If you have been reading the A-Z Series you know that I have been trying to avoid too much clinical type articles and have been focusing more on general ideas on what we face each day as EMS professionals and also why the basics of what we learn in the beginning of our careers applies to what we do every day.

When I mention RSI or Rapid Sequence Intubation I don’t want to get into the clinical aspect of it on why Succinylcholine over Vecuronium or on Mallampati classes. There is a wealth of clinical information on this on sites like EMS1.com and JEMS.com to name a few.

What I would like to mention is that RSI is becoming more of a standard in many EMS agencies and most have a specific training requirement of their paramedics to be able to perform this skill in the field. RSI encompasses many dangers and difficulties for the provider and it truly brings us as EMS professionals to the next level of care and skill level.

When many are suggesting that endotracheal intubation in the pre hospital setting should be a thing of the past. The fact that RSI is such a hot topic, I think strengthens our need for advanced airway management in the field. The key is having the proper training not only for the skill itself, but also understanding the medications and their properties. That is where the danger lies and some providers may take this danger too lightly. Which of course can only bring us back to the thought process of sending ETI to the bench.

We as providers must take ETI and in turn RSI seriously. That means getting the proper training, seeking out clinical opportunities to perform the task and most of all knowing when it just isn’t possible and not letting our ego get in the way of what is best for the patient.

While I do see the advantages to non visual airway management. There will always be a place for true advanced airway techniques. After all “airway” is first on the list. Without being able to secure and maintain it - everything else is just spinning our wheels.

I don’t pretend to have all the answers or know it all when it comes to this subject. You can talk to ten people and get ten different views. The one view though I think we can all agree upon is that education, training and practice will allow us to continue providing true pre hospital care that includes everything the ABC’s encompass. Instead of focusing on just the pre hospital transport part.

Along the lines of all this training and advances in how we provide care. You must be ready to do so. When I say ready or not, I mean just that. You are either ready or you are not ready. So, ready for what? Well, think about that for a moment. Ready can relate to checking your ambulance to make sure it not only runs and has the lights working, but also that you have all your equipment and that it works as well. From your laryngyscope light bulb turning on to having enough non rebreather oxygen masks.

It can also apply to being ready as a professional and knowing your local protocols, procedures and how to apply them. Being ready to read the 12 lead ECG, start the IV or just plain lift the patient.

I think you get the idea I am going for here. Be the EMS professional that is ready. Ready in training, equipment, knowledge and attitude. The patients may not say it, but ready or not here they come.

Asia, home to approximately half of the world’s population, offers prospective study abroad students many educational opportunities within colorful societies vastly different from the West.

Under the broadest definition, Asia encompasses more than 30 countries in East Asia and South & Central Asia, with some of the largest study abroad destinations represented by China, Japan, India, Thailand, Korea and Hong Kong. Asia is a welcoming, exciting and contemporary destination for students from North America. However, proper planning and good preparation can improve the experience immensely.

If you’re thinking of studying abroad in Asia, consider these tips:

Outline your goals and purpose for studying abroad. Are you looking to study language only, language and culture, or a mix of language and cultural studies, as well as classes related to your major?

Consult with your university’s study abroad office about available programs and internal requirements.

Program options may include:

Student exchange - an agreement between your university and a foreign institution allowing payment of your regular home university tuition fees and direct enrollment in the host university. (Often, best suited for independent students comfortable and knowledgeable about the prospective country and host university.)

Direct Enrollment - similar to student exchange, but allows you to apply and pay fees directly to the overseas university. (Well suited for independent students comfortable and knowledgeable about the prospective country and host university.)

Faculty-led - developed and run by your university, generally as a short-study program comprised of participants from your university. (Often appeals to students who don’t want to spend a full semester abroad and value the leadership of their own faculty and participation of university peers.)

Program provider - international education organizations providing a variety of study abroad opportunities, including language/study centers and facilitation of direct enrollment at host universities. (Often best suited for students seeking additional information, assistance and support for their study abroad experience.)

Consider your academic needs in consultation with your home university advisors to ensure your overseas studies are applicable to your degree.

Test your own cultural IQ by mentally preparing for your experience. Set your expectations against your knowledge and identify where you will face challenges.

Seek out other students who have studied in the countries you are considering and ask them for advice.

Research the health risks or recommended/required immunizations or inoculations for your intended country. A good resource is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Familiarize yourself with crime statistics, laws and penalties of the countries you are considering. This will help you avoid becoming a victim of common crimes or committing crimes unknowingly. Laws and regulations may differ significantly from those in the United States, ignorance of laws is often inexcusable, and violations and penalties can be severe. Visit the U.S. Department of State website for more information.

Begin at least a survival language program prior to your departure overseas so you develop a basic vocabulary and are comfortable navigating your local area.

Learn the destination country’s systems and services, whether money and banking, healthcare, transportation and entry and exit requirements.

During my four years of college, I experienced a great number of highs and lows. Among those highs, my time abroad in New Zealand might be the most unforgettable. While I only spent one semester abroad, the memories and education I took home will last a lifetime. I recommend any college student to study abroad in New Zealand if they get the same chance.

Spending time or studying time in New Zealand or another destination such as a program abroad in Sydney Australia can be one of the most enriching aspects of not only your college years but also your entire life. Not only do you earn academic credit, you broaden your cultural perspectives, gain some independence from what you know, experience a new culture, and live through stories you can tell for a lifetime. This is all possible from being abroad Sydney Australia or New Zealand.

Finding a program in college which takes you to New Zealand overseas isn’t too difficult. The majority of universities in the U.S. house a study abroad coordinator who can advise you about all of their different programs offered through their network of program providers. You will need to register for study abroad New Zealand through the school you attend in the U.S. This way credits and any other important details transfer seamlessly.

Spending time abroad in Sydney Australia or New Zealand is a dream of many students. Think of what a wonderful experience it would be to spend a summer in New Zealand overseas, far from home in such a wonderful place. I can’t imagine a more fun and exciting learning experience. You’ll have so many exciting stories and memories to tell. Here are some steps to get started:

Go online or visit study abroad office in your college. The majority of universities and schools have a set of minimum requirements you would need to meet before becoming eligible to study abroad in Sydney Australia or New Zealand.

Put together a budget for yourself. Think about what your expenses will be and calculate the cost of living in this new country. Look into the costs outlined by your program provider and determine how much aid and scholarships you currently have which will travel to pay for the program and how much you are expected to cover yourself during your time abroad Sydney Australia.

Fill out and complete the application, submit transcripts and other application materials for an abroad in Sydney Australia experience. You’ll probably have to write a personal statement to explain why you are interested in this particular region of the world. Your goal is to show everyone how much you desire to succeed in their abroad New Zealand program.

Research your options thoroughly. While it is an amazing opportunity, it is also quite an important one. There are hundreds of different programs throughout the world. Think about what experience would fit your best and which issues will help you narrow down your abroad choices.