Vital Ethics - ACLS PALS BLS/CPR & First Aid Classes » general 6

EMS Loves Ham

admin — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 08:03:18 +0000

H.A.M is an acronym for history, allergies, and medication and is helpful information for responding EMS personnel when they are trying to assess and manage medical emergencies. Although it is not always available depending on the circumstances, all to often it should be available and is not. If you or a family member is taking medications and has a history of medical problems, it is imperative that measures are taken to ensure EMS personnel are able to access important medical information in the event of an emergency.

For example: Sometimes a family member is disoriented or unconscious and those who live in the home and make the emergency call can’t remember everything about their medical history. In this type of situation their medications can tell some of their story. If the medications are spread all over the house, this certainly would make it more difficult to get accurate information from those who are unsure of the medical history of a friend or loved one. Try keeping them all together in a location that is easy to access. Medical history forms are also very effective. They can be kept in a wallet or purse and for easy access. Some organizations like Positive Promotions, have products like the “File of Life” form. These forms are already pre-printed and come with refrigerator magnets so they can be quickly accessed in emergencies and do not have to be searched for.

The medical history of someone who is in critical condition can make the difference between life and death. The absence of this information limits the effectiveness of EMS personnel if they are missing pieces of the puzzle. Medical history forms need to be updated often to reflect any current changes in medical conditions, recent surgeries, and a list of medication and allergies. These forms should also include insurance information and primary physician information. Medical bracelets are often worn by people who have medical conditions for the very same reason. Although these bracelets sometimes include only a fraction of the patient’s information, they are important and should include the most important details given the presenting format. Prevention plays a significant role in the effectiveness of responding to emergencies. Training and preparation are part of the overall plan of action and is many times the key to a positive outcome.

In contrast, lack of education and preparation are many times the very cause of life threatening emergencies. Although emergencies are a part of life, you can decrease your chances of falling victim to unnecessary circumstances that could threaten your life and of the lives of those by being prepared and practicing prevention. H.A.M is indeed good for all of us, and EMS providers as well as emergency departments love it.

Surgical Technician-Continuing Education

admin — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 21:13:19 +0000

As an integral member of the surgical team, surgical technicians work under the supervision of doctors and nurses to ensure that all procedures are conducted effectively and safely. They are skilled in the application of sterilization techniques as well as ensuring that all equipment is in proper working order. Just like nurses and doctors, surgical technicians also possess knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures and all manner of implementation tools and technologies to assist the doctor with diagnostic and invasive procedures. As a valued member of the team, it is essential that they take care of their continuing education needs as well. Diagnostic and surgical procedures are ever developing and changing and the best of technicians change with them. As such it is essential that surgical technicians maintain at their certification through education through an accredited program in a four or five year period. While there is a slight difference between the organization mentioned on how long a person can go before needing to recertify, they acknowledge that the certification must be done. This can be done one of two ways:

1. Complete 60 approved education credits in four years

2. Completing an exam at the end of aforesaid four year period

When looking for an accredited program to fulfill the education requirements for renewing certification the website of the Association of Surgical Technologist (AST) has exactly what you need. They offer a variety of programs that are readily available for download, as well as the testing materials needed to submit for credit. While the organization does require membership to take advantage of the educational benefits it is well worth it. They also require that all continuing credits be earned while maintaining an active membership to the organization. Another reputable place to obtain recertification is through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). This is a third party organization that not only develops but overseas the certification of more than 200,000 medically certified professionals. Many accredited institution obtain there lesson plans through this organization.

They have established programs that are directly related to the working professional and help to give them the best possible resources to increase their skills and marketability in the workplace. The guidelines they have in place have come from instructors, employers and working professionals. This ensures that those who undertake recertification are receiving the education that meets or exceeds the standards of what will be expected from them as a certified professional. Both organizations are dedicated to the education of surgical technicians as individuals and to the medical profession as a whole. Regardless of what place you choose to obtain the credits needed, be sure that the program they offer is accredited. Those who choose the path of becoming a surgical technologist have a long but rewarding road ahead of them. It take a lot of forward thinking to choose a profession that insist that you continue to learn and perfect the craft in order to continue participation. Choose the right program and reap the rewards.

The Salary of the Dialysis Technician

admin — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:25:01 +0000

A dialysis technician plays a major role in any medical setting. This person is trained to operate and take care of the dialysis machine as well as related equipment. Students thinking about entering this profession might be interested in learning more about the salary this profession offers.

A dialysis technician working in the United States can look at a beginning yearly salary of approximately $29,000. to $31,733. However, the work environment also plays a role in the salary. Technicians working in hospitals generally start at a yearly salary of around $30,500. Those technicians working in a dialysis center or for a company generally have a starting yearly salary of $26,710. Some technicians begin working on a part time basis. These salaries generally start at $10. per hour and can go as high as $15. per hour. After a technician has been employed for five years the hourly salary may go to $13. to $16. per hour. After ten years of successful employment the hourly salary can go from $14. to $17. per hour.

