Aid | Disaster Rally

How to Help Someone With PTSD after a Natural Disaster

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious emotional and mental issue that can significantly impair a person’s ability to function in daily life. It often results in symptoms that occur after a natural disaster has been experienced. With the number of hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, tornados, typhoons, and tsunamis that have occurred over the past few years, it should not be a surprise that the number of people experiencing symptoms of PTSD has increased dramatically. For loved ones and friends of those that have experienced a natural disaster, understanding the signs and symptoms and trying a few ideas focused on how to help someone with PTSD can help alleviate your anxiety as well.

Signs and Symptoms of PTSD

The signs and symptoms of those experiencing a traumatic event will be much like the stages of grief.

Intense emotional distress – resulting in difficulty concentrating, outbursts of anger, panic attacks, and difficulty sleeping.
The avoidance stage – where feelings of detachment, apathy, and hopelessness may take over.
Flashbacks – may result in physical reactions when a person is reminded of the traumatic event. They may also have recurrent nightmares and even daytime flashbacks.
Severe cases – will include paranoia, agitation, palpitations and even a loss of memory.
How to Help Someone With PTSD

While the symptoms of PTSD are similar in most cases, the severity is very individualized. Here are some ideas recommended by authorities when you’re trying to figure out how to help someone with PTSD.

1. Listen

When it comes to how to help someone with PTSD, one of the best ways is to be a good listener. Although human nature demands that advice be given in almost any situation, resist the urge. Be available, be empathetic, be sympathetic but don’t be pushy. A person with PTSD will talk when they’re ready. When they are ready to talk just remember that discussing the traumatic incident in their own way is an important part of the healing process. Don’t tell them to get over it or that everything will be okay. Most importantly, don’t remind them that it could have been worse. Instead, listen without disapproval, judgment or unsolicited advice.

2. Create a Sense of Safety

One of the symptoms of PTSD is a sense of paranoia. The world feels like it is an extremely dangerous place that is out to get them. Therefore, when learning how to help someone with PTSD it’s important to find ways to rebuild their sense of security. That can be accomplished by providing structure, dependability and predictability in a safe environment. You need to share your commitment to see the process through and reinforce the concept that your relationship and trustworthiness will be consistent.

3. Provide Social Support

When someone suffers from PTSD after a natural disaster it’s not uncommon for them to begin withdrawing even from family and friends. They often believe that others won’t understand, may pity them, may think they’re crazy and may even begin to be judgmental as they fail to recover at an expected rate. Personally, they may begin to feel ashamed or fear they’ll lose control. They may also not want to become a burden to those they love. It’s important to remember that too much isolation can be extremely detrimental to recovery. Therefore, it’s important to stay close while expressing love but begin to get them out a little at a time increasing the time away from home and intensity of destinations each time. Begin with a drive around the block in order to build up to a visit to the mall at Christmas.

4. Anticipate Triggers

PTSD is an emotional state that is just as hard for the patient to understand as it is for those around them. It’s not uncommon for people places and things to serve as triggers that revive the trauma and cause all the feelings to resurface from time to time. Although some triggers appear logical, others seem to have no relationship to the trauma at all. Crowds, physical restraints, confined spaces, funeral homes and hospitals often emit sounds, smells, or sensations that can be associated with acts that caused the trauma in the first place. Even dates and locations can cause a negative reaction. Avoiding triggers is a key to recovery. Eventually, with help, the brain will recover and the triggers will lessen.

5. Remain Calm

Individuals diagnosed with PTSD will be in a constant state of turmoil. Physical stressors can lead to overreactions and emotional outbursts that may appear unreasonable. Some use anger as a self-defense mechanism to mask fears, vulnerability and sadness while others will suppress their anger because they fear what they may do only to erupt later when they reach their breaking point. How you can help someone with PTSD the best is to try to diffuse the situation by remaining calm and reminding them that they’re safe.

You don’t want them to feel physically threatened so give them the space they need but always put your own safety first along with those around you. Minimizing input helps so turn off the TV, try to get them to go into the bathroom and turn off the lights and remind them to breathe slowly. If necessary, physically remove yourself and others from the situation to allow time for the person with PTSD to deescalate.

