Expressing opinions on topics relevant to EMS, promoting discussion, and inspiring an interest in FOAMed
We are all familiar with the old adage “Don’t put the cart before the horse”. But have you ever thought about how often we put ourselves before the patient? To be fair, there are situations where this is appropriate. All of us were taught at some point that our safety
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I am back after an extended absence from this website. It has been over two years since I last sat at my computer and created a post for the EMS Soapbox. In those two years I have learned a lot, and I would like to share some of my new
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In Part I of this discussion, we talked about what defines a profession. Part II dealt with the requirement for a robust Continuing Professional Development program. In this final piece, I would like to review the organisational requirements of a College, and the overall implications of Paramedic Self-Regulation for the
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This article arose from a discussion at my workplace surrounding the use of passive oxygenation during the initial stages of cardiac arrest. It was suggested that we would not be using this technique until it becomes a North American or specifically a Canadian standard of care. I suspect that what
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In this post I would like to share with you a few of my favorite videos and podcasts. These are all presentations that I have watched at least twice and sometimes more. A few of them I have incorporated into my own teaching. Some are emotional, some are entertaining, some
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One of the biggest challenges we will face as Paramedics in Manitoba move towards self-regulation will be in the area on education; specifically Continuing Professional Development. So in this post, I would like to explore what CPD means, and how the requirements for CPD will affect us. I will present
Read moreYour patient is a 54 year old male, who had a witnessed cardiac arrest with immediate bystander CPR. On arrival, you are told they have used an AED and delivered 3 shocks. When you attached your monitor/defibrillator and pause for a rhythm check, you see ventricular fibrillation, so you immediately
Read moreI was recently asked by a colleague to outline the benefits of self-regulation for Paramedics in Manitoba. Feeling confident that I could respond in an eloquent fashion, I launched into my sermon. When I was finished, he said I had provided him with some interesting points to ponder, and we
Read moreHello, and welcome to the EMS Soapbox. This first posting will be an introduction. I will tell you a bit about who I am, why I am doing this, and what you can expect to find when you visit this site. Who am I? My name is Mike MacKenzie, an
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