Arkansas Health Educators

07/14/2025

Remember, RAPID cooling is the standard of care for overheated dogs! They don’t sweat like we do. Take care with your pups this summer! If you’re interested in pet CPR and first aid, send us a message!

Working in ER this past week: We had four heat injuries each day for two days straight. Four of these were French Bulldogs, which happens to be the most common US breed these days. The others were three Rottweilers (brachycephalic by exam) and one Pit X.

Only ONE survived. NOT a Frenchie. Not a brachycepahlix breed. The Pit X.

Why? He happened to be playing in a pond. He ran and played with kids on land and then in the shallow pond water in 95 F 85% humidity weather until he collapsed. The humidity at his breathing level was probably a lot more, since it was approx 12 inches above water level.

They recognized a problem and brought him in… from one hour away.

On arrival
he was HYPOTHERMIC. Low body temp. Typical of heat injury. We warmed him up, treated his other abnormalities and within a
few hours he waa normal. Like NORMAL. No kidney failure. No coagulopahty. NO PROBLEMS.

Why is this? Probably because this dog reached critical heat injury when he happened to be in the best environement for treatment… IMMEDIATE cooling in water that was colder than him.

RAPID cooling with the coldest source available is what saves dogs with heat injury.

It’s time ro let go of the old wive’s tales of how ice water causes vasoconstriction or that rapid cooling is bad. HEAT is what causes death in heat inrjury, not the coolong method.

07/10/2025

06/26/2025

06/22/2025

05/14/2025

Congrats to all award recipients!! 💙🚔

05/12/2025

Quick reminder...no matter who you use for CPR or first aid certifications, PLEASE make sure they are providing you with a credentialed certification! We have received calls from several healthcare providers who paid for a 100% online Basic Life Support course only to find out it was a certification with that specific company and NOT with AHA or American Red Cross. (Offering a fully online course is a 🚩...AHA and Red Cross no longer recognize those.) We fully understand that we are not the only provider in this area, but please spend your money and time wisely. Make sure you are going to receive a card from a certifying body that is recognized by your employer! ❤️🩺

05/01/2025

Dear Ford Motor Company,

First off — thank you. Your continued improvements to the Police Interceptor Utility have made patrol life safer, smarter, and, most importantly, allowed us to charge six devices at once while spilling only minimal coffee on ourselves. From the ruggedized flooring to the bullet-resistant panels and factory-installed steel intrusion plates — we see you.

You’ve even added features like:
• Rear sensors that roll up the windows and lock the doors when someone approaches from behind (great for safety, less great for catching drive-thru orders),
• An optional Surveillance Mode to keep officers alert in the dark,
• Police-grade cooling systems so the cruiser doesn’t overheat during long idle times, and
• The “dark car” feature that shuts off all interior lighting at night to maintain stealth.

All of these are incredibly thoughtful, forward-thinking innovations that help officers stay safe and alert. But respectfully…we think you’re overlooking one crucial element and would like to take this opportunity to request it in the 2026 models:

Where the heck are we supposed to put our Power Rings (donuts for the lay person)?

Yes, we said it. We need a designated, reinforced, climate-controlled donut platform. A flip-out tray. A tactical snack bay. Something — anything —that will keep a dozen Dunkin' power rings secure during Code 3 (lights and siren runs) turns.

As you can see from the attached image, we’re working with very limited real estate. The dashboard? Sloped. The armrest? Already full of tactical nonsense. The passenger seat? Occupied by a laptop that thinks it’s in charge.

We’ve found the best place currently is on the dashboard. But one hard brake, and its sprinkles in the defrost vents. Not only is it a waste of pastries, it’s a safety hazard. You ever tried pulling someone over while a Boston crème is sliding toward your steering wheel? It’s a sugar-fueled game of chicken.

We’re all for high-tech upgrades, but maybe let’s address the basics first:
• Cupholders that actually fit a coffee carafe, not just a sad medium iced
• A donut containment system with impact resistance and cruller cradle technology
• Optional glaze-resistant interior trim

We’re not asking for much. Just the ability to chase bad guys and preserve our sustenance. So please, Ford — hear our plea. Protect the power rings. Do it for patrol.

Sincerely,

Your friends at the Clinton Police Department
(Currently navigating a jelly donut drip while trying to submit a report).

Give us a shout if you need us

🐄 The Cops With A COP
👮‍♂️ Mike Conners

04/30/2025

Early Sunday morning, Kansas City Police were conducting a welfare check on a female walking in the westbound lanes of Highway 152. She was bleeding heavily from a cut on her finger, and EMS was requested. Kansas City firefighter-paramedic Graham Hoffman and his partner responded to the scene to treat the patient and transport her to the hospital. While in the back of the ambulance, the woman pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the heart.

A police officer who was following them to hospital was able to wrestle the suspect to the ground after she attempted to steal the ambulance. The officer sustained a bite wound on the arm when he was taking her into custody. A second ambulance crew rushed the gravely wounded paramedic to North Kansas City Hospital. Despite the heroic efforts of KCFD paramedics and the hospital medical team, Graham succumbed to his injuries later that day. The suspect has since been charged with first degree murder. The woman had been released on bond just two days before Graham’s killing following an arrest for assaulting a law enforcement officer.

Graham Hoffman began his fire career working at the Belton Fire Department before joining the Kansas City Fire Department in 2022. Graham was remembered as a dedicated, kind and caring person both on and off the job. He was considered a natural leader by his fellow firefighters and was always willing to learn. Graham was an excellent paramedic who treated his patients with the highest level of skill and compassion. KCFD stated that he likely ran between 3,500 and 4,000 calls for service throughout his time there. Graham embodied Kansas City’s finest quality — selfless service for others. He would’ve celebrated his 30th birthday next week.

04/30/2025

For this week's Flashback Friday post, we pay tribute to some of North Little Rock's finest.

The North Little Rock Times photographed four black firefighters in April 1994 who organized SOOT, a chapter of the International Association of Black Firefighters.

Maurice Lairy, president of the chapter at the time, said the acronym stood for “Standing on Our Own Together.”

“People can relate soot to a lot of things,” Lairy told the Times. “It’s definitely a fire term. And I know I eat enough of it.”

In the photo, standing by the engine’s control panel at Fire Station 4 on Maumelle Boulevard, were (left to right) Michael Keener, Lairy, Tony L. Ray, and R.D. Bennett.

Have a great weekend, everybody!

North Little Rock Tourism

04/28/2025

Today, we stand in deep sorrow and solidarity with our brothers and sisters of the Kansas City, Missouri, Fire Department.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and fellow firefighters of Firefighter-Paramedic Graham Hoffman, who tragically lost his life early Sunday morning while answering the call to serve. He had served with the Kansas City Fire Department since 2022.

Hoffman was killed on Sunday, April 27, 2025, after being stabbed by a patient in an ambulance.

Firefighter Hoffman was transporting a patient to the hospital, a call that, on the surface, seemed routine. However, as we are reminded far too often, even the most “routine” calls are never truly routine in our line of work. Tragedies like this should never happen.

To the Kansas City Fire Department, please know the North Little Rock Fire Department stands with you, mourns with you, and honors the ultimate sacrifice made by Firefighter-Paramedic Hoffman. We will never forget.

End of Watch 4/27/2025

04/21/2025

04/18/2025

Thanks to all of our DISPATCHERS today and every day for the wonderful job you do!