EMS magazine
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Few things weave their way through all aspects of what we do like the clock. Make your response times (less than 8 minutes, 59 seconds 90% of the time), have fast hospital turn-around, do two minutes of compressions prior to shock, ventilate if you can't get the Stube in 15 seconds, transport people who are shot to the trauma center in less than 10 minutes after you reach them, give your estimated time of arrival to the hospital, count the minutes between contractions, give epi every 5 minutes, show up to work on time, donate time to plan the holiday party, work overtime, take time to relax, make time for your family, and, and, and. It's time we had a frank talk about stress, myths, tricks and traps of the most common unit of measurement in EMS.
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Anybody who screens EMS field candidates will tell you, not just anybody can do EMS. You need a good brain to pass your tests, earn your certs and think your way through calls. ⋯ You need a warm and willing heart. And, no matter how talented you are in all of those areas, you need to be able to lift--often, a lot.
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It is estimated that a lightning flash occurs approximately 8 million times per day throughout the world. Most strikes are benign and cause little damage to property and physical structures; however, when lightning strikes a person or group of people, it is a significant medical and potentially traumatic event that could lead to immediate death or permanent disability. By understanding some basic physics of lightning and pathophysiology of injuries associated with lightning strikes, EMS providers will be better prepared to identify assessment findings, anticipate complications and provide effective emergency care.