firstaidspot

Firehouse Prank

2011-09-19T12:48:00.000-07:00

I love my Twitter feed. Today I got a Tweet from Firehouse.com about a rookie prank that was video taped and placed on the internet. Now, within a few minutes, other fire sites that I have Tweeted to me are picking up the story.

In this video, a masked gunman is shown running into the station. The firefighters scatter and hit the deck. Shots are fired and at the end of the video, credits roll.

I have been on the giving and receiving end of firehouse pranks. This one made me scratch my head. Was it worth filming and posting? I understand the dynamic of the firehouse. I bet when this prank was over, there was a lot of laughing and watching and re watching of the tape.

Not trying to invoke "the thin blue line," the general public does not totally understand the job and the stresses. They even less understand firehouse life and dynamics. While you and I might not think that a prank like this is controversial, the public obviously does.

Tell me what you think. Do these firefighters deserve any type of punishment? Do we have an obligation to change firehouse culture so these types of pranks won't happen? And last but not least, are these guys stupid for placing this video on the internet?

Responder Stress Survey

2011-09-16T08:56:00.000-07:00

I am looking to write an article on responder stress. Even though I have my own experiences and perspective, I would like to here from you. I have a list of questions. Feel free to answer them and add anything you may find pertinent. You don't have to leave a name but if you want, you can. I will not use names or locations in the article unless I have your permission. I am especially interested in knowing if you used the help of anEAP, Chaplain, CISM Team or any other health care professional. I would also appreciate if you can pass this along. My deepest thanks in advance...Ray

1) Did your duties ever stress you out?

2) How did/do you handle the stresses of the job?

3) Does your department/union have a stress program?

4) Have you ever had a formal presentation on stress? If so is it ongoing? How often?

5) Do you have any addiction problems due to stress?

6)Have you ever sought help due to stress?

7) How has your job stress affected your family/personal relations?

8) Have you been diagnosed with PTSD?

9) Have you sought help?

10) If you sought help was it through an EAP, Chaplain or other health care professional?

11) Was the help that you sought effective? Did it address your problems?

12) What is the pervasive, official and unofficial, attitude toward the stresses of the job within your organization?

Inspired Living: DON'T BE BOASTFUL AND PROUD

2011-08-10T23:19:00.000-07:00

Inspired Living: DON'T BE BOASTFUL AND PROUD

Fitness for Duty

2011-01-16T09:52:00.000-08:00

I just read a great article by David Givot in EMS1.com on an overweight paramedic in California. The article talks about disciplinary actions taken by the City of Los Angeles against this paramedic because she continually failed to meet weight loss goals and standards.

This brings up the question on whether physical standards should be implemented for responders. I know that many agencies have physical standards but many do not. By applying these standards are we discriminating against fat people or are we just watching out for the safety of the employee and the public which we serve. Judging by what has been posted on the comment thread of this article, physical standards are just another way that our society discriminates against "large framed" individuals. Go to this article.......

Spinal Care

2011-01-08T06:22:00.000-08:00

Eric LeGrand, the Rutgers football player, who suffered spinal trauma in a game against Army, has been creating quite a buzz this week. Believe is the word. Reports say that he is gaining sensation and movement after paralysis. This article on rivals.com stresses the importance of prepackaging, this is the story behind the scenes. Watch the YouTube video to see excellent initial care of spinal injuries. While you're at it, go to rivals.com and read this article.......

Health Education Ideas

2010-12-07T09:44:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, Ideas are needed for a teaching opportunity. Or you just want to be well informed. A great source for information is the Department of Health and Human Services "Healthy People 2020" website. This report is put out every 10 years. This report lays out HHS's health initiatives for the decade. The thrust is healthy living and lifestyle choices. Checkout my article on it and also, follow the link above to the report itself. Read more....

Infant and Child First Aid/Cleveland

2010-12-05T16:17:00.000-08:00

Face it, as medical professionals, we need to realize our role as educators. From questions from family and friends to formal classroom training, people expect us to know what we are talking about. When asked the how, what where and when of educational opportunities, it is nice to have a factual answer, or be able to know where to find the answer.

As far as infant and child first aid and CPR, there are many options available. Here is the story of the Greater Cleveland area. Read it and get ideas for where you live. Read article...

