Professional Documents
Culture Documents
RESPIRATORY EMERGENCIES
o
2000 people
o
Common chief complaint
o
Common in infants and children due to small
respiratory reserve
EMTS plays an important role in the care and transport of
patient with respiratory distress
GOAL OF EMT:
Maintain and improve the patients condition
(perfusion) during transport.
To maintain adequate resp:
Administration of O2
Patient comfort
Patients face
Speech
HYPOXIA
Decreased O2 in cells
Causes:
o
Absence of inadequate respiration (sedation,
morphine overdose)
o
Obstruction of airflow occurring on either
upper of lower portion of respiratory tract.
2 Types of Pain
SOMATIC PAIN (e.g appendicitis)
specific/localized
Nonspecific / dull
Loss of wheezing
3.
4.
RESPIRATORY INFECTION
COPD infant and children
CROUP AND EPIGLOTTIS
CROUP
EPIGLOTITIS
Bacterial infection
Sits still
Drooling of saliva
PNEUMONIA
Children / adult
Decreased O2
PULMONARY EDEMA
Due to CHF / MI
CHIEF COMPLAINT
1. How long has it been present
2. Was the onset gradual or abrupt
3. Is the dyspnea made better or worse
by any particular position
4. Has the patient been coughing
5. Is the cough productive?
What does the sputum look like
6. Is there any associated Pain
7. Past Medical History
8. Medications
Pts. Face
Pts. Speech
Pts. Skin and mucus membrane
O nset
P rovocation
Q uality
R adiation
S everity
T ime
GEN IMPRESSION IN RESPIRATORY DISTRESS
Patients mental status
Restless, agitation, unresponsive
Patients position (Tripods)
Sit upright and leaning forward
CARDIOVASCULAR
EMERGENCIES
O nset
P rovoKE
Q uality
R adiation
S everity
T iming
A ssociated Symptoms
CORONARY SYNDROME
Witness arrest in ventricular fibrillation (VF)
90 % cause of death
EMS dispatch personnel should be trained to respond
Sedentary lifestyle
Cigarette smoking
Obesity
High in cholesterol
DM
Male
Age >50
HTN >140/90
Family Hx of CHD
B.
Angina
pain follows stress
Pain relieved by
Relived by NTG (if not
(3 doses in 10 mins-AMI)
Not affected
Short term diaphoresis
AORTIC ANEURISM
Outpouching of BV
Abdominal aortic Aneurysm
80% mortality if hypotensive
S/sx:
Ripping, tearing and sharp pain that starts at
the back between shoulder blades
Syncope with back pain or hypotension
BP discrepancy bet. Arm/decrease in femoral
/carotid pulse
RISK FACTORS ANEURYSM
Men >60
Smoker
Family HX
Obesity
High cholesterol level
CLASSIC TRIAD OF ANEURYSM
Abdominal pain
Hypotension
Pulsativemidabdominal Mass
Signs and Symptoms
Abdominal tenderness
Bruit over aorta
Palpable Mass (Not effective in obese)
Rate of Expansion:
4-4.9
3.3% rupture
5cm
14%
75cm
20-40% risk of rupture
18% - survive
EMERGENCY CARE FOR ANEURYSM
Severe headache
Nausea and Vomiting
Altered Mental Status
Aphasia, Sudden blindness
Muscle twitching
Seizures
Hemiparesis
EMERGENCY CARE:
Secure airway, administer O2
Transport without delay
Be prepared to deal with seizures
CARDIAC TAMPONADE
Accumulation of blood in the pericardial sac
Stab wound to the heart and acute MI with cardiac
rupture may cause the myocardium to fill with blood.
Signs and Symptoms
Decreased preload because of fibrous tissues
Cannot fill the heart\muffled heart sounds
Decreased BP
Distended neck vein
Pale, cool, sweaty skin
Tachycardia
EMERGENCY CARE
Place the pt. in a semi-fowlers position. Administer O2
Immediate transport
Monitor en route to the hospital (trauma surgeons may do
immediate pericardiocentesis)
IRREVERSIBLE DEATH
o
Rigor
o
Lividity
o
Decomposition
o
Injuries not compatible to life
PERICARDITIS
Inflammation to pericardium
Idiopathic infection and metabolic factors as well as
trauma and tumor
Signs and symptoms
Dyspnea
Tachycardia, Dyspnea
Normal / increased BP
Cyanosis
Pedal Edema
Signs of shock
NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS
SEIZURE
Partial
Generalized
FEBRILE SEIZURE
Generalized tonic-C-P
Self-limiting
6mos-6yrs
No medication
Generalized T-C-P
Associated risks
Life threatening
Continuous
ASSESSMENT
Scene size up
1. Be alert to the threats
2. Focus on any possible indication of trauma
3. Determine the need for additional resources
4. If the pt. is still seizing upon arrival position the pt. and
objects around him in a safe manner
Ischemic
Hemorrhagic
Children
Monitor CAB
Document
H.O
STROKE / CVA
Cause by non-traumatic brain injury resulting in
occlusion/rupture of cerebral blood vessel.
