Show Notes
We've initiated a multi-pronged, system wide overhaul of our agitation management at MCHD. This included a move to fixed-dose ketamine for the severely agitated patients. Evidently we weren't the only ones thinking of this as there is exciting new data from Buffalo supporting this approach. Join the podcast crew as they review the recent literature and MCHD protocol changes.
REFERENCES 1. O'Brien MC, Kelleran KJ, Burnett SJ, Hausrath KA, Kneer MS, Nan N, Ma CX, McCartin RW, Clemency BM. Fixed dose ketamine for prehospital management of hyperactive delirium with severe agitation. Am J Emerg Med. 2024 Jul;81:10-15.
More from MCHD Paramedic Podcast
MCHD recently introduced ODT olanzapine to treat mild agitation in the field. Emergency pharmacist Kevin Mercer joins the podcast to discuss the medication’s pharmacologic foundations. How does it work? Who gets it and who doesn't? And why Olanzapine in the first place?
We're going to take our "Serial Killers" series and continue into the transition from the ambulance to the emergency department. What happens to the patient with shortness of breath once the ER doctor takes over? How does the workup advance? What imaging is ordered? What labs? Join us to discuss the "next 30 minutes" for the serial killer dyspneic patient.
We're going to take our "Serial Killers" series and continue into the transition from the ambulance to the emergency department. What happens to the patient with an altered patient once the ER doctor takes over? How does the workup advance? What imaging is ordered? What labs? Join us to discuss the "next 30 minutes" for the serial killer AMS patient.
We recently made some cervical spine immobilization protocol changes here at MCHD. Dr. Patrick and Dr. DePasquale discuss the history and literature that provide the foundation for rigid cervical collar use, along with the new MCHD protocol implementation. This has been a collaborative process with our local hospital partners, which has definitely involved give-and-take on both sides.
Drs. Geoff Comp and Jerry Snow join the podcast to discuss their recent paper describing their experience treating undifferentiated heatstroke in Phoenix with cold water immersion. Their protocol mirrors ours here in Montgomery County. Heatstroke is a time-sensitive emergency, and the rate of cooling directly correlates with mortality reduction. Learn how to implement CWI in your service. It's the best of all worlds: inexpensive, impactful, and applies to all EMS clinician levels.