Busting top trauma myths. Exploring best practices for prehospital trauma care.

Evidence-based medicine will continually change the paradigm in which emergency medicine is practiced. Fifteen years ago tourniquets were a last resort and often considered a guaranteed way to lose a limb; today they are a gold standard in hemorrhage control. Believing in, and having practiced, medicine we later learn to be false doesn't make someone a bad provider, nor does it make them wrong.

Surgical cricothyrotomies in prehospital care. Surgical airway placement is indicated when you cannot intubate or ventilate.

Managing the airway does not mean intubation, it means managing the airway. Allowing a patient to breathe on their own with appropriate positioning, bag-valve ventilation and blind insertion devices are all airway management options. The surgical cricothyrotomy is a rare and life-saving procedure when managing patients who are in a "can't intubate, can't ventilate" situation.

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

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.

Preventing back injuries in EMS. What's the best approach to avoiding harm to providers?

Reducing back injuries requires a holistic approach and investment by all interested parties, from front-line staff to leadership and supporting agencies. As a provider, take the time to ensure you are lifting and moving equipment and patients in a manner that protects both the patient and you.

Hyperglycemia and what to do about it.

Diabetes mellitus is on incredibly complex disease and impacts millions of Americans. The pancreas and insulin are both key to normal glucose metabolism and glucose control.Nearly any body stressor that alters a patient's metabolism can impair normal insulin function and trigger hyperglycemia.