Causes of "Erythematous skin" Erythema = vasodilation/inflammation. On exams, they love pattern recognition: - Infectious: cellulitis, scarlet fever, meningococcemia (may start as erythema), & viruses - Allergic/immune: urticaria, anaphylaxis, contact dermatitis, drug eruptions - Heat/vasodilatory: heat illness, fever/flushing, sunburn - Toxicologic: CO exposure (classically “cherry red” is unreliable), niacin flush, anticholinergic vs sympathomimetic syndromes (often flushed) - Shock/inflammatory states: early sepsis (warm, flushed) - Autoimmune: lupus rash, dermatomyositis, vasculitis Pearl: Erythema + hypotension/wheeze/angioedema = anaphylaxis until proven otherwise.

Open Sucking Chest Wound What it is: Open defect in the chest wall allowing air to move in and out of the thoracic cavity Pathophysiology During Inspiration: - Intrathoracic pressure becomes negative - Air is pulled into the chest - Air may enter through the wound instead of the trachea During Exhalation: - Intrathoracic pressure becomes positive - Air is pushed out of the chest (including through the wound) Why it’s dangerous: - Air bypasses normal airway → impaired ventilation - Can progress to tension pneumothorax EMS Management - Apply occlusive dressing immediately (BLS first) - Prefer vented dressing - Monitor for signs of tension pneumothorax NREMT Pearl: Air moves through wound: negative pressure in, positive pressure out Basilar Skull Fracture What it is: A basilar skull fracture is a break in the bones at the base of the skull, often caused by significant head trauma, and is commonly associated with signs such as Battle’s sign, raccoon eyes, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Classic Signs (MEMORIZE) Battle’s Sign - Bruising behind the ear (mastoid) - Indicates basilar skull fracture Raccoon Eyes - Periorbital ecchymosis CSF Leakage - Clear fluid from nose or ears - Possible halo sign NREMT Decision Point If these signs are present → assume basilar skull fracture EMS Considerations - Avoid nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) - Spinal precautions - Gentle airway management NREMT Pearl: Battle’s sign = basilar skull fracture until proven otherwise Babinski Reflex What it is: Neurologic reflex tested by stroking the sole of the foot Normal vs Abnormal Normal (adults) - Toes curl downward Positive Babinski (ABNORMAL) - Big toe extends upward - Other toes fan out What it indicates: Upper motor neuron / central nervous system damage Clinical Significance - Seen in: Brain injury Stroke Spinal cord injury NREMT Pearl: Upgoing big toe = CNS problem Heat Exhaustion vs Heat Stroke

An 18-year-old female is tachypneic and anxious following a verbal altercation. You note carpopedal spasms in her hands. What is the physiological cause of this condition?

In a patient with pneumonia, what clinical findings would you expect to hear during lung auscultation?

A patient is presenting with "two-to-three-word dyspnea" and is sitting bolt upright. Which condition is associated with a genetic disorder causing excessive mucus production?