Today is World COPD Day. Everyday EMS Tips frequently encounter patients with respiratory distress or failure secondary to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This is from the CDC MMWR report, “The aim of World COPD Day is to raise awareness about COPD and improve COPD care throughout the world.”
To celebrate World COPD try some of these Everyday EMS Tips:
1. If you smoke stop. Smoking is the most significant risk factor for COPD. CDC quit smoking page.
2. If you know someone that smokes encourage them to quit.
3. Go outside and enjoy some fresh air. Expand your lungs and use your heart on a walk, run, bike, swim, or ski.
4. Review your local COPD treatment protocols and the medications and interventions you are authorized to use.
5. If you don’t have CPAP yet for your ALS or BLS service send a friendly email to your service director and medical director and ask when CPAP will be part of your protocols for respiratory distress.
6. Prepare and deliver a COPD prevention program. Find education resources and more from the COPD Learn More Breathe Better Campaign.
7. Imagine what life would be like on a 30 foot oxygen tubing tether. Quit smoking.
