We all know what an important role the 911 system plays in communities throughout the United States, but the role of EMS goes well beyond responding to fire and medical emergencies. Today, departments are realizing the impact they can have throughout their cities by getting involved in public outreach and education.

Pediatric airway obstruction may be a rare occurrence for EMS responders, but they are a frequent cause of pediatric death worldwide. According to the Mayo Clinic, choking is a common cause of injury and death among children.¹ And it could simply be a matter of time before you are called upon to relieve an obstructed airway or treat a child who is choking.

Mobile dentistry has become a progressive trend in medicine. By making dental care available to those who lack access to basic treatment, mobile dentistry improves the lives and health of populations around the world.

Airway obstruction can be one of the most intensive calls that requires a response from you, the rescuer. Few emergencies require such decisive, immediate action as an obstructed airway. You must recognize the signs, decide on an appropriate course of action, and treat effectively so the obstruction can be relieved and airway patency restored.

EMTs may not be able to perform the full range of advanced airway options that paramedics typically employ, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t responsible for recognizing a tenuous airway, performing a thorough assessment, and choosing the appropriate treatment strategy. All emergency responders must be capable of airway interventions, so today we’ll discuss the ins and outs of respiration and five things EMTs should always remember when dealing with respiratory emergencies.

The primary focus of most tactical medical kits is traumatic injury. These lightweight kits usually include equipment to handle different forms of trauma, from specialized bandages to chest seals and tourniquets.

When you think about the components of a well-equipped tactical medical kit, what naturally come to mind are the tools needed to deal with trauma-related injuries: hemostatic agents, dressings and bandages, and tourniquets and chest seals. What may not spring to mind is your portable suction unit. But it should. If you’re trying to control oral exsanguination or attempting to visualize the cords during intubation, nothing can take the place of an effective portable suction unit.

February ushered in another mass shooting at another school, this time with 17 people killed. Much has been debated about the response of law enforcement—their lack of a timely entry, their failure to engage the shooter. As emergency responders, we should reserve judgment on our partners in law enforcement, and instead, focus on how we can all work together to reduce mortalities when these horrific incidents take place.

We've all been there: You're working a code in a crowded restaurant—a patron who has just finished a gargantuan meal—and as you set up your intubation equipment, the patient begins to vomit. Luckily, you have your portable suction unit ready, so your partner begins to suction as you prep your tube. But as you position yourself at the head, the patient continues to spew. What should you do? How are you supposed to intubate a patient who is actively vomiting? Impossible, right? No. There is now a technique that enables you to intubate, even in the most difficult conditions.

Anyone who has seen the news lately can attest to the fact that we are in the throes of a serious flu season. Not only has there been widespread infection across the country, but there are numerous strains out there that fall outside of this year’s immunization. That’s not to say that the flu shot is useless. On the contrary, seasonal flu shots are a great way to protect yourself, especially if you are very young, elderly, or immunocompromised. The flu shot may lessen the symptoms and shorten the infection, even if you acquire a different strain. And if you’re a health care provider, you need all the protection you can get.