You’ve been dispatched - to our blog! A place where we share Emergency Medical Services advice, information, upcoming research, gear, courses, and opinions. Based in Calgary Alberta, our Advanced First Aid, Intermediate First Aid, and Basic First Aid courses are taught by real EMS professionals. We teach Red Cross programs, Heart and Stroke, ITLS, NRP and more. We educate to inspire the confidence needed to successfully deal with emergencies. We create professionals. We Create Professionals.
We believe in recognizing leadership and advancing the paramedic profession. We contribute to initiatives that are devoted to first aid education, emergency medical research and emergency education.
Planning to apply to Calgary or Edmonton Fire? Delta Emergency Support Training in Calgary offers Advanced First Aid recertification taught by paramedics and firefighters. Choose from weekday or weekend formats between September and November. Build your resume and keep your skills current with this Red Cross-certified course.
Read MoreDog bites demand swift, skilled care from first responders. Our Red Cross Advanced First Aid & EMR course trains firefighters and EMS personnel in critical skills—from scene safety to wound management and emotional support. Learn to confidently handle dog bite emergencies and more with hands-on training that prepares you for real-world situations.
Read MoreBody Substance Isolation (BSI) is more than just wearing gloves—it's a life-saving habit for every first responder. From bloodborne pathogens to airborne illnesses, BSI protects you from invisible threats on every call. At Delta Emergency Support Training, we emphasize BSI in every scenario because your safety comes first. Learn what PPE to wear, how to use it, and why BSI is essential in every emergency situation.
Read MoreCanada’s wildfire seasons are getting more intense—so is the demand for skilled wildland firefighters. Learn what the job involves, the certifications you need (like S-100, S-185, and EMR), and how Delta Emergency Support Training helps future responders build a solid foundation in Red Cross-certified Advanced First Aid and Emergency Medical Responder programs.
Read MoreThinking of applying to a fire department? Start with Advanced First Aid. Learn how Red Cross-certified training builds your emergency response skills and prepares you for a first responder career.
Read MoreWith summer temperatures rising, professional responders including EMRs and AFAs must be prepared to handle heat-related emergencies. This detailed guide follows Red Cross standards to help EMS providers prevent, recognize, and effectively manage heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, and sunburn, ensuring patient safety during hot weather.
Read MoreLiver failure is a life-threatening condition that every future first responder should be able to recognize. This in-depth guide covers liver function, causes of failure, patient symptoms, and how firefighters and EMRs can respond—based on Red Cross emergency care standards.
Read MoreAligned with Red Cross standards, this guide prepares Emergency Medical Responders and Advanced First Aiders to recognize and manage carbon monoxide poisoning effectively—from symptoms to scene safety and oxygen treatment.
Read MoreDiscover how first responders assess scenes in seconds using real tools like HEMPPA, PWCATS, and SCORTS. We teach it in our EMR course — with real-world scenarios to make it stick.
Read MoreThe human heart is a powerful, muscular organ central to the circulatory system, responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues while removing waste. About the size of a clenched fist, it operates through a coordinated series of electrical and mechanical events that keep blood flowing efficiently throughout the body.
For Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs), a foundational understanding of cardiac anatomy and physiology is essential. The heart has four chambers (two atria and two ventricles), four valves that ensure one-way blood flow, and a conduction system that generates and coordinates each heartbeat. These components work together in two circulatory loops—pulmonary and systemic—to maintain oxygenation and perfusion.
Recognizing early signs of cardiac distress, using tools like ECGs, and performing interventions such as CPR or AED use all depend on a clear understanding of how the heart functions. From arrhythmias to cardiac arrest, EMRs are often the first line of defense in identifying and managing life-threatening cardiac conditions.
Read MoreBlood pressure isn’t just a number—it’s a key clue to what’s happening inside your patient’s body. Whether it’s shock, stroke, or dehydration, knowing how to take and interpret blood pressure can guide better decisions and faster interventions. This guide walks AFA and EMR students through practical skills, critical signs, and scene-ready tips to sharpen your response.
Read MoreBeing a first responder requires more than just medical knowledge—it’s about having the right qualities. From staying calm under pressure to having a deep desire to help others, discover the traits that make someone a good fit for this rewarding career.
Read MoreThinking about becoming a first responder? The Red Cross provides essential training, from Standard First Aid (SFA) with CPR/AED Level C to Advanced First Aid (AFA), Basic Life Support (BLS), and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR). At Delta Emergency Support Training, we offer all these courses, including bridge programs and recertifications, helping you stay certified and ready to respond. 🚑
Read MoreSpinal injuries can have devastating consequences, from paralysis to lifelong medical complications. Fortunately, many of these injuries are preventable. In this blog, we explore the top causes of spinal injuries, shocking statistics, and expert-approved safety measures to help you stay protected. Whether it’s safe driving, fall prevention, or sports safety, taking proactive steps can make all the difference. Plus, learn how Delta Emergency Support Training, a Red Cross Training Partner, provides essential first aid training to equip you with life-saving skills.
Read MoreBeing a first responder is a calling to serve your community during times of crisis. It's about earning the trust of the people you help, offering support during their worst days, and making life-saving decisions under pressure. In this blog, we explore the profound responsibility and emotional commitment that comes with being a first responder, and how these professionals are the heart of their communities.
Read MoreEvisceration is a serious, life-threatening injury where internal organs protrude through an abdominal wound. As an EMR or AFA responder, it's crucial to provide immediate care by controlling bleeding, protecting exposed organs, and stabilizing the patient for transport. This blog outlines key steps and considerations to manage eviscerations effectively.
Read MoreUnderstanding how to assess a patient's pulse is a fundamental skill for anyone pursuing EMR or AFA certification. In this blog, we cover everything you need to know about checking pulse rates, including normal ranges for adults, children, and infants, how to locate key pulse points, and how to accurately assess pulse rhythm and quality. Learn about tachycardia, bradycardia, and the significance of a weak or absent pulse, especially in trauma situations.
Read MoreAt Delta Emergency Support Training, we ensure that our students are fully prepared to handle emergencies with confidence. Through our Red Cross workbooks, teaching resources, study tips, and in-person classes for EMR and AFA, we provide the practical knowledge necessary to deal with fractures and other emergencies.
Read MoreDelirium is an acute medical condition that often affects geriatric patients, causing confusion, disorganized thinking, and altered levels of awareness. As an EMR or firefighter, it's crucial to identify delirium early and manage it effectively. This guide explains how to assess, treat, and respond to elderly patients showing signs of delirium, ensuring optimal care in critical situations.
Read MoreFacial trauma is a serious medical emergency that requires prompt attention. This guide for EMRs covers essential steps for managing facial injuries, including airway management, bleeding control, and fracture stabilization. Learn how to assess and treat patients with maxillofacial trauma to reduce the risk of permanent functional loss and disfigurement.
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