General Processes for EMT's to Know

Order Air Passes Through

Nasopharyx/oropharynx, pharynx, larynx, trachea, carina, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli

Order Blood Passes Through

Right atrium, right ventricle, pulmonary artery, lungs, pulmonary vein, left atrium, left ventricle, aorta, body, and to the vena cava.

Three Types of Muscle

Smooth, Cardiac, Skeletal/striated (Voluntary)

Name and Number of Spine vertabrae

Cervical (7), Thoracic (12), Lumber (5), Sacrum (5), Coccyx (4)

Normal Adult Pulse

60-100 bpm.

Normal RR

12-20

Normal Systolic BP

90-140

Normal Blood Glucose Level

80-120

Normal O2 Sat.

94%-99%

Ataxic Respirations

Sign of stroke where patient is breathing irregularly.

Kussmaul Respirations

Common sign in metabolic acidosis where there are deep, rapid respirations.

CPAP Contraindications

Inability to protect airway, decreased LOC, emesis, and pneumothorax

The Six Right of Med Administration

Right patient, right med, right dose, right route, right time, and right documentation.

Nitroglycerin Contraindications

Sys BP <100 mmHg, erectile dysfunction meds, recent head injury

Shock Treatment

COWSAT - Treat the cause, provide oxygen, keep warm, lay supine, call ALS, and transport asap!

AMI Treatment

Call medical control for administering nitroglycerin or aspirin.

Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale

Test for facial droop, arm drift, and speech.

Glasgow Coma Scale

Eye-opening: (4) Spontaneous, (3) In response to speech, (2) In response to pain, (1) Absent.

Verbal Response: (5) Oriented conversarion, (4) Confused conversation, (3) Inappropriate words, (2) incomprehensible sounds, (1) None.

Motor Response: (6) Obeys commands, (5) Localizes pain, (4) Withdraws to pain, (3) Abnormal flexion, (2) Abnormal extension, (1) None.

Epipen Dosages

Adult is 0.3 mg IM and pediatric is 0.15 mg IM.

Orthostatic Vital Signs

Taking vitals three different times for when the patient is supine for 3 mins, sat upright for 3 mins, and standing for 3 mins. Compare the change and if the change is large, suspect internal bloodloss and dehydration.

Normal Pulse for an Infant

100-160 bpm

Normal Infant RR

25-50.E

Emergency Moves

Used when there is potential danger and unable to care/assess patient at the location. Clothes drag, blanket drag, arm-to-arm, and arm drag.

Urgent Moves

When there is an altered mental status, inadequate ventilation, shock, or extreme weather.

Non Urgent Moves

When both the scene and the patient are stable.

DCAP-BTLS

Deformities, contusions, abrasions, punctures, burns, tenderness, lacerations, and swelling.

Compartment Syndrome

Ischemia as a result of swelling in the fascia that cuts off circulation.

Rule of Nines

Each part of the body is 9% in regards to the burns.

Cushing Triad

High BP, low pulse, and erratic respirations indicative of brain swelling and intracranial pressure.

Three Collisions that Occur in a Car Crash

Car vs. object, Passenger vs. car interior, and passenger’s internal organs against solid body structures.

Damage to Steering Wheel

Chest injury

Damage to Windshield

Head/neck injury

Damage to instrumental panel

Extremity injuries

Four Types of Blast Injuries

Primary: Due to blast/pressure wave

Secondary: Damage from flying debris

Tertiary: Victim thrown around

Quaternary: Miscellaneous injuries as the dust is settling

When Should an Impaled Object be Removed?

If the object is in the way of CPR.

Normal Duration of Pregnancy

36-42 weeks.

Four Triage Categories

Red: Immediate

Yellow: Can be delayed for about 4 hours

Green: Survivable without care in the field

Black: Expectant or dead.