911cast EMS Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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