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EMSC Connects
August 2023; Vol.12, Issue 8
Pedi points
Tia Dickson, RN, BSN
Primary Children's Hospital
Most adults today grew up with some kind of "don't do drugs" campaign. Today's youth are informed. They have the knowledge of the world in their hands through their cell phones. It is important that we use facts when we teach them to avoid drugs and alcohol. Do you know the facts? Our EMS agencies are community advocates. Did you know there is a free drug education program you can bring to your community?
Effective drug education
Darren Tessitore
Founder, Drug Education Alliance
Foundation for a Drug-Free World
Excerpts from July 10th PETOS
What is a drug?
Essentially, a drug is a poison. Some are necessary but too much of any drug can kill. Generally a small amount stimulates you, a large amount will depress you, and too much, too fast will kill.
Drugs in the body
Drugs can be soluble, susceptible of being dissolved in a liquid, especially water. Alcohol is a good example. These drugs go through your body in roughly 24 hours. Drugs like LSD, TCH (marijuana) heroin, and cocaine are fat soluble. In your body they can be stored in fat cells and may not leave the body for hours, months, and even years. They may also build up in high quantities within these fat cells.
Drugs and your mind
We record memories as pictures, drugs cloud those pictures. Reaction time slows, recall is delayed.
The trifecta gateway
Ninety percent of all addiction in America starts from 3 substances used between the ages of 10 and 17.
- Tobacco/nicotine (vaping)
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
Studies show that focusing prevention and education efforts on these 3 substances is most effective in overall drug use prevention.
Other sobering statistics . . .
- Half of tobacco users in America abuse drugs
- 20% of the people in America who buy alcohol, drink 80% of all alcohol sold
- 90% of drug addicts started in using their teens
Marijuana (THC)
Many adults underestimate this drug. In the 80s and 90s "smoking pot" would expose you to 3-6% tetrahydrocannabinol (TCH) which is a hallucinogen. Now marijuana on the market is between 18 and 35% TCH. That is for traditional smoking. You can buy 80% proof and greater TCH liquid and vape those. This liquid has no odor and now with smokeless vapes it is difficult to detect anyone using marijuana.
Vaping/e-cigarettes
Most drugs can now be made into a liquid and vaped. The truth about traditional cigarettes has led to a steep decline in sales and so big tobacco companies have turned their efforts to vaping. Children are being heavily targeted (once again).
What is a vape?
One interesting note: vapes are typically made overseas, primarily in China, and they have no regulation on metal content. These metal components may contain tin, lead, arsenic, etc. The liquid drug and metal components are pushed into the lungs of those who vape. "Popcorn lung" damage is being seen even in very young people.
"Popcorn Lung"
The medical term is bronchiolitis obliterans
In January 2020, officials started to collect injury statistics. In 2 months between January 1 to February 4:
- 2,785 cases of vaping ling injuries were reported nationally
- 64 deaths were confirmed in 28 states
Current drug statistics
Overall overdose deaths
Fentanyl is a biggest killer
Illicit drug use by children did go down which is a win but there is still work to be done
Fentanyl
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. The amount pictured can kill a 250-pound man. Fentanyl is being "cut in" (added to) other ingredients in the production of fake pills and they are widely available. The DEA lab testing revealed 4 out of every 10 pills with fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose. Currently, China remains the primary source of fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances (United States Drug Enforcement Administration)
What is the solution?
The solution is education! Children need to know what drugs really are. They need to understand what drugs do. They need information to make self-informed decisions because they rarely listen to parents or educators. Informed youth are drug-free youth! The Foundation for a Drug-free World has a free program. Today's youth are informed and the "don't do drugs" message needs to be supplemented with "what are drugs and what will they do to you?" Access this program and many other online resources at https://www.drugfreeworld.org/.
Protocols in practice—opioid/overdose
CME credit for this issue
Training officers may review the topic above as a team training AND perform a simulation/skills check as directed here. Once complete, send a roster of participants to Utah.PETOS@gmail.com and those listed will be issued 1 hour of CME credit from the DHHS Office of EMS and Preparedness.
Simulation Training
News from national EMSC
National data published on pediatric capabilities of emergency departments
The results of an assessment of the pediatric capabilities of more than 3,500 emergency departments (EDs) nationwide have been published in JAMA Network Open. The assessment was conducted by the National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP), an initiative led by the federal Emergency Medical Services for Children Program in partnership with the American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Emergency Physicians, and Emergency Nurses Association.
