PEC - MULTIMEDIAPEC - MULTIMEDIAhttps://www.pec.co.za/blogsThu, 20 Nov 2025 09:31:59 -0800http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Research Article on Tirage Performance in Western Cape]]>https://www.pec.co.za/blogs/post/research-article-on-the-tirage-performance-in-western-cape


Introduction 

The emergency medical service (EMS) response is dependent on the emergency medical dispatch (EMD) and the operations response team to ensure that the patient receives the required EMS resources and treatment in the appropriate time. EMS resources must be dispatched to calls of appropriate patient acuity. Overtriage and undertriage impact the appropriate response and optimization of EMS resources and, most importantly, patient

 outcomes. This study examines overtriage and undertriage rates in ambulance dispatch operations in the Western Cape Government (WCG), South Africa.

 

Aim Of This Research Paper


The aim is to determine the undertriage and overtriage rates of EMD priority allocation compared to on-scene ambulance triage.


Read the full research paper here. 


Conclusion


This study revealed substantial overtriage and undertriage across all incident types. The results of this study provide a good reference point for future comparisons of triage rates in the Western Cape. It can be used to inform the development of policies, processes, guidelines, triage and training in dispatching systems, which may contribute to the optimization of prehospital resource management and patient care.



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]]>Wed, 02 Apr 2025 12:55:07 +0200<![CDATA[The Ducanto Catheter—It Sucks!]]>https://www.pec.co.za/blogs/post/the-ducanto-catheter—it-sucksEmergency intubations present a unique set of challenges, particularly when dealing with heavily contaminated airways. Anesthesiologist, Dr. James DuC ]]>

The Ducanto Catheter—It Sucks!

Emergency intubations present a unique set of challenges, particularly when dealing with heavily contaminated airways. Anesthesiologist, Dr. James DuCanto, developed the DuCanto catheter to enhance airway management in these high-stakes situations. The commonly used 14 Fr Yankauer catheter, with its smaller bore, may struggle to clear heavily contaminated airways effectively. In contrast, the 28 Fr DuCanto catheter is specifically designed to handle thicker fluids which may be seen in emergency airway management, potentially making it the better choice for the ED.1 The head-to-head performance of these devices has not been previously studied.


Read the full article here.


In conclusion the article stats that Resuscitationists should incorporate the DuCanto Catheter into their airway management toolkit for all emergency intubations.


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]]>Mon, 16 Sep 2024 12:59:49 +0200<![CDATA[ACLS Training | H's and T's In ACLS ]]>https://www.pec.co.za/blogs/post/acls-training-pulseless-electrical-activity-types-h-and-t-in-acls

Pulseless Electrical Activity types (h and t in ACLS)

If you are attending an AHA ACLS course with us this month or year, we recommend watching this short video created by James Bodmer to help you prepare for the course. In the video discussing a few heart rhythms in his video ACLS Training | Pulses Electrical Activity types (H and T in ACLS).  


During the AHA ACLS course you will learn about the H's and T's, which explain the different conditions associated with cardiac arrest algorithms. Cardiac arrest conditions are reversible so it is important to determine and teat the cause for the best outcome and optimal care for the patient.  

The "H's" in ACLS 

Image copied from https://advancedmedicalcertification.com/how-to-memorize-the-hs-and-ts-of-acls/

The "T's" in ACLS 

Image copied from https://advancedmedicalcertification.com/how-to-memorize-the-hs-and-ts-of-acls/Here

We offer the full ACLS course, as well as the 1 day ACLS Refresher course. 


Contact us on 021 705 6459 or crisiscare@pec.co.za to find out more or to book a spot. 


**If you enjoyed James Bodmer's video he has a few other videos you can view to help prepare for ACLS. 


]]>Wed, 04 Sep 2024 13:29:55 +0200<![CDATA[2024 World Restart A Heart Day]]>https://www.pec.co.za/blogs/post/World-Restart-A-Heart-Day-2024There are three steps you need to follow when you see someone collapse.  1. Call for HELP  (10177 or 112 from any cellphone) 2. Check for BREAT ]]>

There are three steps you need to follow when you see someone collapse. 

1. Call for HELP 

(10177 or 112 from any cellphone)

2. Check for BREATHING

3. Start COMPRESSIONS


Click here to download a "Let's colour together page"  for your children to colour and to help you remember the steps. 