Classic Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
1. Confusion/Disturbed Mental Status
2. Facial Droop
3. Seizure
4. Inappropriate behavior pattern
5. Dysarthria, Aphasia
6. Irregular Pulse
7. Stiff Neck
8. Hemiparesis
9. Hemiplegia
10. HPN
11. Staggering gait/Incoordination
Risk Factors CVA
Cannot change / Non Modifiable
Age
Family History
Clot formation
Alcohol
15-20%
Rupture and weakening
2 main causes
Associated with HPN
Aneurysm which balloons out, weakening and thinning
until it ruptures
Arteriovenous malformation AVM cluster of enlarged
and structurally weak blood vessels
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Manual C-spine immobilization precaution
CAB
Establish Priority
Guidelines
Change in Mental status
Airway discrepancy
Breathing inadequacy
Circulatory deficit
FOCUSED HISTORY AND P.E
SAMPLE
V/S
Cytotoxic
Vasogenic
Interstitial
Management
Fluid Restriction
Elevate the head 20-30 degrees
Oxygenation and Ventilation
Agitation and Pain control
Maintain stabilization
Patent airway
Position
Transport
Classification of Stroke
1. TIA
2. Reversible Ischemic Neurologic Deficit
3. Completed Stroke / Stroke in evolution
ACIDOSIS
Diabetes, shock, poisoning, kidney failure
ALCOHOL
Inhibits brain, impaired judgement
Cannot maintain airway
Aspirating saliva/vomitus
EPILEPSY
Excessive discharge of electricity
Alcohol withdrawal
INFECTION
Increased temperature, inflammation
Meningitis, encephalitis, altered LOC
OVERDOSE
Barbiturates and Narcotics suppress (Heroin)
Narcotic slows down RR
ISCHEMIC
Tissue plasminogen activator
Calcium channel blockers
Prevent ischemic cascade
Delay: Sleeping
Unable to recognize
EMERGENCY CARE
HYPOGLY/HYPERGLYCEMIA
EMERGENCY CARE OF HYPERGLYCEMIA
Increase concentration of O2 at 15 LPM by NRM
Immediately transport to medical facility
Arrange for ALS intercept
Complications:
o
Retinopathy Blindness
o
Neuropathy Damaged nerves, septicemia
o
Nephropathy Damaged Glomeruli
Long term:
1. MI Develop thrombus, dislodge in coronary
arteries
2. CV
3. Pulmonary Embolism
4. Impotence
HYPOGLYCEMIA
Causes:
Not eaten
Over-exercise
Vomited a meal
Sign and Symptoms:
Rapid Onset (mins)
Drooling saliva
Hunger
Fainting, occasional coma
Odorless Breath
Cold Clammy skin; profuse persp[iration
Normal BP
Eyes normal
Decreased LOC, altered Mental Status
Hostile behavior appear to be acute alcoholic intoxication
EMERGENCY CARE
Conscious, Hypoxic
Breathing device Semifowlers
Pulse Ox if connected
Lateral recumbent position (with breathing)
Provide O2
Transport
ALS Intercept
THINGS TO REMEMBER:
SAFETY
- Patient should be conscious
- Able to swallow
- Should not be hypoxic
Avoid: coke zero, 7up
Give
sugar
Glucogel Cheek
Suctioning device
4. Breathing
Pulse Oximeter
NRM
Supplemental O2
TYPE I
-
Hyperinsulinemia
Hypoglycemia
Insulinsia
Metabolism
Endocrine
Shivering
Muscular activity
Drugs/alcohol intake
Alzheimers dse
Previous cold exposure
Use of drugs/alcohol
Low blood sugar
Very young less fats
Elderly Poor diet; loss of fats, delayed circulation
ILLNESS AND INJURIES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO
HYPOTHERMIA
Shock
Burns
Sepsis Low BSL
3 STAGES
Moderate 30-33 C or 86 F
SAMPLE history
If unresponsive:
Alcohol abuse
Thyroid disorder
DM
Stroke
Trauma
Warm environment
Applying blanket
ACTIVE
Direct application of heat
Contact med protocol first
Application:
Mild hypo active rewarming
Warm blankets, heat pads
Place dressing bet heat packs and skin to avoid
burn
Moderate hypo heat pack to torso
Avoid underlying tissues
Severe Hypo Active
Warm blanket
Done in the hospital
LOCAL COLD INJURY
Ears, nose cheecks, chin, feet
Risk LCI
DM Alcohol
Nicotine
Heart Disease
Classification:
A. Superficial Cold Injury (Frost nip)
Upper layer
Gray and White
May not be seen immediately
Stinging sensation
Numbness
B. Frost Bite (Late)
Deep Cold Injury
Waxy appearance
1-7 days blisters
Gangrene may set in
Burning and throbbing pain
EMERGENCY CARE DEEP FROST BITE
1. Safety BSI
2. Give O2
3. Remove jewelry before swelling
4. Splint the injured extremities
5. Avoid Breaking Blisters, applying heat, walking
6. Submerge in a warm bath 37.8-40.6 C
7. Use sterile gauze / cotton to separate the frostbitten
fingers and toes.
