Reye’s Syndrome is a rare but serious condition that causes sudden liver and brain dysfunction. It primarily affects children and teenagers, often following a viral illness like the flu or chickenpox, especially if treated with aspirin.  For EMS providers, understanding Reye’s Syndrome is critical because early recognition and treatment are vital to preventing severe outcomes. It…

EMS Providers should become familiar with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS) as they play crucial roles in emergency management.  1. FEMA: FEMA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that coordinates response and recovery efforts in major disasters and emergencies.  EMS providers should understand FEMA’s…

Today is World Mental Health Day, a global opportunity to raise awareness about mental health issues and mobilize efforts in support of mental well-being. We understand the unique challenges faced by medical professionals, especially those working in extreme or high-pressure environments such as EMS. Make Self-Care a Priority Prioritize Self-Care: Regularly engage in physical activity,…

EMS Providers should have a solid understanding of normal lung sounds and be able to recognize those that are adventitious lung, as these can provide crucial information about a patient’s respiratory status.  Here’s an overview of the key points regarding lung sounds: 1. Normal Lung Sounds Vesicular Breath Sounds: These are the standard breath sounds…

EMS Providers should be familiar with the Mammalian Diving Response Syndrome as it is a physiological reflex that can have critical implications during emergency scenarios, especially those involving drowning, cold-water immersion, or apnea.  Here are some key points to know: Definition: The Mammalian Diving Response Syncdrome is a reflex primarily triggered by submersion in cold…

Mental health has emerged as a critical concern for EMS Providers, who are frequently exposed to high levels of stress, trauma, and demanding work environments.  EMS professionals play a vital role in prehospital care, yet often face significant mental health challenges that can affect both their personal well-being and their ability to perform their duties. …

Jonathon Feit discusses the concept of challenging established norms and the perception of what is “practical” or “possible” in the field of emergency medical care, specifically concerning the use of whole blood in prehospital settings. Feit critiques the statement from a September 2024 Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery article that suggested “low-titer O…

The article appears to discuss the complex medical case where two men, one a terminally ill patient using Medical Aid-in-Dying (MAID) and another who accidentally consumed the same lethal cocktail, were treated by emergency responders. It seems he older man intended to use the MAID medication under Colorado’s End-of-Life Options Act, which allows terminally ill…

ResponderStrong is an organization dedicated to supporting the mental health and overall wellbeing of emergency responders, healthcare workers, and their families.  Founded in 2016, it offers resources such as mental health curriculums, self-help tools, and crisis support specifically tailored for those in high-stress emergency response roles.  Its mission is to create a supportive environment by…

The article linked below by Dylan Shackelton, NRP, discusses the mental health struggles EMS Providers face due to the traumatic nature of their work and the pervasive culture of stoicism that discourages them from seeking help.  Despite witnessing severe accidents, overdoses, and violence daily, EMS Providers often suppress their emotions to maintain a tough exterior. This reluctance…