Other factors to take into consideration, in regards to the salary package, is the location of the position. A person starting out working at a hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, for example, will most likely not earn as much salary as the person starting work in San Francisco or Los Angeles, California.

People thinking about becoming a dialysis technician need to understand there are a number of variables that determine the starting salary. One of these factors is additional education above the high school diploma and college units that are geared more in the direction of medicine. As the employee continues in this field the experience gained also helps to improve the pay. Usually the technician receives health insurance offered at reasonable rates. Generally paid vacations as well holidays and sick time are offered to the entry level technician.

There are also other opportunities available to people entering the field as a dialysis technician. For example, with a good work history and performance, a technician might be given the position of chief technician which brings along a larger salary. As previously mentioned, additional college units will also add dollars to the pay check. Some technicians can advance to the position of biomedical equipment technician. If you are considering this field you will be interested in knowing that there is presently a need for more technicians. It is predicted that this need will continue through 2012.

Each state in the United States offers their own credentialing requirements for a dialysis tech. The education of the future tech, experience, geographic location, and work setting are the contributing factors that determine a persons salary. The technician’s main job, that of monitoring and operating the dialysis machinery, and usually preparing the patient for treatment is all required aside form being responsible for monitoring the entire treatment. A post-treatment report is generally also required of the technician. A dialysis technician offers a valuable service in the field of medicine and it can offer an exciting, rewarding career.

First Aid for Bees Stings

admin — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 19:11:00 +0000

First aid for bee stings is very simple and only require simple care. The area where the bee has struck would be inflamed. The bee would leave behind it’s stinger. The things that you need to care for this are simple and common things you may have at home or can get at the neighborhood drug store. The things to do are easy.

The thing needed are:
ice, tweezers, Benadryl,Witch Hazel, cotton and a flash light.

Procedure:
1. Evaluate the person wh has been stung.
2. Find out if they have any other medical conditions that my cause and allergic reaction to the bee sting.
3. Find look for the stinger. Most times the bee leaves it behind.
4. Upon siting the sting remove the stinger. If the stinger is not out long enough to be pulled use a pair of tweezers to remove it. In the case the sting is embedded, massage the area and gently squeeze around the area to force the pressure to go under the sting and push the stinger up.
5. Once removed apply Witch Hazel which is a mild anticeptic and it does not burn.
6. For the swelling apply ice.
7. Additional itching simply give a dose of Benadryl.
8. Just montior the injured for the next hour.

If the injured show unususal behavior take to the emergency room immediately.

Where to get the Witch Hazel and Benadryl? These item can be found at the neighborhood drug store without a prescription. If you are not sure where to find these item in the store just aske the Pharmacist.

As with any medication make sure the injured is not allergic. If the injured is allegeric to bees immediately take to the emergency room. A couple of common symptoms are shortness of breath, and change in skin color, complaining of throat seems to feel like it is closing.

The Benadryl can be administered according to the directions on the back of box unless the child is under the age requirement listed on the package. If so consult with the pharmacist at the pharmacy.

Remember the main thing to do in any situation is to remain calm and concentrate on the injured.

How to Challenge the BLS/CPR class

admin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:35:09 +0000

So you have been taking CPR classes forever and you don’t know if you can stand sitting through another class for the umptieth time??? Well the you may have taken the class many times, but do you know what you need to know and are you up to speed on current changes? The American Heart Association is the leader in science for basic life support programs (CPR). The AHA issues new findings every five years, so even if you are well versed in CPR you may want to consider taking at least a renewal course every five years so you are up to speed.

This may not be at all necessary if you are computer whiz (you don’t really need to be) and can refresh your knowledge online and challenge the course. challenging the course simply means that you are going to make and appointment with a training center for testing. You will need to take a written test and a skills test to pass and become certified. Challenge courses are not advertised as much as traditional “in class” CPR courses and for that reason many people don’t about it. You will need to check with a local training center or instructor to find out if challenging the course is an option for you.

For the veteran CPR students, challenging the course can save you some time which is a valuable thing these days. Just make sure you are up to speed with your skills prior taking your challenege course. If you fail, you will have to schedule yourself for a full lenght course if your certification is expired or a renewal course if you current certification is still valid.

Vital Ethics - ACLS PALS BLS/CPR & First Aid Classes » general 6

EMS Loves Ham

Popular Topics:

Surgical Technician-Continuing Education

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The Salary of the Dialysis Technician

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First Aid for Bees Stings

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How to Challenge the BLS/CPR class

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