8. Continue until the tissue is soft
9. Enroute
10. Assessment
11. Document
EMERGENCY CARE FOR EXTREME COLD
1. Remove wet clothing
2. During transport, rewarm the patient
3. Provide care- CAB
4. Warm fluids for conscious and alert
5. Keep the pt. at rest
HEAT EMERGENCIES
HYPERTHERMIA
High core body temp.
Produce more heat that it looses
HEAT RELATED EMERGENCIES
Heat Cramps
Heat Exhaustion
Heat Stroke
HEAT CRAMPS
Strenuous activity
Electrolytes and H2O loss
Painful spasm shoulders, arms, abdomen
It may appear the pt. is having acute abd. Pain
Sodium loss
EMERGENCY CARE:
1. Move to a nearby cool place
2. Fluids- conscious patient
3. Massage cramped muscle
4. Apply moist towels to pts. forehead
5. Rest, transport
HEAT EXHAUSTION
Too much heat and dehydration
Sign and symptoms:
Sweating
Signs and Symptoms:
High HR
Normal/Subnormal BP
Fainting
Weak pulse
EMERGENCY CARE FOR HEAT EXHAUSTION
1. Cool Environment
2. Remove excess clothing
3. Drink Water
4. If Severe: IV Fluids (ALS)
HEAT STROKE
No Sweat
Load and go
Body cooling system shut down
Risk:
Athletes
Fire fighters
Military recruit
Construction workers
Altered m.s
>39.4C
Low HR
Muscle twitching
Dilated pupils
Unresponsive
EMERGENCY CARE FOR HEAT STROKE
1. Med. Direction
2. Call ALS transport stat
3. O2 PPV / Supplemental
4. Start cooling
5. Remove outer clothing
6. Cool pack neck, groin, armpit
7. Comfort
8. Ongoing assessment
9. Document
50% insects
30% snakes
14% spiders
Hymenoptera
Bees, hornets, wasps, fire ants
Local pain, mild redness, swelling, itching, toxic venom
Local effect
Edema
Systemic
Urticarial, flushing, Itching, mild UA Obstruction,
laryngeal edema, hypotension, severe bronchospasm
Pam, swelling
30 mins to hour
Blurring vision
Bite on skin
Management:
Calm
02
Transport
Do not:
Apply ice
Tourniquet
Cut & suck
Electric shock
Locate snake
Airway:
-
Airway
100% 02
High risk for wound infection- transport
Ongoing assessment
Emergency Care
Airway
02 100%
Remove jewelries
Transport
Anaphylaxis Management
Remove stinger
Airway
02
ALS back up
EPI Auto Injector
Site: vastuslateralis fast absorption
Action: bronchodilate, relaxes airways
Indication:
s/sx of anaphylaxis
prescribed
authorized by med-direction
contraindication
life threatening
2 types
Adult Epi - .3mg (66lbs)
Junior Epi - .15mg (33-66lbs)
*Can be administered twice
Procedure:
Expose
02 first
Monitor VS
Side effects:
Nausea & Vomiting
Headache
Dizziness
High RR
Anxiety
SPIDER ( black widow, brown recluse )
Neuro toxic
Anti-venom
Padded splint
SCORPIONS
Lethal in children
S/sx: SLUDGEM
S- Salivatism
L- Lacrimation
U- Urination
D- Diarrhea
G- Gastric Cramps
E- Emesis (vomiting)
M- Miosis (pupil constriction)
Air embolism
Rupture of teeth
Rupture of eardrums
OF WATER RESCUE
Reach and pull
Throw
Tow
Go
Type of diving
Diving activity
Site of diving
Dive complications
Onset of symptoms
INJURIES FROM BAROTRAUMA OF DESCENT
Ear Squeeze
Rupture of tympanic
Middle ear squeeze
Diving with URTI
Descent and ascent
Internal ear squeeze
Forced valsava maneuver
Roaring tinnitus
Sinus squeeze
Does not equalize in frontal and maxillary sinus
ARTERIAL AIR EMBOLISM
Life threatening
Visual disturbances
Unequal pupils
MANAGEMENT
1. CAB
2. 100% O2
3. Left lateral recumbent
4. Ventilation ETCO2
5. Decompression chamber
6. Steroid of prescribed
7. Diazepam, dopamine
POPS
-
Result:
-
Pneumothorax
Pneumomediastinum
Subcutaneous Empty
Arterial Air embolism
Respiratory distress
Hemoptysis
TREATMENT:
Rest
O2
Reduce size of bubbles no PEEP
DECOMPRESSION SICKNESS
Gas trapped deep in the body tissues
Slow circulated tissues
POISONING EMERGENCIES
INJURIES IN DCS
A. Cutaneous bend / Skin bend
Pulmonary / Chokes
Chest pain, cough, dyspnea
Pulmo edema (pinkish frothy sputum)
C.
