911cast EMS Podcast: Recent Episodes

Scott Topiol, MSN, RN, CEN, MICN

Practical EMS topics in about 10 minutes, brought to you by EMS Educator and Certified Emergency Nurse Scott Topiol.

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We're back! Have you ever had a patient who suffered a seemingly minor injury and was complaining about weakness in their hands and odd sensations in their legs? This week we're discussing the most common spinal cord injury: Central Cord Syndrome. We'll also touch briefly on neurogenic and spinal shock.

During this episode I mention a technique for placing a C-collar that was a "game changer" in my practice and promised to include a link to the video in the show notes. When you're done listening, go ahead and check out the video below. The "sweeping motion" made a huge difference in helping the collar sit better on the patient's neck and has reduced the number of patients that seemingly "can't tolerate" the procedure. I hope you find it helpful!

C-collar video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydljBEN2RU8

This episode is sponsored by CPR Ready Los Angeles, an American Heart Association Training Site offering BLS, ACLS, and PALS classes as well as California EMT Skills Verification services. Book your class today at cprreadyla.com!

CPR Ready Los Angeles
Offering AHA BLS, ACLS, and PALS classes plus California EMT Skills Verification.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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We've all been taught that the last thing you want to do to a sick child in respiratory distress is upset them by sticking an oxygen mask to their face. For many of us, "blow by" oxygen is our go-to in these situations.  But is it actually the right choice?  In this episode we'll take a closer look at the practice and the evidence. (Spoiler alert: it doesn't work).

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Alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal are life-threatening conditions that are often under-appreciated by EMS providers.  In this episode, we discuss what makes these conditions so dangerous and how to improve your detection and care of these patients.  There's even an obscure music lyrics reference hidden inside.  Enjoy!

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Audio of Sepsis Detective EMS CE presented via Zoom on June 15, 2023.

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Whether you call it Excited Delirium, Agitated Delirium, or the newer Hyperactive Delirium with Severe Agitation, this controversial condition often leads to restraint-related sudden cardiac arrest.  Listen to this episode before you restrain your next agitated patient!

Madison Programs Brooklyn
CPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your location

OneKit First Aid Kits
More than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!

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Given for Hatzolah EMS on March 10, 2022.  Capnography for EMS Providers.

Watch the video version at https://youtu.be/MKgDG9KFMHE

Madison Programs Brooklyn
CPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your location

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Patients with Sickle Cell Disease often present to EMS with acute pain. In this episode we'll discuss best practices in assessing and treating that pain and discuss when to provide IV fluids and supplemental oxygen. 

Madison Programs Brooklyn
CPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your location

OneKit First Aid Kits
More than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!

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They may end in "LOL" but Beta blocker overdoses are no laughing matter! Join us this week as we discuss pearls and pitfalls for the EMS management of these dangerous overdose emergencies.

EPISODE NOTE: In the case presentation the patient is identified as hypoglycemic but this was not specifically addressed in the episode.  If present, hypoglycemia should be addressed by administering IV dextrose.

Madison Programs Brooklyn
CPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your location

OneKit First Aid Kits
More than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!

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Drowning is a leading cause of preventable death in children and young adults. Join us this week as we discuss current best practices in prehospital resuscitation of drowning victims and dispel some common myths (spoiler alert: delayed drowning is not a thing).

OneKit First Aid Kits
More than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!

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SVT is the most common dysrhythmia in children but it can be especially difficult to detect in infants. This week it's all about understanding, identifying, and treating supraventricular tachycardia in our pediatric patients.

OneKit First Aid Kits
More than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!

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Bleeding during pregnancy is a common complaint and while most causes are benign, some can be deadly! In this episode we'll discuss dangerous causes of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy including ectopic pregnancy, placenta previa, and placenta abruptia.

Madison Programs Brooklyn
CPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your location

OneKit First Aid Kits
More than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!

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Is it atrial fibrillation or SVT?  What's an atrial appendage anyway?  When is it too dangerous to cardiovert?  Join us this week as we talk about atrial fibrillation, the most common cardiac dysrhythmia, and considerations for EMS providers.

Madison Programs Brooklyn
CPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your location

OneKit First Aid Kits
More than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!

