Although it may seem like COVID-19 is the only respiratory disease crisis on medical professionals’ radar, influenza and pneumonia season is around the corner, and doctors worry that it may be more severe than people expect.

When transporting a critically ill patient, it’s easy to focus only on the medical emergency. But ambulance crashes are common; more than 6,500 ambulance crashes occur each year, claiming an average of 33 lives annually. Ambulance safety depends on taking proactive steps to mitigate risk in the event of a crash.

Shifts for paramedics and emergency medical technicians can last as long as 24 hours. It’s no surprise that a day-long shift can include a lot of activity, especially in communities with limited EMS services or larger populations.

Frequently, when we consider airway maintenance, we think of removing fluids and harmful substances from the trachea, but what happens when the trachea itself is part of the problem?

The American Cancer Society estimates there will be over 130,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. in 2022. This year, patients, providers and family members around the globe observed World Lung Cancer Day on August 1, which served as an opportunity to learn more about the disease and those affected as well as share resources to educate as many people as possible about risks, symptoms and treatment. 

The right portable suction machine is an integral part of patient care. Those charged with hospital purchasing are well aware of the role of wall-mounted and non-portable suction in patient wellness, but they may not consider the importance of portable suction. Before you make this essential purchase, here are five facts you need to know about portable suction.

A variety of obstacles can make suctioning an airway difficult during an emergency or before an intubation procedure — not the least of which is damage to the upper chest or trachea. 

The use of e-cigarettes, or vapes, has become extremely popular in the United States. Among the top reasons, many see vaping as a healthier alternative to smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes — and given what we know about the latter, there is certainly some accuracy to that.