June 2004

Updated Criteria-Based Dispatch Guidelines

June 10, 2004 -- The King County Criteria Based Dispatch (CBD) Guidelines have been revised and will go into effect June 20, 2004. The revisions are relatively minor, but be aware that some patients will no longer receive an ALS response and will be dispatched as BLS only. Click here to view more information.

May 2004

Noroviruses are on Their Way (Norwalk-like Viruses)

May 28, 2004 -- With the coming of tourists and cruise ships to our area the chances of a norovirus outbreak increase. EMTs need to be ready for such a response which requires gloves, mask or goggles, gown and disinfectant procedures. These viruses are HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS. Contact the receiving hospital prior to arrival if your patient was recently on a cruise ship and is complaining of a viral-like illness that includes: stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Click here for more info about the viruses on the CDC website.

Dispatcher-Assisted Resuscitation Trial - The DART Study

May 19, 2004 -- In June a study will begin that involves the emergency medical dispatchers of Eastside Communications and Valley Communications and will compare outcomes for dispatcher-assisted telephone CPR for cardiac arrest. Click here for more info.

March 2004

Nonrebreather Vs. Partial Nonrebreather

March 1, 2004 -- The device of choice for delivering high flow oxygen to a patient with adequate respirations and ventilation in King County is a "nonrebreathing mask" (NRM). However, there are two types of nonrebreathing masks: nonrebreathing and partial nonrebreathing. What’s the difference between the two? Click here for more info...

January 2004

Use Caution When Handling Glucometer Test Strips

January 30, 2004 -- KCEMS is urging all prehospital providers who perform glucometery to be careful when handling test strips that have blood on them because of the potential for splattering. Some types of test strips are flexible and can spring back quickly, spraying droplets of blood at your eyes and face. KCEMS strongly recommends use of gloves and eye protection when performing glucometry.

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