6. Take Care of Yourself

PTSD affects not only the individual afflicted but all those around them. It can be emotionally draining because the outcome of the condition is unpredictable. Each person is different and handles the condition differently and there is no manually explaining how to help someone with PTSD. Caregivers can end up becoming traumatized themselves if they don’t take care of themselves. Therefore, take time for yourself. Step away from the situation for a day, weekend or week and defuse. Then, when you go back remind yourself to take a deep breath and know that the condition does get better with proper treatment and time.

7. Make a Plan

Those with PTSD will suffer from nightmares, panic attacks, flashbacks and eruptions. It is just part of the condition. It’s important you and the individual work together to map out what will help the situation seem less scary not only for both of you but also for those around you. If children are in the home it’s important to include them in the discussion as well. They need to know that the symptoms of PTSD are not their fault and has nothing to do with their behavior. Discuss what’s worked previously and what’s only made the situation worse.

Discuss the fact that during an episode the person with PTSD will disassociate and that everyone’s job is to get them grounded as quickly as possible. Tell the sufferer that they’re having an episode and that they’re safe, remind them of where they are, encourage them to breathe deeply and always ask before you touch them. Be sure the children have a safe place to go, as well, when an episode starts.

8. Get Professional Help

The only way to truly and permanently get over PTSD is with professional help. It can often be a “hard-sell” to the person suffering from the condition but it’s an important step to recovery. Make sure you time the discussion during a non-episodic period and remind them that if they find it unhelpful, they can cease treatment at any time. Once you get their foot in the door then it’s up to the doctor to convince them to keep coming.

Summing Up

Just like it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a village to learn how to help someone with PTSD and to help them during their recovery. You don’t have to do this alone so don’t be afraid to build your own support system who can help take on some of the responsibilities of caring for your loved one. You need to be aware of your personal limits, take time to take care of yourself and remind yourself that with the right treatment and support PTSD is curable. Finally, this is no time to “fly by the seat of your pants” so make a plan. You know what to expect so now you need to figure out how to deal with it.

Disaster Relief In Houston – Urgent Info

There are the following Houston area.. Restaurants, Medical, Plumbing, Volunteering etc., providing flood relief:

Please find the consolidated list of different Business organization/Community Leaders supporting the Houston area community in the need.

1. Curry House in Cypress providing free food for 50 to 100 ppl in a short notice and more as needed if anyone wants to come and pickup @The curry house 10728 cypresscreek pkwy 77070 contact 713 725 9805

2. If anyone needs help evacuating pls update this group or call universal volunteers group on any of these phone #s Prasad 281-685-8016,Arvind – 650-619-7563, Vasu- 281-253-0085, Sankar- 832-276-9175, Kb-518-505-8484

3. Biryani Express in Pearland can give food packets- Nishanth +1 (281) 707-9574

4. Mattress Mac of Gallery Furniture announced he is opening his I45 store and Grand Parkway store for folks to come stay if needed. Including their pets! Such a nice gesture to make a difference while Houston is in need.

5. Deep Foods is providing free gift hampers (Juices, Cookies and Diyas/Candles) at Biryani Pot Katy location or at Swagath Groceries, Katy after 3 pm on 8/27. Thanks to Umang Mehta.

6. Folks – please feel free to reach out Dr Minni Malhotra for free medical consultation at 606-854-2551.

7. Hyderabad restaurant in woodlands is providing free food for those affected by this storm. Please spread this word so people will be benefited. First come First served basis. [email protected]+1 (361) 815-0166 Chandramouli

7. Masala Radio is on and broadcasting live. They will be announcing all this helpful information for anyone in need. Thx to everyone who is providing food, shelter information, and necessary contacts. They have a hummer that can travel in 3-foot of water. If anyone needs help to evacuate and you can’t get out because of high water, please let them know. This will probably be the best use of the Masala Hummrr yet. Please txt me. Me and some of my masala crew are ready to come. Contact Sunil Thakkar 2812776874 or text 7135451595

8. Universal Bakery and Biryani, Katy proving accommodation and food in their party hall for the community members impacted by the storm in Katy. Please don’t abuse it. Address: 27131 Cinco Ranch Blvd Ste:900, Katy, TX 77494. Contact Surya Anakala @ 732 447 5886 for more details.

9. Does anyone need, dry food, cooked meal ? lunch or dinner for day or two , milk

or water? we will try our best to deliver for free. Pls call or text Dinesh Purohit 732 593 9650, from Cafe India & Bollywood Chowpaty Chaat, Sugar Land.

