Medical Emergencies and Patient Assessment

Study Notes

Medical emergencies involve illnesses or conditions caused by a disease, whereas traumatic injuries result from physical forces applied to the body.
Respiratory emergencies occur when patients have trouble breathing or inadequate oxygen supply to tissues, and may be caused by diseases like asthma, empyema, and chronic bronchitis.
Cardiovascular emergencies are caused by conditions affecting the circulatory system, such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) or heart failure.
Neurological emergencies involve the brain and may be caused by seizures, strokes, or syncope (fainting episodes).
Gastrointestinal emergencies include conditions like appendicitis, diverticulitis, and pancreatitis.
Kidney stones are a common Urologic emergency.
Endocrine emergencies are often caused by complications of diabetes.
Blood-related emergencies may include cell disease or other blood clotting disorders.
Immunologic emergencies involve the body's response to foreign substances, such as allergic reactions.
Medical assessment focuses on the nature of illness, symptoms, and patient's Chief complaint, and should be performed in a methodical manner to avoid overlooking important information.
The medical size-up involves ensuring scene safety, determining the number of patients needing assistance, and considering additional help if needed.
The primary survey involves forming a general impression, determining the patient's level of Consciousness using the AVP scale, and identifying life threats by assessing AB cde's (airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure).
Unresponsive patients may require Airway adjuncts and ventilatory assistance with a bag valve mask.
Patients who should be considered in serious condition and in need of Rapid transport include those who are unresponsive, have altered mental status, Airway or breathing problems, or obvious circulation problems.
History taking is crucial in medical patients, including investigating the Chief complaint, obtaining a sample history, and asking questions about signs, symptoms, allergies, medications, and medical history.
The opqrst method is used to ask questions about the history of present illness.
The secondary survey is designed to identify any signs or symptoms of illness or injury that were not found during the primary survey.
A full body exam should be performed on unresponsive patients, and a limited or focused assessment based on the Chief complaint should be performed on responsive patients.
A baseline set of vitals, including blood pressure, pulseox, and blood glucose level, should be obtained, and cardiac monitoring should be considered for patients with cardiac-related symptoms.
Reassessment involves checking the patient, reviewing treatments, and ensuring that they are still effective.
Medical emergencies often require treatment beyond what is available in the prehospital setting, and primary prehospital treatments often address symptoms rather than the underlying disease process.
The administration of medications is limited for advanced EMTs and requires direct permission from medical control.
Written protocols may allow the administration of certain medications without calling medical control.
Scene time may be longer for medical patients than for trauma patients, as gathering information is crucial for transmitting to the emergency department.
Critical patients require rapid transport, and the transportation decision should be based on the patient's primary survey.
The two common methods of transport are ground or air transport units, with ground units staffed by Advanced life-saving providers and air units staffed by Critical Care nurses and paramedics.
The destination of transport should be the closest hospital with an emergency department, unless the patient requires specialized care.

Description

This quiz covers the different types of medical emergencies, including respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal emergencies, as well as the steps involved in patient assessment, including the primary and secondary survey, and the administration of medications and transportation of patients.