Skills

Are You Accidentally Inducing Hypothermia?

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Any kid who has ever drank a Slurpee too fast on a warm day, and found themselves shivering and chilled, knows that cold fluids can be remarkably effective at cooling the human body. I had this lesson … [Read more...]

The Protocol / Skill Breakthrough

Once you understand the protocol / skill connection you might come to see a host of problems with the way we develop, use and teach our protocols. I'd like to tell you about two biggies. As we … [Read more...]

The Protocol / Skill Connection

Part one of a two part series. (Part two is here.) If you've ever grown plants in pots you know that selecting the right size pot for the plant is essential. Put a plant in a pot that's too large for … [Read more...]

CPR Right Now

I helped teach CPR to our latest EMT class this past week. This class is always a good reminder of how fast emergency medicine changes. Here in their first week, the new students are beginning to … [Read more...]

6 Reasons Why You Should Be a Better EMT

Sure, this site isall about being a better EMT, but perhaps you've asked yourself, "Why?" OK, granted, it was probably one of your more cynical moments. Perhaps you had a bad day, a couple of … [Read more...]

The C-Spine Immobilization Controversy

C-spine immobilization is not a benign procedure. It's not something that's always worth doing "just in case." It's not risk free, comfortable or even practical. And, now, recent research from the … [Read more...]

What Makes A Good EMT?

I get a bunch of E-mails from people just starting their EMT education who want advice on how to excel in their programs. "How should I prepare? What books do you recommend?" The questions vary but … [Read more...]

How To Make Sure Your Hand-off Reoprt Gets Heard

"But ... It Was In My Hand-off Report" Every EMS responder who delivers patients to the emergency room has experienced the frustration of feeling like the ED staff didn't really get the … [Read more...]

What’s In Your Pockets?

If I may start with a sweeping generalization, we EMS folk maintain an odd and somewhat dysfunctional relationship with our gear. We love our gear, but we hate it. We chastise others for carrying to … [Read more...]