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

Notes: For more information contact 3CPR at 720-639-2623 or Info@3Cpr.Org

Space is limited so register today.

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

EMS Basic Life Support - Debunking Common Myths About CPR


Proper education and awareness about the lifesaving practice of CPR are essential. Unfortunately, several widely held misconceptions discourage many people from becoming CPR-certified.

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.

Description: The mission of PHTLS is to promote excellence in trauma patient management by all providers involved in the delivery of prehospital care. PHTLS is developed by NAEMT in cooperation with the American College of Surgeons' Committee on Trauma.
PHTLS is the global gold standard in prehospital trauma education and is taught in over 80 countries. 
Content: The aim of PHTLS courses is to improve the quality of trauma care and decrease patient mortality. 
The program is based on a philosophy stressing the treatment of the multi-system trauma patient as a unique entity with specific needs. 
The course covers the following topics:
  • Physiology of life and death
  • Scene Assessment
  • Patient Assessment
  • Hemorrhage Control
  • Airway, Breathing, Ventilation & Oxygenation
  • Circulation & Shock
  • Special Populations
The course emphasizes application of trauma education through case studies, skills practice, and patient simulations.
Date: March 3 & 4, 2025 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: $315.00
Discount: 3CPR
Location: Littleton (Broadway & Davies), Colorado
Outcome: Upon successful course completion you will be issued an NAEMT PHTLS provider card and receive 16-hours of CAPCE credits.
For more information and to register, access this link:

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)
Who Should I Train With?

Choosing the right BLS certification course is essential to gaining the confidence and skills needed to respond to life-threatening emergencies. Look for a program that offers small class sizes to maximize hands-on learning and individualized instruction.

Experienced instructors with real-world expertise can provide valuable insights, ensuring that every student leaves feeling fully competent in their abilities.

Investing in quality training means staying certified, staying prepared, and continuing to make a difference in the lives of those you serve.

Conclusion

BLS certification is more than just a credential - it is a vital skill set that can mean the difference between life and death in critical situations.

Whether you are an EMT, nurse, physician, or first responder, staying up to date with your BLS training ensures you are always prepared to act swiftly and effectively when every second counts.

By maintaining your AHA BLS certification, you contribute to a safer workplace, enhance patient outcomes, and reinforce your commitment to providing quality care.

If your certification is nearing expiration or you have yet to obtain it, consider enrolling in a BLS course today. Your knowledge and readiness could save a life.

Recommended CPR Training Providers: 

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

 


This holiday honors the leaders who have shaped our nation, much like EMS Providers shape the lives of their patients every day.
Just as presidents make decisions that impact the future, EMS Providers make life-saving choices in high-pressure situations.
Today, let’s appreciate the leaders in EMS we have today and the important role they play!

Monday, February 03, 2025

EMS Celebrations - February is Heart Month!

As we celebrate American Heart Month, let us take a moment to acknowledge the critical role EMS plays in improving outcomes for cardiac emergencies.

From responding to myocardial infarctions to managing full cardiac arrests, prehospital providers are essential in delivering early, life-saving care. However, our work is far from over. The evolution of EMS has demonstrated that rapid response alone is not enough —our decisions and interventions directly influence patient survival and recovery rates.

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.

Source: JEMS - Emergency Medical Services

Recommended CPR Training Providers: 

Bethesda, Wales, UK: Active First Aid

Littleton, Colorado, USA: Colorado Cardiac CPR

International: Crossing Latitudes 

Sunday, February 02, 2025

EMS Zoological Emergencies - When Scorpions Sting & Spiders Bite


Last year, the Bronx Zoo hosted an educational program titled "Bite Me!" designed to train EMS and search and rescue personnel on managing venomous creature attacks, despite the absence of scorpions and spiders in the zoo's collection.

The event featured presentations from experts, including Dr. Joshua Silverberg, who discussed snakebite treatment, and Stephen P. Wood, a former EMS provider, who covered bee, ant, and mosquito stings.

Leading the program was wilderness physician Dr. Sanjey Gupta, an experienced instructor in wilderness medicine. 

Dr. Gupta serves as the Chair of Emergency Medicine at South Shore University Hospital and as a professor at the Zucker School of Medicine.

His presentation focused on venomous spiders and scorpions, detailing their habitats, the physiological effects of their venom, and appropriate EMS response protocols.

For more information, access the article via this link via the Journal of Emergency Medical Services.

EMS Words of Wisdom - Treat Them Right