INTRODUCTION Correct identification of the J-Point and ST-segment on an electrocardiograph (ECG) is an important clinical skill for paramedics working in acute healthcare settings. The skill of ECG analysis and interpretation is known to be challenging to learn and often is a difficult concept to teach. OBJECTIVES The objective of the study was to determine if undergraduate paramedic students...

INTRODUCTION Administration of medications via the intraosseous (IO) route has proven to be a lifesaving procedure in critically ill or injured children. Two mechanical IO infusion devices have been approved for use in children, the spring-loaded IO infusion device (Bone Injection Gun, BIG) and the battery-powered IO infusion drill (EZ-IO). The objective of this pilot study was to compare the s...

BACKGROUND High blood pressure (BP) during acute stroke is associated with poorer stroke outcome. Trials of treatments to lower BP have not resulted in improved outcome, but this may be because treatment commenced too late. Emergency medical service staff (paramedics) are uniquely placed to administer early treatment; however, experience of prehospital randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is ver...

INTRODUCTION The First Access for Shock and Trauma (FAST 1) Sternal Intraosseous (IO) System is a vascular access device designed as an alternative to peripheral or central intravenous (IV) cannulation for the treatment of critically ill and injured adults. During the development of the device, key objectives included safety, speed of insertion, and ease of use with minimal training. This study...

STUDY HYPOTHESIS Substantial inter-rater agreement is present in the labeling by paramedics of ventricular fibrillation and asystolic rhythms. DESIGN Prospective, cross-sectional study. TYPE OF PARTICIPANTS One hundred five practicing paramedics from nonvolunteer agencies who are advanced cardiac life support certified. METHODS Five static cardiac arrest rhythm strips, classified by Cummi...

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I am old school. I think that craft beers taste like urine, tofu tastes like polystyrene, and that posting your life all over social media is tasteless. I feel lucky to be a doctor; it’s a privilege not a burden. I also don’t buy into the idea that doctors are the most gifted and caring people in our society, because it just isn’t true. Becoming a doctor is much more about privilege than abilit...