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. 

Many unexpected symptoms can stem from common traumas and accidents, and individuals often suffer significant airway damage from traumatic events. Around the world, injuries such as car accidents, gunshot wounds, and concussions account for more than 3 million non-fatal injuries annually. These common trauma scenarios can happen to anyone. 

By the beginning of 2026, predictions suggest that Canada may face another intense wildfire season, with expectations that it could rank among the hottest years ever recorded. This comes on the heels of a catastrophic 2025 season, which was the second most severe in history, marked by widespread evacuations and large-scale, unmanageable fires. These wildfires have an impact on air quality and the environment in the northeastern U.S. and beyond.

The total cost of natural disasters reached more than $203 billion worldwide in 2023. Catastrophes such as hurricanes, wildfires, droughts, floods, and earthquakes displace millions of people every year and send thousands to emergency departments.

Chief among a health care provider’s worst nightmares, apart from losing a patient, is unintentionally harming one. In addition to a feeling of failure or shame, a poor outcome carries the risk of a malpractice allegation.

As a paramedic, you are frequently called upon to treat respiratory emergencies that come in many forms, from asthmatics to those with emphysema to pediatrics suffering from obstructions. No matter the type of call, emergencies involving the respiratory system are some of the most critical you will handle. Recognizing the true respiratory emergency is the first step in treating it. It all starts with your assessment.

While it may seem like a minor consideration to some, EMS providers know that patient positioning plays a crucial role in the quality, safety and effectiveness of medical treatment. An article from the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation states that patient positioning is 90% of the airway management battle.

Neurological emergencies come in many forms, many of them life-threatening. Any pathological process or traumatic injury that impacts the patient's neurological system can have devastating consequences: paralysis, brain damage, or even death. As an emergency provider, you must be prepared to support your patient's vital functions. This includes ensuring adequate circulation—by maintaining blood pressure and pulse—along with oxygenation, through oxygen therapy, intubation, and, most importantly, suction.

In the field of EMS, maintenance is critical. Our trucks must be kept in good working order, our drugs must be up to date, and even our knowledge base must be tweaked regularly to ensure we keep up with new trends in the field and keep our skills sharp.