From Michael Garcia MD (private office based practice Florida)
I carry a pair of medical grade tourniquets in my stop the bleed bag in my car. $30. Should we partner with the surgeons to see if they would teach a one hour session at SPA on stop the bleed ? Oh heck, I think I just volunteered to help if you thought that was important.
Several years ago Dr. Adams, the surgeon general anesthesiologist gave an excellent talk at the ASA which included an impassioned plea for nasal naloxone He asked the audience how many knew CPR. Essentially all hands rose. Nearly none carried naloxone. He pointed out we were more likely to need naloxone to treat an overdose on the street than to do CPR for a primary cardiac arrest. Perhaps he could do an invited commentary or be invited to speak at an upcoming SPA annual meeting.
I purchase medications online. Right now, online, I could buy a Naloxone kit (naloxone 2 mg in 2 ml, a nasal atomizer, and a pair of gloves) for $125 plus shipping. A two pack of 4 mg nasal atomizers are $125. They would expire 1/25.
From Howard Zucker MD former New York State health commissioner
This country has huge problems with many issues but the gun issue is out of control.
I cannot believe how horrific the situation is right now and have been thinking about it regularly. The interest groups have incredible power and the fractured nature of our populous is contributing to the divisiveness. Thanks for posting the info on the PAAD. I am glad that Wendy and others were there to try and help.
From Justin Lockman MD MSEd FAAP
Thank you for sharing the PAAD Reader Response by Wendy Binstock about her response at the Highland Park shooting last weekend. I applaud the swift action taken by Dr. Binstock, her husband and the other bystanders to save lives, and yet I am horrified by the reality that we all must be prepared for such events now in our daily lives/activities. I know the PAAD has recently published several important articles about gun violence, and I appreciate those efforts to get readers to advocate for children’s health and safety – after all, that is what SPA is fundamentally all about!
I wanted to share with readers that combat tourniquets (which are now taught as part of ATLS training in most courses) are easy to use and are available cheaply from Amazon (search for “combat application tourniquet” to see many options). They are very easy to use – if you need a tutorial you can find one here:
I keep a tourniquet in my car and although I have never used it, I hope that I would have the presence of mind to do so in a crisis as effectively as Dr. Binstock and colleagues.
With hope that someday children will again be able to go to school/parades/church without fear,