Live from Wisconsin: Top clinical tips for paramedics [Video]

GREEN BAY, Wis.— In the shadow of Lambeau Field, EMTs and paramedics gathered at the Wisconsin EMS Association annual conference for clinical education, professional development, product research and networking. The first day’s ALS track featured education sessions on sepsis, electrolyte imbalances, facial trauma and traumatic amputation. From these sessions, here are some of the top clinical takeaways and tips for prehospital providers.

#1 cause of hospital readmission

Sepsis, a systemic infection, is the leading hospitalization financial cost and a dangerous one, with one death every 90 seconds, according to the Sepsis Alliance. Sepsis mortality increases 4-9% every hour of delay in recognition. Sepsis is treatable (with early recognition, 80% of cases can be treated successfully), but sepsis is also the top cause of hospital readmission.“These are often boring patients and most of my sepsis alerts started as lift assists,” Jason Joling, Chief of the Northwoods EMS District (Wis.) said in a presentation on sepsis.Here are …