by Bob Matoba | May 5, 2021 | Articles
Introduction In the first two articles of “Fun with Physiology,” we addressed how electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride affect cellular action potentials. If you have not read these articles, I would recommend doing so because they... by Bob Matoba | May 4, 2021 | Articles
When EMS providers think about endocrine emergencies, patients suffering from Addison’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome, and Graves’ disease are not typically what comes to mind. Utilizing real-life EMS cases, this article will highlight why it is important for EMS... by Bob Matoba | May 4, 2021 | Articles
There are many challenges associated with training the next generation of EMS providers. One enduring issue is the limited instructional time they can spend with students. Due to time constraints, students are frequently forced to learn at a pace that makes it... by Bob Matoba | May 4, 2021 | Articles
Learning the mechanisms of injury associated with Malgaigne fractures, Chance fractures and Jefferson fractures allow EMS providers to stabilize and treat appropriately Prehospital providers frequently encounter patients with various fractures and related injuries.... by Bob Matoba | May 4, 2021 | Articles
EMS providers often use stroke scales to assess patients with potential neurological abnormalities. Unfortunately, stroke scales are not effective at identifying anything but major neurological abnormalities. Many patients who pass the basic components of a stroke... by Bob Matoba | May 4, 2021 | Articles
Case Study You are called to a private residence by police at 8:30 p.m. on a combative and agitated patient. Upon arrival, you find a 26-year-old male in the kitchen who is pacing back and forth with clenched fists and appears very aggressive. The patient keeps... by Bob Matoba | May 4, 2021 | Uncategorized
Learning how sodium, potassium, and calcium interact will help EMS providers understand the effects on patient physiology and pharmacology Airway, breathing, and circulation (the ABCs) have been stalwart concepts since the inception of EMS training. These concepts are... by Bob Matoba | May 3, 2021 | Articles
Examining the motivation behind disruptive students, and addressing their needs in the EMS classroom Have you had a student who challenged your instructional authority? Have you experienced a student who is wrong but insists they are correct? Ever wonder how you can... by Bob Matoba | May 3, 2021 | Articles
Knowledge of complex neural systems can help paramedics link medications to therapeutic goals The human nervous system is complex, and it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to recognize that it controls just about every function within our bodies. Although there are... by Bob Matoba | May 3, 2021 | Articles
Understanding the cellular action potential can help EMS providers determine why patients present with certain clinical findings As cellular action potentials are the foundation for normal physiologic function, it warrants an abbreviated revisit before moving on to... 