Now on to the Secondary Survey

2010-08-15T18:05:00.000-07:00

Now that the primary survey is out of the way, you can next go to the secondary survey. This article is geared more toward the first aider. Follow this link to learn more............

Always Do a Good Primary Survey

2010-08-13T11:46:00.000-07:00

Do you want to know what to do in an emergency? What do I start with?
Is the scene safe?
What are the ABCs? Am I trained to be up to the challenge? If you need answers to these questions, follow this link to a useful article that I wrote...........

Where Can I Learn Infant CPR?

2010-08-04T18:35:00.000-07:00

Infant CPR is a must for the medical professional. I also believe that for the lay person, this is, not only a comfort to know, but also, something everyone should learn. This link will take you to a great article on where to begin your journey of learning. Find out more...

PALS and ACLS Preperation

2010-07-22T16:50:00.000-07:00

A number of my students come to their ACLS or PALS provider and refresher classes unprepared. The funny thing is, the don't have to. With the student manuals in hand, they can walk through the door aces.

An easy way to prepare for your PALS class is to pull out the supplemental manual. In this manual, you will find most of the information you need to do well. My first tip is to page through the manual and look at the algorithms. Read through each algorithm. Pay particular attention to what is in the green boxes. This is important tidbits. Notice that they usually have something to do with the ABCs. Remember, keep it simple and practice high quality CPR.

Speaking of CPR, please go through the CPR/AED Competency Testing at the front of the manual. The biggest confusion I see with students us when to do 30:2 or 15:2. Even if you just recently took BLS, a little brush up will not hurt.

Next, look again at the algorithms. What you see in the blue boxes is your action steps. You will need to know these steps after you have assessed, categorized and decided what to do.

Throughout the manual, you will find Learning Station Competency Checklists. These are the same checklists your instructor will use to test you out. A little study of these will let you know what your instructor will be looking for.

You will find the same thing applies to the ACLS suplimental manual. Pay Close attention to the BLS Primary Survey and the ACLS Secondary Survey. These two surveys are the heart of ACLS. Also pay close attention to the Foundation Facts throughout the manual.

As with PALS, ACLS is based on high quality CPR. Brush up on your CPR/AED skills.

Look at your ACLS Algorithms. Green boxes are the meat and blue boxes are your actions. remember to assess and reassess.

You will also find,like you did in the PALS manual, Learning Station Competency Checklists. You will also find the actual checkoff sheets you instructor will use for your Megacode.

With a little preperation, you can come into your PALS and ACLS class a well prepared provider. Who knows, it might even help to aliviate your test anxiety. angziety

ACLS and High Quality CPR

2010-01-30T05:35:00.000-08:00

As an ACLS Instructor, one of the hardest things I notice students have trouble with is that ACLS and PALS is all about high quality CPR. My Training Center, The Cleveland Clinic, pushes this. Students usually come in, wrapped up in the algorithms, enamored by the pharmacology. Who is to blame them? We as health care providers are trained to push, push, push. If we as instructors are doing our job, the student, by the end of the course, has totally bought into the concept of high quality CPR.

I have provided two great links here. One is to the publication Circulation. The December 13, 2005 issue discusses the science behind the 2005 AHA guidelines. The other link is to a podcast lecture, hosted by Zoll, on the EMSresponder.com website, by Keith Wesley, MD. In this podcast. Dr. Wesley discusses changes to the 2005 AHA guidelines and other issues concerning CPR. The great thing about this link, after listening to the podcast, you can receive .5 CE hours.

It's the Economy, Stupid

2009-11-08T07:49:00.001-08:00

Budget, budget, budget. I am beginning to hate those words. I took my present job, Clinical Technician, at the Cleveland Clinic to get my foot in the door. Great move, but at times. I feel stuck. I have applied for a few PRN jobs that would better utilize my skills as a medic, but because of budgetary concerns, mainly overtime, I have not gotten any of the positions. Being a driven type A, this is getting very frustrating.

On the plus side though, I have been re upping and reconnecting with the instructor community. If you have a chance, you should do this too. We as Paramedics make some of the best instructors for BCLS, ACLS and PALS. Your local AHA Training Center can guide you to where you can find Instructor courses. It is an excellent way to sharpen your skills and to network in the medical community.

