EMS World July 2020

July 2020 EMS World cover

July's cover story explores differential diagnosis of chest trauma, and MCI/disaster response content includes examination of the 2019 Philadelphia oil refinery explosion response. Other features look at atypical stroke presentations, double sequential defibrillation, leading in crisis, and deterring responder suicides. The CE article is on nitroglycerin for CHF with acute pulmonary edema. Columns include EMS Around the World, Resident Eagle, and Journal Watch.

Digital Edition

The anti-suicide pact: Promise to call a colleague before you do anything desperate.

Make the Deal: The First Responder Antisuicide Pact

Michael Meoli, EMT-P, TP-C, NAEMT-AF

Find a colleague who understands and make a commitment to call.

Patients suffering from these major chest injuries obviously require rapid transport to a trauma facility. By integrating the findings of neck veins and lung sounds, the EMS provider will be more effective at developing a differential diagnosis. (Photos: Rebecca Heigel Photography)

Differential Diagnosis of Chest Trauma

Bob Matoba

Here's how to distinguish between tension pneumothorax, massive hemothorax, and pericardial tamponade.

Work with subject matter experts before and during responses like the PES refinery explosion and fire to ensure appropriate actions. (Photo: Philadelphia Fire Department)

A Blast in the Backyard: The Role of EMS in Hazmat Disasters

Valerie Amato, NREMT

Know your local landscape and be prepared for its specific hazards.

Your leadership needs to be worth following. Here are some keys for achieving that. (Photo: Scott Spitzer)

Five Keys for Leading in Crisis

John Becknell, PhD, and Aarron Reinert, MA, NRP

It’s a challenging time—to get the best from your team, get the best from yourself.

Whole blood is regaining traction in the trauma community. (Photo: STRAC)

Resident Eagle: Whole Blood in the Rural EMS Environment

Casey Ebrom, EMT-P, FP-C; Craig Manifold, DO, FACEP, FAAEM, FAEMS; and Randi Schaefer, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, CEN

Prehospital transfusions may represent the next milestone in remote resuscitation.

This CPR improvement project used small tests of change to successfully reduce interruptions in chest compressions. (Photo: Handtevy Pediatric Emergency Standards)

Journal Watch: Pediatric CPR at Emergency Department Handoff

Antonio R. Fernandez, PhD, NRP, FAHA

A QI team looks for ways to reduce CPR interruptions as care transitions.

EMS Around the World Italy Red Cross volunteers

EMS Around the World: The Volunteers of Italy's Red Cross

Alessandro Borgonovo

With much of the country’s EMS volunteer, their role is an important one.

$Double sequential defibrillation for refractory cardiac arrest$

Double Sequential External Defibrillation: What the Science Says

Ian R. Drennan, ACP, PhD(c), and Sheldon Cheskes, MD, CCFP (EM), FCFP

Could it have a role in treating refractory v-fib cardiac arrests?

Stroke scale scores may not tell the whole story—here are some other ways stroke can manifest.

Atypical Stroke Presentations

Michael Carunchio, MS, NRP, FP-C, TP-C

Stroke scale scores may not tell the whole story.

Research links IV bolus nitroglycerin to reduced intubation rates, ICU admission rates, and hospital lengths of stay in patients with CHF with acute pulmonary edema. (Photos: Montgomery County Hospital District EMS)

CE Article: Can IV Nitro Help CHF With Acute Pulmonary Edema?

Casey B. Patrick, MD; Brad Ward, EMT-P; Jordan Anderson, BS, LP, CCP-C, et al.

Two systems find new protocols safe and effective.

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