Mechanical Devices or the Heimlich Maneuver for Choking Victims?

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Since the early 1970’s the HEimlich Maneuver has been the medically recognized care for a choking victim. This simple technique provides abdominal thrusts for choking children and adults. THe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been made aware of anti-choking devices being sold over-the-counter. The credibility of these devices has not been established; nor are they FDA approved or cleared. Besides not having any medical backing, the use of such devices could result in a significant delay in care as the user would have to first locate the device, unpackage it, and then assemble it. The Heimlich Maneuver, on the other hand, has 50 years of science and reports showing its effectiveness as a simple and immediate step of care. Click here to read about the FDA’s position on devices for choking care.

Over-the-Counter Naloxone Nasal Spray for Opioid Overdose

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Naloxone is a lifesaving medication, easily administered, that rapidly reverses opioid overdose. In March, 2023 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first over-the-counter (OTC) naloxone nasal spray to help reduce opioid (narcotics) overdose deaths. In April, 2024, The FDA approved a generic naloxone nasal spray for OTC use. There are now 3 naloxone nasal spray options for OTC use in the United States. Anyone can now purchase naloxone without a prescription at select pharmacies,or online (e.g. Amazon) Click here to read about Naloxone

COVID Safety

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COVID safety guidance is provided by the Federal government through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). As the nature of this communicable disease is ever-changing, so too must the guidance change. OSHA guidance is intended to help employers and workers take appropriate steps to prevent exposure and infection regardless of vaccination status. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updates Interim Public Health Recommendations for Vaccinated. Stay up to date with the most current information by visiting  https://www.osha.gov/coronavirus/safework.

Updated Instructions for the use of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors

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2016 saw changes to the labeling for epinephrine auto-injectors to help patients and caregivers use the medication appropriately in the event of a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis. This change applies to adults and children using the medication. Previous instructions for the use of the epinephrine auto-injectors advised to hold the needle in place for ten seconds. The new labeling now advises that three seconds is enough time to keep the auto-injector in the outer thigh. Click here to read more about this change and detailed instructions.

Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Bans Powdered Gloves

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The FDA published a final rule on December 19, 2016, banning powdered glove use. This ban goes into effect on January 28, 2017, and applies to powdered medical examination gloves and surgical gloves, and absorbable powder for lubricating a surgeon’s glove. The FDA’s position is that such items pose an“unreasonable and substantial risk of illness or injury to individuals exposed to the powdered gloves.” The risks to patients as well as health care providers (when internal body tissue is exposed to the powder) include severe airway inflammation and hypersensitivity reactions. The FDA further claims that “Powder particles may also trigger the body’s immune response, causing tissue to form around the particles (granulomas) or scar tissue formation (adhesions).” Refer to the final rule for detailed information about the dangers.

There are other medical exam gloves available without powder (and without latex), that offer the same level of protection, dexterity, and performance without posing risks. Be sure to replace any powdered medical exam gloves in your first aid kit.

High Quality / Low Cost AED Training Devices Available

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Have you been searching for AED training devices that can be used for adult and child manikins without breaking your bank account? Look no further than Practi-Trainer Essentials, manufactured by WNL Products. This trainer incredibly affordable at under $70.00, and comes with everything you need to provide excellent quality training. You can buy the four pack of training devices and save even more! We have been using these for years, enabling our course participants to get quality skill practice time 1:1 or in small groups, and they have been a huge success. They are up-to-date with the most current ILCOR Guidelines, are bilingual, have a metronome, and excellent voice quality. The electrode pads include adult and pediatric sets, and replacement pads are very reasonable. Click here to view the products and learn more.

Auvi-Q Epinephrine Auto Injector Expected to Release Revised Device in 2017

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Auvi-Q,is an epinephrine auto-injector with a voice prompt system that guides users through the injection process, and has a needle that automatically retracts following injection. Considered an alternative to the EpiPen, the device was recalled in October 2015. At that time the manufacturer, Sanofi, stated the device “May not deliver enough medication to someone with a severe reaction.” The pharmaceutical company Kaleo recently announced that it has regained the rights to Auvi-Q, and will reintroduce the injectors in the first half of 2017. Click here for more information.