Spinal Motion Restrictions for EMS - Part 3

Over all, 20+ studies leading back to 1989, the research does seem to indicate that restraining the spine has no affect on the patient's outcome and, there are actually 3 studies that show injury caused by spinal motion restrictions. However, further review of local protocols should be done.

The re-education of spinal immobilization methods continues to be the discussion. Cervical collars, backboards and vacuum mattresses… all come into question!

Thanks to the North Ridgeville Fire Department for hosting the podcast crew as we take on an open discussion regarding stroke patient care for EMS.

Dr. Hill, Scott and A.J. Joseph gather to talk about the NAEMSP journal of prehospital care research topic of SMR, Spinal Motion Restrictions. Hits been a hot topic for years. The research paper associated with this topi is the most downloaded paper in the history of NAEMSP. Are we harming patients with our backboards and cervical collars?

As the crew heads into part 3, managing the blood pressure of a patient experiencing a possible stroke. Certainly, the idea of using medical control is the best option. As the episode comes to a close, the discussion of triaging stroke symptoms on incoming patients for the hospital ED. Do you use the VAN acronym yet? What about the OneDose app?

The crew and Kelly Montgomery continue the discussion of the assessment an care of patients experiencing strokes. And what happens when a possible MI becomes a complication? The crew discusses the consideration of use of prehospital and in-hospital treatments.

The crew meets up with Kelly Montgomery, Stroke Center Supervisor at University Hospitals of Cleveland. In Part 1, the basics of stroke assessment, ischemic vs. thrombotic strokes are discussed as well as the thrombolytic treatment is discussed.

In this episode of the Pre-Hospital Paradigm Podcast, Caleb Ferroni is in the host seat again with co-hosts Dr. John Hill and Ray Pace as they welcome Dr. Garlisi as their guest discussing sepsis for EMS. They will dive into alerts, assessments, and treatment of patients with symptoms of sepsis.

The crew, and Dr. Garlisi, wind up the discussion regarding assessment of and treatment of patients with symptoms of sepsis. Part of the assessment is... REALLY counting the respirations... not guestimating!

The crew furthers the discussion of what a "sepsis alert" is. From the prehospital perspective as well as what occurs within the ED when an alert is activated…such as radiology, the pharmacy and the blood draw teams. Fluid boluses and epinephrine become the tools for the EMS crew to combat the signs of sepsis. Also, what is a basic-level provider to do for a patient with suspected sepsis.