Hello Wisconsin! Of all the Midwest destinations The Battalion.TV hit up Milwaukee Fire and EMS to film our finest in a number of series entitled but what else? 24 Hours with the Milwaukee Fire and EMS.

If you didn’t know about it or haven’t had a chance to check it out you really should. It’s kind of like COPS but with Fire and EMS personnel on the scene and saving lives. Some of the scenes can be graphic and sometimes strong language is used but it’s really interesting to see first and foremost what these men and women are up against. Aside from the up close and personal footage you also get to hear personal interviews with the Milwaukee Fire and EMS.

Whether you’re a Wisconsin native or not check TheBattalion.TV out. Milwaukee is the main feature right now but there are plenty of other webisodes from the east and west coasts, the south, wildland fires and more.

Share This

The 2010 EMP catalog is hot off the press and landing in mailboxes as of this moment. The new catalog features over 100 new medical products and still sports all of the oldies but goodies. If you haven’t received yours by the end of this month or if you need an extra copy just let EMP know at http://www.buyemp.com/catalog_request.php.

Share This

Everyone knows about the Influenza A (AKA H1N1 virus, swine flu) and the basic tips on how to prevent it (wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough, etc.) So, what happens when you or someone living in your household gets the flu? You have to live there too. What are you supposed to do in the meantime?

There’s a prescribed antiviral flu medicine called Tamiflu. Some people think only the person who has the flu virus should take it. However, if you personally have been exposed to someone who has the flu taking Tamiflu can help keep the virus from making you sick.

So, here’s the dealio (the facts) of Tamiflu:

For flu treatment: When taken within two days of experiencing symptoms, Tamiflu works by helping to stop the flu virus from spreading inside the body

For flu prevention: When you have been exposed to someone with the flu, taking Tamiflu can help keep the virus from making you sick

Adults felt better 30 percent faster (1.3 days) than flu patients who did not take Tamiflu

Children felt better up to 26 percent faster (1.5 days) than flu patients who did not take Tamiflu

Source: Tamiflu.com

Share This

Sure, we all remember the “This is your brain on drugs” PSA from the eighties but have you checked out any of the latest PSAs featured on YouTube? If not, you should check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/usgovhhs.

The US Department of Health & Human Services has their own special YouTube page featuring videos submitted by everyday people about steps you can take to prevent the spread of the flu.

Of course the tips in these videos are all common sense and courtesy (wash your hands, cough into your sleeve, stay home if you’re sick, carry a flu kit) but the videos are still fun to watch and best yet you have until September 16th to vote on which one is your favorite. The winner will receive a $2500 cash prize.

While you’re bebopping around on the web test your “Readiness Quotient” on WhatsYourRQ.org and see how you rank against people in your area. Are you prepared in the event of an emergency? Do you have a first aid kit handy? How about a flashlight and backup batteries?

For old time’s sake:

Sources: Flu.gov, WhatsYourRQ.org, YouTube.com

Share This

September is here again and that means its National Preparedness Month. Jamie Lee Curtis is proud to be a part of the American Red Cross’ Do More Than Cross Your Fingers campaign.

So, what are some of the items the Halloween Scream Queen puts in her first aid kit? Just like everyday people Jamie Lee has the basics such as a flashlight, first aid supplies, radio, dental floss, food and water.

She also taped a short video on ideas and general tips on what to put in an emergency kit so that you are prepared. Check it out and tell us what’s in your emergency first aid kit.

Get a Kit. Make a Plan. Be Informed.

Sources: Ready.gov, RedCross.org

Share This

It’s no secret obesity rates in America have dramatically increased over the past twenty years. In fact, two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese.

People who are overweight or obese are more susceptible to the following health conditions:

• Coronary heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
  
• Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
• Stroke
• Liver and Gallbladder disease
• Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
• Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
• Gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility)

It’s a sensitive subject but being at a higher risk of the above health conditions probably means being at higher risk for the need of emergency medical services at some point in time.

Paramedics and firefighters care for patients weighing 400 or 500 pounds or more, two or three times a week. If their department does not have specialized equipment (jumbo soft stretcher, bee board, backboard, bariatric stretcher) to move larger patients they need to come up with creative ways to move them (tarp, forklift).

Although large patients may pose more of a challenge to transport they’re always treated with the same respect as any other patient.

If you’re in the EMS field how often do you respond to calls that result in an overweight or obese patient needing to be transported? Does your department carry specialized equipment or do you have to improvise?

Sources: CDC.gov, Jems.com, Omaha.com, Syracuse.com

Share This