There are Jobs in this Economy

2009-06-03T23:56:00.000-07:00

The Department of Labor predicts a job growth of 30.3% in the health care field between now and 2014. That translates to 4,700,000 jobs. What are you waiting for. Some entry level jobs, such as EMT-B can be obtained with three months schooling. Others, such as RN will take a few years. Whatever the road, healthcare is a good, recession proof field. Future posts will explore opportunities.

Come on back and find out!

My Hero

2009-06-02T00:19:00.000-07:00

See that picture to the left, my son. Here is a good story about him. Way cool.

He just graduated from EMT school, Cleveland Clinic EMS Academy to be precise. While working for a local ambulance company, he and his partner noticed a car driving erratically. The car went up on the grass and came to rest in some bushes. My son and his partner noticed the woman driver was unresponsive. They broke the window with their O2 tank. Found the woman in full arrest and started CPR. To make a long story short, the woman walked out of the hospital around eight days later.

The neat thing is my son told me he fell back on the training he recieved at the Cleveland Clinic EMS Academy.

The lesson? Pay attention in school.

Good job Dan!!!

Trooper VS Medic

2009-05-29T15:28:00.000-07:00

Wow,

Weigh in on this one. Just seeing the video makes me jumpy. What really went on? I hope the investigation is fair and impartial. Whoever is wrong, I hope they go through some serious retraining. From what I can see and I have read, the trooper should be made to understand about patient care and an EMT's duty to their patients.

Let's hear what you think.

Back Once Again

2009-05-29T15:15:00.000-07:00

Hey folks,

Back again. Busy with work and getting the bells and whistles together. I am going to try to write once a week on paramedic and medical issues. I am going to try to concentrate on finding that job.

I'm Back, Yet Again

2008-12-15T19:58:00.000-08:00

I'm back. Had to go on a job hunt. landed a job at the Cleveland Clinic in the Surgical ICU. My son (the one pictured) just signed up for medic school. My daughter still wants to be a Doc, honor roll kid. Geeks rule the world. my nephew just graduated as an EMT-B. 96% average.

Quick one today. Good to be back.

I'm Back

2008-09-26T18:47:00.000-07:00

Hey boys and girls, I see in my absence, I had a few visitors. I have been studying my brains out for my Paramedic reinstatement exam. I let the damn thing lapse. After being out of the medical field for a number of years, I decided to get back into it.
The test itself scared the crap out of me. It was the first test I took and had no idea how I did. One of those computer based tests, National Registry. I answered a little over 100 questions and had 75 minutes left and a screen popped up. you are done. Alot of strange questions too. I had nightmares of pharmokinetics for days. I'm happy to say I passed. One of these days I will write why I was out of the field, could help some first responder to seek help before you let things spin out of control.
Study hard out there and be safe.

P.S. I will also be writing about study tips.

Public Education;911 Calls

2008-09-05T18:36:00.000-07:00

I worked for a while in a large county answering cellular 911 calls. If you ever worked in a dispatch center you would know that you get a ton of goofy calls. It has always been a personal mission of mine to educate people on making a 911 call. Some people argue, some do not listen and some are just plain goofs. Read this article and pass it along.

This article will address what to expect when calling 911, more specifically what to expect when calling 911 from your cell phone. I myself worked for a large public entity serving 2.1 million people answering cell 911 calls. Most callers trusted that we were professional and had their best interest at heart and would be able to handle their situation efficiently. But there was that small minority of callers that either did not understand, did not want to understand or did not care how the system works. Read more...

Its Electric!

2008-09-03T02:50:00.000-07:00

Nah, not the electric slide, heard that one more times than any human should. Hazards of being a wedding photographer. Another thing I have done both part-time and full-time is electrical work. Got many a shock myself, we usually laugh it off. Electrical shock is really no laughing matter though. Here is an article I wrote on first aid for electrical shocks:

Electricity surrounds us as we go about our daily lives. From our morning toast and coffee, to work and school settings, there is a potential for electric shock. These shocks can range from a small nuisance to a lethal encounter with electricity. A little knowledge of electricity and some know how of basic first aid for electric shock can keep you safe and may even save a life. Electrical shock occurs when a person comes in contact with a live electrical source. Energy [electricity] will find a path through the body, sometimes causing no damage or sometimes causing burns, internal damage or even death. Many factors are the determining factor on what injuries may occur. These factors include amount of voltage,whether the current is AC or DC and the pathway the electrical current takes through the body. Small children, because of their need to explore, are particularly susceptible to electric shock. Read more...

