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Ottawa paramedics receive Ontario Paramedic Bravery Award

(press release)
Eight members of the Ottawa Paramedic Service (OPS) received the Ontario Paramedic Bravery Award at Queen’s Park this evening for their brave actions in response to the incident on October 22, 2014.

The eight OPS members included: Chief Anthony Di Monte; Superintendent Rodney Hamberger; Paramedics Michael Call; Eric Jetten; Dan Pollock; David Perras; Mylène Carbonneau; and Adam Whiteford, Tatical Paramedic.

“October 22, 2014 is a date that remains etched in the minds of the people of Ottawa, and across the country,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “We all remember watching and listening to the news and seeing our brave emergency services responding to this tragic incident, while putting the safety of others first. On behalf of Council and all Ottawa residents, we congratulate the recipients of this provincial honour.”

This provincial decoration is awarded each year to the men and women in Ontario’s paramedic services, who have displayed outstanding bravery in the action of their duties – exemplifying selfless courage without concern for their own personal safety.

“The committed men and women of the Ottawa Paramedic Service are an essential part of our city’s emergency response team,” said Councillor Diane Deans, Chair of the City’s Community and Protective Services Committee. “The recipients of this bravery award are prime examples of our paramedics’ dedication to creating and maintaining a safe and healthy community.”

Last September, Chief Di Monte, Mr. Hamberger, and Mr Whiteford received the N.H. McNally Award of Bravery by the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs at their annual general meeting in Windsor.

The best and worst states to be a registered nurse in 2016

As of 2014, the average Registered Nurse (RN) brought home just shy of $66,640 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But earnings vary greatly by location, as employers must offer higher wages in certain areas of the country to attract qualified candidates. On average, the highest wages paid in registered nurse were in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Alaska and Oregon.

Salary (annual): $45,880 – $98,880
Salary (hourly): $22.06 – $47.54a
Min. Education: Associate degree
Job Outlook 2014-24: 16% (Much faster than average)
Related Careers:  Dental Hygienists,  EMTs and Paramedics, Physician Assistants & Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

State Salary (hourly)
 1. California $47.31
 2. Hawaii $42.42
 3. Massachusetts $41.23
 4. Alaska $41.22
 5. Oregon $39.87
Lowest Paying States for Registered Nurse
State Salary (hourly)
 1. Puerto Rico $16.22
 2. Virgin Islands $22.35
 3. Guam $25.45
 4. South Dakota $25.95
 5. Kansas $25.97

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Data extracted on February  10, 2016

What You Need to Know About Osmitrol for the NCLEX

Osmitrol is an osmotic diuretic. It focuses on increasing the osmotic pressure of the glomerular filtrate. Osmitrol, osmotic diuretic, and osmotic pressure all start with the letter O.

The higher the concentration of osmitrol in the filtrate, the more diuresis occurs (more fluid removal).

What is Osmitrol (Mannitol) used for:

  • Prevents, treats oliguric phase (also starts with the letter O) of acute renal failure.
  • Reduces increased intracranial pressure caused by cerebral edema.
  • Decreases edema of injured spinal cord.
  • Decreases intraocular pressure caused by acute glaucoma.
  • Promotes excretion of toxic substances.

Do not use Osmitrol (Mannitol) for:

  • Severe renal disease
  • Dehydration
  • Intracranial bleeding
  • Severe pulmonary edema

Be cautious in using Osmitrol (Mannitol) when patient has:

  • Cardiac failure
  • Pulmonary edema

Side effects of Osmitrol (Mannitol):

  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness
  • Tachycardia
  • Peripheral edema
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting (of course)
  • Backache

Nursing actions to take:

  • Check vital signs before administering the dose (Got to look at that blood pressure).
  • Assess urinary output and hydration status
  • Assess electrolytes (for low sodium and potassium).
  • Assess BUN, renal, and hepatic panels.
  • Look for symptoms of congestive heart failure and pulmonary edema.
  • IV medication may crystallize so it is essential to warm prior to putting into solution to prevent from entering circulation.