EMS Geek

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Comment by Greg Natsch on December 18, 2008 at 5:21pm

In 1975 or 1976 we read the research on "portable blood gas analysis". It was a hypothesis on carrying something the size of a pen that would give information on oxygenation. Mentioned doppler and light. Well, that was the beginning of what we now know as pulse ox. Look how small they are now. Given time, the technology will catch up. As a geek don't forget good clinical skills first, tools second. I live with technology daily, but if used incorrectly, it could kill a patient. My $.02

Comment by David Stossmeister on December 14, 2008 at 12:05am

I believe what you are referring to is called an I-Stat, Greg. They truly are interesting pieces of equipment and may one day have their place in EMS. My understanding is that cost is a huge factor at the moment; along with the time it takes for a reading.

Comment by Geekymedic on December 13, 2008 at 9:36pm

Hey gang,

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Comment by Greg Hendrix on December 13, 2008 at 4:49pm

While this gadget is not in EMS around here yet, I saw a really intresting piece of equipment in the ED the other day. The chest pain center at one of our local hospitals have the ability to test for cardiac enzyme levels, and other lab values, using something similar to a BGL test strip. Results come back in about 10 minutes. I don't know how long those have been out there but that would be a great tool for us. We could transmit a 12-lead and enzyme levels to the ED prior to arrival. Chances are we could bypass the ED and go straight to the cath lab. Sounds like something to look into.