Another year is coming to a close and 2016 has certainly brought its share of newsworthy moments, clinical breakthroughs, technological innovations and occupational hazards for EMS providers. From recognizing life-threatening conditions in the field to EMTs behaving badly, from protecting yourself on the job to shiny new ambulances, our most-heavily trafficked articles reflect the issues that matter most to the JEMS community of readers.
Below, we revisit the top 10 most popular articles from JEMS.com in 2016. Thank you for reading!
10) Rapid Deployment of Tourniquets in the Field, on Yourself and on Others
The response to active shooter scenarios is evolving with each new incident, and EMS training reflects this new emphasis on tactical operations. In April 2016, JEMS dedicated an entire section to warm-zone operations in tactical scenarios. Our how-to guide on rapid tourniquet deployment was our 10th most-read article of the year.
9) Hot Products from EMS Today 2016
EMS Today is your chance to get your hands on dozens of the newest products and innovations from industry-leading EMS vendors. For those who are short on time (or who can’t make the show at all), JEMS compiles 30 of the hottest products sure to improve the way you deliver care. Only a select few earn the designation of JEMS Hot Product. Read more about this year’s selection here, and make sure you register for EMS Today 2017 here so you can experience these innovations in person.
8) Georgia EMTs Fight, Damage Property
Partners are just the worst, aren’t they? Working 12-hour shifts for low wages can put any EMT on edge, but these guys took things to the next level. Apparently they missed the training session about not getting into a knife fight on the patient’s front lawn.
7) Ambulances of the 2016 Pinnacle Conference
We love to ogle at sleek new ambulance designs as much as you do, and this year’s Pinnacle EMS leadership conference was the perfect opportunity to do just that.
6) Identifying Diseases that Mimic Strokes
We know that time is brain when it comes to stroke patients, so it’s no surprise that this clinical review continues to draw web traffic years after it was first published in the March 2011 issue of JEMS. Just as rapid recognition of stroke symptoms is important to guide treatment, it’s just as important to not be fooled by these stroke mimics.
5) Differentiating Facial Weakness Caused by Bell’s Palsy vs. Acute Stroke
Opening up the top five is another clinical review to help you accurately diagnose a stroke when you see it. By differentiating between different types of facial weakness, your accurate assessment of stroke can dramatically impact your patient care.
4) New York First Responders Take Online Threat Seriously
Community tensions and threats of violence affected not only law enforcement, but also fire and EMS agencies across the country this year. An increasing number of departments are turning to measures such as body armor to keep their crews safe on the street.
3) Five Common Causes of Sudden Unexpected Death Every EMS Provider Should Know
Quick, can you guess what they are before you click over to the link? If you get called to a patient who collapsed suddenly with no prior health conditions, be sure you’re thinking of one of these known killers while making your initial assessments.
2) Treating Sucking Chest Wounds and Other Traumatic Chest Injuries
In line with our commitment to tactical EMS operations is this clinical care article on chest trauma. Wounds of this nature don’t give medics much time to guess at what the problem may be–learn the signs and learn the treatment needed to keep your patients alive.
1) Acid-Base Balance Understanding is Critical to Treat Patients
Our number one, most-read article of 2016 ought to extinguish any remaining prejudices about “ambulance drivers.” The science presented in this opus is in-depth, heavily referenced and not for the casual layperson. In 2016, JEMS readers showed us that they are seeking to expand their medical knowledge in every possible area of their field of practice.
Thank you for making JEMS your educational partner as well as your source of industry news and information. We wish you all a very safe holiday season and many blessings to come in 2017!
