4 plus years ago a 49 year old man lost his life while blowing the snow off his sidewalk. A Paramedic (the patients son) witnessed the arrest and started CPR (and I am sure this would be the most wholehearted effort at CPR that he could do). In spite of his best efforts his father died, possibly due to the fact that the debibrillator that arrived with the first responding fire engine had a dead battery. To make matters worse the second battery was dead as well. Shortly thereafter this 49 year old gentleman was also pronounced dead.

An investigation has shown that these batteries were more than 2 years past the manufacturers suggested replacement date. There also seems to have been a failure to identify the dead batteries due to a regular checkout of the defibrillator. There has been a settlement of 3.2 Million dollars in this case (which would have more than paid for those batteries).

Beyond the dollars involved we must remember what got most of us (from the field provider to the administrator)  into this business – the desire to help someone.

Lets keep our eye on the ball and ensure we do everything possible to provide that high level of care we all talk about.

By the way, we may save our self a load of money on the side!

Full text of article here.

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The CDC has posted a good podcast on how to don an N-95 Mask (excerpt below).

N95 respirators are designed to protect you from breathing in very small particles that may contain viruses. These types of respirators fit tightly to the face so that air is inhaled through the filter material. N95 respirators should be worn only once and then thrown away in the trash.

Manufacturers supply important instructions with respirators on how they are to be put on and checked to make sure they’re properly positioned. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, specific to the product you’re using.

Check out the podcast here.

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Spina Bifida (a developmental defect of the spine) is a factor related to a high incidence of latex allergies (especially in children and infants).

Before treating a child, try to elicit a history from the parent or caretaker paying special attention to any reference that is made to spinal deformities.  If in doubt, use only latex-free equipment and supplies.

For additional information you can go to the website of the Spina Bifida Association.

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Things that keep us safe are always worth reviewing.

Misuse of tank-to-regulator washers accounted for a number of incidents where leaking oxygen caused fire or explosions.

In a nutshell – NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health) states: Do not reuse the “crush” washers that usually come free with each refilled O2 tank. Whenever possible, use the “metal-bound” sealing washers that come with new regulators and are designed for re-use. If the original washer is lost or damaged, you should replace it with an equivalent washer.

See the original FDA and NIOSH Public Health Notification for further clarification.

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Agencies should consider the storage temperature requirements of common medications (as stated by the manufacturers).

Albuterol Sulfate, for example, should be stored between 36 and 77 degrees Farenheit. Epi-Pens are even more restrictive; the manufacturer requires storage at 77 degrees with temporary variances from 59-86 degrees allowable.

While some agencies probably cannot guarantee these temperatures exactly, they should ensure that the drugs they store in ambulances and first response vehicles are kept within these ranges. Other meds have similar requirements and should be reviewed as needed.

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