Articles: emergency-medical-services.
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Aeromedical evacuation involves the transfer of patients in a variety of aircraft types (both fixed-wing and helicopters). The patients' condition will hopefully be maintained or improved during the transfer. The escorting doctor should be aware of the differences between working in the airborne environment and working in the static ground-based facility.
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This study evaluated the efficacy of glucagon for prehospital therapy of hypoglycemia in patients without IV access. ⋯ Glucagon is safe and effective therapy for hypoglycemia in the prehospital setting.
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Before the implementation of an intraosseous infusion protocol by the City of Pittsburgh paramedics, we undertook a study to compare the establishment of a simulated intraosseous infusion in three different prehospital settings. The purpose of this study was to determine the time to establish an intraosseous infusion and the success rate at the scene and en route to the hospital using this model. ⋯ Using a simulated model, IO access can be established successfully in the prehospital setting. The minimal time delay in establishing IO infusion may make it an appropriate technique for use at the scene or en route to the hospital.
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Federal laws and regulations require hazardous-materials-response training for EMS personnel and other emergency responders. The requirements, however, aren't entirely clear about the amount of time and topics to be covered for EMS training. EMTs and paramedics should either be trained to the highest level at which they are likely to perform, or their performance levels should be restricted to the highest level to which they have been trained.