Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood, emotions, sleep, appetite, and cognitive functions. It is primarily found in the brain, blood platelets, and digestive system, with about 90% of serotonin produced in the gut and the remaining 10% in the brain. Key Functions of Serotonin Mood Regulation: […]

Toxic substances pose a serious risk to health, ranging from mild irritation to life-threatening poisoning. Understanding how exposure occurs, the types of toxic substances, and the appropriate emergency response is critical for first responders, medical personnel, and workplace safety officers. 1. How Exposure to Toxic Substances Occurs Toxic substances can enter the body through four […]

1. Understanding Pediatric Rescue Breathing Pediatric rescue breathing is a life-saving technique used when a child or infant has a pulse but is not breathing normally. This differs from CPR because chest compressions are not required unless the heart stops. Rescue breathing supplies oxygen to the lungs, preventing brain damage and cardiac arrest. 2. When […]

When providing emergency care, an effective patient examination and injury assessment is critical to identifying life-threatening conditions and determining appropriate treatment. This assessment follows a structured approach to ensure rapid, organized, and effective patient care. 1. The Three Phases of Patient Assessment The assessment process is divided into three primary phases: Primary Assessment (Initial Evaluation) […]

California’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) System is structured to provide a coordinated response to medical emergencies across the state. It operates under the California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) and includes first responders, paramedics, hospitals, 911 services, and trauma centers. Understanding the system ensures that emergency care is provided efficiently and effectively. 1. Overview of […]

Universal precautions are a set of infection control measures that assume all bodily fluids are potentially infectious. These precautions help protect both the rescuer and the patient from the spread of diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, and other bloodborne pathogens. Personal safety is equally critical because emergency responders must ensure they do not put […]

Proper first aid for bone, joint, and soft tissue injuries can prevent further damage, reduce pain, and improve healing outcomes. Understanding the correct steps for splinting, immobilization, and care is crucial in emergencies. 🚨 Key Differences: Fractures, Sprains, Strains, and Dislocations Injury Type Description Common Causes Symptoms Fracture A break or crack in a bone […]

First Aid for Shock (Hypovolemic, Cardiogenic, Anaphylactic, and Septic Shock) 🚨 Shock is a life-threatening condition where the body’s vital organs do not get enough oxygen and blood flow. Immediate first aid is crucial to prevent organ failure and death. 1. General First Aid Steps for Any Type of Shock 1️⃣ Call 911 Immediately 🚑 […]

First Aid for Electrical Shock  Electrical shock can cause serious internal and external injuries, including burns, nerve damage, heart irregularities, and organ failure. Quick and proper first aid is essential to minimize harm and prevent further injury. Step-by-Step First Aid for Electrical Shock 1️⃣ Ensure Your Own Safety First 🚨 DO NOT touch the person […]

First Aid for Stroke (Ischemic or Hemorrhagic) A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, leading to brain cell damage. There are two main types: Ischemic Stroke – Caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow (most common). Hemorrhagic Stroke – Caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain (less common […]

A heart attack, or myocardial infarction (MI), happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked, leading to damage of the heart muscle. Quick action can save a life. Recognizing the Symptoms of a Heart Attack Symptoms can vary, but common ones include: ✅ Chest pain or discomfort – May feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, […]

Bleeding can range from minor cuts and scrapes to life-threatening hemorrhages. Proper first aid is essential to control bleeding, prevent shock, and improve survival chances. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to handle bleeding based on severity and location. General Steps for Managing Any Type of Bleeding Ensure Safety – Wear gloves if […]

First Aid for an Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Emergency What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)? Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) happens when the airway partially or completely collapses during sleep, causing breathing to stop for several seconds to minutes. Most people with OSA experience brief pauses in breathing multiple times per night, but a severe OSA […]

First Aid for Croup (Common in Children) – Emergency Response What is Croup? Croup is a respiratory infection that causes swelling in the airways, making it hard for a child to breathe. It is most common in children under 5 years old and usually caused by a virus. A child with croup has a distinctive […]

Rescue breathing is needed for drowning victims who are not breathing adequately or have stopped breathing entirely. Here’s when and how it’s applied: When Rescue Breathing Is Needed: No Breathing or Agonal Breaths: If the victim is unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping (agonal breathing), start rescue breathing immediately. Before Starting Chest Compressions: For […]

Rescue breathing can still be effective in a drowning victim, even if their lungs contain water, because only a small amount of water typically enters the lungs during drowning. Here’s how rescue breathing works in this situation: 1. Clearing the Airway: Before giving rescue breaths, check for and remove any visible obstructions in the victim’s […]

The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch attached to the large intestine, located in the lower right side of the abdomen. For many years, it was considered a vestigial organ with no significant function, but research suggests it may play a role in the immune system and gut health. Here’s what we currently understand about […]

The spleen is an important organ in the immune and circulatory systems, located in the upper left side of the abdomen, just under the rib cage. While it is not essential for survival (other organs can compensate for its loss), it plays several critical roles in maintaining health. Here’s what the spleen does: 1. Filters […]