D.
DCS MANAGEMENT:
1. CAB
2. 100% O2 Haldane effect (Helps wash out Nitrogen in
the lungs)
- Ventilation ETCO2
3. IV with LR(Lactated Ringers)
4. Lateral Recumbent if air embolism suspected
5.
6.
Euphoria
Confusion
Disorientation
Stair chair
Vacuum mattress
ATV
ResQ Pod
Air splints
Prosplints
Sam splint
Portable Doppler
Glucometer
FATAL AMBULANCE CRASHES
Striking vehicle
Travelling in emergency mode
Crash on intersection
Poor driving history
POISON
Solid/liquid/gas
May be swallowed, inhaled, absorbed, instilled
TOXINS
Poisonous subs, secreted by bacteria, plants
ANTIDOTE
Neutralizes poison
3 LEADING CAUSES OF POISONING
1. Alcoholic intoxication
2. Metamphetamine (shabu)
3. Isoniazid (INH) toxicity (hepatotoxic, neuropathy)
CLASSIFICATION OF POISONING
1. Ingested (common route)
2. Inhaled (quickly absorbed)
3. Absorbed
4. Injected
5.
National Poison Management and Control Center
2 types of poisoning
1.
2.
Accidental/unintentional
People mistake poison for food/drink because it is not in
its original container
People misuse chemical product
Misuse pesticides
Young children
Self-poisoning/parasuicide/intentional
Acute exposure
Single contact
Lasts for seconds/ hours
Chronic Exposure
Months, years
May not cause sign and symptoms of poisoning
at first
Stupor/coma
No gag reflex
Acute MI
Hydrocarbons
Seizure
Pregnant
<6mons
iodides
Effects
may cause heart problems
Special consideration
Be sure patient have water in the stomach
Support CAB
Delay absorption
Odor
LOC
VS
Cyanide block aerobic metabolism
Bitter almond
Sodium bicarb- heat acidosis
Hydroxocobalamin
Anticonvulsant
Retiral redness, cherry red
Carbon Monoxide
Colorless, odorless
Gas stoves, room heaters
Cherry red skin- carboxyhemoglobin
Clues no. of pt involved
100% 02 NRM
Hyperbaric 02 tx
Injected poison (Bee,wasp,venom)
cause anaphylaxis
Pt. airway
Remove jewelry
Immobilize limb
Venous constricting band
Downward position
allow slow absorption
Cold pack
SEQUENCE OF ANAPHYLAXIS
Antigen introduced into the body
Antigen antibody reactiob
Release of mast cell chem. Mediator
Chemical medications exert their effect on end organs
A.
B.
Stimulants
Cocaine, amphetamines
Depressant
Normal functions of CNS
Ethyl alcohol
Affects judgement
Can mimic the ff:
Diabetes
Head injury
Epilepsy
Drug reaction
Disulfiran (Antabuse)
30-8 hours
Treatment for alcoholics
HYDROXYBUTYRATE 6 horus
Narcolepsy
Slow wave sleep
Georgia homeboy
Relaxation
AMPHETAMINE
Crystal meth
Snorted
2-4 days withdrawal
COCAINE
Crack, cola, crack
60% patent smoke
CAB
Snorting can destroy nasal septum
SOLVENT
Glue, paint
1st sniffed
2nd soaking cloth
3rd bagging
Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome (Cardiac Arrhythmia)
Treatment: Activated charcoal
WATUSI POISONING
Dancing firecracker
Incubation
Acute infection
2-4 weeks
Fever, sore throat, lymphadenopathy
Seroconversion
6-12 weeks
Immune system is still fighting
Should be tested
2-3 weeks after exposure
6 weeks 3 months
6 months
ABSORBED POISON
Plants, pesticides
Liquid/powder
Burns, itching
HEROINE
From morphine, nalagesia
Naloxone antidote
Chasing the dragon
3.
