Upper airway obstructions affect the trachea, pharynx, or larynx. Though partial obstructions can be painful, complete obstructions can be life-threatening. Without treatment, they can quickly prove fatal.

Hurricane Ian brought widespread damage to the southeast U.S. and was the deadliest storm to strike Florida since 1935, causing at least 137 fatalities in its path across the Caribbean and the East Coast.

We all know that treating pediatric patients is nothing like treating adults. For one thing, young patients tend to add an additional element of stress to any emergency. The infrequency with which emergency personnel treats pediatrics usually equates to less assurance and more anxiety. Children also require a separate set of drug dosages, which can be difficult to memorize when used so infrequently.

EMTs deal with emergencies every day, so it’s easy to feel like emergency preparedness is baked into the job and that can lead to complacency.

About 1 in 8 non-traumatic emergency visits were due to respiratory distress, per a 2014 study. 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.

September is National Preparedness Month, a time to remember and spread awareness about the need for robust preparation in the event of a disaster or emergency. This applies to all, from families to businesses — and of course, health care organizations and providers.

Virtually every medical office worker, dental care provider, hospital employee, or first responder must use medical suctioning. Suctioning can be an important emergency intervention as well as a key aspect of routine care.

Suctioning a patient can maintain a patent airway, remove life-threatening airway obstructions, and prevent aspiration in vomiting or bleeding patients. But airway suctioning is not without risks, including changes in blood pressure. First responders must understand the link between suctioning and blood pressure to prevent both hypotensive and hypertensive states.