EMS Happenings

Regional STEMI Protocols

2007-02-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

I have always been an advocate for Optimal Patient Care. EMS is in a unique position to control the flow of Patients in the Pre-Hospital Care arena. One area that EMS has shown Improved outcomes is Trauma Care. With the creation of Regional Trauma Triage protocols, and rapid transport of Critically Injured patients to Trauma Centers we shown a reduction on Mortality and Morbidity. It is time to use this Model for other areas of EMS Transport.

Patients who are experiencing Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Pre-Hospital setting dial 9-1-1 for one reason ....To gain access to Trained Professionals who will help them solve their problem. Recent research has show that Acute Angioplasty for STEMI is far superior to Thrombolytics. Most patients are within 30 minutes of a Hospital that provides Life Saving Angioplasty. It is the responsibility of the EMS Professionals to Recognize STEMI in the field, and triage these patients directly to the Appropriate Interventional Facility.

My challenge is to each and every EMS Professional to learn about STEMI, and know what resources you have in your communities. Which hospitals have the best outcomes ? Who has the fastest Door to Balloon times ? Do your protocols support your decision to transport directly to the Interventional Facility (possibly bypassing a closer hospital) ?

Visit this website to learn more - http://www.regionalpci-stemi.org/index.html

Get Involved, Make Change, Make a Difference in someone's Life !!

ResQPod Saves Lives in Lucas County,Ohio

2007-02-11T14:58:00.000-05:00

Lucas County EMS in Ohio recently published a study that supports their usage of the ResQpod Impedance Threshold Device. This device is the only device that received a Class IIa rating from the AHA 2005 Guidelines. Visit this link to read the study. http://co.lucas.oh.us/EMS/ResQPOD.pdf

Promising Airway Tools

2007-01-08T21:10:00.000-05:00

There have been alot of studies published recently that question the benefit of Pre-Hospital Intubation by Paramedics. While there are also studies that show the benefits of Early Intubation, there are still some critics who would like to see the practice abandoned. One new Device that may help make Difficult Airway's a thing of the past is the Airtraq Visual Laryngoscope. The device is disposable but may prove itself to be a lifesaver. The device retails for about $80.00 per unit. More information can be found at their website.

When we discuss Airway Management, we need to be serious about the benefits of Waveform Capnography. If you are utilizing advanced Airway Management tools, you must invest in Waveform capnography. To learn more, visit a Great Capnography Blog Here.

Lastly, if you do not have a Back Up Airway device you should really check out the King LT-D

New Medical Device Improves Chances of Survival for Cardiac Arrest Victims

2006-12-24T06:58:00.001-05:00

November 2006 (Medialink) - Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in our country. The statistics are frightening - 95% of all cardiac arrest victims die before they can get to a hospital.

American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines highly recommend the use of an impedance threshold device during CPR. Studies show that the device, which is about the size of a human fist, doubles the amount of blood flow delivering oxygen to vital organs, increasing a cardiac arrest victim's chances of survival.

In one city where EMS units regularly use the ResQPOD(r) impedance threshold device, overall resuscitation rates are up nearly 50% -- the highest in nearly 30 years. Medics from Cypress Creek, Texas, will announce those results this week at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association.

Unfortunately, not all cities have brought their EMS systems into compliance with the latest AHA guidelines.

For more information and approved indications for use, log onto www.advancedcirculatory.com.
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Produced for Advanced Circulatory Systems, Inc.

Welcome

2006-12-24T06:47:00.000-05:00

Thanks for visiting. I hope to use this blog to share my thoughts on a wide variety of EMS related topics. I may also include some Non-EMS related thoughts occasionally to keep it interesting. Feel free to comment about my posts.