15h • Paramedic Talk
More Quick Tips to PASS on the 1st try
ADRENAL / ENDOCRINE EMERGENCIES
Addisonian Crisis
Addisonian crisis is acute adrenal insufficiency and can lead to severe hypotension and shock.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Severe hypotension
- Weakness and fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Hyponatremia
- Hyperkalemia
- Dehydration
Treatment:
- IV fluids
- Hydrocortisone
Key concept: Without cortisol, the body cannot maintain blood pressure during stress.
Myxedema Coma
Myxedema coma is a severe complication of hypothyroidism.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Hypothermia
- Altered mental status
- Bradycardia
- Hypotension
- Cold intolerance
- Dry skin
Exam clue: A patient with known hypothyroidism who is extremely cold and has altered mental status.
RESPIRATORY
Bronchodilator Contraindications
Bronchodilators such as albuterol stimulate beta receptors to relax airway smooth muscle.
Relative contraindication: Beta blockers
Reason: Beta blockers block beta receptors and can reduce the effectiveness of bronchodilators.
COMMUNICATION / ETHICS
Pediatric Cardiac Arrest – Communicating with Parents
When informing parents about the death of a child:
Important principles:
- Be honest
- Speak clearly
- Avoid medical jargon
- Show empathy
- Allow time for questions
Example statement: “We did everything we could to save your son, but unfortunately he died.”
DIABETIC EMERGENCIES
DKA vs HHS (HHNS)
DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis):
- Rapid onset
- Blood glucose typically above 250
- Ketones present
- Fruity breath odor
- Kussmaul respirations (deep rapid breathing)
- More common in younger patients
HHS / HHNS (Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State):
- Gradual onset
- Blood glucose often above 600
- Little or no ketones
- No fruity breath
- Respirations usually normal
- More common in elderly patients
GERIATRIC PATIENT MOVEMENT
Lifting a Patient from the Floor
Best device: Scoop stretcher
Reasons:
- Minimizes spinal movement
- Can be separated and slid under the patient
- Ideal for elderly fall patients
TRAUMA
Neck Stab Wound with Possible Great Vessel Injury
Priority treatment: Direct pressure with a trauma dressing.
Key points:
- Control hemorrhage immediately.
- Do not clamp vessels with hemostats.
- Do not blindly pack deep neck wounds.
CARDIOLOGY
Pericardial Friction Rub
A friction rub occurs when inflamed pericardial layers rub against each other.
Common cause: Pericarditis
The sound is produced by: The pericardium rubbing against the heart during movement.
Post–Open Heart Surgery Infection
If a patient had open heart surgery and develops chest pain and infection a few days later, consider:
Pericarditis
Signs and symptoms include:
- Sharp chest pain
- Pain worse when lying down
- Pain improved when leaning forward
- Possible friction rub
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL INCIDENTS
Hazmat Zones
Hot Zone: Area of contamination.
Warm Zone: Decontamination area.
Cold Zone: Safe area where EMS should stage and treat patients.
EMS operations should occur in the cold zone unless specifically trained and equipped.
LEGAL AND LIABILITY
Patient Jumping from the Stretcher
Concept involved: Comparative or contributory negligence.
Meaning: If the patient caused the incident (for example, jumping off the stretcher), they may be partially responsible for their injuries.
The agency may still be involved legally, but liability can be shared.
1
0 comments
More Quick Tips to PASS on the 1st try
skool.com/rescueacademy
Calling ALL future EMTs & Paramedics. Let's PASS the National Registry on the FIRST attempt.
Leaderboard (30-day)
1
+9
2
+7
3
+5
4
+1
5
+1
Powered by