Whether you have a disability, or someone you know has one, disability impacts everyone, at all ages and stages of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to one in four (27%) adults in the U.S. have some type of disability, and 12.1% of U.S. adults have a mobility disability with serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs.

September was National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month, an important time to spread knowledge about the heart condition and its impact on the health and quality of life of individuals and families throughout the country.

There are many unexpected symptoms that 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 over 3 million non-fatal injuries per year. These common trauma scenarios can happen to anyone, and it’s critical that providers and patients understand the airway damage that results from physical trauma.

Seeking care for airway concerns and conditions can be overwhelming for many patients, especially if they’re experiencing certain symptoms for the first time, or they’re not as knowledgeable about their airway health.

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.

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.

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are incredibly damaging, and they can change the course of a person’s life forever. In the U.S. alone, every year, roughly 17,700 individuals acquire an SCI. When it comes to airway management of patients with SCI, there are many considerations providers must keep in mind related to the impact of SCI on airway function, and the connection between the airway, cervical column and spinal cord.

It’s no secret that mental health crises have been on the rise in recent years, affecting individuals of all ages, and from all walks of life. According to data from Mental Health America in 2022, the estimated number of adults with serious suicidal thoughts was over 11.4 million, and 15.08% of youth ages 12-17 reported suffering from at least one major depressive episode in the past year.

For years, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has declared May to be “National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month,” providing an opportunity to educate patients, families, caregivers and health care providers about the unique needs of those living with asthma and allergies. 

Roughly 1.5 million Americans are affected by neuromuscular disorders annually, and patients with neuromuscular disorders experience a host of airway complications resulting from muscle weakness. It’s important that EMS providers remain knowledgeable about different types of neuromuscular disorders and their symptoms so they’re able to provide the best treatment and airway management techniques for their patients.