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Whether you're in a Hospital or EMS setting, this is the place for you. We'll share information on current industry news, tips, as well as the latest and greatest in SSCOR products.

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AboutSam D. Say

Sam D. Say is owner and CEO of SSCOR, Inc., a medical device manufacturer specializing in emergency battery operated portable suction devices for the hospital and pre-hospital settings. Mr. Say has been involved in developing product for healthcare providers for over 35 years. His passions include contributing to the management of the patient airway and providing solutions that save lives in difficult conditions.

Can You Really Clear an Airway with a Ballpoint Pen Like in the Movies?

Posted by Sam D. Say

Dec 28, 2024 8:00:00 AM

It’s a dramatic plot twist in movies, medical dramas, and even the occasional sitcom (think MacGyver): A character is choking or in respiratory distress and standard interventions like the Heimlich maneuver just aren’t cutting it. So a heroic bystander takes things into their own hands and jams a pen into the victim’s throat, much to everyone’s horror. But then, to everyone’s shock and relief, doing so clears the airway, allowing the survivor to breathe until help arrives. But can you really do this?

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Topics: Airway management, airway obstruction

Carbon Dioxide Toxicity Symptoms

Posted by Sam D. Say

Dec 26, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Hypercapnia, also known as hypercarbia or carbon dioxide toxicity, causes dangerous levels of CO2 in the blood. In most cases, it signals a respiratory problem such as poor lung function, but it can also happen among deep divers, particularly when they do not breathe adequately, or have contaminated oxygen supplies. 

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Topics: Emergency medical suction, Airway management

8 Signs of Dying from Aspiration Pneumonia

Posted by Sam D. Say

Dec 21, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Download a great infographic for this blog!

While the mortality rate of aspiration pneumonia depends on complications of the disease, the 30-day mortality rate hovers around 21%, with a higher rate of 29.7% in hospital-associated aspiration pneumonia. For uncomplicated pneumonia, the mortality rate is still high – around 5%.

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Topics: Aspiration

Contraindications for Airway Management

Posted by Sam D. Say

Dec 19, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Airway management is a key pillar of emergency medicine. When performed correctly, it can save lives, improve surgical outcomes, and improve the quality of life for terminally ill patients. However, airway management presents complications and risks. Knowing the contraindications for airway management can help you better serve patients and reduce the risk of needless morbidity. 

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Topics: Airway management

How the Holidays Bring Increased Challenges to Emergency Responders

Posted by Sam D. Say

Dec 14, 2024 8:00:00 AM

 

The holiday season in the U.S. is upon us, and food, family, gifts, and much more bring us joy. Unfortunately, some unique challenges for emergency responders accompany these special days.

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Topics: Emergency Preparedness

How to Check Gag Reflex in an Intubated Patient

Posted by Sam D. Say

Dec 12, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Assessing for a gag reflex is a basic skill that can become important in a variety of medical settings. It is also a way to measure brain death. Medical experts, however, now caution against using the gag reflex as a primary determinant of whether to intubate or as a measure of airway health. So first responders must balance competing information and studies to make informed decisions in each individual case. Here’s what you need to know about checking for a gag reflex in an intubated patient. 

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Topics: Intubation

4 Things to Know About Deep Suctioning for RSV in Infants

Posted by Sam D. Say

Nov 30, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Almost all children become infected with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by the age of two. For neonates and immunocompromised babies, this can be a life-threatening disease. The unique airways of very young babies can compromise their ability to clear airway secretions, increasing the risk of serious complications. Deep suctioning can reduce their discomfort—and in some cases—even save their lives. Here’s what you need to know. 

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Topics: Pediatric Suction

Tracheostomy Advantages and Disadvantages

Posted by Sam D. Say

Nov 28, 2024 8:00:00 AM

A tracheostomy opens a direct airway into the neck. Its prevalence in long-term care is increasing, and some providers assert that early tracheostomy in mechanically ventilated patients may decrease complications and reduce morbidity.

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Topics: Airway management

5 Purchasing Considerations for a Pharyngeal Suction Device

Posted by Sam D. Say

Nov 23, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Preplanning is part of the job as an emergency responder. Each shift, you must be prepared to answer any type of emergency that your community throws at you, so you had better plan ahead. When it comes to your equipment, especially your pharyngeal suction device, you want a unit that will fit the needs of the community in which you work. Here are a few considerations when choosing a portable suction unit.

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Topics: Medical Suction

4 Types of Suction Aspirators

Posted by Sam D. Say

Nov 21, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Suction plays a critical role in numerous medical procedures. It’s also a key component of every tactical medical kit. Yet many first responders and other medical professionals are familiar with only one or two suction aspirators. In an emergency or when you collaborate with another agency, your familiarity with a wide range of suction equipment may be the most important factor in patient outcomes. Here are the types of suction aspirators you might encounter.

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Topics: Aspiration