Last week I contributed a guest post to the FireGeezer blog about my experience with the Kindle Fire. My post was one of several about the Kindle ereader, Kindle Fire, and Kindle Apps. Check them out.

Product Review – the Kindle E-Reader
Product Review – the Kindle Fire Tablet
Kindle Apps for Laptops
Product Review – Kindle Apps for Smartpones

Share you Kindle experiences, appreciation for other ereaders, and suggestions for the Everyday EMS Tips EMS book store in the comments.

Read related posts and tips:

1. 3 Kindle Fire Feature Requests I have been enjoying my Kindle Fire immensely for the...
2. 3 Excellent Android Apps Thanks to paramedic educator Chris Cannon for this guest post....
3. Free iPhone Apps KevinMD.com posted a list of 10 free iPhone apps for...

The new App, Google Currents, creates a digital magazine of Everyday EMS Tips. To access:

Read Everyday EMS Tips with Google Currents

1. Install the Google Currents app on your Android device from the App Market or iPhone/iPad from the iTunes app store.

2. After installing search for Everyday EMS Tips

3. Subscribe to the Currents edition of Everyday EMS Tips

4. Read in an eye pleasing format on your smartphone or tablet

If you install and subscribe let me know what you think about the format, layout and your ideas for improving the design. Thanks!

Read related posts and tips:

1. Google+ Three Top Features I have been using and enjoying Google+ for almost two...
2. How do you read blogs? Do you read this and other blogs at the actual...
3. Read EverydayEMSTips.com on your Kindle EverydayEMSTips.com is now available to Kindle readers in the Amazon.com...

EMS professionals are challenged to balance work, family, and other obligations while also staying or striving for mental and physical fitness. The Everyday EMS Athlete is a regular column to recognize and learn from other EMS professionals that are setting and meeting fitness goals. This edition was contributed by EMT/Firefighter and runner Matt Bassett. 

Q: What is your EMS job? 

EMT, Firefighter, Runner

I’m a volunteer firefighter/EMT in Baltimore County, Maryland. I spend my days at the office (I work for a government agency in the Northern Virginia suburbs) and my nights and weekends on the fire engine or my first love, the ambulance. I also work as the planning section chief on the Maryland-1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT), whose t-shirt you can see me wearing in this photo.

Q: What are your athletic pursuits and goals?

I’ve been running on and off since high school as a general way of staying fit, but I never really had much of a goal or motivation until the spring of 2010. On a whim, I decided that I wanted to run the Army Ten-Miler, a big road race here in the DC area that supports military families and morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) programs. I’d never run anywhere near that long, and so I began training for it, although a bit haphazardly.

I also picked up an app for my iPhone, linked to a website, called RunKeeper, that kept track of my running accomplishments (distance, pace, etc) in real-time and logged them. Now I had the data available to track how my training was going, and I slowly built up endurance and distance.

Q: Do you have a race, lifestyle changes, or other accomplishments you are particularly proud of?

I ran the Army Ten-Miler in 1:25:33 that October and was pretty excited to have done so. But I didn’t fall out of the habit of running after that; instead, I started to run even more, competing against myself and my own numbers. So when the 2011 Army Ten-Miler rolled around, I managed to do it in 1:14:56, a significant improvement in my book.

Q: Can you share a few tips to help other EMS professionals to set and accomplish fitness goals? 

For me, it’s all about data. I set weekly and monthly goals for mileage, and the numbers don’t lie. Either I accomplished my goals, or I didn’t. If I didn’t, I need to work harder; if I did, I need to set new goals. To be successful at that, you have to set goals that are reasonable, achievable but still enough of a challenge to be rewarding when you meet them. Whatever system you use to account for your progress, accountability- to yourself, to your family- is key.

Q: Do you have any final thoughts to add and how can readers connect with you?

Running, for me, isn’t just about staying in shape mentally. It keeps me balanced psychologically as well. If I’ve had a rough day at the office or in my personal life, there’s very little that a good long run can’t fix- or at least put into better perspective. And when I deal with my patients, especially those with diabetes or other chronic illnesses with which obesity is often co-morbid, I know that I’m serving them better by keeping myself in good physical condition to respond.

I’m also very fortunate to live in Washington, DC, where we have some of the best running routes in America. There’s nothing like cruising past the U.S. Capitol Building, running down the National Mall and crossing the Memorial Bridge to jog down the Potomac River. The city itself is motivation.

Moving forward, I think I’ve done good work with the Ten-Miler and now I’m planning to run the National Marathon next year.

Read related posts and tips:

1. Everyday EMS Athlete Profile: Matt Welander Good Shoes and a Decent Hat; Tips for Runners from...
2. Everyday EMS Athlete Profile: Conan Kelly EMS professionals are challenged to balance work, family, and other...
3. Everyday EMS Athlete Profile: Jimmy Pearson EMS professionals are challenged to balance work, family, and other...

This post was contributed by Ray Coleman of Creative Custom Applications.

