One of the biggest topics of conversation dominating news coverage and the internet in recent weeks and months has been the impact of Canadian wildfires on air quality and the environment in the northeastern U.S. and beyond.

There were more than 5,300 choking deaths in 2021. Aspiration remains alarmingly common and accounts for about 15.8% of community-acquired pneumonia cases. This means airway management remains a critical and life-saving tool for EMS responders. Whether it’s intubating a choking victim, clearing the airway in a patient suffering from pneumonia, or dealing with the aftermath of aspiration, suction catheters are an essential tool in every first responder’s kit.

Responding to pediatric special needs patients can be challenging. Depending on the disability, the person may be unable to relate pertinent information about their complaint, level of discomfort, or emotional state. And when the emergency involves the respiratory tract, it only increases the stress of the situation. Let’s discuss some considerations when performing a respiratory assessment on pediatric patients with special needs.

When faced with the challenge of transporting someone in respiratory distress, emergency responders should be able to identify the symptoms and remain prepared to spring into action with the right procedures and equipment.

In 2022, there were 647 mass shootings, and as of mid-year 2023, there have already been more than 300. Tactical medical response requires a different skill set and approach than that required when an elder falls, or a child has a choking episode. Tactical medical injuries are high-stakes, and first responders must provide prompt care in a high-stress environment where split-second decisions can be a matter of life and death.

Sometimes portable suction machines get a bad rap. That’s unfortunate because these life-saving devices have come a long way in recent years. Let’s debunk some of the most common fallacies about portable suction machines.

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.