EMS Health & Wellbeing - Mental Health Awareness Month

It is an important reminder for our community of fellow lifesavers and healthcare professionals that mental health matters.

We must continue to recognize how critical this issue is, not just for our overall well-being, but for the safety of our teams and the patients we serve.

Treating our mental health with the same care and compassion we give to physical injuries isn’t just a matter of wellness, it’s a matter of safety, resilience, and longevity in this demanding field.

Imagine if we were as attuned to stress injuries as we are to sprains or fractures. If we offered ourselves and our colleagues the same support and grace we could change the culture, reduce stigma, and strengthen our community.

EMS Peculiar Patient Presentations - Water On The Brain

A recent medical case has puzzled scientists: a 44-year-old man has been living a seemingly normal life despite having only 10% of his brain tissue remaining.

The patient was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain.

In his case, the excess CSF has gradually displaced nearly all of the brain parenchyma, leaving only a thin peripheral rim of functional neural tissue. Imaging studies revealed that the majority of his cranial cavity is occupied by fluid.

Remarkably, despite this profound anatomical abnormality, the man leads a fully functional life.

He is employed as a civil servant, has a family, and possesses a measured IQ of 84 — slightly below the statistical average, but well within the range of independent functioning.

This case calls into question long-standing assumptions about neuroanatomy, brain plasticity, and the localization of consciousness and cognitive functions.

It suggests a remarkable degree of adaptability in the central nervous system, and may prompt a re-evaluation of how essential various brain structures are to everyday functioning.

Further Reading:

Feuillet, L., Dufour, H., & Pelletier, J. (2007) Brain of a White-Collar Worker. The Lancet, 370(9583), 262. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61127-1 Accessed April 10, 2025

EMS Celebrations - National EMT & Paramedic Appreciation Day

Today we salute the heroes who run toward the emergency. Thank you, EMTs and Paramedics, for your courage, care, and commitment. Your unwavering dedication to serving our communities does not go unnoticed. 

Day in and day out, you put your lives on the line, often in the most challenging and unpredictable situations. 

Your quick thinking and expert training make all the difference in providing life-saving care when it matters most. You are the reassuring presence amidst the chaos, offering comfort to those in distress and bringing hope when it seems all is lost. 

On this National EMT and Paramedic Appreciation Day, we honor your tireless efforts, the sacrifices you make, and the emotional challenges you face. Your compassion and professionalism inspire us all. 

Thank you for everything you do to keep our communities safe and healthy. We are grateful for your service and commitment to excellence. Today, we celebrate YOU — our everyday heroes!