PQR is an application for iOS devices developed by Creative Custom Applications. PQR is an easy to use quick reference for weight based pediatric treatment guidelines. Life saving information is quickly available on your iOS device. PQR includes:

• Resuscitation & Arrhythmias
• Postresuscitation
• Rapid Sequence Intubation
• Seizure
• Overdose
• ICP
• Fluids
• Equipment
• Vital signs

There is a button on the top right of the main screen which indicates the current selected weight/color. Clicking on the button brings up a pick list that allows you to select the weight/age of your patient. Each selection is color coded for use with color coded pediatric kits and tape based systems.

PQR is organized so that you can find and isolated the data you need quickly. Perfect for any healthcare provider dealing with pediatric patients. PQR works on iOS 3.0 or higher. Available on iTunes,  PQR is bargain at $0.99.

Ray Coleman is a former Fire/EMS Captain who currently works as a seasonal Park Ranger/Paramedic for the National Park Service. Ray also has 20+ years computer/programming experience and is a mobile application programmer.

Read related posts and tips:

1. App Information: ERG Pro This post was contributed by Ray Coleman of Creative Custom...
2. App Information: RSI Wizard This post was contributed by Ray Coleman of Creative Custom...
3. App Review: Paramedic Quick Reference Guide This is a guest post by Andrew Spencer, AREMT-I, MIRHC....

This post was contributed by Ray Coleman of Creative Custom Applications.

ERG Pro is an application for iOS devices developed by Creative Custom Applications. ERG Pro has the complete 2008 Emergency Response Guide data from the NHTSB.  ERG Pro is easy to use and all of the data is searchable.

The tab bar allows for easy navigation between the material lookup, guides, tables, and contact numbers. Search materials by name or UN number. Once you select a material, the detail view gives you information on class or division, the associated guide number with a button link, the placard image, water reactivity, and a button link for initial isolation if applicable.

The guide data is searchable by guide number or it is linked directly with the material detail view. ERG Pro includes the isolation tables and the water reactivity table. Also included is the chemical response contact list.

ERG Pro is fast and easy to use. Finding a material is much quicker than using the orange book. A must have for any emergency responder who has the potential for exposure to hazardous materials. ERG Pro works on iOS 3.0 or higher. Available on iTunes, ERG Pro is great value at $2.99.

Ray Coleman is a former Fire/EMS Captain who currently works as a seasonal Park Ranger/Paramedic for the National Park Service.  Ray also has 20+ years computer/programming experience and is a mobile application programmer.

Read related posts and tips:

1. App Information: Pedi Quick Ref (PQR) This post was contributed by Ray Coleman of Creative Custom...
2. App Information: EMT Tutor This post was contributed by Micah Holmes of Code3Apps. Leave...
3. Give the Gift of Information and Peace of Mind EMS professionals know the importance of knowing the patient’s name,...

This post was contributed by Micah Holmes of Code3Apps. Leave a comment about what makes a great EMS and you might get picked for a free EMT Tutor download code.

The EMT Tutor (iTunes link) is an educational development app for the EMT.  It was developed drawing from my knowledge and past experience, which includes training and developing yet to be nationally registered EMTs.  The app attempts to prepare EMTs for three things:

a) Passing EMT class

b) Passing the National Registry exam

c) Preparing for hands-on application of the material.

This is a difficult combination because many textbooks and EMT classes are geared to an older, recollection-of-material based assessment process; whereas the National Registry has moved to more of a scenario-based assessment, which values critical thinking.  This discrepancy has led to many students acing the class portion and then struggling on the National Registry Exam.  The EMT Tutor app attempts to prepare students for both while also transferring this knowledge and information to hands-on skills and critical, on-the-go, lights and sirens, real deal decision making.

About the App

The EMT Tutor app has four sections that are meant to assist EMTs of all backgrounds with the content required by the NREMT.

• Quizzes: almost 1000 multiple-choice based questions divided into sections including the newer Anatomy and Physiology and Pathophysiology.
• Flashcards: almost 1000 flashcards including terms, doses, skills, etc.
• Scenarios: over 60 different step-by-step scenarios, which can be used to prepare for the NREMT, discuss with an FI or just to review and hone skills.
• Toolbox: include all of the up-to-date NREMT skills stations, and some differential check-offs to aid in report writing and in reviewing calls.

Some additional features were added to make the app more useful, including bookmarking, randomization and explanations. Bookmarking allows the user to revisit trouble areas.  I found this to be essential for the user to be able to tailor the app however he or she needs.  It does not help to re-review 1000 flashcards before the NREMT if you’re only having trouble with 100 of them. Randomization of all potential answers in a question was included so that the user does not remember where the correct answer is, only WHAT the correct answer is.  This allows the user to reuse our material rather than consume it on one pass through.   Finally, explanations are included for all quiz questions to further assist the learning process.

As the writer and developer of the EMT Tutor, I of course have a special attachment to my application but I do realize that nothing great is created in a vacuum.  It is for this reason that I offer it up to some of the best and most experienced to evaluate.  One of the reasons that I started writing EMS apps is because of my involvement in another app developer’s project that I saw as less than comprehensive and not as concerned with the development of EMTs.  Questions were taken off of the Internet, or copied word for word from outdated textbooks.  For these reasons I have attempted to develop a training tool that fits into your pocket.  I am looking for honest feedback and suggestions on how to make the app experience better for both seasoned veterans, and EMTs in training. (After all, aren’t we all still in training?)

