Seeking Clinical Mentors
As HCPs we are used to having mentors. We are assigned them in training programmes, trained to become them as part of our progression, and some workplaces offer ‘team leader’ […]
To Specialise or Remain General? An Opinion Post.
This is a discussion I have had with several people recently. I've observed the same discussion on social media: Is it better to specialise by taking specific job roles or courses, or to keep up with the 'jack of all trades' role of a Paramedic?
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...
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 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...
Free Ventilator Downloads from Smiths Medical
So far, Article 999 has a reasonable collection of information and videos about positive pressure breathing and ventilators used in prehospital emergency care. Smiths Medical is behind the PneuPac ParaPac. […]
What is the relief pressure dial on the ventilator?
The relief pressure dial on the ventilator ensures that the pressure of ventilation is not so high that it causes problems but allows it to be high enough to help ensure that the patient actually is ventilated. Read more...