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Four Common Pediatric Respiratory Emergencies and Preventing Complications

Posted by Sam D. Say

Nov 2, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Pediatric emergencies are always a bit unsettling. Fortunately, children make up a minority of our patients, but when these emergencies occur, it can be stressful—for the patient, for the patient’s family, and for you, the responder.

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Topics: Airway management

What to Know About Suctioning a Patient with COPD

Posted by Sam D. Say

Oct 31, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects almost 12 million people in the United States. Though people of widely varying health profiles can develop this disorder, it is more common among people who smoke. Suctioning these patients demands skill and compassion. Here’s what you need to know about suctioning a patient with COPD.

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Topics: Airway management

The Purpose of Suctioning Patients During Sedation

Posted by Sam D. Say

Oct 26, 2024 8:00:00 AM

With the advent of minimally invasive in-office procedures, patients are increasingly choosing sedation instead of general anesthesia. Sedation exists on a continuum, ranging from very mild sedation to deep sedation, but it is generally safer than anesthesia and requires a shorter recovery time. Patients also may require sedation in some emergency medicine scenarios.

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Topics: Medical Suction

The Dangers of Oropharyngeal Suctioning

Posted by Sam D. Say

Oct 24, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Anyone working in patient care knows how important oropharyngeal suctioning is to maintaining airway patency. Not only does it remove bodily fluids (blood, mucus, saliva, and vomit) from the airway, but it also allows visualization of the vocal cords during intubation—a crucial step in establishing an advanced airway.

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Topics: Medical Suction

Airway Management of Patients in Hospice and Palliative Care

Posted by Sam D. Say

Oct 19, 2024 8:00:00 AM

 

Around 1.4 million people living with a life-limiting illness receive care from hospices in the United States annually. To optimize the quality of life for patients in hospice and palliative care settings, healthcare providers must be knowledgeable about the unique breathing problems and airway emergencies these patients experience, along with the best methods for airway management and treatment.

 

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Topics: Airway management

Airway Anatomy and Endotracheal Intubation: The Basics

Posted by Sam D. Say

Oct 17, 2024 8:00:00 AM

 

Endotracheal intubation offers life-saving relief when an airway obstruction endangers a patient’s life. Yet many first responders have little experience with endotracheal intubation, and some actively avoid training opportunities because they feel overwhelmed and intimidated by the process. Endotracheal intubation is a basic skill that every first responder must master.

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Topics: Airway management

The Routine Maintenance You Should Be Performing on Your Suction Equipment

Posted by Sam D. Say

Oct 12, 2024 8:00:00 AM

 

 

Every paramedic knows their equipment is only as good as its upkeep. Drugs go out of date, oxygen tanks become depleted, and batteries lose their charge. Unless you remain vigilant, your equipment will fail you when you need it the most. This is especially true of one of your most basic, yet essential tools: your portable suction unit.

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Topics: EMS suction

Airway Management and the Overdose Patient

Posted by Sam D. Say

Oct 10, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Anyone in the medical field can attest to an epidemic sweeping our country: opioid overdose . This lethal condition has touched every region of the US and is now a leading cause of death. It’s been proclaimed a national health crisis. If you're an EMS responder, it is simply a matter of time before you are faced with this situation. 

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Topics: Airway management

Quick Overview of Pediatric Intubation

Posted by Sam D. Say

Oct 5, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Pediatric intubation is a frightening scenario for a parent. Thanks in part to differences in children’s airway anatomy, they are more vulnerable to respiratory distress. Your agency must offer regular training on pediatric intubation because the pediatric airway is smaller, more difficult to access, and more susceptible to injury. Knowledge is no substitute for experience, so take every opportunity to practice pediatric intubation.

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Topics: Pediatric Suction

An Overview of Thyromental Distance: What You Need to Know

Posted by Sam D. Say

Oct 3, 2024 8:00:00 AM

 

Difficult airways come as a surprise in 93% of cases, yet most could have been predicted with the right assessment protocols. More than 5% of airways would get a high difficulty score from an assessment. But with the right preparation, the risks plummet.

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Topics: Intubation