10. Biryani Pot Katy location is offering free food for those in need around Katy/Fulshear/Richmond/Rosenberg area, please call Vijay +1 (610) 714-2123restaurant is open all day…please pass on this message to friends and neighbors.

10. Surya Raguthu garu & Manjula Raguthu garu from Ace Pain Management offering free medical consultations. Please call for any medical help Dr Manjula Raguthu 956-639-8699, Medwin family medicine, Dr. Surya Raguthu 956-639-8666

11. Meridian Springs Primary Care is offering free e-consults thru video chats or phone calls to people who are in need of it. Contact number 281-826-1359. Thank you Dr. Bhavana Rao Sunil Gopalkrishna

12. This is Narender, Raghveer and Shreedhar from Houston and Sugar Land Area.We want to help to serve the Food up to 1000 people, who are in Shelters, please let us know Address of the shelters and contact person information to deliver and any officer is welcome to contact us or pick up the food.Narender, Raghveer and Shreedhar, 979-481-9999, 832-798-0394 and 832-728-2873

13. Biryani Pot Restaurant on [email protected] location is serving hot packed meals for those who are in real need especially in the surrounding area. Please contact Ravi at 614-558-7597 or Sreedhar at 832-727-5620, Heartfelt thanks to Biryani Pot!

14. Bawarchi Houston will be extending their help for the families who are going thru a hard time due to the Hurricane Harvey. KINDLY CONTACT THEM FOR FREE LUNCH N DINNER. Thanks for their help to Indian community

CONTACT – Naveen at 973-393-7117

16. Vishala Restaurant is providing free lunch and dinner for those who don’t have electricity or gas. They want to help families as much as possible during this hard time for next few days until storm impact is gone. If needed they are willing door deliver if it is needed.Communities from Alaina till Riverstone, they could make use of it. Please call Manoj Paladugu @ +1 (248) 778-8855 to provide a head count. Please give them heads up as they do this as free service. Thanks

? to Vishala Restaurant

17. Hyderabad House Katy will be providing free lunch, snacks & dinner boxes from today afternoon to Hurricane/Tornado impacted families and will continue for next couple of days as part of community service. Please contact Sudheer @ 713.714.7124 Note: Katy location will be closed every Monday, but will be OPEN on 08/28 to assist Hurricane/Tornado impacted families.

18. Anyone who needs help in electronic, plumbing or HVAC. We will help for free. Sanjay Gupta- 2818575474

Thanks for the help to our community

Emergency Pediatric Care or How to Help Children in a Crisis

Children require special emergency pediatric care, as they are more vulnerable to the effects of a disaster. Any parent, family member, or guardian, wants to make sure that their loved ones are safe. Planning for a disaster can be a bit overwhelming. However, you must be prepared for any emergency. Depending on the area where you live, you might be at risk for forest fires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and severe weather. Let’s talk about why the little ones need more care and how you can help them during a crisis.

Why Are Children More Vulnerable?

Children are very different from adults because:

They are more prone to injuries and diseases.
Kids breathe in more air than adults do.
They have thinner, more delicate skin.
Children have fewer fluids in their bodies, thus fluid loss can have a larger effect on them.
They lose body heat faster.
Kids don’t fully understand the concept of safety.
They depend on adults.
Children may not know how to explain what hurts.
Kids do not fully understand the situation they are in.

It only takes three seconds for an earthquake to crush a home and the family inside it.

In just five hours, a flood can as much as drown a whole town. As a result, thousands of kids can be left vulnerable to deadly diseases such as malaria or cholera.

Seven days is all it takes for the lives of children to be threatened. Many countries run out of food and water and the outcome of such as disaster is malnutrition and salvation.

Are You and Your Family at Risk?

The Alert Systems Group’s disaster risk map provides us with information about the possible risks you may be facing depending on where you live. Natural disasters can affect anyone. The same goes for man-made ones. Different types of emergencies require different skills and different knowledge on how to handle them.

How to Prepare for Emergencies

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Family Readiness Kit can help you be prepared for almost every natural disaster. It was developed by specialists after discussing with thousands of families. The feedback they received helped make a set of unique, vital materials. The kit can be used at home by any member of the family.

