Alert Medic 1

Summary

This conversation delves into the critical role of EMS in stroke care, highlighting the importance of timely assessment and treatment. Experts Kenny Barajas and Lindsay Goff discuss the definitions, types, and symptoms of strokes, emphasizing the need for EMS providers to recognize and act swiftly. They explore the impact of stroke on patients and their families, the differences between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, and the protocols for EMS management. The discussion also addresses the importance of communication with hospital partners and the need for ongoing education in stroke awareness and care.

Takeaways

Stroke is a disruption in blood flow to the brain.

The BFAST algorithm is crucial for identifying stroke symptoms.

Approximately one-third of stroke patients die within a year.

Ischemic strokes account for 88% of all strokes.

Hypertension and diabetes are significant risk factors for stroke.

Every 40 seconds, someone in the US has a stroke.

Time is critical; every minute counts in stroke treatment.

Patients can have both vertigo and a stroke simultaneously.

EMS providers must advocate for their patients effectively.

Education and training are essential for EMS providers in stroke care.

Titles

The Critical Role of EMS in Stroke Care

The Impact of Stroke on Patients and Families

Sound Bites

"Stroke is the number one cause of long-term disability."

"Every 40 seconds, someone in the US has a stroke."

"Time is brain; the sooner we get treatment, the better."

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Stroke Care in EMS

03:35

Understanding Stroke: Definition and Symptoms

07:13

Morbidity, Mortality, and Risk Factors of Stroke

11:18

Types of Stroke: Ischemic vs Hemorrhagic

25:16

EMS Management of Stroke: Assessment and Protocols

40:27

The Role of Education and Training in Stroke Recognition

55:34

Closing Thoughts on Stroke Care and Patient Advocacy

Keywords

stroke, EMS, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, stroke symptoms, stroke care, emergency medical services, stroke assessment, stroke management, patient advocacy

The Alert Medic 1 team sits down with their medical director, Dr. Ben Lawner, to discuss various topics related to EMS medicine.

Keywords: Sudden Ambulance Death Syndrome, EMS, patient transport, clinical decision-making, emergency medicine, treatment protocols, communication, high-stress situations, continuous learning

Summary: In this episode, the hosts discuss the concept of Sudden Ambulance Death Syndrome, exploring its implications for emergency medical services (EMS) and patient care. They delve into the cultural perspectives surrounding patient transport, the nuances of treatment decisions, and the importance of communication in high-stress situations. Through case studies, they highlight the significance of treatment before transport and the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the field. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of protocols and the management of emotions during emergencies, ultimately advocating for a patient-centered approach in EMS.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview

02:41 Transport as a Treatment

06:04 Thinking in Extremes

09:31 Treating Through the Doors

15:46 Working the Arrest in the Back of the Unit

18:14 The Hospital as Definitive Care

36:10 The Importance of Critical Thinking and Education 38:30 Immediate Life-Saving Treatments

41:35 Addressing Critical Life Threats

46:10 Managing Emotions and Maintaining a Calm Mindset

49:07Effective Communication and Teamwork

The Alert Medic 1 team sits down with Dr. Jim Brady to discuss the fundamentals of Serotonin Syndrome.

The AM1 team sat down to discuss "four-walled calls."

Cody and Mustafa sit down to discuss various topics related to EMS education.

The AM1 team sits down to discuss a case study where they utilized the Dual Sequential Defibrillation technique on a patient in persistent cardiac arrest.

The AM1 crew sits down with Dr. Jen Anders, Pediatric EMS Medical Director for Maryland, to discuss various updates to the pediatric protocol for the coming yaer.

The Alert Medic 1 team sat down with Dr. Tim Chizmar to discuss the various protocol changes coming to the Maryland EMS protocol July 1st, 2024.

The Alert Medic 1 crew sit down w/ Dr. Kim Boswell to discuss various topics related to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and eCPR.

Dr. Boswell provides advanced, specialized critical care and emergency medicine for patients experiencing serious conditions like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or those who have a severe traumatic injury. She also cares for critically ill patients who have been transferred to UMMC for specialty care.

Her patients typically require advanced mechanical support (such as a ventilator, ECMO and other lifesaving devices) in several critical care units at UMMS, including:

Dr. Boswell’s dedication to her patients and profession has been recognized by her peers. She has been awarded the Aurelio Rodriquez Award during her fellowship and the Physicians Colleague Award by the University of Maryland Nursing in 2021.

The Alert Medic 1 team sat down with Dr. BJ Miller to discuss various topics related to aging, death, and end of life care.

BJ Miller is an established thought leader in the area of serious illness, end-of-life issues and death. He has been a physician for 20 years and has counseled over 1,000 patients and family members. This vast experience has led him to understand what people really need when dealing with difficult health situations.

BJ has given over 100 talks, both nationally, and internationally, on themes of serious illness and dying, and has given over 100 media interviews, including podcasts, radio and print. His TED Talk, What Really Matters at the End of Life has been viewed over 11 million times. He also co-authored the book, A Beginner’s Guide to the End: Practical Advice for Living Life and Facing Death, which was published in 2019.