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.

Emergency medicine is constantly evolving, and new technologies and techniques are emerging all the time. While it is great to embrace innovation, we sometimes less value is placed on basic skills, such as oral suctioning. As an EMS provider, you must adapt to new technologies and techniques but always focus on your most basic skills.

Imagine sitting through a visit with the dentist without the use of suction. Medical suction machines allow dentists, periodontists, and oral surgeons the ability to keep the airway clear while performing critical treatments.

As the weather gets warmer and we move further into summer, more people are making time for travel and much-needed vacations that allow them to soak up the sun and explore new places and activities. While traveling is always something to look forward to, it can present major airway risks, particularly for vulnerable demographics and people with respiratory conditions.

Responding to pediatric emergencies requires a special approach. From your initial assessment to diagnosis and treatment, you must tailor your approach by understanding the differences in pediatric anatomy and physiology, the best approach for assessing your patient, and some special considerations when it comes to treatment.

There’s never a bad time to brush up on your skills. As a paramedic, one of your most important objectives should be skills proficiency. If you feel a bit rusty or it’s been a while since you’ve performed some hands-on training, now might be a good time to schedule a course. And there’s no area more critical than advanced airway management.

One of the most critical aspects of emergency care is managing the airway. Nothing takes priority over the airway, for no amount of resuscitation, medication, or stabilization will matter if your patient lacks a patent airway.

Exercise is beneficial for people of all ages looking to remain active and prioritize their physical and emotional health. Aside from the obvious benefits of exercise, it also positively affects lung health.

Portable suction is only utilized in the field on some calls and not on an everyday basis. However, when it is needed, it can make the difference between a patient that leaves the hospital and one who dies of aspiration pneumonia after successful resuscitation.

You have decided it is important to carry a portable suction unit, so naturally, you want to select an effective product. Ask yourself the following questions during your selection process.

Quickly and efficiently hooking up your portable suction machine can save precious seconds, preventing hypoxia and reducing the risk of serious respiratory complications. It should only take a few seconds, but if you’ve never done it before, the process can feel overwhelming and frustrating.

It’s important that your team regularly drill the process, particularly if using suction machines is an infrequent part of your job with which team members have little practice. Here are the basic steps for getting your machine ready to go.