Managing a compromised airway and breathing function are two of the primary life threatening issues that a responder should address immediately. As we determine the condition of the casualty we should look in the mouth and at the rise and fall of the patient’s chest, listen for normal breath sounds, and feel if there is hot and moist breath from the patient’s airway to our ear. Positioning of the airway by placing the patient in an appropriate position such as…
MAKE UP AND SPECIAL FX Anyone who has ever gone to a bad horror movie can attest to the fact that Hollywood makes the magic. From the finite details in special FX to the exact timing of emotion in acting, if a movie lacks the fine details it will be an absolute failure. Scenario based training draws the same emotions much like the movie industry, especially as it relates to emergency medical training. As the old saying goes, “the devil’s…
With the seeming rise of hyper violent events occurring around the World many individuals are seeking training and equipment for being able to respond to a potential casualty. At present the greatest emphasis in Pre-Hospital trauma care is being placed on the integration of tourniquets as a first line defense against massive bleeding. Many brands and varieties exist on the market (read my list of recommended tqs) MOST IMPORTANT Regardless of the type, or brand of tourniquet you carry the most…
Today an article ran in USA Today where Doctor’s in the United States encouraged Americans to learn how to use tourniquets. The rise of hyper-violent situations in America has ushered in a new age where safety is an idea of the past. Tourniquets, regardless of their brand, or manufacturer must be applied correctly in order for them to work properly. PERFECT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT The most important part of tourniquet application is practicing with it often. You should know your…
Due to recent events and ongoing mass shootings and the potential for terror attacks we are learning as Americans how quickly a human being can bleed to death and just how vitally important it is to be able to stop a massive bleed. With all of the information out there and products available commercially it can be a bit confusing weighing out the good from the bad. So I thought I would take this opportunity to help clarify a few…