Training Podcast show notes

The podcast really speaks for its self, most of the items we used were from the local hardware store or peoples sheds

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moulage

The Cannula trainer, easily made from items at your ED or ambulance station.

http://dscotblog.com/2014/04/09/the-elcheapo-cannula-trainer/

You can find the podcast over on Itunes at the link below.
If your not already a subscriber add me and leave a comment, make the show easier to find.

https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/downstairs-care-outthere-podcast/id876296199

Paramedic & Emergency Pharmacology Guidelines

Recently I was back at the Education center for my Ambulance Service, I had a quick look at the store while I was there, thankfully I didn’t have to make as many purchases as last time I attended!

 

But one thing I did pick up was this

 

 

I’ll start by saying I’ve been looking for a book like this for a while, its nice to know what everyone else out there does. Especially when talking to the wider world on twitter and facebook.

I wish we had a book like this when I was a student at uni, we used to have to borrow the drug cards from the Paramedics on placement and try and make photo copies for our practical classes, or get a ACLS/PHTLS themed book.
This little pocket guide is the size of a thick note pad and covers a large amount of common Australian Prehospital medications in a tabled format.

The lay out of each medication is simple, easy and basic, exactly what you need for quick reference. Each medication has entries for description, indications, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, contraindications, adverse effects, precautions, preparation (common ones available), dosage.

The book is made of coated paper so it should survive a trip to the bottom of a pocket or bag, being sat or stepped on or other things paramedic students are liable to subject it to.
Going to uni in a time when table’s were a thing of the future and if you wanted info you had to haul a text book or a computer to class, or just plain remember it, I would have loved to have this as a quick reference for question time, practical scenarios and study. I’m really quite impressed by this amalgamation of references into one easy to use pocket book. If your looking for an inexpensive, useful gift for your self or someone you know this makes a great one. Now that I’m pushing myself into study again I find myself looking to it more and more.

For those of you that prefer to access your information on phones (and who doesn’t) there is now a phone app of this book.

In addition to this and for those now casting the printed word aside there is an Iphone/ Android app (I’ve only played with the Android version, for some reason people aren’t trusting with their phones)
Same idea as the pocket guide but it now inhabits a place next to all your other pocket guides on your phone, for a little over 5 dollars you get a searchable reference that is update-able. In addition to having medications it also arranges them by use.

The book retails for around $30 and the App will set you back $5

It all depends on what you like, I prefer the phone app as it I would give the book a 4/5 as its a great bit of kit that I would have loved as a student and the app a 4.5/5 as it takes the book to the next level.

 

Resus Room Feng Shui by Tim Leeuwenburg

Thank you Tim for producing this inspiring talk, while speaking to your experience in the remote resus room I think you also cover off a number of points that affect pre hospital providers. Issues of controlling our space, while our resus room always looks different and there’s rarely maximum access we really do need to ensure we train maximizing Feng Shui of the pre hospital scene.

I’d point any curious paramedic students or newer clinicians like myself in the direction of this talk. Of course as part of a rounded SMACC and #FOAMed diet

 

The one question that remains where is Penny’s podcast!!!!!

 

 

 

 

Resus Room Feng Shui by Tim Leeuwenburg.

School Visit a great idea for all Prehospital Providers.

Last month I had the opportunity (through my mother)

Firstly, I just wanted to say, I have never heard a 000 call, aside from the edited snip-its on TV shows so I learned something out of this program listening through the materials provided I had the opportunity to listen to two phone calls made by children while preparing (if you haven’t heard a 000 call go and hear one, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i610WFZgrJw ).

My service provided all the materials I required including an Ambulnace, posters and certificates of attendance, some amazing large print cards and a lesson plan for the teachers to cover in the class room after I left.

I was able to take an Ambulance along to show the kids (courtesy of my amazingly supportive management)

If you have the opportunity to go an provide this service then give it a go! I had a great 2 hours with a number of very curious 6-7 year old’s who had a number of great questions to ask.

If you have the opportunity I highly suggest you take it up.
Some of the frequent questions I got asked were;

Do you take the 000 phone calls?
Have you ever saved anyone?
Has anyone ever died?

What kind of food do you eat at the station?

Do you work at night?

Many children also share their stories with you, be prepared for that.

Most children enjoyed our trauma teddies, for those who haven’t ever seen them  http://www.redcross.org.au/trauma-teddy.aspx
They are a great ice breaker with ill children.
My interactions with children were also improved by attending this day. I found out more about Pepper Pig than I ever knew, this has since helped me chat to more than a few ill kids.
Straight from the children as well, a number really enjoyed stickers, I know a number of paramedics that carry stickers and based off the reaction I got from the ambulance ones I would say its well worth the $2 at an Go Lo to have in your bag.