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.
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As a first aider or advanced first aider, being prepared to manage severe bleeding is essential. Tourniquets are a critical tool in managing severe bleeding and can be the difference between life and death in emergency situations. In this blog post, we'll explain what a tourniquet is, when and why to use one, how to properly apply one, and why it's crucial not to remove it once it's on.
Read MoreWith 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 MoreAspirin 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 MoreShock 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 MoreHypoxia 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.
Read MoreFirst 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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