ANTIDOTE
N-Acetylcystene
BAL
Physostigmine
Flumazeril
oxygen
Sodium Nitrate
Hydorcobalamine
Methylene Blue
Nalaxone
Dimecaprol
Atropine
Edetate Calcium Disodium
Ethanol
1.
When in doubt
Antidep
Pain relievers
Sedatives
Cardio meds
PATIENT ASSESSMENT INHALED POISON
Precaution
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
AIDS
Mode of transmission
1. Sexual Contact semen, saliva, blood
2. Parenterally blood products/ infected needles
After infection
8 years/9years/15 years adult
2 years children
Aids Related Complex
Seroconversion stage
Weight loss > 10%
diarrhea for > 1 month
fever
night sweats
True AIDS
life threatening
opportunistic infection:
a. Pnuemocystis carina
Most common
Leads to aids diagnosis
Life threatening
b. Candida Albicans
Thrush in infants
Yeast infection
Normal if milk-fed
c. Cypromegalovirus pregnant)
d. Kaposis Sarcoma
Others:
Fungi, Virus, Parasites, bacteria
AIDS Dementia Complex
Infection of CNS cells
Cerebral atrophy
Cognitive dysfunction
Declining motor performance
Behavioral changes
Safety
Precautions AIDS
BSI
H.W between patients
Clean blood spills with bleach solution
All sharps infectious
Do not recap
Wear mask
Treatment:
1. Support care
2. No immunization
3. Post exposure prophylaxis treatment
- 3 hours of significant exposure
Recommendation
Zidovudine
lamivudine
Indinavir
relfircivir
Diagnosis:
Elisa 2 weeks from exposure to confirm
Western Blood confirmatory after Elisa
KILLING HIV
A. HEAT
56C (10-20mins)
Lyophilized protein prep 68C after 2 hours
B. DISINFECTANT
Glutaraldehyde and hydrochloride low conc.
Isopropyl/Ethanol (40-70%)
Inactivates HIV
Less effective if dried HIV
Detergents and high and low ph solutions
C. DRYING
Reduce viral ineffectivity
Dried HIV in salt solution may still detected after a
week
Dried serum or blood unlikely to be significant
infection risk
EMT Indirect contact
Disinfect - Drying
NATURAL HISTORY
Lymphadenopathy
Dark urine
Possible jaundice
Abd. discomfort
HEPATITIS B
Parenteral
BSI and HW
Delta virus
Requires HBV
Chronic infection
CLD possible
Enterically transmitted
Sources: feces
BSI, safety
Gloves
Needle precaution
Obtain immunization
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Obligate aerobe
Gram + Bacillus
X-Ray confirmatory
untreated hematemesis
BSI
Wear mask
Routine TB testing of EMS personnel
Expose repetition of skin test
INH prophylaxis, routinely in <35years of ages
+PITS
1.
2.
3.
4.
MEDICATION: (longterm)
Isoniazid, ritampicin, Ethambutol, Strep, Pyra
SYPHILIS
Spirocheles
Treponcemapallidum
Regional Lymphadenopathy
SECONDARY
HW frequently
RABIES
Lyssavirus
Viral encephalitis
Transmission
o
-saliva containing virus after a bite
scratch of infected animals
3 PHASES of Rabies
A.
B.
C.
Syphilis
Avoid contact & skin lesions
BSI
HVV
Contagious patient are in primary, secondary and early
latent stage
MENINGITIS
Meningococcal Meningitis
Apprehension
Headache
Spasm on swallowing muscle result in hydrophobia and
salivation
TX & PV
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Prodromal Phase
2-3 days
Fever, headache
Trismus (sadness)
ANV is affected
Anger Stage
Restless
Disoriented
2-4 days
Seizure
Paralytic Stage
Terrified of H@)
Anxious, hyperactive
2-4 days
BSI, safety
Free bleeding and drainage
Vigorously clean wound with soap and water
Tetatus Prophylaxis
Human Rabies IgG
Human Diploid cell rabies vacc or Rabies vacc for
higher risk person animal care workers, animal shelter
personnel