High-Performance CPR: Alberta's New Life-Saving Standards

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High-Performance CPR: Alberta's New Life-Saving Standards

The landscape of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) has evolved significantly with the introduction of high-performance CPR techniques. Guided by the latest ILCOR (International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation) guidelines, the Alberta Health Services (AHS) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has updated its training and protocols to enhance the effectiveness of CPR. This blog post delves into these changes, the rationale behind them, and the benefits they offer to patients experiencing cardiac emergencies.

Understanding High-Performance CPR

High-performance CPR emphasizes minimizing interruptions during chest compressions, ensuring adequate depth and rate of compressions, and optimizing ventilation. Key changes include:

  1. Reduced Time Off the Chest: Minimizing pauses in chest compressions is critical. Studies have shown that for every 10-second pause in chest compressions, the chance of survival decreases by 11%.

  2. CPR During AED Charging: Performing chest compressions while the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is charging helps maintain circulation and increases the likelihood of a successful defibrillation. Research indicates that this practice can improve survival rates by up to 23%.

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Mastering Entonox: Drug Monograph

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Uncover the versatile role of Entonox, commonly known as 'laughing gas,' as a rapid analgesic in emergency response. Delve into the indications for swift pain relief, including its reversible effects and safety advantages. This guide introduces the acronyms DIVINE and SADMC to navigate contraindications and cautions, ensuring precise administration in diverse medical scenarios.

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Why Medical Knowledge Is Essential for Aspiring Firefighters

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Why Medical Knowledge Is Essential for Aspiring Firefighters

In the ever-changing world of emergency response, the role of a firefighter is undergoing a profound transformation. Gone are the days when battling blazes was the primary focus; today, the majority of emergency calls involve medical situations. This shift, fueled by an unstable healthcare system and advancements in building technology, demands a new breed of firefighters – ones armed not only with traditional firefighting prowess but also with comprehensive medical training. Join us on this exploration of why the future of firefighting requires a mastery of both flames and first aid, and how adapting to these changing dynamics is crucial for those ready to answer the call of duty.

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The Crucial Role of SCBA in Firefighting: Navigating Hazards with Confidence

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The Crucial Role of SCBA in Firefighting: Navigating Hazards with Confidence

For those aspiring to become firefighters, understanding the crucial role played by SCBA, or Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, is paramount. In hazardous environments, where smoke, toxic gases, and oxygen deficiency pose significant risks, SCBA serves as a lifeline. It provides a continuous supply of clean, filtered air, enabling firefighters to navigate these perilous conditions while prioritizing their safety.

In this blog post, we delve into the significance of SCBA in firefighting operations. We explore how SCBA empowers firefighters to operate effectively and confidently in hazardous environments. From toxic gases and hazardous chemicals to oxygen-deficient atmospheres and unknown airborne substances, we shed light on the potential hazards that demand the use of SCBA.

By recognizing the importance of SCBA and its essential components, such as the facepiece, breathing regulator, compressed air cylinder, harness, integrated communication systems, monitoring and alarm systems, and air supply hoses, aspiring firefighters gain a deeper understanding of this life-saving respiratory protection equipment.

Join us as we explore the critical role of SCBA in ensuring the safety and well-being of firefighters in the face of potential hazards. Discover how SCBA equips these brave professionals with the necessary tools to navigate hazardous environments and carry out their duties with confidence and effectiveness.

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Becoming a Firefighter: Advanced First Aid with Delta

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Becoming a Firefighter: Advanced First Aid with Delta

As a firefighter, you will be called upon to respond to a variety of emergency situations, ranging from minor injuries to life-threatening illnesses. That's why AFA training is so important for firefighters - it equips them with the skills and knowledge they need to handle these emergencies effectively and provide the best possible care to patients. AFA training covers a wide range of topics, including scene safety, basic life support, airway management, breathing management, in-depth CPR training, thorough body survey, packaging patients onto spine boards, dealing with life-threatening injuries, taking vitals, administering life-saving medications, and running calls from start to finish.

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Act FAST: Stroke Identification for Advanced First Aiders

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Act FAST: Stroke Identification for Advanced First Aiders

As an advanced first aider, it's important to be prepared for a wide range of emergency situations, including strokes. Delta Emergency Support Training offers advanced first aid courses that can help you recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke and provide basic care until professional medical assistance arrives. While there are limitations to what an advanced first aider can do in treating strokes, being able to recognize the signs and act quickly can make a significant difference in the chances of a positive outcome. Discover how Delta Emergency Support Training can help prepare you to respond effectively in emergency situations like strokes.

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Alberta Wildfires: Evacuation Preparedness Guide

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Alberta Wildfires: Evacuation Preparedness Guide

With the unprecedented hot and dry weather, high winds, and the prevalence of wildfires in Alberta, being prepared for fire evacuations is crucial. This blog provides valuable information on understanding the current extreme weather conditions, mitigating fire hazards, staying informed with the Alberta Wildfire app, and assembling an evacuation bag with essential items. Familiarize yourself with fire-prone areas, adopt fire-smart practices, and know the importance of emergency notifications and evacuation routes. Let's stay informed, prepared, and grateful for the dedicated firefighters working tirelessly to keep us safe.