By starting CPR and using a defibrillator before emergency services arrive, we can save up to 200 000 more lives every year. Make sure you know what to do – learn CPR!

Professional Emergency Care has a range of  CPR courses that you can join to learn this life-saving skill. 



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]]>Fri, 13 Oct 2023 11:43:56 +0200<![CDATA[The changes of first aid training in South Africa]]>https://www.pec.co.za/blogs/post/the-changes-of-first-aid-training-in-south-africaThe changes of first aid training in South Africa. Department of Employment and Labour denies an extension to Notice 682 of 2020. In a letter received o ]]>

The changes of first aid training in South Africa.

Department of Employment and Labour denies an extension to Notice 682 of 2020.
In a letter received on 17 March 2021, the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) – Chief Inspector for Occupational Health and Safety, Mr Tibor Szana, has denied our Section 40 application letter submitted on 21 January 2021 for the extension of Notice 682 of 2020 for a further 12 months.


This means that as of the 31 March 2021 First Aid Level 1, 2 and 3 will no longer have any legal standing in terms of General Safety Regulation 3.4 for the appointed first aiders in the workplace.


As First Aid Level 1, 2 and 3 standards were issued and approved by the DEL, these courses will cease to exist after 31 March 2021 in terms of the DEL’s Notice 682 of 2020. In terms of workplace requirements, as directed by General Safety Regulation 3.4, any certificates issued for First Aid Level 1, 2 and 3 courses from 1 April 2021 will have no legal standing, as DEL recognised training will be dealt with by the Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO) or their Quality Assurance Partners (QAPs) (i.e. SETA).

“QCTO/ SETA Accredited & DEL approved” Training Providers.


Current accredited and approved providers can continue, providing only Skills Programmes/ Unit Standard training only, which include:

· US 119567 – Perform basic life support and first aid procedures – replaces first aid level 1.

· US 120496 – Provide risk-based primary emergency care/first aid in the workplace – replaces first aid level 2.

· US 376480 – Provide first aid as an advanced first responder – replaces first aid level 3.

· US 14656 – Demonstrate an understanding of sexuality and sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS.


We are extremely grateful to have the accreditation from both Transport Education Training and Authority (TETA) and DEL to continue with the legally required training as per the occupational Health and Safety Act – General Safety Regulation 3.4.


]]>Fri, 14 May 2021 20:24:37 +0200<![CDATA[Important Notice from the HPCSA regarding the CPG Update]]>https://www.pec.co.za/blogs/post/important-notice-from-the-hpcsa-regarding-the-cpg-update
The Professional Board for Emergency Care (PBEC) adopted the Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) in August 2018.
]]>Thu, 21 Jan 2021 23:39:16 +0200<![CDATA[Cordial invitation: RESUSCITATION2020, The Virtual ERC Congress - October 22-24, 2020]]>https://www.pec.co.za/blogs/post/cordial-invitation-resuscitation2020-the-virtual-erc-congress-october-22-24-2020
The ERC has transformed the RESUSCITATION2020 event into a virtual experience, bringing you high quality education and speakers in a digital interactive format. 

Dr. Jas Soar has put together a 3-day program that encompasses over 50 different sessions, including: draft ERC 2021 Guidelines, opportunities for Research collaborations in the field of Resuscitation, an update of the ERC COVID-19 Guidelines and important insights from young scientists. 

RESUSCITATION2020 will take place on a custom-built ERC digital platform. This intensive and on-going collaboration between Dr. Uwe Kreimeier, ERC Director of Congresses, dr. Jas Soar, dr. Patrick Van de Voorde and the ERC office has brought us to the point where we now reach out to you. 

We would cordially invite you to share this Announcement RESUSCITATION 2020 as widely as possible within your network and with your peers.  As from next week onwards, every Monday and Thursday, the ERC will also promote the RESUSCITATION on its  Twitter and/or  Facebook page. 

We kindly ask you to promote the congress on your website and share these messages on your own social media accounts. You will find the RESUSCITATION2020 logo and banner attached to this email. 

Please find hereby our approval to use this logo in your future advertising and on your NRC homepage. 
In the course of September, we will come back to you with more information on the virtual RESUSCITATION COMPETITION and the input that we need from you to further develop the virtual platform. 

