Blog Is Back Up!

I got home this afternoon and found that this blog had been disabled by WP. There was a message saying that I had somehow violated their Terms of Service. The informational notice I was able to access explained that if I felt they had made a mistake to contact them. I did so immediately and am pleased to know that within an hour or two the blog was once again operational.

As per the response I received the blog was flagged by their automated spam controls. They reviewed my blog and lifted the suspension.

While I appreciate their tenacity toward blog spam I do think there should be a method to notify and review before a suspension is levied. I’ve operated this personal blog since 2006 and would really hate to have the time spent on it wasted over silly mistakes. At any rate I’m back up and running and have no hard feelings toward WordPress. In fact I am very pleased at the quick reply and attention they gave to this issue once I got home and contacted them.

Henry Lee Summer – I Know How You Feel

This live version of “I Know How You Feel” is my favorite Henry Lee Summer song.

(From the YouTube Description: Henry Lee Summer 1989 Live “I’ve Got Everything” tour. Musicians Tony Bowles (guitar), Gene Boccia (bass), Michael Organ (drummer), Doug Sisemore (keyboards), Mimi Mapes (vocal), Sheila Lawrence (vocal), Henry Lee Summer (vocal, acoustic guitar). First song of last show – tour with the Doobie Brothers. Recorded at Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, CA Oct 7 1989. Audio distortion and glitch at 4:20 are on the original video tape.)

 

Simulation Training: Cadaver Lab

I recently participated in a training/education session at a prominent hospital in Indianapolis. I participated in an eight hour session involving a 91 year old female cadaver. I was surprised, pleasantly, by the inclusion of other health care providers in the session. EMS professionals, a few nurses, and a couple of doctors participated and shared information among each other during the session. The staff leading the session were all paramedics with special training in the instruction and use of cadavers. I was informed that only seven or so people in Indiana have received this training.

One of the paramedics leading the session is also a funeral director.

Laryngoscopes

The purpose of the session was to practice skills generally considered susceptible to skill decay with a primary focus on surgical and needle cricothyrotomy using traditional laryngoscopy and video laryngoscopy via a GlideScope. The bulk of the training session focused on the anatomy & physiology associated with the procedures. Alternate methods of determining landmarks were demonstrated and everyone in the session was evaluated and performed multiple identifications on our cadaver. Discussions included scenarios where improper landmark identification could become problematic.

We spent more than 75% of the allotted time on airway management. This included basic airway management using BVM, oral and nasal adjuncts, King Airway & CombiTubes, LMA insertion, and S.A.L.T device.

Tracheal intubations were practiced by all using both Macintosh and Miller blades as well as the video GlideScope. Everybody had the opportunity to perform as many intubations as they liked. Staff was very approachable and eager to offer tips and solutions to common problems associated with tracheal intubations in the field. Gum Bougie use was also demonstrated and utilized in our practice session as well as intubation without the device.

I was unaware of the S.A.L.T device as it isn’t used in my system. I found it particularly interesting since it may make tracheal intubations fast and easy. The general consensus was that if this device was all it is advertised to be it might very well be the best BLS oral adjunct option available. I wonder why it isn’t more prominent.

At the very least it should be an option in my opinion.

Read on …

R.I.P. George Jones

That makes three! George Jones, ”The Possum”, has died. If anyone ever lived their songs it was “No Show Jones”. He is, and was, a country music icon.

One can read about it in the Washington Post article.

George Jones

R.I.P. Richie Havens

It’s been a rough couple of days for music. Richie Havens, the opening performer at Woodstock, has died of a heart attack.

One can read about it in the Daily News article published today.

Richie Havens

R.I.P. Chrissy Amphlett

Chrissy Amphlett, singer of the Divinyls, died at the age of 53 due to complications of breast cancer yesterday.

Read more from Rolling Stone magazine.

Rest in peace.

Chrissy Amphlett

Slash and John Mayer with ZZ Top

I found a YouTube video of ZZ Top with guests Slash and John Mayer. I admit I am biased toward Mayer but I think the video says it all. Mayer always seems to get overlooked in guitar circles while Slash is always praised. I know it’s not a competition and they are both good in their own right but damn, Slash was way out of his element here. I think Mayer did a much better job. What do you think?

Stratocaster: Floating the Bridge Fender Custom Shop Style

Paul Waller of the Fender Custom Shop

Stratocaster Nut, String Tree, and Saddle Maintenance: Fender Custom Shop Style

Fender Custom Shop’s John Cruz

Boston Marathon Terrorist Attack April 15, 2013

Once again the United States has experienced a terrorist attack. This time the bombings occurred during the Boston Marathon. Multiple bombs detonated within seconds of each other near the finish line. A third bomb is reported to have also exploded nearby at the JFK Library.

Three other unexploded bombs have been reported found by Boston authorities. Two at another intersection near the marathon route and one outside of Boston proper.

As of the time of this article at least 2 people have been killed with up to 50 injuries (10 of which are reported to be amputations). I’m sure as the day goes on we will continue to receive updated reports of fatalities and injuries.

Good work by local EMS, Fire, and Police have helped transport and treat many others affected by these blasts. While I try not to be political with this blog I hope this tragic attack prompts those in charge of the purse strings to reevaluate cuts to EMS and other Public Safety organizations.

Images of the Boston Marathon Bombing April 15, 2013

 

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