Learn about pediatric readiness at www.pediatricreadiness.org or take the assessment at www.pedsready.org.
EMSC Pulse
National EMSC has a newsletter filled with fantastic pediatric information, resources and links. Check it out!
News from Utah EMSC
Seasonal safety
You've seen the headlines. Utah's extreme heat is likely to continue into August.
Summer storms
Remember the saying, “When thunder roars, go indoors?”
Regardless of where you live, thunderstorms can pose threats. Lightning kills 27 people on average each year in the United States and injures hundreds more. Heavy rain from thunderstorms can lead to flash floods. Worse yet, tornadoes can form during some thunderstorms, and hail can damage property.
While thunderstorms can happen anytime, they are more likely to occur in the spring and summer. Here are some tips to stay safe this season when skies darken and lightning flashes:
- If you have outdoor activities planned, pay attention to the alerts and warnings. Download the FEMA app to receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for as many as 5 locations nationwide. Also sign up for alerts in your community.
- If you are under a severe thunderstorm warning, move from outdoors into a sturdy building or a car with a roof. Moving under a tree to stay dry isn’t safe because lightning often strikes the tallest object in its path.
- If a tornado warning is issued during a thunderstorm, move to a basement or the lowest level of the building, preferably in a room without windows.
- Avoid running water or using landline phones. Electricity from lightning can travel through plumbing and phone lines. Unplug computers and other appliances to keep them safe.
- Watch out for flooded roads. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, while 1 foot of moving water can sweep your car away.
Learn more about thunderstorm and lightning safety on FEMA’s Ready and Protective Actions webpages.
Dangerous ingestion
Water beads are a common toy found in many homes. Texas Children's reports an increase in dangerous ingestions. These toys can be swallowed and as they absorb body fluids, they can grow and cause bowel obstruction.
PECC development
For Utah hospital and EMS agency PECCs
PECC kudos
We love an opportunity to share the amazing work you are doing!
The Ashley Regional Medical Center (ASRC) trauma team hosted a helmet safety booth at their community BBQ on July 7, 2023.
Their administration estimates approximately 1,000 community members attended. ARMC provided lunch and multiple booths were set up for attendees to participate in.
The trauma team raffled off 25 bike helmets and assisted visitors measure for the correct size helmet. They also emphasized the importance of wearing a correct fitting helmet anytime they ride a bike or ATV.
Their local EMS crew also stopped by to help.
Staff members included:
Lori Speir—Trauma program manager
Ricki Troendle—PECC
Joe Myers—Surgical tech
Weston Ivins—EMT
Natalie Rousseau—EMT
Great job team!!
Please send your stories to tdickson@utah.gov, we'd love to highlight them.
Pediatric readiness
For EMS agencies: Three Ways to Improve your EMS Agency’s Pediatric Readiness.
For hospitals: The EIIC is excited to announce that the National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP) Toolkit for EDs has a new look. Sections are organized to align with the joint policy statement and NPRP Checklist resources. In the next few months, an in-depth review of evidence-based practices will begin to further update the toolkit.
Autism awareness trainings (for agencies and hospitals)
We are excited to introduce the John Wilson autism kits that will be made available during our autism trainings. The training and kits are free to you. These kits can be stocked in the ambulance to enhance your care of neuro-divergent children.
Contact Jeff Wilson jeffwilson122615@gmail.com to set up a training.
Upcoming PECC events
PECC quarterly meeting
You will receive an invitation with the link through email. If you are a PECC and don't receive this invitation contact our program manager, Jared Wright jaredwright@utah.gov.
Tuesday, Aug 15, 2023, 10:00 AM
Northern PECC workshop
PECCs are encouraged to attend an in-person PECC workshop yearly to receive up-to-date pediatric training, direction for your PECC role, and to participate in networking with other PECCs statewide. These workshops are free to designated hospital and agency PECCs. We will offer 1 in the northern part of Utah and 1 in the southern part each year beginning with a northern PECC workshop on September 1, 2023.
PECCs can register for this September workshop here.
Friday, Sep 1, 2023, 08:00 AM
Primary Children's Eccles Outpatient Services, Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Pediatric Education from Utah EMSC
Pediatric Emergency Trauma Outreach series (PETOS)
PETOS (pediatric emergency and trauma outreach series)
This course provides 1 free CME credit from the DHHS Office of Emergency Medical Services for EMTs and paramedics. The lectures are presented by physicians and pediatric experts from Primary Children’s Hospital. The format is informal; inviting questions and discussion.