Thank you very much for supporting the ERC on our pathway towards RESUSCITATION2020, the Virtual Congress!
]]>Wed, 30 Sep 2020 17:17:11 +0200<![CDATA[What the HPCSA says about CPD training]]>https://www.pec.co.za/blogs/post/marine-notice-no-45-of-2020-from-samsa-process-of-extension-of-certificates13We received this from the HPCSA regarding CPD Points and training, see point three. HPCSA Protecting the public and guiding the professions  The CO ]]>
We received this from the HPCSA regarding CPD Points and training, see point three.

HPCSA Protecting the public and guiding the professions 


The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to new and increased demands for the treatment and care of South Africans infected and affected by the virus. Health practitioners are operating under conditions that the current regulatory framework has not anticipated. 

The healthcare system will need more practitioners for an effective response against the pandemic. 
This may lead to practitioners being called upon to practise outside the usual scope of their profession and for longer periods of time. 
And yet, practitioners are already caring for sick and anxious patients, and are themselves exposed to infection. 

They are, at the same time, required to care for their infected and affected family members and loved ones. 
The guidelines below fall under the Health Professions Act and are aimed at assisting practitioners in the performance of their duties during the outbreak. 

Further changes may be made when needed based on developments around the pandemic and the response to it. 
3. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Practitioners are encouraged to continue to participate in CPD activities that are relevant to the scope of their professions during the current COVID-19 pandemic. 

However, the HPCSA understands that practitioners may have difficulty meeting CPD requirements due to, among other things, the cancellation of conferences, CPD activities and changed priorities. 
The HPCSA will therefore not act against practitioners who fail to submit their CPD portfolio and/or meet expected requirements while the pandemic persists. 

Further guidance in this regard will be provided to practitioners after the COVID-19 outbreak once has been brought under control. 
15. Conclusion The HPCSA believes that all practitioners registered with the Professional Boards under its ambit are committed to their patients and society in general and will use their knowledge and professional skills to assist the government and other stakeholders to ensure that the COVID-19 pandemic is effectively dealt with. 

The HPCSA will monitor developments around the pandemic and provide additional or updated guidance to practitioners as and when needed. Practitioners requiring additional guidance from Council can submit their queries to Professionalpractice@hpcsa.co.za. All the best The HPCSA Team
]]>Tue, 15 Sep 2020 16:51:47 +0200<![CDATA[Participate in Medical Research with TASK]]>https://www.pec.co.za/blogs/post/marine-notice-no-45-of-2020-from-samsa-process-of-extension-of-certificates11
TASK is performing clinical trials in which the BCG vaccine is tested to see if it reduces the impact of the COVID19 virus. Click here to be redirected to the TASK website to find out more about this trial.
]]>Tue, 15 Sep 2020 16:51:47 +0200<![CDATA[COVID-19 Risk Assessment & PPE Training]]>https://www.pec.co.za/blogs/post/marine-notice-no-45-of-2020-from-samsa-process-of-extension-of-certificates1Professional Emergency Care has a few training options to help meet your company’s or school’s COVID-19 infection control.  We have been training ]]>
Professional Emergency Care has a few training options to help meet your company’s or school’s COVID-19 infection control. 
We have been training hospital staff in the correct PPE use for the last two months and are currently doing risk assessments in the wards to pick up potential issues and provide any training that is required and help close the gaps. 

We have learnt so much along the way. Literally almost weekly new information is changing what is considered best practice. 
COVID-19 Risk Assessment PEC offers a COVID-19 Risk Assessment in your work environment to identify infection risks. 
We also provide training to fill any knowledge gaps, as well as assist in putting systems in place to reduce infection. 

Industry Specific PPE PEC can run a COVID-19 session specific to your work environment and industry. 
The PPE training will vary for cleaning staff, educators, admin staff or hospital staff. 
Topics covered include putting on and taking off masks and or gloves when appropriate, the importance of hand washing and other COVID19 infection control behaviour. 

PPE For Healthcare Providers A COVID-19 and PPE module aimed at healthcare providers on our online learning platform - Prof Portal Africa, worth 3 HPCSA CPD points. 
This is costed per person.  Click here to visit the PPA website Please contact us on 021 705 6459 or email training@pec.co.za, or visit pec.co.za for more information.
]]>Tue, 15 Sep 2020 16:51:47 +0200