EMS Operations - Landing Zones

EMS providers play a crucial role in facilitating helicopter operations and setting up landing zones for patient transport.

Here are key points they need to know:

Landing Zone Criteria:

- The landing zone should be a minimum of 100’x100', suitable for both day and night operations.

- Ensure the site is free of obstacles, hazards, and debris.

- Opt for a firm surface and avoid slopes greater than five degrees whenever possible.

- Soft sand or dirt landing sites should be avoided, but can be wet down as a last resort.

Obstruction Assessment:

- Conduct a thorough survey of the landing site to identify overhead power lines, telephone wires, antennas, buildings, or tall trees.

- Attempt to remove or limit any obstructions from the landing location.

- If obstructions cannot be removed, inform the flight crew, and be prepared to find an alternative location if necessary.

Marking the Landing Zone:

- Mark the landing zone using weighted cones or position emergency vehicles at the corners, with headlights facing inward to form an X.

- Clearly visible markings help pilots identify the designated landing area, especially during low-light conditions.

Weather Considerations:

- Inform the flight crew of wind direction and speed, particularly if strong winds exist.

- Weather conditions can impact helicopter operations, and pilots need this information to make informed decisions.

Safety Buffer:

- Ensure all nonessential personnel, bystanders, and vehicles are at least 200 feet away from the landing zone.

- This safety buffer protects individuals from potential hazards associated with helicopter operations.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

- Responders operating near the landing zone should wear appropriate PPE, including helmets with chin straps, ear protection, and face shields or other eye protection.

- Be prepared for high wind and noise associated with helicopter take-offs and landings.

Communication:

- Maintain effective communication with the flight crew before, during, and after the landing.

- Be prepared to provide updated information about the landing zone, weather conditions, and any changes in the situation.

- By adhering to these guidelines, EMS providers can contribute to the safe and efficient operation of helicopter transports, ensuring the well-being of both the patient and the emergency response team.

https://www.lifeflight.cc/site_pages/landing_zone.html

EMS Infographic - When Ambulances Crash

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) used 10 years of data to understand patient and provider safety in EMS-involved collisions. The above infographic illustrates their findings.

 

Why I Wear A Mask In A Time Of COVID-19

I wear a mask in public, not for me, but for YOU. I want you to know that I am educated enough to know that I could be asymptomatic and still give you the virus.

No, I don’t “live in fear” of the virus, I just want to be a part of the solution, not the problem. I don’t feel like the “government is controlling me”, I feel like I’m being a contributing adult to society and I want to teach others the same.

The world doesn’t revolve around me. It’s not all about me and my comfort. If we all could live with consideration for other people, this whole world would be a much better place. Wearing a mask doesn’t make me weak, scared, stupid, or even “controlled”, it makes me considerate.

When you think about how you look, or how uncomfortable it is or what others think of you, just imagine someone close to you. A father, a mother, grandparent, Aunt or uncle choking on a respirator. Then ask yourself if you could have sucked it up a little for them.

Feel free to copy and paste and share. I did. 😊

#WearAMask #WashYourHands 

#StayHome #COVID19 #DuringATimeOfPlague

Why Am I Posting This? So We Don’t Forget....

Why am I posting this? So we don’t forget.... 😷🧤😥

Today is Sunday, April 26, 2020. Next year & then every year after, this status will appear in my memories feed, for as long as Facebook exists. And it will be an annual reminder that life is precious & that nothing should be taken for granted. 

We are where we are with what we have. Let's be grateful 💜

- We are at 39 days of social isolation.

- The Dollar is worth $ 5.32, the Euro $ 5.77, and the British Pound $ 6.54.

- Schools have been closed since mid-March and are teaching remotely on-line. This will continue for the rest of the school year.

- There are lines / tapes inside the stores to keep people 6 feet apart.

- Bars and restaurants only for home delivery & pick-up.

- Parks, beaches, and walk-in places are not accessible to the public.

- All sports competitions have been canceled.

- All festivals and entertainment events have been banned.

- Weddings, family celebrations, and birthdays have been canceled.

- Funerals limited to 10-20 people.

- People are doing drive-by parades to celebrate birthdays!

- Young kids can’t understand why they can only see grandparents & other extended family and friends on a screen or thru a window if someone visits in person.

- Hugs and kisses are not given.

- The churches are closed or online.

- We have to stay away from each other more than a meter.

- Shortage of masks and gloves in hospitals.

- There are fewer ventilators than there should be.

- People are wearing masks, some places even REQUIRE that you wear them to enter! People are even making their own masks for sale or donation to medical facilities!

- Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes, and anything Lysol or Clorox is in short supply and limited per person...IF you can even find them!

- Stores are closing early to disinfect everything. (24-hour stores are even closing by 9pm)

- Store checkouts, pharmacies, and even fast food drive-thru windows have added plexiglass between employee and customer. Have to reach around or under to pay!

- You can't find isopropyl alcohol easily. .. supply per person is limited.

- Australia, USA, and Europe have closed their borders.

- Western Australia has been divided into 9 territories & an instant $1,500 fine issued for crossing the border without a valid reason. (Transport workers, Essential services, etc)

- No one is traveling for leisure. Airports empty. Tourism has the worst crisis in history.

