Washington County completed a national EMS for Children survey for prehospital readiness. We scored an 8/12. While this score is well over the national average, there is room for improvement and we owe it to our children to do better. Let’s make this a goal for 2023, together. You can start by forwarding this email to all your BLS providers as well.
In an effort to have Washington County be “PEDIATRIC READY”, I will be sending out occasional tips, podcasts, and training opportunities. Please take advantage of these short educational bursts.
This week’s “Did you know?” Drill:
The dose for a pediatric nebulized epi is 2.5 mg of a 1:1,000 solution. That seems like a lot, doesn’t it? Review with your crews today by physically going to look at the way you stock your unit – how are you going to get 2.5 mg of a 1:1,000 in a nebulizer? (since epi doesn’t come in convenient bullet packaging like our other nebulized medications) Please note: Since the volume will be 2.5 ml, there is no reason to dilute the epi. Build the muscle memory now. Be ready.
PODCAST series recommendation: “The Pediatric EMS podcast”
There are several available in this series, this link I found in google:
podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5saWJzeW4uY29tLzQxNDAyMC9yc3M?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiwis2uhYb9AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ&hl=en
The first one is on Pediatric Disaster Preparation and Management. Reviewing cases like Hurricane Katrina and the Uvalde School shooting: it reminds us that when it comes to disasters involving children, it doesn’t matter if it’s a natural or man-made tragedy. The challenges and applications during the incidents are very similar and we can learn a lot from reviewing these perspectives.
As always, visit wcqa.net/ for a history of QA/QI updates and information.
Be safe out there!
Melanie Higgins, BS, NRP Captain – EMS Quality Assurance Division of Emergency Services 16232 Elliott Parkway Williamsport, MD 21795 (cell) 301-491-2454 (office) 240-313-4376 (fax) 240-313-4375