Thank you for visiting the SSCOR Blog.

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.

Our hope is that this blog is not only informative but a collaborative and open forum for you to share your thoughts on developing opportunities and challenges within your profession.

Subscribe. Share your thoughts. Enjoy.

-SSCOR Team

 

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.

Get Familiar with In-Hospital Suction Strategies

Posted by Sam D. Say

May 31, 2025 8:00:00 AM

When you think of in-hospital suction, you probably picture the typical wall-mounted unit that is supplied by vacuum lines piped throughout the building. What may not come readily to mind are portable suction units, but portable suction plays a vital role in the hospital setting. Let's familiarize ourselves with in-hospital suction strategies.

Read More

Topics: Portable suction for hospitals, Medical Suction

Trauma Patients and Airway Assessment Challenges

Posted by Sam D. Say

May 29, 2025 8:00:00 AM

There are many factors to consider when performing an airway assessment, and some of those factors can present obstacles for all patients and providers involved. Trauma patients require extra care and caution when receiving airway assessments, and substantial research has been done on unique risks for these patients and things providers must keep in mind when treating them.

Read More

Topics: medical scenarios, respiratory assessment

Common Choking Hazards and Airway Management

Posted by Sam D. Say

May 24, 2025 8:00:00 AM

 

Most of us know what it’s like to be enjoying a nice meal when suddenly, you take too large of a bite and your food goes down the wrong pipe, causing some coughing and possible throat irritation. If you’re lucky, the coughing and discomfort won’t last long, but sometimes, these incidents result in choking, which often calls for more serious medical attention. 

Read More

Advanced Airway Management Techniques to Use in an Emergency

Posted by Sam D. Say

May 22, 2025 8:00:00 AM

Advanced airway management goes beyond simple techniques you might learn in a single class. Advanced airway techniques fall into three broad categories, each with various techniques and skills a practitioner must master. 

Read More

Topics: Airway management

What Causes Airway Obstruction?

Posted by Sam D. Say

May 17, 2025 8:00:00 AM

 

You’re responding to a choking involving an obstruction. As you know, obstructions can be mild, making breathing difficult or painful, or they can be urgent and life-threatening, as is the case with a choking child.

Read More

Topics: airway obstruction

The Rise In Opioid Overdoses Spotlights Added Risks Of Aspiration Pneumonia

Posted by Sam D. Say

May 15, 2025 8:00:00 AM

 

As if the challenges first responders and health care providers face on a daily basis weren’t already enough, a new crisis has emerged in the form of an old foe – opioids. Overdose deaths in 2022 amounted to nearly 108,000, 10 times the number in 1999. Of these overdose deaths, 76% were from opioid use.

Read More

Topics: emt scenarios

How to Recognize Respiratory Emergencies Before They Happen

Posted by Sam D. Say

May 10, 2025 8:00:00 AM

As a paramedic, you are frequently called upon to treat respiratory emergencies that come in many forms, from asthmatics to those with emphysema to pediatrics suffering from obstructions. No matter the type of call, emergencies involving the respiratory system are some of the most critical you will handle. Recognizing the true respiratory emergency is the first step in treating it. It all starts with your assessment.

Read More

Topics: Emergency Preparedness

Unique Airway Considerations and Risks When Treating Pregnant Patients

Posted by Sam D. Say

May 8, 2025 8:00:00 AM

Pregnant patients exhibit various unique characteristics that first responders must account for during treatment.

 

A significant challenge responders encounter when treating pregnant women is navigating difficult airway anatomy and possible risks during airway management. The rate of failed intubation in pregnant patients is four to eight times higher than in nonpregnant patients, and this is largely due to anatomical changes, hormone production, and aspiration risks that occur during pregnancy.

Read More

Topics: Airway management

The Fundamentals of Assessing Respiratory Status

Posted by Sam D. Say

May 3, 2025 8:00:00 AM

About one in eight non-traumatic emergency visits were due to respiratory distress. Among patients with respiratory health issues or emergent trauma, the figure may have been even higher. Assessing respiratory status is a core component of emergency and trauma care, as well as medical intake. Even when respiratory distress is not the presenting issue, it may be a complicating factor.

Read More

Topics: Respiratory

Checking the Status of Your Portable Suction Unit

Posted by Sam D. Say

May 1, 2025 8:00:00 AM

Medical professionals must be sure that all lifesaving equipment is operational when needed, with protocols that dictate equipment inspections and checks. Some checks must be done at the beginning of each shift, and some are scheduled on a less frequent basis.

Read More