As an emergency medical professional, you rely on sophisticated tools to treat your patients. From cardiac monitors that defibrillate and cardiovert to drugs that reverse anaphylaxis and pulmonary edema, you are responsible not only for the benefits but also the dangers associated with such therapies. Even the simplest treatment can pose serious harm when not applied properly. A great example is your portable suction machine. Here, we’ll discuss three dangerous mistakes to avoid when applying portable suction in the field.

Allergies, a minor cold, and the flu can all cause airway discomfort. Complications from these usually minor conditions can be dangerous, especially in vulnerable people such as the elderly and children. Also, serious conditions such as aspiration, partial obstructions, pneumonia, and other disorders may also trigger airway discomfort. As a first responder, it’s important to know when airway discomfort is a sign of a serious problem or just a passing symptom.

Life as a paramedic means intense highs when you save lives and tend to grateful patients, as well as bottomless lows when patients die, suffer, or become combative and angry. You’ll need to be prepared for the sudden adrenaline rush of a patient in need, as well as the slow and methodical approach of intubation, explaining procedures to patients, as well as gaining the trust of seniors and children. Paramedic jobs consistentlyrank among the most stressful professions. Over time, this stress affects both your physical and mental health.

In prehospital and emergency settings, oral suctioning may be overlooked as a basictask that is performed without harm to the patient. The reality is, oral suctioning is not without its risks and complications. In addition to complications related to the procedure itself, oral suctioning complications may arise because of ineffective or incorrect technique. Let’s explore the various oral suctioning procedure complications and discuss ways you can prevent them in your patients.

As deep winter approaches, it’s time to think about temperature-related emergencies. Regions across the country will experience freezing temperatures, along with sleet and snow. As a prehospital professional, you will be called to treat patients suffering a range of weather-related issues. To prepare for the onslaught of winter, let’s review some of the dangers of hypothermia.

Portable suction is only used in the field on select calls and not daily. However, when it is needed, it can make the difference between a patient who leaves the hospital and one who dies of aspiration pneumonia after successful resuscitation.

Frequently, when we consider airway maintenance, we think of removing fluids and harmful substances from the trachea, but what happens when the trachea itself is part of the problem?

As an EMS provider, you know traumatic injury plays a central role in many emergencies. Trauma calls make up a large percentage of responses and take a tremendous toll on lives throughout our country. Here are a few stark statistics from the National Trauma Institute: