Showing papers in "EMS world in 2014"

What's the point of point-of-care testing? Understanding the potential of this evolving capability.

Abstract: Point-of-care testing is a rapidly evolving yet complex field. As your POCT program grows, take the time to understand the regulations, as they are important to ensuring patient safety. The regualtions established CLIA are designed to ensure consistent and reliable laboratory results that can accurately impact patient care. When beginning your look into POCY, first identify what labs can directly impact your patient care, then look for a device that meets your needs.

The five phases of preceptorship. It takes a unique individual to simultaneously care for a patient while educating and evaluating a student.

Abstract: Clinical teaching has been one of the most important but problematic areas of professional education.10 Clinical knowledge rarely corresponds with the theoretical knowledge that students acquire in the classroom and lab setting, contributing to a theory-practice gap for the patient care provider. This gap leads to the difficulty and disillusionment experienced by students during their field internship. To assist students with transitioning to the prehospital environment, paramedic preceptors are a necessity. However, regardlessof theirprehospitalexperience, paramedic preceptors may not have had proper education in the teaching-learning process and may not have been provided a quality preceptor training program. At present, there isno nationally sponsored preceptor program that effectively prepares field internship preceptors as clinical instructors even though accreditation now requires education for all paramedic preceptors. It is my hope that this article may be useful in the, development of quality preceptor work- shops, which will enhance the overall field internship experience to better prepare future paramedics.

Aortic dissections and aneurysms. Prehospital care of these rare but life-threatening emergencies.

Abstract: Aortic dissections and aneurysms are seen with low frequency and have high risk for deterioration during prehospital care. It is essential to include both dissections and aneurysms in your differential diagnoses whenever evaluating patients with chest or abdominal complaints. Often a good history is the best indication of one of these grave vascular emergencies. Consider thoracic aortic dissection in your differential diagnosis for any patient who complains of chest pain and aortic aneurysm in patients who have any sort of abdominal discomfort or syncope with an unknown etiology. When either is suspected transport rapidly to a facility with cardiothoracic and vascular surgery capability, and provide care that prepares you to manage the patient quickly should a rupture occur.

Return on investment. What is ROI and how to use it.

Abstract: Formulated and interpreted correctly, ROI tools and techniques can be very useful for EMS managers when evaluating various competing projects and initiatives within the organization. More so, decision makers and elected bodies responsible for approving the financial support of these initiatives are demanding that they be presented with a more complete picture of the return for any dollars allocated under ever-tightening financial considerations that all organizations face today. ROI can be a powerful tool in supporting your organization when competing for limited dollars.

Critical transport decisions. In time-sensitive emergencies, every moment counts--choose wisely.

Abstract: Time-sensitive emergencies require early recognition and rapid transport to a facility properly equipped to manage the patient's needs. When managing STEMI, cardiac arrest, suspected stroke, trauma or a severe sepsis patient, use your resources smartly. Manage the patient using all of your capabilities on scene and know the destination best prepared to manage the patient upon ED arrival. When it makes sense to extend transport time to take a patient to a proper facility, it is OK to do so. Considering air medical transport for patients as ground transports exceed 30 minutes is reasonable as long as the flight team provides transport more rapidly or brings additional care that will improve patient outcomes.