Let’s take a moment to express our gratitude for the dedication, courage, and compassion of our first responders Every day, these amazing people put their lives on the line to protect and serve our communities. From the first call until they return to quarters, they are the heroes who make a difference. Thank you for…

Each year, lightning-related fatalities surpass those caused by tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes combined, highlighting the frequency and severity of these incidents.  However, lightning strike injuries are often an underestimated component of environmental emergencies that EMS Providers must be prepared to handle.  Lightning strikes not only present unique mechanisms of trauma but can also lead to…

Understanding and following the “Talk, Reach, Throw, Row, Go Tow” approach ensures that EMS Providers prioritize safety and efficiency during water rescues.  Each step is designed to minimize risk while maximizing the chances of a successful rescue. Here is a overview of these principles: 1. Talk Overview: The first step in any water rescue is to…

Understanding how heat is gained or lost by the body is important for EMS Providers to manage environmental emergencies effectively.  Each mechanism of heat transfer plays a role in the development and management of temperature-related conditions.  Here’s a look at how radiation, conduction, convection, evaporation, and respiration are relevant in prehospital care: 1. Radiation Definition:…

EMS Providers must be equipped to handle a variety of environmental emergencies that can pose serious risks to patient health.  These situations often require rapid assessment and intervention to prevent further deterioration.  Here is an overview of common environmental emergencies EMS providers may encounter: 1. Submersion Injuries (Drowning and Near-Drowning) Pathophysiology: Involves hypoxia due to…

EMS Providers often transport patients to facilities where imaging techniques like X-rays, MRIs, MRAs, PET scans, and CT scans are used to diagnose injuries or medical conditions.  While EMS personnel are not responsible for conducting these imaging techniques, understanding the basics can improve their ability to communicate with healthcare professionals and make informed decisions during…

The integration of AI (Artificial Intelligence) into EMS  has the potential to be incredibly beneficial, but it also comes with challenges that could be seen as a hindrance depending on its application.  Here’s are some discussion points on how AI can either help or hinder prehospital care: How AI Can Help Prehospital Care: – Decision…