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It's fall and you know what that means! Changing leaves, pumpkin spiced everything, and croup!  This week join us as we discuss this common childhood illness, how to determine its severity and spot impending respiratory failure, and common EMS treatment strategies.

Madison Programs Brooklyn
CPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your location

OneKit First Aid Kits
More than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!

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We're back from vacation and this week it's all about chest pain!  Join us as we discuss cardiac and non-cardiac causes of chest pain, STEMI vs. NSTEMI, and answer that age-old question: what's the deal with pleuritic chest pain?

Madison Programs Brooklyn
CPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your location

OneKit First Aid Kits
More than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!

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What's the difference between a simple pneumothorax, a tension pneumothorax, and cardiac tamponade? What's the best site for needle decompression?  This week's episode is all about tension pneumothorax for EMTs and Paramedics.

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Preeclampsia and eclampsia affect about 5% of pregnancies but are a leading cause of maternal death. While generally occurring after the 20th week of pregnancy, it can develop as much as 6 weeks postpartum! In this episode we'll discuss the signs and symptoms to look out for and how EMS can better care for these patients.

Madison Programs Brooklyn
CPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your location

OneKit First Aid Kits
More than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!

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When is a seizure more than a seizure?  What's the deal with febrile seizures?  Can someone have a seizure without being postictal afterward?  Join us this week as we talk all about seizures for EMS providers.

Madison Programs Brooklyn
CPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your location

OneKit First Aid Kits
More than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!

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A building has collapsed and a roofer is trapped under the rubble. Learn how to avoid the "smiling death" as we discuss crush injuries and crush syndrome best practices.

Madison Programs Brooklyn
CPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your location

OneKit First Aid Kits
More than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!

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This week we take a look at three common, life-threatening diabetic emergencies: hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state and how to recognize and treat them in the field.  

Madison Programs Brooklyn
CPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your location

OneKit First Aid Kits
More than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!

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You just documented the patient's respiratory rate as 16.  But you know you didn't really count them.  In this episode we take a deeper look at the most neglected vital sign and how you might be ignoring one of the most parts of your assessment.

Madison Programs Brooklyn
CPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your location

OneKit First Aid Kits
More than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!

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This week it's all about syncope.  Learn some common causes of syncope, whether near-syncope is any less concerning than actual syncope, and other warning signs that can help determine your patient's level of risk.

Madison Programs Brooklyn
CPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your location

OneKit First Aid Kits
More than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!

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From chewing on extension cords to being shot by tasers, join us this week as we search for the shocking truth about electrical injuries.

Madison Programs Brooklyn
CPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your location

OneKit First Aid Kits
More than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!

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Pulmonary embolisms are a leading cause of sudden cardiac arrest, but they're not always easy to spot.  This week we discuss the risk factors and common signs and symptoms associated with pulmonary embolism.

Madison Programs Brooklyn
CPR and First Aid training in New York. Available to train your personnel at your location

OneKit First Aid Kits
More than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!

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When is a bump to the head more than just a bump to the head? This week we take a look at pediatric head trauma pearls and pitfalls.

OneKit First Aid Kits
More than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!

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With summer in full swing and the 4th of July just days away we're taking a look at the fundamentals of caring for burn injuries in the field. 

OneKit First Aid Kits
More than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!

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Is it heat exhaustion or heat stroke? Ice packs to the groin or a dunk in ice water?  It's officially summer and we're talking about identifying and treating exertional heat emergencies.

OneKit First Aid Kits
More than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!

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Is there a difference between pain and discomfort? Can vital signs reveal a patient's true pain level? Join me this week for a not-so-painful conversation about pain and pain assessment.

OneKit First Aid Kits
More than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!

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You might be missing up to 20% of strokes. This week we discuss EMS stroke assessment tips that will up your stroke recognition game with an emphasis on posterior circulation events.

OneKit First Aid Kits
More than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!

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Anaphylaxis isn't as easy to recognize as you may think. Hear my own son's anaphylaxis story and learn how to recognize and treat this life-threatening emergency.

OneKit First Aid Kits
More than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!

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Learn what it takes to be a sepsis detective and why it's important for EMS to recognize and treat sepsis early.

OneKit First Aid Kits
More than ever, you need to be prepared. Get your OneKit First Aid Kit today!