This text comes from an anonymous author, it's not mine. I copied because I want to remember it too. 

#AMomentInTime #LifeIsPrecious 

#COVID19 #DuringATimeOfPlague

American Red Cross National Volunteer Week

It’s National Volunteer Week, and the American Red Cross honors our hundreds of thousands of volunteers who make it possible to fulfill our lifesaving mission of helping people in need. 

Support your community. Become a Red Cross volunteer. 

Discover the role that's right for you HERE

#AmericanRedCross #Volunteer #DisasterRelief

Fuel Up Safely In A Time of COVID-19

According to the CDC, current evidence suggests that COVID-19 may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials.

Cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice measure for the prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in households and community settings. This included surfaces like the gas pump.

#AmericanRedCross #Volunteers #WashYourHands 

#WearAMask #COVID19 #DuringATimeOfPlague

Help Stop The Spread Of Germ In A Time Of COVID-19

#WearAMask #WashYourHands 

#StayHome #COVID19 #DuringATimeOfPlague

Myths And Facts In A Time Of COVID19

#WashYourHands #StayHome

#LifeIsPrecious #COVID19 #DuringATimeOfPlague

NOLS Wilderness First Responder

 

Wilderness first responder training courses focus on teaching the students to assess a situation, improvise solutions using available resources to stabilize the patient and identify the best way to get the patient to definitive medical treatment.

Go to: www.nols.edu

#WildernessMedicine #WildernessFirstResponder #CPR

Emergency Medicine Matters - Use of Adrenaline in Anaphylaxis

Image Credit: Backpacking Mastery

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency and is one of the most stressful medical conditions that an expedition medic could face. Fortunately, the condition is reversible with prompt administration of adrenaline by intramuscular injection.

Because the onset of anaphylaxis can be very fast, an adrenaline auto-injector can be very useful upon witnessing the first signs of a severe reaction.

Signs of a severe reaction include:

• Swelling in the throat (altered voice, difficulty swallowing or breathing) and extremities (if stung).

• Wheezing

• Dizziness, feeling faint, tiredness (symptoms of low blood pressure)

The most commonly seen auto-injectors are still EpiPen®. Certainly, this brand is most commonly carried by children and adults in the UK setting. Therefore it may be that some participants on expeditions may carry these.

Figure 1 - EpiPen® Auto-Injector

All auto-injectors should be injected into the muscle of the outer thigh.

There has been a recent slight change in the guidance for administration for EpiPen®.

There is no change to the device or the drug (adrenaline); the change is in the instructions for use as outlined below:

    • Reduced injection time from 10 seconds down to 3 seconds – this is based on research confirming the delivery of adrenaline for 3 seconds is sufficient.

    • Removal of the massage step after the injection – this step has been removed to simplify the process of administering EpiPen®.

The changes above are aimed to improve patient compliance.

Image Credit: Backpacking Mastery

Remember that anyone who uses an auto-injector must have had training in its use (as they are all slightly different). However, it is a drug that can be administered by a non-health care professional in the UK setting if required to treat a patient with anaphylaxis.

It is hoped that the manufacturers of the other auto-injectors (Jext and Emerade) available in the UK will also change their guidelines to match those of EpiPen®.

Wilderness Medical Training recommends the use of Emerade as the autoinjector of choice as each one contains 0.5mg adrenaline (Resus Council UK guideline dose) rather than the 0.3mg adrenaline dose in the EpiPen®.

The guidance for the Emerade auto-injector remains to hold the autoinjector against the thigh for 5 seconds.

Figure 2 - Technique for use of the Emerade Auto-injector

#BasicLifeSupport #FirstAid #EmergencyMedicine

AHA Stay Safe In The Water Campaign

Drowning is the third-leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, accounting for 7 percent of all injury-related deaths, according to the World Health Organization. The agency estimates there are 360,000 annual drowning deaths worldwide.

Go to: American Heart Association

FEMA Introduction To Incident Command System ICS-100

This independent study course introduces ICS and provides the foundation for higher-level ICS training. It describes the history, features and principles, and organizational structure of the system. This course also explains the relationship between ICS and NIMS.

#FEMA #IncidentCommandSystem #CrisisManagement

ACA River Rescue Technician

This course is aimed at Professional Rescuers: Firefighters, BLM Rangers, Search and Rescue Personnel, Whitewater Guides, Trip leaders, boaters paddling on more challenging whitewater, and anyone desiring opportunities to develop their rescue skills. Themes of this dynamic course revolve around the recognition of hazards, critical judgment, and rescue awareness. 

Emphasis is placed heavily on self-rescue techniques and approaching rescue scenarios simply and safely. Apply new and refined skills in mock-rescue scenarios using a minimal amount of gear. These scenarios create an opportunity for participants to practice skills individually and with a team context. 

Scope and content of the course will vary, based on participant needs, interests and experience. Topics covered include extricating pins, using rescue vests, managing strainers, dealing with entrapment, and proficient swimming skills.

