This episode’s theme is “The Link Between Money and Mental Health for Emergency Care Clinicians.” Host Sean J. Britton provides an overview of the link between money and mental health, within the framework of financial health being a component of overall well-being. This brief talk is focused on resources available to members of the emergency care profession.

Eric Chase talks with John Sammons about the importance of patient-centered care and service in EMS.

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is a valuable tool for a wide variety of patients with acute shortness of breath. There are very few reasons why any acutely dyspneic patient should not have at least a trial of CPAP. In some situations, such as acute pulmonary edema, the beneficial effects of CPAP become apparent within seconds to minutes.

Read the full article on EMS Airway.

Norman (OK) Councilmember Rarchar Tortorello talks to Eric Chase about leadership, discipline, toxicity and more in the city and at the fire department.

Dov and Raphael delve into the most frustrating things that happen to us all. From not being able to arrive at a call on time, to receiving a wrong dress from dispatch, to being pulled away from the most important moments to help save a life. Perhaps the most frustrating things of all is realizing we can only help so much.

While trying to keep it light-hearted the pair offer some advice on how to deal with the most frustrating things of all.

Here’s an argument while BLS providers should be able to use continuous positive airway pressure when treating patients.

Read the full article on EMS Airway.

Infection control expert Katherine West explains why antibiotic resistance is a big problem right now.

Jonathon Feit gave this presentation for the Co-Responder Outreach Alliance.

As you enter the house your patient looks at you anxiously. He’s sitting upright, leaning forward. You note circumoral cyanosis and obvious respiratory distress as he attempts to speak. As you approach, you place him on oxygen with no relief. Upon auscultation of his chest, you note wheezing throughout his lung fields. You and your partner begin to administer a common bronchodilator albuterol when you remember — all that wheezes is not asthma.

Read the full article on EMS Airway.

You arrive on scene and find a 68-year-old man is lying on the couch with difficulty breathing. He’s obese and obtunded, with severe respiratory distress.

His wife tells you he has a history of congestive heart failure. He appears pale and diaphoretic, with snoring, slow, shallow breaths and his initial oxygen saturation is 72%. What are the most important first steps in managing his airway and breathing?

Read the full article on EMS Airway.