Writing Your Paperwork & Forgotten the OPA Number? Here’s a Quick Reference.
Grab the reference: https://www.intersurgical.com/products/airway-management/guedel-airwaysOriginal Image: Adobe Stock
Earthquakes And Crush Injuries: What are ‘The Primary Causes of Death’ After Extrication? Data From a Recent Article
Source: https://jag.journalagent.com/csmedj/pdfs/CSM_3_1_4_13.pdfImage: Adobe Stock
Crystalloids V Colloids – What’s the Difference?
An Article 999 'Learn Fast' (previously 'fast fact' & 'quick revision') post on the differences between crystalloids and colloids. For general reference, revision, and those moments when you want a quick answer to a question.
The Vagus Nerve and Its Relevance to the Digestive System
Text Source: Goldberg. Image source: Amazon Stock (2nd image).
Trauma: Terminology
Trauma terminology - crush injury vs syndrome vs compression, vs compartment syndrome...vs rhabdo!
Strokes: Current Statistics
SAH = Subarachnoid Haemorrhage Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441958/Image: Adobe Stock Fancy fact: But is it hemorrhage or haemorrhage? This is another US/UK spelling match – we like our a’s in the UK. […]
In BVM Management, The 2-Handed VE Technique May Be As Effective, If Not More Effective, Than the CE Technique In Both Adults and Children
The biggest failure we make in medical education is teaching that there is only one way of doing something. This research is a good reminder of the need to teach or highlight that there are multiple accepted methods.
European Paediatric Advanced Life Support Course – Revision Notes
Please note, these notes are not exhaustive and are by no means a replacement for studying the course manual.
Airway ›
Article Summaries ›
Acute Diarrhea in the Elderly – The Risk Factors
What are the risk factors for acute diarrhea in the elderly, and what treatment might these patients need?
‘Thanks for the Feedback’ – A Video Summary in Quotes
For mentors/PPEDs, PHEM feedback facilitators, ALS instructors, teachers, and those interested in responding better to feedback (and in doing so, giving better feedback), here's one for you. This is a summary in quotes of the 'Thanks for the Feedback' book, picking up on some key points.
What Does NICE Say About Epilepsy? The Video
The NICE guidelines, summarised, and made relevant for Paramedics (anything irrelevant is not included)
Should Patients Take Caffeine-Containing Analgesics?
Many of our patients have high temperatures, especially during COVID outbreaks. Some of them are taking over the counter pain relief as required. This is of course recommended, however many of our patients are also tachycardic due at least in part to their high temperatures. When they complain of palpitations, do they need to be aware of the effects of caffeine-paracetamol combinations? Should they be taking this combination at all, or should they simply ease off dietary sources of caffeine while taking analgesics? Here are a few quotes on the subject. Full references are below.
Patients ›
If you use an inhaler infrequently…
If you use an inhaler infrequently, have you checked recently if you have enough to see you through weekends and bank holidays in case you need to use it?
Googling Symptoms – What to Ask
Do you like Googling your symptoms? Us too. We’re not going to tell you to stop - you are trying to learn, and to take control of your health. But, to use the Internet’s health information properly, you need to know what questions to ask.
Adults: If you feel extremely cold…
If you feel extremely cold in a warm environment, you may have a high temperature. Follow the link in the post for advice.
Tip for Patients who Have a DNAR
For more information on DNARs, have a look at the information page on the NHS website here.
Breathing ›
In BVM Management, The 2-Handed VE Technique May Be As Effective, If Not More Effective, Than the CE Technique In Both Adults and Children
The biggest failure we make in medical education is teaching that there is only one way of doing something. This research is a good reminder of the need to teach or highlight that there are multiple accepted methods.
Circulation ›
The Decompensating Child: Blood Pressure Ranges to Watch
Why is it important to measure the blood pressure in an unwell child? What defines hypotension in a child? Have a quick refresher here.
Methods of ECG Interpretation
There are so many different recommendations of ECG Interpretation. Some books have 5 steps, some 6, some 9, some 11. Below, I have listed a few common ones in the hope of highlighting the differences - and the similarities. Do you have a preference? Have you spotted more methods? Add them in the comments and let us know which one you prefer.
ECG Concepts: The Importance of Time and Direction
Pattern recognition can only go so far. Understanding how the underlying physiology relates with what is shown on the ECG is key to unlocking a deeper ability of ECG interpretation. Read more...
Recommended Content: Cardiac Action Potential, Explained with Dominoes
If you, like me, struggle to understand the action potential, here is a great video from UBC Medicine, which explains the concept with dominoes. Check it out below.
Disability ›
Head Injury: Worsening Advice
The below is an information card designed for patients to receive should ambulance crews need to non-convey. This information is based on the NICE guidelines - https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng232 (2023). This card has not yet been peer reviewed - please add your feedback on the content and presentation below. If you are not a medic, please add your feedback on presentation below.
Article 999 Founder Published in Paramedic INSIGHT Magazine, Sep 2022: Functional Neurological Disorder – A Patient’s Experiences; A Paramedic’s Perspective
Earlier this year I had the pleasure of speaking with a patient with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). Ailsa reached out to the College of Paramedics after experiencing an unsettling mixture of treatment by healthcare professionals in a variety of settings. She hopes to encourage healthcare clinicians to learn more about her condition, a functional neurological disorder. Our understanding of this group of conditions is currently being reshaped, so I agree it is another area in which we must stay up-to-date.
The Case of Anna Bagenholm
In 1999, Anna Bagenholm survived a cardiac arrest after a prolonged down-time and a temperature of just 13.7c. The circumstances of her survival continue to make international news and to inform and inspire research about target temperature management. But does her survival mean we should target hypothermia in cardiac arrest patients? Should we target hypothermia in ROSC? Let's have a look at the case and the research that has followed...
