Medical Emergencies EMT 100

Heart Attack – Myocardial Infarction

Atherosclerosis – plaque buildup & thrombosis

Signs & Symptoms Chest pain Signs of shock Denial Constant pressure May radiate Signs of shock Denial Feeling of impending doom Angina Pectoris Signs & symptoms without permanent damage to myocardium “practice heart attack” Signs & symptoms usually start to improve after a few minutes of rest If in doubt, consider it a heart attack

Treatment Have patient rest Pain meds ACTIVATE EMS! Sitting position Loosen clothing around neck Pain meds ACTIVATE EMS!

Atherosclerosis is again the major cause! Stroke – Brain Attack Atherosclerosis is again the major cause!

Vessel(s) become occluded due to plaque buildup or thrombosis Or, brittle vessels rupture

Signs & Symptoms (like a head injury)

Treatment If conscious and good airway control: Rest in a sitting position Reassure Activate EMS If unconscious or poor airway: Recovery position with weak/paralyzed side down Reassure Activate EMS

Diabetes – poor utilization/regulation of blood sugar (glucose) Problem is with insulin utilization and production

Complications: high blood sugar (Diabetic Coma) Too much carbohydrate intake or not enough insulin and/or other meds Develops gradually May be how patient is initially diagnosed Maintain ABC’s and activate EMS

Complications: low blood sugar (Insulin Shock) Too much insulin/other meds or too little carbohydrate intake Develops very rapidly Can be very damaging to brain cells If conscious, give sugar Unconscious-ABC’s and EMS

Asthma – transient inflammation of the airways Often triggered by allergy Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing Wheezing Coughing

Treatment Have patient sit up and rest Get patient’s meds If not responding, activate EMS

Hyperventilation – exhaling too much CO2 May be caused by physical or emotional stress Patient complains of: Inability to catch breath Tightness in chest Tingly sensation in hands and feet Lightheaded/dizzy May lose consciousness Have patient slow breathing by coaching them Medical direction may have them “rebreathe” May need EMS

Grand Mal Seizures (Tonic-Clonic) Head injury Stroke Brain lesion Infection High temperature (febrile) Electrolyte imbalance Hypoglycemia Sleep deprivation Hypoxia Epileptogenic tissue (Epilepsy)

Grand Mal Seizure Phases Tonic Clonic Postictal - dazed and confused - incontinence - N & V

Treatment during seizure Tonic phase: Help down if possible Nothing else! Do not force anything in patient’s mouth! Clonic phase If jerking not too severe, place patient on side Prevent injury – move objects or pad the area Never try to restrain the movements! Postictal ABC’s Reassure EMS if clonic goes back to tonic

Drug OD Maintain ABC’s Activate EMS Watch your back!

Communicable (Infectious) Diseases Diseases caused by microbes, ie bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungus, etc

Transmission: Direct Contact Body fluids

Transmission: Indirect Contact People or objects who come in contact with microbe and then spread it to others

Transmission: Droplets (Airborne) Coughs, Sneezes, etc

Prevention and Protection Frequent handwashing Barriers Gloves Mask Eyewear Gowns Don’t reuse anything between patients without cleaning or replacing Maintain your own health Rest Exercise Nutrition Immunizations!

Let’s hit the lab!