It’s summertime! Which means it’s hot out! Which means people are going swimming! Which means people are drowning!
Not a ton unexpected out of the protocol for drowning and decompression illness. ABCs again, with a reminder for spinal precautions as needed. The protocol refers out to the previously discussed section on Cold Emergencies for suspected hypothermia and reminds providers to initiate CPR on pulseless hypothermic patients. For suspected decompression illness, EMTs will place the patient left side down in case of air emboli. Most importantly, they are instructed to transport the patient and any companion divers to the nearest appropriate hospital (in this case, one with hyperbarics). The attached appendix is a list of facilities with specialty care capabilities, including hyperbarics.
That’s it! ABCs, protect the spine, know where to look up the closest dive tank, and you’re not dead til you’re warm and dead!
See you all next week! www.nycremsco.org and the protocol binder for more.
Dave