This week, we have another presentation from the Medicine in the Mediterranean conference, held in January 2025. CoROM faculty member Vish Rajan delves into the intricacies of hyperbaric medicine, exploring its history, types of chambers, notable accidents, and the human factors that contribute to safety and efficacy in treatment.

Takeaways

Hyperbaric medicine has a rich history dating back centuries.

Regulations in hyperbarics often arise from tragic accidents.

Different types of hyperbaric chambers serve various medical purposes.

Key accidents highlight the importance of safety protocols.

Human factors play a significant role in hyperbaric treatment outcomes.

Training and proper maintenance are crucial for chamber safety.

Case studies reveal systemic issues in hyperbaric practices.

Communication failures can lead to catastrophic results in emergencies.

Recommendations for improving safety include regular training and audits.

Understanding the risks associated with hyperbaric treatment is essential for practitioners.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hyperbarics and Accidents

02:07 History and Development of Hyperbaric Medicine

04:48 Approved Indications and Misuse of Hyperbaric Therapy

06:28 Types of Hyperbaric Chambers

07:06 Key Accidents in Hyperbaric History

12:28 Case Study: Apollo 1 Incident

18:50 Case Study: Hanover Chamber Incident

25:25 Case Study: Malta Diving Incident

30:00 Analysis of Human Factors in Hyperbaric Accidents

33:02 Recommendations for Safe Hyperbaric Practices

This week, Aebhric O’Kelly talks with Andy Bell, Deputy Director of Paramedicine for St. John's Ambulance in Western Australia, who shares his extensive experience in paramedicine, discussing the evolution of the profession, the role of critical care paramedics, and the challenges faced in remote healthcare settings. He emphasises the importance of academic advancement in paramedicine and the need for a mindset shift towards prolonged field care in austere environments. Bell also provides insights into the future of paramedicine, highlighting the growing role of community paramedics and the integration of evidence-based practices in patient care.

Takeaways

Andy Bell is originally from New Zealand and has extensive experience in paramedicine.

Paramedics in Australia are now registered medical health professionals under APRA.

The critical care paramedics have the most advanced scope of practice in Australia.

There is a significant push for academic advancement in paramedicine.

Evidence-based practice is essential for the future of paramedicine.

Prolonged field care is a common practice in remote areas of Australia.

Communication and coordination are crucial in managing patients in remote locations.

Community paramedics are becoming increasingly important in the healthcare system.

New practitioners should focus on mastering the basics of patient care.

A mindset shift is necessary for effective, prolonged field care.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Andy Bell and His Background

03:30 Understanding Paramedicine in Australia

08:15 The Role of Critical Care Paramedics

12:39 The Evolution of Paramedicine and Academia

18:02 The Future of Academic Paramedicine

22:42 Prolonged Field Care in Remote Areas

29:10 Challenges in Patient Management in Remote Locations

35:46 Advice for New Practitioners in Austere Medicine

In this episode of the CoROM Podcast, Dr. Sean Bilodeau discusses the intricacies of pre-hospital medicine, focusing on thoracostomy techniques and the challenges paramedics face in emergency medical services. Through case studies, he highlights the importance of evidence-based practices in needle decompression and the need for improved training methods for paramedics. The conversation emphasises the critical role of paramedics in saving lives and the ongoing efforts to enhance their skills and knowledge in trauma care.

Takeaways

The importance of thoracostomy in pre-hospital settings.

Challenges faced by paramedics in emergency situations.

Case studies illustrate the complexities of needle decompression.

Evidence supports the effectiveness of pre-hospital interventions.

Training methods for paramedics need to be improved.

The role of paramedics is crucial in trauma care.

Understanding the anatomy is essential for successful procedures.

Finger thoracostomy may be more effective than needle decompression.

There is a need for ongoing research in emergency medical practices.

Collaboration between EMS and hospital staff is vital for patient outcomes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pre-Hospital Medicine

01:28 Understanding Needle Thoracostomy

06:04 Case Studies in Needle Decompression

13:11 Evidence-Based Practice in EMS

21:00 Teaching Techniques for Paramedics