Cardiology & Neurological Emergencies

Trace the path of deoxygenated blood through the heart

Right atrium → Tricuspid valve → Right ventricle → Pulmonary artery → Lungs

Trace the path of oxygenated blood through the heart

Pulmonary vein → Left atrium → Bicuspid/Mitral valve → Left ventricle → Aorta → Body

What is special about the pulmonary artery and vein?

Pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood; Pulmonary vein carries oxygenated blood

What do you do if your patient arrests during transport?

Pull over, then start CPR and use AED

What should you do immediately after an AED delivers a shock?

Resume CPR immediately

Why is recoil important during CPR?

Allows the heart to refill between compressions

What medications can EMT-B administer for chest pain?

Nitro, Aspirin, Oxygen (if no contraindications)

What side of the heart causes fluid in the lungs (CHF)?

Left-sided heart failure

What side of the heart causes pedal edema?

Right-sided heart failure

What does the sympathetic nervous system do?

Increases heart rate, slows digestion — "fight or flight"

What does the parasympathetic nervous system do?

Slows heart rate, increases digestion — "rest and digest"

What drug class can cause parasympathetic response?

Opioids

What drug reverses opioid effects?

Narcan/Naloxone

What sound is S1?

"Lub" — Atrioventricular valves closing

What sound is S2?

"Dub" — Semilunar valves closing

How deep should compressions be for adults?

2–3 inches

How deep should compressions be for infants/children?

1/3 the depth of the chest (about 1.5 inches)

What is the proper adult CPR compression-to-ventilation ratio?

30:2

What is the 2-rescuer infant CPR compression-to-ventilation ratio?

15:2

What should you do if a patient has a pacemaker?

Place AED pads a few inches away

What if the patient has a medication patch before AED use?

Remove the patch before applying AED pads

What should you do if a drowning victim is wet before AED?

Dry them off before applying AED pads

What does ROSC stand for?

Return of spontaneous circulation

Name the 3 types of strokes

Ischemic, Hemorrhagic, TIA (transient ischemic attack)

Which type of stroke has extremely high BP?

Hemorrhagic stroke

What is hemiparesis?

Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body

What are common stroke symptoms?

Facial droop, arm weakness, slurred speech, altered mental status

What does FAST stand for?

Face, Arm, Speech, Time

What does VAN stand for?

Vision, Aphasia, Neglect

What does A&O x4 mean?

Alert to person, place, time, and event

What is the stroke treatment window for thrombolytics?

Within 3–4.5 hours of symptom onset (with no bleed on CT)

What should EMTs do when someone is actively seizing?

Call ALS, clear area, and wait for seizure to stop

Why is hypoglycemia more dangerous than hyperglycemia?

It can kill quickly, especially if the patient is unconscious

When can oral glucose be given to a hypoglycemic patient?

If they are alert and oriented x4 and can protect their airway

What should you do for a hypoglycemic patient who is not alert?

Request ALS; do not give oral glucose