EMS Zoological Emergencies - When Scorpions Sting & Spiders Bite

Last year, the Bronx Zoo hosted an educational program titled "Bite Me!" designed to train EMS and search and rescue personnel on managing venomous creature attacks, despite the absence of scorpions and spiders in the zoo's collection.

The event featured presentations from experts, including Dr. Joshua Silverberg, who discussed snakebite treatment, and Stephen P. Wood, a former EMS provider, who covered bee, ant, and mosquito stings.

Leading the program was wilderness physician Dr. Sanjey Gupta, an experienced instructor in wilderness medicine. 

Dr. Gupta serves as the Chair of Emergency Medicine at South Shore University Hospital and as a professor at the Zucker School of Medicine.

His presentation focused on venomous spiders and scorpions, detailing their habitats, the physiological effects of their venom, and appropriate EMS response protocols.

For more information, access the article via this link via the Journal of Emergency Medical Services.

EMS Equipment - The Power Paradox

Despite powered advancements in patient movement, the initial ground lift remains a manual task for EMS providers.

The attached JEMS article addresses a critical issue in EMS that despite heavy investments in advanced power stretchers and other power-assisted patient handling devices, the initial task of lifting a patient from the ground remains manual and risky. 

This inconsistency, termed the "power paradox," exposes EMS Providers to significant musculoskeletal injuries, with nearly half of EMS workers experiencing such injuries due to manual patient handling.

While EMS agencies have invested significantly in technologies like power stretchers, power loads, and power stair chairs, they often overlook the necessity of power patient lifts.

The lack of a comprehensive power-assisted patient handling approach leads providers to use makeshift solutions like bedsheets, increasing the risk of injuries to both the patient and the provider. 

Statistics from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) highlight that nearly half of all EMS workers suffer from work-related musculoskeletal injuries, underscoring the need for a complete and integrated approach to patient lifting.

The solution lies in incorporating power patient lifts, which are affordable compared to the costs of potential injuries and liabilities. These lifts can significantly reduce the physical strain on EMS providers and enhance patient safety. 

The article emphasizes that EMS agencies need to prioritize injury prevention by embracing a holistic approach to powered patient handling. 

By doing so, they can protect their personnel, improve patient care, and mitigate liability risks, ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of EMS operations​.

Journal of Emergency Medical Services 2024 

For more information, access the attached article link.