It’s the nightmare scenario for emergency health care providers – arriving at the scene of a crisis or preparing to attend to an emergency room patient and a vital piece of equipment unexpectedly fails. The precious time spent finding a replacement or coming up with a Plan B is time that many patients cannot afford.

Proper hygiene is a fundamental aspect of healthcare that directly impacts the safety and well-being of both healthcare providers and their patients. Maintaining a high standard of hygiene is critical for preventing the spread of infections and ensuring that the care provided is safe and effective. As healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant concern, adhering to strict hygiene practices can prevent the spread of infections among patients and healthcare workers.

Maintaining an open airway to promote oxygenation and ventilation is the cornerstone of airway management. Different tools can be used in the process, ranging from basic to advanced, depending on the patient’s status and provider’s level of training.

Traumatic brain injuries are often in the news. Whether the damage is combat-related, work-related, sports injuries, or resulting from falls, much attention is being paid to their causes and treatment. traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) have been elevated to front-page news. The rate of TBIs in America is reaching frightening proportions. Here are some statistics:

Airway decontamination is the first step to successful tracheal intubation. In various scenarios, such as medical emergencies, accidents and surgical procedures, ensuring that the airway remains clear and free from obstruction is of paramount importance.

Airway suctioning can save lives, support recovery from chronic illnesses, and improve outcomes in ICU patients. Proper airway suctioning is key to preventing infections in patients who cannot clear their own airway, as well as in those who are experiencing certain medical emergencies.

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.