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

/ Delta Emergency Support Training/
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%.

Read More

Mastering Entonox: Drug Monograph

/ Delta Emergency Support Training/

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.

Read More

Why Medical Knowledge Is Essential for Aspiring Firefighters

/ Delta Emergency Support Training/
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.

Read More

Becoming a Firefighter: Advanced First Aid with Delta

/ Delta Emergency Support Training/
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.

Read More

Alberta Wildfires: Evacuation Preparedness Guide

/ Delta Emergency Support Training/
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.

Read More

Treating Chest Pain: Aspirin and Nitroglycerin

/ Delta Emergency Support Training/
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.

Read More

Managing Respiratory Distress: Essential Techniques for First Responders

/ Delta Emergency Support Training/
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.

Read More

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

/ Delta Emergency Support Training/
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.

Read More

Calgary and Edmonton Fire Applications Opening in 2022 and 2023!

/ Delta Emergency Support Training/
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.

Read More

Delta Emergency Hybrid Red Cross Advanced First Aid

/ Delta Emergency Support Training/
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.

Read More