What are the main sections used for?
The various parts of the law applicable to mental health sectioning are Section 2, 3, 4, 5, 135 and 136 but Community Treatment Orders also enable sectioning. These allow for durations of 6 hours, 72 hours, 28 days or 6 months, depending on the type of section. Read more to find out which types provide those durations...
Video Library ›
What To Do If You Have Fallen Over, Aged 18-64
These videos are aimed to help you find out what to do if you fall over, or what to do if you get worse after a fall. Health-care-professionals may share these videos with patients as health promotion and worsening advice.
Video Guide/Walkthrough to Article 999’s CPD Templates (v1.5)
This is a video guide of Article 999's free CPD templates (menu within)
‘Thanks for the Feedback’ – A Video Summary in Quotes
For mentors/PPEDs, PHEM feedback facilitators, ALS instructors, teachers, and those interested in responding better to feedback (and in doing so, giving better feedback), here's one for you. This is a summary in quotes of the 'Thanks for the Feedback' book, picking up on some key points.
CPD Templates v1.4: A Video Walkthrough and Printing Guide
As is the style of Article 999, here’s a video guide to the CPD templates. Note: This relates to v1.4. If the template you’re using doesn’t have a version number, […]
Fast Facts ›
How to Use Cling Film to Treat Burns (Fast Fact)
Fast Fact posts are designed to provide quick and easy ways to revise key topics - view a photo with a quote/fact by simply scrolling through the category. Refresh yourself during those middle-of-the-night breaks when you would have aimlessly scrolled through your phone. There is no need to read a lengthy post to do a little CPD.
Vitamin D Deficiency Government Review
A six week review begins today (03/04/2022) to produce evidence for ways to reduce vitamin d deficiencies and health inequalities in the UK. Click the photo or link to read more on the GovUK website. -- Health News
Should Patients Take Caffeine-Containing Analgesics?
Many of our patients have high temperatures, especially during COVID outbreaks. Some of them are taking over the counter pain relief as required. This is of course recommended, however many of our patients are also tachycardic due at least in part to their high temperatures. When they complain of palpitations, do they need to be aware of the effects of caffeine-paracetamol combinations? Should they be taking this combination at all, or should they simply ease off dietary sources of caffeine while taking analgesics? Here are a few quotes on the subject. Full references are below.
An Easy Way to Remember How to Identify Left and Right Bundle Branch Blocks
This is easily remembered as: in English we read from left to right, but the ECG prints a view of the heart from right (V1-V2) to left (V5-V6).
Free Template CPD Log for HCPC Paramedics and NQPs
This is a template log to help you meet your CPD and audit requirements. If you set up your own Airtable account, you can copy the 'base' (the whole thing) to your own account and then make it your own.
What are the different methods of documentation?
A variety of models exist to help ensure that all the useful information is in your paperwork by the time it's finalised & to ensure that it's clear and concise...
Writing Your Paperwork & Forgotten the OPA Number? Here’s a Quick Reference.
Grab the reference: https://www.intersurgical.com/products/airway-management/guedel-airwaysOriginal Image: Adobe Stock
What is the structure of the digestive system?
The Digestive System is the 'alimentary canal and its associated glands, the salivary glands, the liver and the pancreas.' (Boyle and Senior, 2008: 131). Pass your exams or refresh yourself by reading the extended answer here.
Template CPD Log – Changelog
02/04/2023 – V1.6: See below for screenshots of use. 21/08/2022 – V1.5 – Updated tick boxes for the HCPC standards 3+4 – these are now ‘tags’ to encourage actively thinking […]
HCPC CPD Portfolio Help Folder and Template
If you're a UK Paramedic looking for a OneNote template to use for your CPD folder, here's a link to one I've made.
PARAMEDIC-2 Trial Results
‘For more than 50 years, treatment strategies have included the use of various drugs, but there is limited evidence that such treatments are effective’ (Perkins et al, 2018). Now […]
Magnesium Deficiency and Asthma: Evidence.
Reference: Bokhari SA, Haseeb S, Kaleem M, Baig MW, Khan HAB, Jafar R, Munir S, Haseeb S, Bhutta ZI. Role of Intravenous Magnesium in the Management of Moderate to Severe […]
The Vagus Nerve and Its Relevance to the Digestive System
Text Source: Goldberg. Image source: Amazon Stock (2nd image).
Trauma: Terminology
Trauma terminology - crush injury vs syndrome vs compression, vs compartment syndrome...vs rhabdo!
Strokes: Current Statistics
SAH = Subarachnoid Haemorrhage Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441958/Image: Adobe Stock Fancy fact: But is it hemorrhage or haemorrhage? This is another US/UK spelling match – we like our a’s in the UK. […]
In BVM Management, The 2-Handed VE Technique May Be As Effective, If Not More Effective, Than the CE Technique In Both Adults and Children
The biggest failure we make in medical education is teaching that there is only one way of doing something. This research is a good reminder of the need to teach or highlight that there are multiple accepted methods.
European Paediatric Advanced Life Support Course – Revision Notes
Please note, these notes are not exhaustive and are by no means a replacement for studying the course manual.
The Lethal Trauma Triad – What Does It Consist Of? How Can We Prevent It? A Summary Post
Rhabdomyolysis: Presentation, Diagnosis, Treatment, Causes, Prognosis.
Want to understand a little more about rhabdomyolysis. Here are 8 key points, all referenced, with lots more info due soon in quick refresher posts.
What is the Aim of Treatment in Angina?
Text reference: Michael J.Neal: Medical Pharmacology at a Glance Image: Amazon Stock