Go to: www.wilderness-rescue.com

NOLS Professional Instructor Course

The primary purpose of this course is to train and evaluate potential NOLS instructors who already have extensive experience teaching in the outdoors. 

Each participant’s skills and abilities are assessed and evaluated by the course instructors with the intent of determining their potential as an instructor. 

On this course, participants will develop and refine the teaching and leadership skills needed for professional positions at NOLS.

This course is conducted in Wyoming’s Wind River Range. Because the environment and terrain are representative of many NOLS programming areas, the Winds are ideal for introducing NOLS' field practices. 

The course includes three components: a three-day leadership module taught in town, an eight-day backpacking expedition, and a three-day section of top rope rock climbing training.

Go to: www.nols.edu

NREMT Emergency Medical Responder

Emergency Medical Responders provide immediate lifesaving care to critical patients who access the emergency medical services system. EMRs have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide immediate lifesaving interventions while awaiting additional EMS resources to arrive. 

EMRs also provide assistance to higher-level personnel at the scene of emergencies and during transport. Emergency Medical Responders are a vital part of the comprehensive EMS response. Under medical oversight, Emergency Medical Responders perform basic interventions with minimal equipment.

Go to: www.nremt.org

NOLS Wilderness First Aid

Wilderness first aid training courses focus on preparing students for the unexpected, taking a hands-on approach to learning about applying first aid skills in the backcountry. 

Participants are taught how to provide effective treatments for common injuries and illnesses in the outdoors, and how to make appropriate evacuation decisions.

If you like to take short trips relatively close to medical resources, work at wilderness camps, enjoy weekend family outdoor activities, or recreate outdoors, this course is for you.

Go to: www.nols.edu

Maligiaq Padilla - SGS USA Presenter / Coach

Coach / Presenter - Maligiaq Padilla

Maligiaq Padilla originates from Sisimiut, Greenland. His grandfather spent his days hunting seals, whales, birds and other animals from a kayak (qajaq in Greenlandic), and it was from him that Maligiaq was taught the hunting traditions of his ancestors. At the age of 12, Maligiaq built his first kayak and learned to hunt from it using a harpoon and a rifle. He has since built over 300 kayaks. These kayaks have been displayed in the Sisimiut Museum of Greenland, the Inuit Gallery of Vancouver and the Smithsonian Museum.

Maligiaq is world renowned for his strokes, rolling, kayak building and rope gymnastics skills. He has appeared in many films, including Rolling With Maligiaq,  Allunaariaqattaarneq and This is the Sea.

Maligiaq first competed in the annual Greenland National Kayaking Championship when he was 12. He won every event in his age group, and at 16 became the youngest National Championship winner in history. He has now won a total of nine Championships.

Maligiaq will be teaching a qajaq building class through Mind’s Eye Manufactory leading up to Storm Gathering USA 2017. Click HERE for more information. We’d like to thank Mind’s Eye Manufactory for supporting the event by bringing in such a wonderful keynote speaker and mentor.

We’re honored to have both Maligiaq and Mind’s Eye Manufactory as part of the event. Maligiaq will be Storm Gathering USA’s Friday evening keynote speaker, and will teach Greenland Strokes on the Friday and Sunday of the event. The Friday evening presentation is titled, “Indigenous water craft of the Arctic, and modern qayaq in Greenland.”

www.maligiaq.com

For more details about the event, visit the Storm Gathering USA website today!

To register, go to this page on the symposium website.

For more information, e-mail, info@greenlandorbust.org.

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SGS USA - Instructor Speciality Class With Roger Schumann

Storm Gathering USA 2017

Here are details of a specialist class that may interest anyone attending the Storm Gathering USA 2027 event in Trinidad, California on March 3 to 5.

We have scheduled two half-day sessions for participants to choose from. Sessions will run when minimum numbers are reached.

Unscrambling the Scramble: Self Rescue and Beyond.

More than a mode of self-rescue, the Cowboy(Girl) Scramble technique is great for expanding your launching and landing repertoire, and for developing core skills to help you become a better paddler overall. Before working on rescues, we'll break down the scramble technique as used for basic launching /landing, offering tips and tricks for getting off/on beaches quickly and easily (compared to awkward knuckle walking).

We'll also cover more-advanced versions like "lunge launches" and speed launches" useful for accessing "tricky" beaches. In the process of practicing Scramble Launches/Landings, you'll automatically be refining your deep-water rescue skills, as well as improving the core bracing and balancing skills that help keep you from capsizing and needing to do a rescue in the first place. Participants should have been introduced previously to both the Scramble Rescue and the sculling brace.

To register, click HERE.

For more information e-mail: info@greenlandorbust.org.

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The Storm Is On!

Storm Gathering USA 2017

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SGS USA - Non-Participant Meal Plan

Storm Gathering USA 2017

Based on demand, we have introduced a new booking category: Non-Participant Meal / Social Activities Option.

If you have a family member or friend who wishes to be part of the event but not go on the water, this $75 option covers all meals and entry into social activities.

This option is available through Eventbrite or if you submit a booking form with check payment.

To register, click HERE.

For more information, e-mail, info@greenlandorbust.org.

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