Feedback Welcome

I welcome any and all feedback from those that test the app.  It will always be a work in progress, so know that feedback will not be taken lightly.  I am also interested in including other content into the app; so new scenarios, situations and information are always welcome.  Feel free to email me – code3apps@yahoo.com, follow the Code3Apps blog, follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.  Thanks again, and stay safe out there.

iTunes Link: EMT Tutor App

Read related posts and tips:

1. Paramedic Tutor YouTube Channel Cardiac and ECG Teaching and Learning Resource Rob Theriault is...
2. Give the Gift of Information and Peace of Mind EMS professionals know the importance of knowing the patient’s name,...
3. App Information: ERG Pro This post was contributed by Ray Coleman of Creative Custom...

Check out the iMedical Apps review of MediBabble a free medical translation app.

Paramedics and EMTs have you used MediBabble in the field?

How well does it fit the assessment and treatment needs of EMS?

MediBabble in the iTunes app store

Read related posts and tips:

1. EMS Tracker for iPhone App EMS Tracker, an iPhone app, allows EMS professionals to record...
2. Free iPhone Apps KevinMD.com posted a list of 10 free iPhone apps for...
3. App Review: Paramedic Review an Interactive Exam App for the iPhone Paramedic Review, a new iPhone App from Limmer Creative, is...

This is a guest app review by critical care paramedic JD Graziano. If you want to guest post or review on this blog, check out the guidelines here.

I recently got my hands on an app that crosses over. There are tools for the job, and then there are game changers. I can say the smart-ICE App is a game changer. This app is for the EMS professional and a non-EMS professional. In a smartphone world, EMS professionals continue to help people and risk their lives everyday; finally someone has blown the whistle of technology, a wake up call for the providers and non-providers alike. When a loved one, a family member, someone close to you has a medical emergency and you find EMS in your home, suddenly we may lose that sense of confidence and swagger that we all have as rescuers. Sometimes we find ourselves in our own emergency, this app bridges the gaps with the same assurance that are patients receive from us in a time of emergency.

ICE can return the feeling. This app adapts to each person and their family members. The tool allows for important information needed in an emergency situation. What separates this tool is the adaptability, ease of use, and designed by the best in the business.

This app has the ability to sound an alarm so you can be found in your home when EMS arrives, it has a voice recording ability that anyone around can use to operate the app as well as get your medical information. In other words you don’t need to know the person from your ugly uncle Larry, and this app will give you all details. Plus no worries for the lock out modes, there is an icon on the screen that will allow for the access from the locked screen. If you find yourself needing help, and you are not sure where you are, the app has a tool that will give an exact location to the user to give to the dispatcher. As the app gives you information needed in an emergency, like most other apps it has the ability to help with you day-to-day medical information and interaction with the primary provider.

Find the SMART-ICE app in the iTunes store.

JD Graziano is a CCEMT-P currently working for Iowa County Ambulance Service, a rural service in Iowa County, IA. He has been in EMS for 8 years and also has a background in backcountry rescue, avalanche, and snow safety. Contact him on Twitter @ajdgrazinao or email jdpmemt@gmail.com

Read related posts and tips:

1. Press Release: smart-ICE 1.6.4 The First App to Talk for the Patient The “FIRST”...
2. App Review: Stat Meds STAT Meds is an adult medication “calculator” for the iPhone...
3. App Review: Paramedic Quick Reference Guide This is a guest post by Andrew Spencer, AREMT-I, MIRHC....

Paramedic and Blogger Florian demonstrates in this screencast how to use Keynote or PowerPoint to create a set of flash cards that can be imported into iTunes and from there into your iPod or iPhone.

Thanks Florian for the great tip and training. You can also read a post from Florian that explains the same process: How to: mobile flashcards.

Florian is an on road student paramedic in his final year working in Perth, Western Australia. He can be found on the web: www.flobach.com, at twitter: @flobach, and can be contacted via flobach@gmail.com

Read related posts and tips:

1. iPhone App: EMT Academy EMT- B student Austin Marsh wrote me about the iPhone...
2. Video: Create a Gameshow Spinner with PowerPoint I used PowerPoint to animate a game show type spinner....
3. Press Release: iPhone App for Managing Mass Casualty Incidents “MCI Triage” is an iPhone App for EMS paramedics, ambulance...

EMT- B student Austin Marsh wrote me about the iPhone app EMT Academy. Austin writes:

“EMT Academy is a great app! It includes flashcards, quizzes, skill sheets and more help me study and review before test dates! I have it for the iPhone, find it on the app store for $4.99!”

Thanks Austin.

EMT Academy in the app store

Do you have a favorite app for studying EMT and paramedic knowledge?

Read related posts and tips:

1. EMS Tracker for iPhone App EMS Tracker, an iPhone app, allows EMS professionals to record...
2. App Review: CE Manager – track continuing education with iPhone App This is a guest app review by critical care paramedic...
3. Video: Create Flashcards for your iPod or iPhone Paramedic and Blogger Florian demonstrates in this screencast how to...