It is important for adults to be prepared to meet the emotional needs of their children. Kids often say that their parents avoid discussing disaster. However, talking about these natural events may make the young ones feel safer.

Although it may be difficult to start preparing for an emergency, once you dive into the process, it becomes a lot easier. All family members can come together to make a disaster plan. Even the child’s doctor can help. Consequently, during your next visit to the doctor’s office, ask them how should you prepare for an emergency.

How to Communicate with Your Children

Tell them about the disasters that could happen in the area where you live. Teach them what are the different warning signs (fire alarm, tornado siren, and more).
Show them where the list of contact is. It’s important they know where to find the doctor’s or the pharmacy’s phone numbers.
Teach them what 911 is and how to dial the number.
Consider using the Child ID Card. Place a copy in their backpack.
Arrange a meeting place in case you ever become separated from the rest of the family.
Install the Red Cross Emergency App. If your kid is old enough for a phone, download the app to their smartphone. It will alert them of any watch or warning.
Show children where the smoke alarms are.
Teach the young ones how to use the fire extinguisher.

Who Provides Emergency Pediatric Care?

Children requiring emergency pediatric care have unique needs, especially when their lives are threatened. The majority of kids, either ill or injured, are brought to community hospital emergency departments. Furthermore, emergency medical services agencies can provide out-of-hospital care.

To meet the requirements of pediatric care, the Emergency Nurses Association developed the ENPC certification course. The Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course is intended to improve the care of the children by increasing the level of knowledge, the skills, and the confidence among the nursing staff.

Your neighbors may become lifesavers as well. Learn who has special qualifications such as doctors, nurses, or other emergency care practitioners.

Post-Disaster Psychological Needs

Emergency pediatric care does not end with the process of preparing for a disaster or the medical care given to treat injuries or illnesses. Parents must be aware that the psychological effects do not just disappear. Once the event has passed, you must take care of your child’s needs for a long period of time. Experts say that children can show signs of trauma for up to two years. These signs are often in the form of nightmares, but there may be other problems as well.

Children need support regardless of the fact that they may seem fine. Sometimes, kids do no exhibit signs of trauma for months after the event. Furthermore, some children may never show signs of distress, but there will be long-lasting psychological effects nonetheless. Therefore, observe your child’s behavioral changes carefully. After a trauma, children need extra counseling and attention.

Parents must seek professional help, but they must also help their children cope with what has happened. Talk to them about their fears. Ask them what they are concerned about. Listen to their feelings without judging. Try to understand their fears regardless of the fact that they may seem irrational.

Offer them reassurance that they will always be taken care of. It is also important they know they know that their family will stick together. Let them cry if they need to, and remind them that it is ok to be afraid from time to time. They do not always have to be brave. They may feel that everything is out of their control. Therefore, show them that there are many things that they are still in control of.

It’s important you remember that a disaster can occur at any given time. Luckily, there are ways to keep your children safe. The key thing to do is be prepared and teach your children everything you know. Have them learn early on about the possible danger in your area, how to avoid it, and where to find emergency pediatric care.

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National Flood Insurance Program – How to Be Eligible

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was established in 1968 to enable property owners to purchase flood insurances as protection against losses due to floods. Sadly, floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. It is also the costlier. Fortunately, certain communities are eligible for participating in the NFIP. We will discuss the requirements for joining the program to find out if you are eligible for it.

Eligibility for the National Flood Insurance Program

To participate in this program, a community must adopt and enforce the regulations that meet the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program. The requirements are intended to reduce the members of the community’s costs for flood relief and to prevent any loss of life or property. Nationwide, over 20,000 communities have joined the National Flood Insurance Program.

The flood hazard map provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) must be studied carefully by the community. It has to determine whether the insurance and the floodplain management are beneficial to the citizens of the community.

An important matter that some property owners may not be aware of is the fact that homeowners insurance policies do not usually cover flood losses. Furthermore, many property owners are not aware that their residing area is flood-prone. Any community can join the National Flood Insurance Program, regardless of the fact that it may not be flood-prone. Citizens participating in this program will then be able to purchase the flood insurance.

What Are the Requirements for Joining NFIP?

Citizens living in high-risk areas that have a mortgage from a federally regulated lender are obliged to purchase a flood insurance. Furthermore, they must carry it for the life of the mortgage. Other citizens with a mortgage but living in outside a high-risk area, can also purchase the flood insurance. They may also qualify for Preferred Risk Policies.

