Sepsis in the Air

Sepsis in the Air

Next to STEMI and neurologic emergencies such as spontaneous ICH, SAH, and ischemic stroke, one of the most common pathologies we transfer from one facility to another on Air Care is sepsis.  However, unlike many of the other patients we transfer, these patient’s are usually being transferred from the ICU of an outlying facility to the ICU of a tertiary referral center that can deliver a higher intensity of care.  I sat down and discussed with Dr. Bill Knight, a former flight MD and now Emergency Medicine and Neurocritical care physician, about some of the complexities of caring for these patients.

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Lessons in Transport - Post-Intubation Checklists

Lessons in Transport - Post-Intubation Checklists

Post-Intubation Checklists

Making a checklist can help cognitively unload you in high stakes and high pressure situations.  Post-intubation consider the following important points:

Protecting the Tube

  • Continuous wave form ETCO2... each and every time

  • Secure Endotracheal Tube at the appropriate depth (See LIT week 6)

  • Analgesia and Sedation

  • Restraints... Do you know where the soft restraints are stored?

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