As an EMS provider, we take care of thousands of acutely and chronically ill patients every year. When we encounter a patient with a tracheostomy the conversation usually goes like this:

Patient's Caregiver: "The patient has a "'trach!'"
Paramedic: "Crap."

If you are anything like me, I remember learning about tracheostomies and laryngectomies as a paramedic student, but I will be honest, I was so focused on everything else I was not as focused on this. But, the first time I ever encountered a  critically ill tracheostomy patient, I really wished I would have paid more attention.

Join me as we take a dive into the tracheostomy and laryngectomy patient as we discuss the "news you can use," "brain tips to finger tips," overview of how to recognize, manage, and not panic the next time you encounter a stoma with (or without) a tube in it!

Stay safe, and do good care!