The minimum management requirements that communities must adopt in order to join the National Flood Insurance Program are located in the Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 60.3. Each of the requirements depends on the type of hazard data that FEMA provides the community with.

However, meeting the requirements is not enough. The floodplain management regulations of a community must also be legally enforceable. State authority for floodplain management differs from State to State. It is quite possible for your State to require superior regulations than the minimum requirements of the NFIP.

Certain States require that the communities who wish to join NFIP must submit the floodplain management regulations for approval to the State. The State NFIP Coordinating Agency can offer assistance to any community who wishes to find out the State’s requirements.

Contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency Regional Office or the National Flood Insurance Program State Coordinating Agency for more information. They can provide you with the model floodplain management ordinance and all the guidance needed to meet the required conditions.

What Types of Regulations Are There?

The floodplain management regulations for communities are generally zoning ordinances, subdivision ordinance, building codes, sanitary regulations, and “stand alone” ordinances.

The approach of each community depends on the State laws and how they choose to manage their flood hazards.

What Is the Waiting Period?

Generally speaking, a policy will only take effect after 30 days from the purchasing of the flood insurance. However, if a citizen purchases the policy in connection with a mortgage, the waiting period does not apply.

Do I Need the Flood Insurance?

Yes. Even if you live in a low-to-moderate flood risk area, it is advisable you purchase the flood insurance. All areas are susceptible to some degree of flooding. As a matter of fact, communities living outside the high-risk areas make for approximately 25 percent of the NFIP’s claims.

Property owners should ask their agents if they qualify for the Preferred Risk Policy. This provides low-priced flood insurance protection. It can even go as low as $112 a year.

How Do I File a Claim?

Filing a claim is a three-step process:

Notify the insurer. Contact your agent or the insurance company to start filing the claim. An adjuster should usually contact you after a couple of days since filing your claim. If this does not happen, then contact your insurer again.
Document the damage. You will need evidence of the damage (both to your home and possessions) to prepare the repair estimate. Consequently, you must take photos of any damage. This includes anything from discarded objects to structural damage. You should also make a list of both lost and damaged objects. Include their value, date of purchase, and receipts.
Complete the Proof of Loss. The Proof of Loss is a sworn statement made by the insured regarding the amount that they claim. Your adjuster will help you prepare this statement. You must file the Proof of Loss with your insurer within 60 days from the disaster.

What Happens If I Do Not Join NFIP?

Non-participating communities that are not flood-prone are not a subject to any sanction. However, if a community that has been identified as flood-prone does not qualify for the NFIP within a year, the following sanctions apply:

Property owners will no longer be eligible to purchase the NFIP flood insurance policy.
Federal grants or loans for development will no longer be available in identified flood hazard areas.
Federal disaster assistance will not be provided.
Federally insured and regulated lending institutions will not be allowed to make loans for insurable buildings.
Federal mortgage insurance and loan guarantees will not be provided.

While the participation in this program is voluntary, it is important you join NFIP. An important benefit of participation is that you and other members of the community are provided with the opportunity protect yourselves from flood losses. Another important aspect is the fact that certain communities may be sanctioned if they do not qualify for the program. Which is highly detrimental considering that Federal agencies will no longer provide financial assistance for citizens in specific flood hazard areas. Now that you know the benefits and the consequences of not joining NFIP, make the right decision for your wellbeing.

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What Do Emergency Medical Services Consist Of?

Emergency medical services, also known as EMS, are responsible for providing out-of-hospital medical care and transportation to definitive care. There are different types of emergency medical services, as they vary from state to state. It is an intricate system that is integrated with other services to keep and to enhance the health and safety of the community. Let’s take a closer look at the components and the types of EMS there are.

What Is EMS?

Emergency medical services are one of the multiple types of emergency services that are dedicated to providing transport to patients that have illnesses and injuries which don’t allow for self-transportation. Furthermore, EMS provides out-of-hospital acute medical care. They are also known as ambulance services, ambulance squad, ambulance corps, first aid squad, FAST squad, rescue squad, emergency squat, life squad, or paramedic services.

