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.
Dive into the realm of postpartum care during emergency births, where first responders play a vital role. Explore expert techniques, bleeding management strategies, and firsthand insights from seasoned paramedics. Elevate your capabilities as a first responder with invaluable knowledge on ensuring the well-being of both newborns and mothers in these critical moments.
Emergency births can present first responders with intense and unexpected situations, demanding quick thinking and swift actions. In Part 1 of this series, we delve into the crucial steps involved in preparing expectant mothers for childbirth and guiding them through the delivery process. From addressing fears to creating a clean environment, our guide equips first responders with the knowledge to assist in this pivotal moment.
Angina, a distressing sensation of chest pain or discomfort, can be a daunting reality for individuals living with heart conditions. Thankfully, medical science has paved the way for innovative solutions to alleviate this cardiac discomfort. Nitroglycerin, in the form of a sublingual spray, emerges as a beacon of relief. By harnessing its vasodilating prowess, nitroglycerin sublingual spray not only provides respite from angina but also offers insights into the intricate connection between chemistry and cardiovascular health. In this article, we explore the mechanism behind nitroglycerin's effectiveness, its strategic sublingual administration, dosing precision, and the role it plays in modern cardiovascular care. Whether you're a patient seeking relief or a healthcare enthusiast, join us in unraveling the science behind managing angina with nitroglycerin.
Read MoreIn the fast-paced world of first responders, achieving excellence is not just a goal; it's a continuous journey. This comprehensive guide explores the vital practices that empower first responders to excel in their roles. From studying practices that enhance knowledge to prioritizing mental and physical health, this guide equips first responders with the tools they need to be effective, resilient, and compassionate in the face of adversity.
Read MoreAccidents can happen at any time and in various environments, resulting in different types of injuries. One particularly challenging type of injury to manage is a crush injury. Whether caused by heavy machinery, falling objects, or high-pressure forces, crush injuries can lead to severe damage to body tissues, bones, and organs. In this comprehensive guide, we provide first aid responders with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage crush injuries. From assessing the scene and preserving the airway to controlling bleeding and understanding the risks of object removal, we cover crucial steps and considerations. Additionally, we delve into the impact of acidosis in crush injuries, emphasizing the importance of professional medical assistance. By being prepared and informed, first aid responders can provide essential care and potentially save lives in crush injury incidents.
Read MoreIn this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricate world of seizures, providing a detailed understanding of their types, phases, and treatment options. Whether you're seeking knowledge about Grand Mal seizures, febrile seizures, or absence seizures, we've got you covered. We break down the various phases of a seizure, from the pre-seizure aura to the postictal phase, shedding light on what happens during each stage. Empower yourself with valuable insights and strategies for effectively managing seizures and promoting overall well-being.
Read MoreIn emergency medical situations, conducting a Rapid Body Survey (RBS) is crucial to identify hidden injuries and rule out life-threatening conditions. This comprehensive head-to-toe examination allows healthcare providers to quickly assess patients and provide prompt interventions. By systematically examining each body part, from head and neck to pelvis, legs, and arms, healthcare providers can detect visible signs of trauma, assess stability, and ensure the well-being of patients in critical situations.
Read MoreWelcome to our two-part blog series on opioid overdose awareness and intervention. In this first blog post, we will delve into the nature of opioid addiction, the signs and symptoms of overdose, and how this epidemic can impact anyone, regardless of background. Stay tuned for the second blog, where we will focus on naloxone, an opioid antagonist, and provide comprehensive training on its usage.
An opioid overdose occurs when an individual takes an excessive amount of opioids, which are a class of drugs that include prescription painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl, as well as illegal substances like heroin. Opioids bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing pain sensations and producing feelings of relaxation and euphoria.
However, when too many opioids are consumed, the respiratory system becomes depressed, leading to slowed or shallow breathing. This can result in a dangerous lack of oxygen, causing severe hypoxia, brain damage and death.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose is crucial for timely intervention, as it can mean the difference between life and death. Here are some expanded details on the signs and symptoms to watch for:
One of the hallmark signs of an opioid overdose is slow or shallow breathing. The individual may take abnormally long pauses between breaths or have difficulty taking a full breath. Their breathing may become erratic, weak, or barely noticeable.
Opioid overdose can cause loss of consciousness. The person may be unresponsive to stimuli, and have difficulty staying awake. They may appear excessively drowsy, as if in a deep sleep, and have difficulty speaking or interacting.
A clear indication of an opioid overdose is constricted or pinpoint pupils (pupils that appear very small). This occurs due to the effect opioids have on the muscles controlling the size of the pupils. In normal lighting conditions, the pupils of someone experiencing an overdose will not dilate or respond to changes in light.
During an opioid overdose, the individual's skin may appear pale, cool, and clammy to the touch. This is due to decreased blood circulation and oxygenation resulting from the suppressed respiratory system.
In severe cases of opioid overdose, the person's lips, nails, or fingertips may turn bluish or purplish. This condition, called cyanosis, indicates a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, signaling a medical emergency.
Opioids can slow down the heart rate, resulting in a slow or weak pulse. The person's pulse may feel faint or difficult to detect.
Understanding and Addressing the Crisis
Opioid addiction is a pervasive issue that knows no boundaries. It can affect individuals from all walks of life, irrespective of age, gender, or social status.
Understanding the underlying risk factors associated with opioid addiction is essential. Chronic pain, often treated with prescription opioids, can increase the likelihood of developing an addiction. Additionally, individuals with a history of substance abuse or mental health disorders may be more susceptible to opioid misuse. Lack of access to healthcare, social isolation, and environmental factors can also contribute to the risk.
Addressing the opioid crisis requires an approach that focuses on prevention, education, and support. It is essential to educate individuals, healthcare professionals, and communities about the risks associated with opioids and alternative pain management strategies. Building strong support systems and promoting access to evidence-based addiction treatment and counseling services is vital. Encouraging open dialogue and reducing the stigma surrounding addiction can help individuals feel comfortable seeking help.
Opioid overdose is a critical emergency that demands swift intervention. In our blog post, we explore the life-saving potential of naloxone as an opioid antagonist. Discover how naloxone works to reverse the effects of opioids, the importance of combining it with CPR in emergencies, and how you can learn about naloxone administration in our first aid courses. Be prepared to make a difference and save lives.
Read MoreAs 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.
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 MoreNasopharyngeal airways (NPA) and oropharyngeal airways (OPA) are commonly used in healthcare settings to maintain a patient's airway and assist with breathing.When used correctly, NPAs can help clients who may be experiencing respiratory distress during certain treatments. However, it's important to have the necessary knowledge and protocols in place to safely insert and monitor the device. At Delta Emergency Support Training, we can help you learn how to safely use NPAs in spa settings and beyond. Our training sessions include a range of courses, including Standard First Aid (SFA), Advanced First Aid (AFA), and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), and we offer in-person, hybrid, and online options to suit different needs. Contact us at info@deltaemergency.com to learn more about our training sessions and how we can help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to respond to emergency situations effectively.
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…
Read MoreThe first step for an EMR is to assess the situation for hazards that can harm themselves, their partners, and their patients, and determine the nature of the emergency. They need to determine the level of medical attention needed and make quick decisions…
Read MoreWhile SMR is generally considered a safe and effective method for preventing spinal cord injury, there are certain risks and considerations that must be taken into account, such as the potential…
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