While there read this article on upgrading a two prong outlet to a grounded outlet, especially if you have little ones at home:

Replacing a two prong outlet with a three prong outlet is a moderately difficult task for the do-it yourselfer. It is not just unscrewing the wires from the old two prong outlet and putting in the new three pronged. You have to first make sure you have the proper wiring to make that third prong, the grounding connection, effective. Read more...

Birthday

2008-08-29T05:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the birthday of my daughter Alison and today is the birthday of my wife Bessie. Go review childbirth, I ain't gonna do it for you.

Stroke Care

2008-08-17T09:11:00.000-07:00

Stroke is such a time sensitive emergency. As responders, we should know what to do in the case of a suspected stroke. I think that as professionals, we need to educate the public on how deadly and debilitating a stroke can be. here is a good article to share with your friends and loved ones.

Let's go right to the most important point in stroke treatment. If you suspect anyone is having a stroke call 911 immediately. Even if the individual objects, call anyway. Treatment for stroke is very time sensitive. Definitive care by qualified medical professionals can mean the difference in a satisfactory outcome or one with far reaching or even dire lasting affects to the individual. Read more...

Fire Safety

2008-08-12T05:44:00.000-07:00

One of my most treasured memories is when my kids were little. I would go to their school during Fire Safety Week. The look in the kids eyes as I donned my gear was cool. The way my son and daughter looked at me was priceless. But I was no match for the pumper. The crew that came would always charge the booster line and let the kids play with it. Here is a good article on fire safety. Feel free to share it.

If you awoke in the middle of the night and your house was on fire, would you know how to get out? How about your children? We remember all those fire drills from our school days, but have you ever had a home fire drill? If asked, can your children recite your family's fire safety plan? If you answered no to any of these questions, read on. Your life may depend on it.Read more...

Online CEU's

2008-08-07T08:02:00.000-07:00

Hey folks,

If anyone out there knows of anyplace that online CEU's can be found, drop me a line. Of course, we are talking free, if it's free, it's for me. I am working on a post on this subject. I have gone through Google and today, I am scouring state EMS websites. I have found a few things but I would like to find more. If you know of anything, let me know. EMT, Paramedic or nursing.

Ray

Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

2008-08-05T07:35:00.001-07:00

We all learn about Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome while in Paramedic school. This is one of those ECG rhythms that usually cause a trip up on tests. While in of itself, it is usually not fatal, it can cause complications including PSVT. Proper management of this condition in the field can mean the difference between life and death. Go back to your books to brush up on what WPW Syndrome looks like on an ECG. In the mean time read this short article on the cause of Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome.

Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW) is, at its most basic, a congenital abnormality involving the heart's electrical function. Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome can also occur at random. Men generally are more prone to WPW than women and in men there is a higher incidence of multiple pathways as the cause of Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. Read more...

Great Website for Firefighters:Firefighter Hourly

2008-08-02T07:33:00.000-07:00

Today, I want to direct you to a great site I found, Firefighter Hourly. There is a ton of great information here for firefighters. Check out especially "Probie Rules: The Golden Rules For New Firefighters " by Jay Lowery. It is a well written list of rules for probies. Make sure you read the comments also. This blog is well worth the time spent reading.

http://www.firefighterhourly.com/firefighter_hourly/about-the-author.html

http://www.firefighterhourly.com/firefighter_hourly/2008/07/probie-rules-th.html#comment-124832954

Home First Aid, Where Do You Begin

2008-07-29T20:10:00.000-07:00

Most responders would know what to do in an emergency situation. How about our loved ones? Would they know what to do? A little training can go a long way in bringing presence of mind to an emergency situation. Here are some ideas on where to begin.

A loved one suffers a massive heart attack. You child is stung by a bee and is now having an allergic reaction. Your husband, while working on his "honey-do" list falls off the ladder. Would you know what to do in any of these situations? A first aid or CPR training course will give you the confidence and ability to handle these situations in a calm manner. Read more...

