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.
Aligned 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 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 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 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.
Read MoreIn the critical moments following an emergency, the way first responders communicate with patients can make all the difference. Good communication not only helps calm patients and build trust but also ensures more effective care. In this article, we’ll explore why patient communication matters, what to say to reassure and educate patients, and what to avoid in order to prevent escalating anxiety or confusion. By using clear, empathetic communication, first responders can enhance patient outcomes and foster a deeper sense of security.
Read MoreLooking to become a firefighter in Alberta? Delta Emergency Support Training provides top-tier EMR and AFA coursesto help you meet the medical prerequisites for fire departments. With hands-on learning from experienced paramedics and firefighters, you’ll leave our courses feeling confident and ready for any emergency response role
Read MoreDelve into the multifaceted world of healthcare for individuals dealing with substance use and mental health challenges. From addressing overdose emergencies to providing support for those with psychiatric conditions, learn how advanced first aid training plays a crucial role in offering comprehensive care.
Read MoreDiscover a World of Learning with Our Essential Textbooks
At Delta Emergency, we're thrilled to present our diverse collection of textbooks, each crafted to meet unique learning needs. Whether you're embarking on wilderness adventures, nurturing young minds as a babysitter, mastering life-saving techniques, or aiming to elevate your emergency care skills, our textbooks are here to empower and educate. The tactile pleasure of flipping through the pages of our physical copies enhances the learning experience, making each topic come to life. Dive into our range and unlock a wealth of knowledge today.
Shock is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when there is inadequate blood flow to the body's tissues and organs. There are several different types of shock, including hypovolemic shock (caused by severe blood loss), cardiogenic shock (caused by heart failure), obstructive shock (caused by a physical obstruction), and distributive shock (caused by a loss of blood vessel tone).
Common symptoms of shock include rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, confusion or disorientation, and pale or cool skin. If left untreated, shock can lead to organ failure and even death.
Effective treatment of shock depends on identifying the underlying cause and quickly providing appropriate interventions. This may include providing high-flow oxygen, addressing the underlying cause (such as stopping severe bleeding), and closely monitoring the patient's vital signs.
Read MoreDuring an emergency, AFAs are trained to conduct thorough scene assessments to gather crucial information that informs the appropriate course of action. This includes assessing the safety of the scene, identifying hazards, evaluating the mechanism of injury or nature of illness, and determining the number of patients and their condition. By working closely with Calgary & Edmonton Fire Departments, we (EMS) can collaborate on scene management strategies, coordinate resources, and prioritize patient care based on the severity of injuries or illnesses.
Read MoreAdvanced First Aid responders are individuals who have undergone advanced first aid training, often in addition to their regular jobs. In Alberta, they are typically found in fire departments, workplaces such as construction sites, factories, and offices where there is a higher risk…
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