for a video in corrections series on CorrectionsOne.com.

By Greg Friese

Greg Friese, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, is an author, educator, paramedic, and marathon runner.

Greg was the co-host of the award winning EMSEduCast podcast, the only podcast by and for EMS educators. Greg has written for EMS1.com, JEMS.com, Wilderness Medical Associates, JEMS Magazine, EMSWorld.com and EMS World Magazine, and the NAEMSE Educator Newsletter.