PTSD

2008-07-22T05:36:00.000-07:00

PTSD is a job hazard for emergency responders. It can kill. Responders and medical personnel see more than any human should. We are not made of Kevlar. Sometimes the wounds go very deep. I have seen the effects of stress in my job as a firefighter. It is sad to see a collegue go down the tubes. Awarenes of how stress affects a responder, be it police, firefighter, EMT or even soldier, is well known. Recognition of this stress, especially if you are a boss or loved one can mean, at the very least, saving of a career, or at the most the saving of a life. Please read the following story of Pfc. Joseph Dwyer and then go to the websites suggested at the end of the article to learn more about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Army Pfc. Dwyer was found dead in his North Carolina home, apparently of an overdose. He gained the attention of the world through a photograph of him carrying an injured Iraqi boy to safety amidst the flying bullets of a firefight. The image, taken in March of 2003 by Warren Zinn of the Army Times, was very poignant. A man risking his own life for an unknown innocent. A shining example of American heroism. It reminded me of police and firefighters. One thing we seem to forget is under that tough exterior, in Dwyer's case, covered in body armor, was a man with emotions and feelings. Soldiers, like there brethren police and firefighters, sometimes have difficulty adjusting to the reality of normal life. Alcohol and drug abuse, divorce, bizarre behavior and sometimes, as in Dwyer's case suicide. These are all symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Read more...

Shooting Scenes

2008-07-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

I came across this great article on how a Police Officer should handle a shooting scene if he is the first to get there. Great stuff. Paramedics and Firefighters should read this so they can be aware of what the Police need to do. A good awareness of other emergency responders jobs can go along way.

Preliminary investigation and intelligence-gathering Paul Laska 2008 Jul 7 It's a sad fact of police life that investigators and technical specialists are often not available for response to "routine" or "mundane" incidents. Shrinking budgets, reallocations of resources, and growing rates of more serious offenses far too often relegate shootings without injuries to, at best, follow-up investigations, if any investigation at all. However, all is not lost; the patrol officer, armed with the knowledge of shooting reconstruction, can often piece together enough facts to allow follow-up from the patrol level, possibly taking a shooter off the street and making the beat a safer place for all. Read more...

Allergies

2008-07-20T19:33:00.000-07:00

Man, can it be that i'm allergic to work. Maybe so, but in the mean time, check out this article on allergies. Big stuff this time of year.

An allergy is basically an exaggerated immune response to foreign substances introduced into the body system of sensitive people. Allergies of some type affect 2 out of every 10 [40 to 50 million] Americans. Allergies can develop at any time in life. Allergies can be to certain foods, pollen, pet dander, molds, latex, insect venom or chemicals. Read more...

Cyanide Poisoning

2008-07-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

Cyanide poisoning is extremely rare. Would you know what to do in that situation? Start with this article for a quick brush up. Read article here...

Bust Stress With This Great Vacation Idea

2008-07-15T21:18:00.001-07:00

2008-07-15T21:03:00.000-07:00

We all know how stressful life in the medical field can be. Heck, real life is stressful. You may be here looking for first aid information right now. If you or your loved one's condition is not life threatening, check out this vacation idea. Leave the present behind and explore America's past.

Historic Sites of Interest Along Lake Ontario

Lake Ontario, America's north coast. Canada's south coast. Whichever side of this Great Lake you're on, there is plenty to see and do.Buffalo, New York and the Erie CanalA good start for your tour of Lake Ontario historical destinations is the city of Buffalo, New York. At one time Buffalo was the northern terminus of the Erie Canal. Read more...

Cystic Fibrosis; An Overview

2008-07-13T22:20:00.000-07:00

Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited disease that affects breathing and digestion. Cystic Fibrosis is caused by a genetic mutation that affects the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator resulting in poorly hydrated and thickened mucous secretions in the lungs. Cystic Fibrosis also causes serious digestive problems because of thickening of the mucous linings of the digestive track. Cystic Fibrosis can also affect the sweat glands and the male reproductive tract. Read more...

New Blog

2008-07-13T22:09:00.000-07:00

Hi folks,

This blog is intended to educate and maybe make you a little more aware of what to do in medical situations. In no way is it intended to give advice or training. Your doctor is there for advice. As far as training goes, see your local community college or the American Heart Association or the Red Cross. Some of the things you see on here will be written by my training and experience as a Paramedic. Other things will be written through research. No opinions from me (for right now). I will also provide links to interesting things that I find.

Enjoy

Ray