In this episode of the EMS on AIR podcast, retired Battalion Chief Doug Burke shares his firsthand experience with cyanide poisoning during a fire incident. Despite wearing full PPE, Burke encountered cyanide toxicity due to the hazardous materials present in the burning structure. This episode offers critical insights into the risks associated with modern firefighting, the importance of early symptom recognition, and the necessity for fire departments and EMS agencies to be prepared with treatments like Hydroxocobalamin. The discussion emphasizes the importance of prompt intervention to safeguard both firefighters and victims from life-threatening exposures.

Support the show

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Robert Dunne, who is the EMS Medical Director for the Detroit Fire Department, as well as the Detroit East Medical Control Authority. Dr. Dunne is here to describe why fire departments and EMS agencies should be prepared to treat patients with smoke inhalation injuries. Specifically, Dr. Dunne is here to put a spotlight on the toxic twins, cyanide (CN) and carbon monoxide (CO), which are two major contributors to the injury and death of smoke inhalation patients.

During this episode, Dr. Dunne will describe why fire departments and EMS agencies should be prepared to treat patients with smoke inhalation. In addition, doc will describe the impact of cyanide (CN) and carbon monoxide (CO) on the human body. Then, he will list and describe the assessment and treatment priorities for smoke inhalation injuries. Finally, Dr. Dunne will describe the benefits of hydroxocobalamin for patients with signs and symptoms of cyanide toxicity.

Support the show

In this episode, Dr. Mark Piehl and Dr. Peter Antevy discuss why EMS must adopt a more thoughtful approach to fluid resuscitation for critically ill or injured patients. Specifically, patients in shock. It turns out that EMS needs to take a more of a proactive approach to recognizing the need for and administering fluids for certain patients. Dr. Piehl, and Dr. Antevy are here to put a spotlight on the value of fluid resuscitation in the pre-hospital setting, walk us through the data, and discuss the how EMS can provide the right amount of fluid in the right amount of time to make a big impact for our patients.

Dr. Peter Antevy is a Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physician, as well as an EMS Medical Director for several fire-based EMS agencies in South Florida. Dr. Mark Piehl is a Pediatric Intensivist at WakeMed Health & Hospitals. He is also the Assistant Medical Director for WakeMed Mobile Critical Care, and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. On top of all that Dr. Piehl is the Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of 410 Medical, Inc. as well as the inventor of LifeFlow. LifeFlow is a device used to deliver rapid fluid boluses or blood transfusion for patients with signs of shock. Visit 410medical.com for more information about LifeFlow.

Click here for access studies and information that support the information expressed in this episode: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/152po79RnJcXI53-AlxRsoUKbH_ODnqDh?usp=sharing

Please keep emailing your questions, comments, feedback, and episode ideas to the EMS on AIR Podcast team by email at Geoff@EMSonAIR.com

Visit EMSonAIR.com for the latest information, podcast episodes and other details.

Follow us on Instagram @EMSOnAIR.

Geoff Lassers, Paramedic I/C, AAS. Host/Producer, EMS on AIR Podcast
Firefighter/Paramedic, West Bloomfield Fire Department
EMS System Manager, Oakland County Medical Control Authority
Director of Sponsorships, GuardianCME.com
Geoff@EMSonAIR.com

Support the show