Sunday, March 23, 2025
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
EMS Training Opportunity - Paid 'Victim Actors' Needed
Colorado Cardiac CPR is looking for 'victim actors' to help with a Tactical Emergency Medical Services (TEMS) course we are running
Sunday, March 16, 2025
EMS Words of Wisdom - Educate Yourself
Friday, March 14, 2025
Healthcare News - Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, is one of the most severe infectious diseases in the Americas.
The pathogen targets endothelial cells, leading to widespread microvascular damage, fluid leakage, and severe complications such as pneumonitis, myocarditis, kidney injury, and meningoencephalitis.
In advanced cases, RMSF can cause respiratory distress, cardiac abnormalities, coma, and peripheral gangrene, with high mortality rates if left untreated.
Timely diagnosis and immediate antibiotic administration are critical, as mortality can reach 50% within the first eight days of illness.
RMSF is transmitted through various tick species, with Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick) playing a significant role in Mexico, while Amblyomma species contribute to transmission in Brazil and North America.
The disease is endemic across Canada, the United States, Mexico, and South America, with an increasing number of urban outbreaks linked to poor sanitation, high tick populations, and free-roaming dogs.
A One Health approach has identified three primary ecological zones for RMSF transmission: sylvatic (wildlife-based), peridomestic (domesticated animal involvement), and urban (densely populated regions).
Control efforts require vector management, improved veterinary care, environmental modifications, and public health initiatives.
The brown dog tick presents a particular challenge due to its resistance to acaricides, necessitating integrated pest management strategies, including the use of isoxazolines and environmental barriers.
RMSF remains a serious public health concern, demanding coordinated intervention.
Preventative strategies - such as early recognition, vector control, sterilization programs, and public awareness - are essential to reducing transmission and improving patient outcomes.
Healthcare professionals must remain vigilant in identifying and managing suspected cases to mitigate the disease’s increasing burden.
For more information access this Medtigo link .
References: Foley J., López-Pérez A.M., Álvarez-Hernández G (2025) A Wolf at The Door: The Ecology, Epidemiology & Emergence of Community & Urban-Level Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in The Americas. American Journal of Veterinary Research 86(3):368-378. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.24.11.0368 Accessed March 10, 2025
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
EMS Education -Teaching and Testing the New BLS Exams
This is essential information for anyone in the group who has yet to take the NREMT exam, as well as for those training EMRs and EMTs who will be taking it.
Monday, March 10, 2025
EMS In The News - Runaway Ambulance
Sunday, March 09, 2025
Saturday, March 08, 2025
EMS Celebrations – International Women’s Day
Today, on International Women’s Day, we take the opportunity to honor and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of women in EMS. Their strength, bravery, and resilience continue to shape the field and inspire future generations of emergency responders.
Women in EMS serve in various capacities as paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), flight medics, educators, administrators, and leaders.
Despite the challenges that come with working in high-pressure, fast-paced environments, they demonstrate exceptional skill and professionalism while saving lives and providing critical prehospital care.
Their role is not just about responding to emergencies but also about fostering innovation, mentoring the next generation of EMS professionals, and advocating for improved healthcare systems.
As we recognize the achievements of women in emergency services, we also acknowledge the progress made in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the field.
Although historically a male-dominated profession, EMS has seen a growing number of women stepping into leadership roles, breaking barriers, and paving the way for a more inclusive and representative workforce.
Their dedication to patient care, teamwork, and professional excellence is a testament to the vital role they play in shaping the future of EMS.
Today, we encourage everyone to take a moment to appreciate and support the incredible women who dedicate their lives to serving others in their most vulnerable moments.
Whether on the front lines of emergency response, in training and education, or in leadership and advocacy, their contributions are invaluable.
Let us continue working towards a future where opportunities in EMS are equitable for all, and where women are empowered to lead, innovate, and thrive in every aspect of the profession.
Happy International Women’s Day to all the incredible women in EMS!
Thursday, March 06, 2025
Healthcare News - FDA Approves Needle-Free Epinephrine Alternative for Pediatric Anaphylaxis
Tuesday, March 04, 2025
Friday, February 28, 2025
EMS Training Opportunity - Advanced Stroke Life Support (ASLS)
Provider: Colorado Cardiac CPR
Date/Time: Wed April 16, 2025 / 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Northwest Denver / Wheat Ridge
Address: 3798 Marshall Street, Suite 2, Wheat Ridge CO, 80033
Class Price: $149.00
Description: The American Heart Association's (AHA) ASLS course builds on the foundation of lifesaving skills; aiming to educate prehospital and in hospital healthcare providers to optimize the identification, evaluation and treatment of patients with acute stroke, and identify the five main stroke syndromes and relate them to pathophysiology and clinical signs.
The course objective is to explain the importance of an organized approach to treating patients with stroke for improved patient outcomes, and describe the management goals also.
ASLS requires an Online Course prior to a 2-3 hour skill session. The skills session includes discussion, practical application and a skills test.
ASLS is appropriate for healthcare professionals in both prehospital and in-hospital settings involved in the management of acute stroke patients.