An EMS system encompasses the following sub-systems, services, and professionals:

Agencies.
Organizations.
Communication networks.
Transportation networks.
Rehabilitation facilities.
Trauma centers and systems.
Hospitals.
Specialty care centers.
Physicians, nurses, volunteers, therapists.
Administrators, government officials.

Types of Emergency Medical Services

There are five EMS systems that communities are providing to their citizens:

Ambulance organizations.
Fire department.
Voluntary EMS.
Combined emergency service agencies.
Hospital-based services.

The U.S. emergency medical services network copies the Anglo-American model. This means that they provide means to bring the patient to the hospital. This is different from the Franco-German one, where medical care is being brought to the patient. It is extremely uncommon to have a physician respond to the emergency scene.

The delivery of emergency medical services in the United States is based on multiple models. Some are publicly funded while others are offered by a third-party such as a private company. The standard emergency medical services are operated by the municipality. It can either be provided by the local government or the state government. In most cases, the EMS is part of another municipal department. More often, it is integrated into the Public Health department.

In a different operating mode, the EMS is organized as a separate department within the municipality. It is viewed as a third emergency service, separate from the fire or police departments.

The emergency medical services system can also be integrated into fire or the police department, either partially or fully integrated. When it is partially integrated into another municipal EMS, the staff may share several services and quarters. When it is fully integrated, the staff can be cross-trained to perform other emergency services, either firefighting or policing.

As for the private ambulance service, there are currently only a few remaining private companies. Thousands of private ambulance companies have been merged into regional companies over the year. There are only two multinational companies that dominate the private ambulance industry at the moment.

Air ambulances are operated by various sources in the United States. Some are hospital-operators, others are operated by the federal, local, or state government, and others can be operated through multiple departments such as the United States Park Service, state police, or fire departments. They are either offered by these EMS systems or contracted to an aircraft charter company or a similar third-party company. Air ambulances include a mix of personnel, such as nurses, paramedics, physicians.

There’s also voluntary EMS, where charities and non-profit companies can operate ambulances and provide patient transport services. These are either run by the community or privately owned. It is not uncommon for them to be linked to voluntary fire services. The Red Cross is usually the main provider of this type of EMS in most countries across the globe. In some countries, these ambulances work alongside the full-time ambulances during emergency times.

Some hospital can also provide their own ambulance service. However, the use of this service is dependent on using the providing hospital’s services.

EMS Vehicles

There are multiple categories of ambulances in the United States. They are defined by Federal Specification for the Star-of-Life Ambulance, and they are classified as type:

I – based on the chassis-cabs of light duty pickup trucks.
II – also known as Vanbulances, based on modern passenger vans.
III – based on chassis-cabs of light duty vans.
III – AD – a cutaway van with an inbuilt modular body and increased gross vehicle weight rating, payload, and storage.

Large cities in the United States have multiple ambulance services that use all of the types listed above. Most ambulances that are certified for emergency response are marked with the symbol designed and controlled by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – the Star of Life.

EMS Staff

In the United States, the ambulances must provide a minimum of two personnel – an EMT and an EMR. This is a called a Basic Life Support Unit because it cannot provide Advanced Life Support interventions. If the patient’s condition justifies the need of an ALS provider, it can be summoned to aid the ambulance staff during transport to the hospital.

There are several certifications in EMS. The emergency medical responder, or first responder, is the member of the staff that can perform immediate care until a higher trained provider reaches the scene. Some of the life-saving skills they must provide include CPR, hemorrhage control, and spinal stabilization.

The emergency medical technician (EMT) is usually in charge of performing a broad range of skills, such as oxygen therapy, spinal care, and defibrillation. The emergency medical technician – intermediate (EMT-I) is a certification that allows the technician to perform IVs and IO cannulation, more advanced airway procedures, limited cardiac monitoring, manual defibrillation, and to administer a limited number of medications and analgesic. A new certification level also includes the advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT). An AEMT possesses the skills to perform advanced airway procedures, start IVs, and administer certain medications.

The paramedic is highly trained, and their skills usually involve those that are not performed by technicians. This includes cannulation, the administration of a broader range of drugs (morphine, for example), intubation, cardiac monitoring, and more. Paramedics constitute the highest level of pre-hospital care in most parts of the United States. There are several certifications for paramedics: Critical Care EMT-Paramedic, Flight Paramedic Certification, and Wilderness ALS Care.

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