Raphael and Dovie talk about how United Hatzalah developed several specialty programs that came out of the needs within various groups and communities that the organization serves across Israel, and within the EMS system itself, and how these programs fill the need that was recognized by volunteers with a heads-up attitude.

These programs include using an ambucycle to get through traffic; training community members in underserved sections of the country; a nationwide geriatric preventative medicine care program; as well as a hospital emergency room relief project; and the newest pilot program, flying pediatric oncology patients in Israel's periphery.

Give a listen, and when you're out there, if you see a need, try to find a way to fill it.

As a kid growing up in Fort Worth, Texas I had little interest in ambulances or medicine. I do remember one thing about the ambulances in the late 1960s in that they always had signs on the side that stated “oxygen equipped” in big letters. Before that, the ambulances were emblazoned with the phrase “radio equipped”—but that is a different story.

Read the full article here.

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.