EMTs and Paramedics use OPQRST to start a conversation about the patient’s pain. Experienced providers know to ask additional questions to seek out pertinent negatives or associated symptoms. Read the full Everyday EMS Tip at EMS1.com to learn more about pertinent negatives and associated symptoms.
Complex and critical patients are relatively rare for EMS providers. Those once in a blue moon calls challenge our assessment and treatment skills. How do you debrief, learn from, and share what you have learned from tough calls? Ben Dengerink, a paramedic and blogger, wrote an excellent post on Debriefing Tough Calls at his Pre-Hospital […]
NBC is scheduling an EMS drama for Fall 2009. I have often been told to assess and treat patients as if I was being filmed for the evening news. Watch this clip from NBC about the new show and then read Everyday EMS Tips for looking your “TV best” while on scene.
The National Stroke Awareness Month promotes the F.A.S.T. Stroke assessment for lay persons to determine if stroke signs are present. F = FACE Ask person to smile. Look for one-sided facial droop. A = ARMS Ask person to raise their arms. Look to see if one arm drifts downward. S = SPEECH Ask person to […]
Video on how to respond to emergencies with deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf/blind people is available for viewing from the Community Emergency Preparedness Information Network (CEPIN). Some of the tips in the video include:
The NREMT bleeding and shock skill sheet has changed recently. If direct pressure is not successful for severe extremity bleeding proceed immediately to application of a tourniquet. Learn more about this change from our friend Jamie Davis in episode 168 of the MedicCast.. This change was also part of the EMSEduCast episode 10 discussion with […]
On April 20, 2009 the CDC published Interim Guidance on Infection Control and Antiviral Recommendations for Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine Influenza. The guidelines are written for public health and hospital personnel. There is no specific mention of EMT or Paramedic field contact with patients with suspected or known respiratory illness from the Swine […]
On April 20, 2009 the CDC published Interim Guidance on Infection Control and Antiviral Recommendations for Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine Influenza A Virus Infection. The guidelines are written for public health and hospital personnel. There is no specific mention of EMT or Paramedic field contact with patients with suspected or known respiratory illness […]
Virginia has reported a recent cases of the measles. The measles is a severe viral illness with these signs and symptoms during its first stage: fever runny nose redness of the eye(s) cough During the second stage a red blotchy rash appears first on the face and then spreads throughout the body. If you suspect […]
My son’s favorite part of watching auto racing is the crashes. My favorite part is watching the pit crew. Each crew member has an assigned role: changing tires, adding gas, cleaning windows or fixing alignment and body problems. Have you observed your local trauma center using a “pit crew” when you present a major trauma […]