Ten Minute Medic

” Greasing the Skids” For Glucose Metabolism

Picture insulin as a key that unlocks the doors of our cells, allowing glucose to enter and power our bodies. When this intricate dance falters, as in diabetes, it can lead to a terrible symphony of health issues. So, think of insulin as the ultimate conductor, directing the harmonious flow of energy that keeps us in tune with life's rhythms.

In this week's episode of the Ten-Minute Medic, we look at how important this hormone is and a little deeper at how it works. 

Our next podcast is entitled "The Three Great Imposters"...a look at three common STEMI imposters.  Identifying STEMI imposters is like distinguishing a wolf in sheep's clothing in the world of heart emergencies. These cunning look-alikes, such as pericarditis or benign chest pain, mimic the deadly ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), leading to unnecessary panic and invasive treatments.

You Can’t Treat What You Don’t See

The assessment skills of the paramedic are the most important ones that she has.  Yet this area continues to be one of the weakest parts of paramedic education.  In this episode, we take a look at how to have an organized assessment routine of our pediatric patients. 

A brand new episode will drop by the middle of the week.  During this new session, we will review the important work that insulin does towards regulating blood sugar levels.

RSV...It’s Not Just For Pediatrics Anymore!

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is not limited to pediatrics and can affect geriatric populations too. In older adults, RSV can lead to severe respiratory infections, causing symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, often requiring hospitalization. In this weeks podcast, we'll review the pathophysiology, symptomology and treatment of this dangerous respiratory disease.

Mechanism of Injury-A Replay

Mechanism of injury is important for the paramedic student to learn as it takes you beyond the obvious.  You become a detective when you evaluate the clues found at the scene of a trauma...not to convict the perpetrator, but to ensure your assessment finds all of the injuries that could threaten your patient's life.

The Physics of Trauma Part 1

Having a basic understanding of the physical forces behind trauma will help you to begin to suspect injuries that may not always be obvious.  In this first podcast, of a three part series, we will look at how Newton (the scientist, not the fig guy!) is important to the paramedic as well as the role the multiple collisions that take place during trauma can increase the incidence of trauma. 

Orthopedic Emergencies-Compartment Syndrome and the Various Types of Fractures

In this episode we will take a look at the signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome.  We'll also take a look at the types of fractures and how they might impact your patient.

Shock in the Pediatric Patient Part 2 of 2

In this extended podcast, we take a look at the causes, pathophysiologies and treatments of some of the more common classifications of shock that you might see in your pediatric patient. 

Shock in the Pediatric Patient Part 1

The early recognition of shock in the pediatric patient is imperative to the survival of your young patient. It's is important to remember that this condition does not always exhibit itself the same as it would in the adult.  In this first of a multi-podcast series, we will take a look at pathophysiology of shock and how to recognize some of the subtle symptoms. 

Respiratory Distress in the Pediatric Patient

Watching a child struggle to breath is difficult to deal with.  However, what you do in the first few minutes of care could determine the outcome for your patient.  In this episode, we take a brief look at the issue of respiratory distress versus respiratory failure. 

Responding to the Pediatric Cardiac Arrest

Pediatric cardiac arrests are rare, but can be among the most stressful calls that the paramedic will encounter.  In this podcast, we take a look at the PALS algorithm for dealing with such high risk calls.