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Treating Chest Pain: Aspirin and Nitroglycerin

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Treating Chest Pain: Aspirin and Nitroglycerin

Aspirin and nitroglycerin are two medications that are commonly used by first responders to treat chest pain or suspected heart attack. Aspirin is a platelet inhibitor that helps to prevent blood clots from forming and reduces the risk of further damage to the heart. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that helps to increase blood flow to the heart by dilating blood vessels, which reduces the workload on the heart muscle.

While these medications can be effective in treating chest pain or suspected heart attack, it's important for first responders to be familiar with their uses, risks, and benefits, and to follow established protocols and guidelines when administering them. Aspirin and nitroglycerin can have potential side effects and contraindications, so it's important to use them only as directed and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

To ensure the safety and well-being of their patients, first responders should also educate patients about the benefits and risks of aspirin and nitroglycerin, and the importance of seeking medical follow-up after receiving these medications. By working closely with healthcare professionals and following established protocols and guidelines, first responders can provide effective care and help ensure the safety and well-being of their patients.

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Dealing with Shock: A Guide for First Responders

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Dealing with Shock: A Guide for First Responders

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.

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Understanding Hypoxia: A Firefighters guide

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Understanding Hypoxia: A Firefighters guide

Hypoxia is a serious medical condition that can be caused by a range of factors, including respiratory conditions, cardiac emergencies, trauma, and drug overdose. However, one potential cause that is often overlooked is smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Inhaling smoke from a fire can expose individuals to high levels of CO, a poisonous gas that can cause hypoxia by binding to hemoglobin in the blood and reducing the amount of oxygen that can be carried to the body's tissues. It's important to note that carbon monoxide poisoning can cause the SpO2 monitor to read a normal oxygen saturation level, even when the individual is experiencing hypoxia. Therefore, administering high-flow oxygen is crucial for any fire patient, as it can help displace carbon monoxide and increase the amount of oxygen available to the body's tissues.

As an advanced first aider, it's important to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of hypoxia, particularly in cases of smoke inhalation and CO poisoning. Symptoms may include cyanosis, shortness of breath, and altered mental status. Administering high-flow oxygen and working closely with emergency medical services personnel and hospital staff can help ensure that individuals receive appropriate care and follow-up treatment for their condition.

Overall, understanding the potential for hypoxia in smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning is critical for providing effective care in the prehospital setting. Administering high-flow oxygen and working closely with other healthcare providers can help ensure that individuals receive timely and effective treatment for their condition.

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Managing Respiratory Distress: Essential Techniques for First Responders

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Managing Respiratory Distress: Essential Techniques for First Responders

First responders play a critical role in emergency situations, including managing the breathing of patients. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of breathing management for first responders and provide tips for ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients.

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Responding to Mass Casualty Incidents: A Guide for First Responders

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Responding to Mass Casualty Incidents: A Guide for First Responders

Responding to Mass Casualty Incidents is a critical aspect of emergency preparedness and response. Whether it's a natural disaster, a terrorist attack, or an accident, the ability to quickly and effectively manage large numbers of injured victims can mean the difference between life and death. In such situations, emergency responders must work together to triage, treat, and transport the injured to medical facilities. They must also ensure that the scene is secure and that all necessary resources are available to address the needs of those affected.

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On the Frontline: Mastering Scene Assessment for AFA with Calgary & Edmonton Fire Departments

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On the Frontline: Mastering Scene Assessment for AFA with Calgary & Edmonton Fire Departments

During 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.

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Calgary and Edmonton Fire Applications Opening in 2022 and 2023!

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Calgary and Edmonton Fire Applications Opening in 2022 and 2023!

So you meet the minimum requirements to apply for Calgary and Edmonton Fire. What certifications do you need before you’re given a job offer? Canadian Red Cross Advanced First Aid is one of the certification requirements, and at Delta Emergency, we fully certify you to Alberta Fire Department standards.

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Delta Emergency Hybrid Red Cross Advanced First Aid

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Delta Emergency Hybrid Red Cross Advanced First Aid

We started teaching this new version of Hybrid Advanced First Aid in June 2021. Every student has rated our program with 5 stars and they all recommend it to their peers. 60 hours of at home learning and 24 hours in-class over 1 Friday night, Saturday and Sunday. Certify as an Advanced First Aider through online content such as videos, skill sheets, quizzes, written group discussions, 1:1 video instructor video sessions, weekly workbooks - more than multiple choice questions, games and repeatable tests to test your comprehension. Real instructors with real emergency experience. Skill sessions that deliver quality scenarios. Group scenarios to develop real world teamwork.

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