Something that hospitals learned many years ago is that electronic
equipment require a technician to check and maintain them so they
will work when called upon.  many EMS systems spend endless money
on maintaining their expensive defibrillators and even their stretchers but
don't think twice about their battery-operated suction units.

simple maintenance and battery replacement on a regular schedule can
avoid the trauma of having your suction unit code on your next arrest.

nuff said.

yep, Charley Brown falls for it again.

Well folks that car is Lucy and if we pass on the right that is the second in time that driver will finally wake up and swerve to the right.

Check out this video to see what I am talking about.

Dashcam_ambulance_crash_getvideo.aspx

Good Grief, just don't pass to the right!!!

"I used to sit there watching Johnny and Roy each week go out in squad 51 and I wanted to do the same!!! If this show was your reason for getting into this field I will practically guarantee that within you first few weeks on the job you grabbed two Bristo-Jets and popped off the yellow caps as we saw each week in the show opening. While we all idolized Johnny and Roy ( and have followed the restoration and nationwide tour of the restored Squad 51) we shouldn't forget the rest of the guys. Chet, Marco, Mike and Captain Stanley were always nearby ready to lend a hand on Engine 51. Well, last week Engine 51 got its proper due as it was unveiled and reunited with Squad 51 at the LA County Firehouse where they live on in our memories.

There is a great article at the Jems website with pictures and videos. Go on relive the excitement, You deserve it!!

Revatio (re-vah-tee-o) is a fairly new drug on the market used to treat pulmonary hypertension.  Pulmonary hypertension causes increased blood pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs.  Because of this, patients are not able to tolerate physical activity and exercise as they used to.  You may find patients with COPD that also have pulmonary hypertension.  It is very important for all EMS providers to be aware of Revatio because it is made of the same drug as Viagra.  The generic name for Viagra and Revatio is sildenafil (sill-dena-fill).  Patients on Revatio are contraindicated from receiving Nitroglycerin the same as those on Viagra, Levitra or Cialis.  Administration of nitroglycerin to a patient on Revatio could cause a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure.  This is an important thing to remember because oftentimes the patient is on a generic form of a drug rather than the brand name.  Look for patients with a history of chronic breathing problems—especially when brought on by exertion, to be on Revatio.  If you encounter a patient taking Revatio that has indications for nitroglycerin (chest pain), document that the patient is on Revatio and therefore, is unable to receive nitroglycerin.  As a reminder, the State and Regional protocol for withholding nitroglycerin has been increased to 72 hours in the presence of Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis (erectile dysfunction drugs).  You can find additional information at: http://www.drugs.com/pro/revatio.html

Recall Class: Class I

Date Recall Initiated: May 21, 2010

Product(s): DBP-2800 Battery Pack for the Defibtech ReviveR AED™ and Lifeline AED® semi-automatic external defibrillators

Affects only DBP-2800 battery packs distributed prior to June 4, 2007 and used with the ReviveR AED™ and Lifeline AED® devices.

Affected battery pack serial numbers range:

• Between 202001005 and 202005916, or,
• Between 206001001 and 206009871

In a letter to customers dated May 20, 2010, Defibtech states that the company is mailing to all affected customers a battery pack update data card that will allow customers to update device software to correct the problem while allowing the devices to remain in their locations.

Defibtech notification and instructions on determining whether a battery pack is affected.

Reason for Recall: If the AED is used with an affected battery pack, the AED may falsely detect an error condition, cancel charge and not provide therapy.

For further info-  http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/RecallsCorrectionsRemovals/ListofRecalls/ucm215407.htm

Recall Class: Class I

Date Recall Initiated: March 4, 2010

Product(s): LIFEPAK 15 Monitor/Defibrillator

See under Useful Links to search for affected devices by serial number.
The serial number is located on the underside of the device.

These devices were manufactured between March 26, 2009 and December 15, 2009 and distributed between March 27, 2009 and December 15, 2009.

Use: The LIFEPAK 15 monitor/defibrillator is designed for use by trained medical personnel in out-of-doors and indoor emergency care settings to monitor patient heart rhythms and to treat patients experiencing cardiac arrest.

Recalling Firm:
Physio-Control, Inc.
11811 Willows Road NE
Redmond, Washington 98052-2003

Reason for Recall: There is a potential for the device to unexpectedly:

• Power Off then On by itself.
• Power Off then NOT turn On.
• Power Off by itself requiring the operator to turn it back On.
• Stay powered On and not allow itself to be turned Off.

Public Contact: Physio-Control Technical Support at

via List of Medical Device Recalls Physio-Control Inc., LIFEPAK 15 Monitor/Defibrillator.

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm220227.htm