Collaboration, not stagnation, defines Ontario EMS

The article refutes claims of stagnation in Ontario's prehospital care, highlighting significant advancements in the Ontario Advanced Life Support Patient Care Standards. It details the introduction of new directives and medications, updates to guidelines, and ongoing research in prehospital therapies. The piece emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice and paramedic engagement in shaping future directives, while acknowledging the challenges in communicating scientific advancements to clinical practice.

Attitudes of emergency department physicians and nurses toward implementation of an early warning score to identify critically ill patients: qualitative explanations for failed implementation

Emergency department physicians and nurses expressed skepticism towards the implementation of the Hamilton Early Warning Score (HEWS) despite its proven efficacy in identifying critically ill patients. The study identified several barriers, including the belief that ED practitioners are already adept at detecting patient deterioration, the perceived redundancy of HEWS in the existing communication lexicon, and a lack of understanding of the score's scientific basis. The findings highlight a cultural clash and suggest that while HEWS is beneficial in other hospital areas, its integration into the ED faces significant resistance.

Adding value to scholarship in residency: Supporting and inspiring future emergency medicine research in Canada

The Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine (CJEM) is enhancing its impact by supporting resident physicians in publishing high-quality scholarly work. Despite barriers such as time constraints, the journal encourages a broader definition of scholarship, promoting collaboration and impactful research. The shift in academic focus towards areas like medical education and patient safety is emphasized, aligning with updated CanMEDS scholar role definitions. Institutions are urged to recognize diverse forms of scholarship and foster mentorship and digital collaboration. CJEM offers various opportunities for residents to publish, aiming to inspire excellence in emergency medical care.

Community Builders: For the Kids Gala

The For The Kids Gala, which supports children and youth with physical and developmental disabilities at CHEO, made a triumphant return on November 22 at the National Gallery. The event, sponsored by TD Bank Group, was a celebration filled with laughter and community spirit, aiming to raise awareness and funds for the cause. The gala highlighted the achievements of the children, including progress in education and therapy, and served as a testament to their resilience. The article also invites readers to share stories of individuals making exceptional efforts to help, with contact information provided.

Jimmy Carter shows us that hospice care isn’t only for end-of-life

The article discusses the evolving perception of hospice care, using Jimmy Carter's decision to receive care at home as a case study. It highlights the challenges posed by advanced medical technology in end-of-life care, emphasizing the need for a shift towards hospice care to improve quality of life. The narrative critiques the medical culture's focus on prolonging life at the expense of comfort and meaningful experiences, advocating for a more humanistic approach to death and dying.

A novel online training program for sexual and gender minority health increases allyship in cisgender, heterosexual paramedics

The study evaluates a novel online training program aimed at increasing allyship among cisgender, heterosexual paramedics in Canada towards sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations. The training, which was asynchronous and integrated into the paramedics' regular workflow, resulted in a significant increase in the Ally Identity Measure (AIM) scores, indicating a higher likelihood of allyship. The program was well-received, with high satisfaction scores and positive feedback. However, rural paramedics showed lower post-training AIM scores compared to their suburban counterparts, highlighting the need for targeted training in rural areas. The study underscores the feasibility and effectiveness of online training programs in improving care for SGM populations in prehospital settings.

All Canadians deserve access to precious emergency care

Quebec's trial of a helicopter ambulance service highlights the broader issues in Canada's air-ambulance network, which is plagued by disjointed services and patchwork funding. Despite the Canada Health Act's guarantees, many Canadians face hefty bills for emergency transport due to gaps in provincial and territorial coverage. The article emphasizes the need for better funding and reciprocal agreements to ensure all Canadians have access to essential emergency care, regardless of their location or provincial health insurance status.

Blair Bigham’s new book “Death Interrupted” asks: how do we know a patient’s dead and what does that mean for care?

Dr. Blair Bigham's book 'Death Interrupted: How Modern Medicine Is Complicating the Way We Die' delves into the complexities of defining death in the age of advanced medical technology. Through a simulated disaster scenario during his medical residency at McMaster University, Bigham illustrates the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals in determining when a patient is truly dead. The narrative highlights the blurred lines between life and death, questioning the efficacy and morality of prolonging life through medical interventions. The book aims to provoke thought on how modern medicine impacts end-of-life care and decision-making.

Cannabis and your health

The article discusses the increase in cannabis-related emergency room visits in Canada, highlighting cases of accidental ingestion and overconsumption, particularly with edibles containing THC. Dr. Michael Szabo of the University Health Network in Toronto and other health professionals have observed a rise in such incidents, with symptoms ranging from palpitations to incoherence. The Canadian Public Health Association notes the potency of cannabis has increased, and the unregulated nature of edibles makes dosing unpredictable. The Canadian Institutes of Health Information reports a significant rise in cannabis-related ER visits in Ontario and Alberta. The Canadian Association of Poison Control Centres has seen an increase in pediatric exposure to cannabis. The article also covers the risks of mixing alcohol with cannabis, the phenomenon of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, concerns about impaired driving, and the potential for child endangerment due to a lack of child-resistant packaging. Additionally, there is a mention of the impact on pets, with a rise in marijuana-related poisonings reported by veterinarians.

Cannabis and your health

The article discusses the increase in cannabis-related emergency room visits in Canada, highlighting cases of accidental ingestion and overconsumption, particularly with edibles containing THC. Dr. Michael Szabo of the University Health Network in Toronto and other health professionals have observed a rise in such incidents, with symptoms ranging from palpitations to incoherence. The Canadian Public Health Association notes the potency of cannabis has increased, and the unregulated nature of edibles makes dosing unpredictable. The Canadian Institutes of Health Information reports a significant rise in cannabis-related ER visits in Ontario and Alberta. The Canadian Association of Poison Control Centres has seen an increase in pediatric exposure to cannabis. The article also covers the risks of mixing alcohol with cannabis, the phenomenon of cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, concerns about impaired driving, and the potential for child endangerment due to a lack of child-resistant packaging. Additionally, there is a mention of the impact on pets, with a rise in marijuana-related poisonings reported by veterinarians.