Join us on Zoom each second Monday at 02:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Archived presentations can be viewed and also qualify for CME credits. You can access them at https://intermountainhealthcare.org/primary-childrens/classes-events/petos.
To obtain a completion certificate
- For live virtual participants: to receive a certificate of completion for attendance be sure to include your email address when the host requests it in the chat during the live presentation. Certificates are e-mailed out after verification of attendance and processing.
- For archived viewing: after viewing archived presentations (link above) e-mail utah.petos@gmail.com with the date and title of presentation viewed. You will receive a 3 question quiz to verify participation. Once the quiz is returned, certificates are e-mailed out.
We try to have certificates out within a week but will occasionally have delays.
Monday, Aug 14, 2023, 02:00 PM
PEPP classes
Looking for a PEPP class?
Pediatric education for the prehospital provider
Register online at www.peppsite.com. Look up classes in Utah and find the 1 that works for you. Once you find the class, go to jblearning.com, and look up pepp als in the search tool. Purchase the number ($21.95). Return to peppsite.org to register for the class and follow the prompts.
If you have any questions, email Erik Andersen at erikandersen@utah.gov or text/call 435-597-7098. Continue to watch the website for additional classes.
Other pediatric education
University of Utah injury prevention learning series
Univeristy of Utah trauma/injury prevention learning series
August 15, 2023 11:30 AM, September 19, 2023 11:30 AM, October 17, 2023 11:30 AM, November 21, 2023 11:30 AM, December 19, 2023 11:30 AM
To view previous sessions for all these series visit this link.
Tuesday, Aug 15, 2023, 11:30 AM
University of Utah Pediatrics ECHO 2023
University of Utah Pediatric ECHO—Autism 101
We will finish up the Autism series on August 23rd.
Our Fall 2023 Pediatrics ECHO sessions start on Wednesday, August 30, at noon MDT. For those new to Pediatrics ECHO, you can earn CME for participating in a case-based learning session with experts in a variety of pediatric topics.
8/30/23 Eczema
9/6/23 Steps Toward Augmentative Communication for Birth – 5-year-olds
9/13/23 Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
9/20/23 Utah Outdoor Sports Injuries
Wednesday, Aug 23, 2023, 11:30 AM
EMS-focused education
University of Utah's EMS grand rounds
University of Utah's EMS grand rounds (Offered every 2nd Wednesday of even months)
Wednesday, Aug 9, 2023, 08:00 AM
Utah Trauma Network conference
Annual Utah trauma network
The Utah Trauma Network (UTN) was created in 2003 when trauma leaders from AirMed, Lifeflight, LDS Hospital, Ogden Regional Medical Center, Primary Children’s Medical Center, University of Utah Medical Center and the DHHS Bureau of Emergency Medical Services saw a collaborative opportunity to provide advanced trauma education to health care providers throughout Utah. What was our primary goal? To save lives.
Friday, Sep 29, 2023, 07:00 AM
Hospital-focused pediatric education
Primary Children's pediatric grand rounds
Primary Children's pediatric grand rounds (offered every Thursday, September-May)
The pediatric grand rounds weekly lecture series covers cutting-edge research and practical clinical applications, for hospital and community-based pediatricians, registered nurses, and other physicians and practitioners who care for children of any age.
The series is held every Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. from September through May in the 3rd Floor Auditorium at Primary Children's Hospital. The lectures are also broadcast live to locations throughout Utah and nationwide.
Connect live
Click here for the PGR PCH YouTube channel to find the live broadcast. Archives (without continuing education credit) will be posted here within 1 week of the broadcast.
Thursday, Sep 7, 2023, 02:00 AM
Save the date
Need follow up from PCH?
Emergency Medical Services for Children Utah, Office of EMS and Preparedness
The Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Program aims to ensure emergency medical care for the ill and injured child or adolescent is well integrated into an emergency medical service system. We work to ensure the system is backed by optimal resources and that the entire spectrum of emergency services (prevention, acute care, and rehabilitation) is provided to children and adolescents, regardless of where they live, attend school, or travel.
Email: tdickson@utah.gov
Website: https://bemsp.utah.gov/
Phone: 801-707-3763
Facebook: facebook.com/Chirp-UtahDepartmentofHealth