This advanced course is ideal for:
- Stroke Coordinators
- Nursing Students and Nurses
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
- Paramedics and Emergency Medical Personnel
- Physicians
- Physician Assistants
- Residents and Fellows
- Medical Students
- Respiratory Therapists
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
EMS Basic Life Support - Debunking Common Myths About CPR
While the following information is not intended to replace the instruction provided in certification courses, it is valuable knowledge that can help dispel myths and encourage more individuals to pursue CPR training.
Myth #1: Only Professionals Can Safely and Effectively Perform CPR
Truth #1: According to the American Heart Association, CPR initiated immediately by a bystander can triple a victim’s chances of survival. Anyone can learn and perform CPR after basic training, making widespread education and certification crucial in improving survival rates.
Myth #2: You Can Learn CPR by Watching an Online Video
Truth #2: While online videos can provide useful information, they should be produced, sponsored, and taught by reputable organizations. More importantly, CPR training includes a critical hands-on component - effective chest compressions - that cannot be mastered through video instruction alone. Proper technique requires in-person training and practice.
Myth #3: You Can Get in Trouble or Injure Someone If You Perform CPR Incorrectly
Truth #3: Good Samaritan laws protect individuals who perform CPR in good faith and without willful misconduct or negligence. The risk of legal consequences is minimal, and the potential harm of not performing CPR far outweighs the risk of performing it incorrectly. Immediate intervention can make the difference between life and death.
Myth #4: You Must Perform Mouth-to-Mouth Breathing When Performing CPR
Truth #4: The idea of providing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to a stranger may be uncomfortable for some, but hands-only CPR is highly effective. When chest compressions are performed at the correct rate and depth, they help circulate oxygenated blood until emergency responders arrive.
Myth #5: CPR Should Be Performed Only After Calling 911
Truth #5: CPR should begin immediately when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Ideally, one person should call 911 while another starts CPR. Delaying CPR can significantly reduce a victim’s chance of survival. Additionally, victims who exhibit irregular, noisy breathing or gasping may still benefit from immediate chest compressions.
The Importance of CPR Certification
Beyond addressing these common myths, formal CPR training provides in-depth knowledge and hands-on practice to ensure confidence and competence in a real emergency. Becoming CPR-certified is not only an invaluable skill but also a profound act of service to your loved ones, those under your care, and your community.
Recommended CPR Training Providers:
Bethesda, Wales, UK: Active First Aid
Littleton, Colorado, USA: Colorado Cardiac CPR
International: Crossing Latitudes
Monday, February 24, 2025
EMS Training Opportunity - Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)
Colorado Cardiac CPR are offering a PHTLS at the start of March (3 & 4). This is a great opportunity for emergency medical responders, EMTs, Paramedics, Nurses, Physician Assistants and Doctors.
- Physiology of life and death
- Scene Assessment
- Patient Assessment
- Hemorrhage Control
- Airway, Breathing, Ventilation & Oxygenation
- Circulation & Shock
- Special Populations
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Saturday, February 22, 2025
EMS Education - Are You BLS Certified?
Are you a pre-hospital, in-healthcare or care facility professional, then it is likely you are required to maintain certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association (AHA).
However, BLS certification is not just a regulatory requirement to remain in good standing with an employer, it is a critical asset and an occupational necessity that ensures you can perform your job effectively.
Why is BLS Certification Important?
The knowledge and skills associated with being BLS certified means you are prepared to respond to life-threatening emergencies involving cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, and choking incidents across adult to infant populations.
Also, beyond enhancing your professional skills, BLS certification empowers you to be a valuable resource for your family, community, and the patients you serve.
What Does an AHA BLS Course Cover?
The American Heart Association BLS course covers a wide range of life-saving techniques, including:
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Safe & Effective Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use.
- Bag-Valve Mask (BVM) Ventilations
- Choking & Airway Obstruction Management
- Rescue Breathing
- And much more!
Who Needs BLS Certification?
All healthcare providers in patient-facing roles - whether in a hospital or pre-hospital setting - are required to hold a valid BLS certification card.
This includes:
- Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
- Paramedics
- Registered Nurses (RNs)
- Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
- Medical Doctors (MDs)
- Firefighters & Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs)
Bethesda, Wales, UK: Active First Aid
Rawlins, Wyoming, USA: Brian Eveleth, DTAC LLC
Littleton, Colorado, USA: Colorado Cardiac CPR
International: Crossing Latitudes
Monday, February 17, 2025
EMS Celebrations - Presidents' Day
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Sunday, February 09, 2025
Monday, February 03, 2025
EMS Celebrations - February is Heart Month!
Thanks to organizations like the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross, we have developed effective prehospital treatments and established the "Chain of Survival," which underscores the importance of early recognition, immediate CPR, rapid defibrillation, advanced care, and post-resuscitation support.
While EMS is a vital component of this system, transforming cardiac care requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach.
By utilizing both basic and advanced cardiac life support, we can make a meaningful impact and improve patient outcomes.
Let us continue striving for advancements, refining our techniques, and enhancing our response to cardiac emergencies to save more lives.
Bethesda, Wales, UK: Active First Aid
Littleton, Colorado, USA: Colorado Cardiac CPR
International: Crossing Latitudes