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Gunshot wounds are life-threatening emergencies that require quick, precise action. This guide for professional responders covers wound assessment, bleeding control, chest seal application for thoracic injuries, and key steps for safe transport to trauma centers.
Read MoreAs an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), you’re trained to provide care in unpredictable situations. One of the more challenging scenarios is responding to patients under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Intoxicated patients can present with unpredictable behavior, altered physiology, and a higher risk of injury—making careful assessment and management critical.
At Delta Emergency Support Training, we emphasize both safety and effective patient care. Here’s a detailed guide for EMRs on safely responding to intoxicated patients, aligned with Alberta Health Services (AHS) guidelines.
Intoxication can result from alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit drugs. Common effects include:
Altered level of consciousness
Slurred speech or impaired coordination
Agitation, aggression, or unpredictable behavior
Nausea, vomiting, or respiratory depression
Increased risk of trauma from falls, fights, or accidents
Masked pain: Alcohol can dull pain perception, making trauma patients unreliable reporters of injury severity
Mimics: Hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia can appear similar to intoxication, making blood glucose assessment crucial
Recognizing the signs early helps EMRs anticipate complications and prioritize patient and responder safety.
Intoxicated patients can be unpredictable. Before providing care, ensure:
Scene safety: Survey for weapons, hazards, or bystanders that may interfere.
Backup: If the patient is aggressive, call law enforcement or additional responders.
Personal protective equipment (PPE): Gloves, eye protection, and masks may be necessary.
Distance and positioning: Maintain a safe stance and keep an exit route clear.
Never compromise your safety—intoxicated patients may act impulsively, and an aggressive patient can escalate quickly.
Assessment of an intoxicated patient may be complicated by their altered state. EMRs should focus on:
Responsiveness: Determine if the patient is fully conscious, verbally responsive, physically responsive, or unresponsive.
Airway, Breathing, Circulation (ABCs): Alcohol and drugs can depress breathing and circulation.
Be prepared to clear the airway using suction if the patient vomits.
Airway adjuncts (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway) may be required if the patient’s airway is compromised but spontaneous breathing is present.
Vital signs: Monitor heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and blood glucose.
Hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia can mimic intoxication and significantly affect patient management.
Secondary survey: Look for trauma, especially since alcohol can mask pain. A patient may not report broken bones, internal injuries, or head trauma. Monitor carefully for subtle signs.
Aggression or agitation: Stay calm, use a non-confrontational tone, and avoid physical confrontation unless absolutely necessary.
Vomiting or aspiration risk: Use suction immediately if needed, and position the patient in the recovery positionif unconscious but breathing.
Altered decision-making: Intoxicated patients may refuse care. Document refusals and use implied consent in life-threatening situations.
Polysubstance use: Patients may have multiple substances in their system, complicating presentation. Monitor closely for unexpected symptoms.
Trauma considerations: Be extra vigilant for head injuries, internal bleeding, or fractures. Pain may be unreliable, so rely on vital signs, visual assessment, and mechanism of injury.
Glucose considerations: Rapidly check blood glucose in any altered patient; treating hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia may resolve the presentation entirely.
Use simple, clear language.
Speak slowly and calmly to reduce confusion.
Avoid judgmental language—patients respond better when treated respectfully.
Keep bystanders informed, but focus on patient care.
Monitor continuously: Intoxicated patients can deteriorate rapidly.
Secure safely: If aggressive, use restraints only per local protocols and monitor the patient closely.
Communicate with receiving facility: Provide details on level of intoxication, suspected substances, vital signs, airway interventions (suction or adjuncts used), trauma concerns, and any interventions performed.
Unresponsiveness or decreased level of consciousness
Difficulty breathing or abnormal airway sounds
Vomiting with risk of aspiration
Seizures or convulsions
Severe trauma, especially head or internal injuries
Aggressive or violent behavior that cannot be safely managed
Hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia causing altered mental status
Responding to intoxicated patients requires a balance of emergency care skills, safety awareness, and empathy. Alcohol or drug use can mask pain and complicate assessment, and abnormal blood glucose levels can mimic intoxication. With proper airway management, suction, airway adjuncts, and glucose monitoring, EMRs can provide effective care safely.
At Delta Emergency Support Training, our courses prepare responders to handle complex patient scenarios, including intoxicated and trauma patients so you can provide care with confidence, skill, and safety.
Airway management is the cornerstone of emergency care. From simple oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airways to supraglottic devices and endotracheal intubation, prehospital providers need to know when—and how—to use each tool. This guide explains the essential skills and decision-making strategies for basic, intermediate, and advanced airway adjuncts to help responders keep patients breathing and safe.
Read MoreWorking as an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) on a remote worksite means being ready for anything—from minor injuries to life-threatening emergencies—often with limited resources and no backup nearby. Whether you’re on an oilfield, logging site, or rural road, you may be the only trained responder for hours. Success depends on preparation, strong communication, and the ability to improvise. By mastering these skills, EMRs ensure that patients receive the best possible care until advanced help arrives.
Read MoreBad weather doesn’t stop emergencies, and it shouldn’t stop responders from being ready. From icy roads to scorching heat, first responders face unique challenges that affect both their safety and their patients’ well-being. This guide explores how weather impacts patient care, what responders can do to prepare, and key strategies to ensure safety when working in rain, snow, heat, or storms.
Read MoreAltered level of consciousness (LOC) can signal everything from trauma to stroke, overdose, or diabetic emergencies. For EMRs and Advanced First Aiders, quick assessment using tools like AVPU and GCS is essential. Learn how to approach LOC calls with confidence and clinical clarity.
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 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 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 MoreResponding to medical calls involving cancer patients requires both clinical expertise and compassionate care. This guide provides first responders with essential knowledge on managing cancer-related emergencies, from understanding treatment side effects to providing emotional support in high-stress situations.
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 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 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 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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