Skyline Happenings

From the Wall Street Journal: “For decades physicians and other experts in sports medicine have theorized that a cramp was the result of a muscle that was dehydrated, or starved of electrolytes, or suffering tears in its micro-fibers and cell membranes. These caused pain and spasms that could only be alleviated with water and electrolytes, conventional wisdom held.

Now, more experts are beginning to believe we may have been thinking wrongly about cramps all along. A shot of spicy liquid—think wasabi or hot chilies—may be a far more effective treatment than an energy drink or a banana. All it took was a Nobel Prize winner experiencing some untimely cramps while sea kayaking a decade ago for people to begin to understand that the causes of muscle cramps may not have much to do with muscles at all.”  Click here for a video and full article.

The WSJ has an article about two new devices which may help when the airway becomes obstructed. They are basically plunger-type devices to suction out the obstructing chunk of food. They are not widely tested in real life, though there are a few case reports where they were effective. The Heimlich remains the standard for now but it will be interesting to see if Medic 1 responders begin to use these new devices. Read the article here.

The proven Heimlich maneuver is as shown above and can be learned here in the next CPR/AED training. A repeat training session is scheduled for residents taught by Medic 2. This is an excellent class/workshop available to all, and it may literally save a life. It is will be held on September 13 from 9:30am-12:00pm in the Sky Club Lounge. The sign-up sheet is in the binder on the 5th floor lobby.