Oral and facial injuries are common in many emergencies and can be extremely dangerous, even if they seem minor in comparison with other ailments suffered by the patient. Maxillofacial injuries, for instance, are usually complicated by their proximity to the upper airway and cranial and cervical structures — this can lead to severe airway trauma in patients. 

No matter what profession you are in, it’s always important to value learning new concepts and skills and staying up to date on changing industry standards and best practices. EMS providers have an imperative to find as many opportunities as possible to continue learning new things about their patients, as well as ways to provide the most safe and effective care possible to patients, in any scenario.

Distracted driving is responsible for about 3,000 deaths each year. Knowing how to treat patients in such crises — and paying special attention to potential airway problems — is essential for providing proper care.

It was a calm Sunday in 2017 on the southern coast of England when people strolling along the shore were suddenly engulfed in a strange chemical cloud. More than 130 people were treated at an area hospital for complaints ranging from sore throats to streaming eyes, to difficulty breathing. The source and the composition of the cloud have never been determined, but the event is a reminder that hazardous materials can cause a range of medical issues—one of the most serious being respiratory emergencies.

Whether you have a disability, or someone you know has one, disability impacts everyone, at all ages and stages of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to one in four (27%) adults in the U.S. have some type of disability, and 12.1% of U.S. adults have a mobility disability with serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs.

Medical suction can save lives when it’s properly performed. However, improper technique can make an emergency situation worse, causing potentially catastrophic injuries. The right training for your paramedic team can maximize their job effectiveness and even save lives. Here’s what your team needs to know about safe medical suction.

Prehospital care is a sector of the medical field that is constantly evolving with new research and advancements. When it comes to prehospital care for pediatric patients, things can get a little tricky. One of the most pressing questions that comes up when a provider is navigating prehospital care for a child is, “Should I utilize an intubation tube or not?” There are several important factors providers must understand and consider to make the most informed decisions about intubation during prehospital pediatric care.

An emergency aspirator can save lives. It can also be intimidating to patients, and first responders may be reluctant to use the device in the absence of clear indications. There is no reason to deny or delay suction to a patient who shows an obvious need. So when should you use an emergency aspirator? The short answer is that an emergency aspirator may be appropriate any time there is any sort of airway obstruction. Here are some of the most common usage indications.

Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, or EMS professional, treating patients in an emergency scenario is stressful and exhausting. Competent, compassionate care often requires working as quickly as possible while minimizing needless distractions. Many providers skip lunch and breaks, ignore their own personal needs, and work hour after hour in frigid temperatures or on empty stomachs.