burns

Indications

Hypoventilation, apnoea, cardiac arrest.

Equipment setup

Attach BVM to oxygen (15 L/min), fit correct mask size.

Technique

Apply jaw thrust, maintain seal ("E-C clamp"), compress bag, observe chest rise.

MOANS mnemonic meaning

Mask seal, Obesity/Obstruction, Age, No teeth, Stiff lungs.

Complications

Barotrauma, gastric inflation, decreased venous return.

When would a first-year paramedic student give 250 mL of IV fluid?

When instructed by a supervising paramedic for dehydration, hypotension, or poor perfusion.

What are the 6 rights before giving IV fluid?

Right patient, right fluid, right dose (250 mL), right route (IV), right time, right documentation.

What IV fluid is normally used for dehydration?

0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline).

What equipment is needed for IV fluid administration?

Fluid bag, IV cannula in situ, IV giving set, gloves, alcohol wipes, tape, sharps bin.

How do you prime an IV giving set?

Spike the bag, fill drip chamber halfway, open clamp, flush all air from line, close clamp.

What must you do before connecting the giving set to the cannula?

Clean IV hub with alcohol and confirm cannula patency.

How do you confirm the IV line is patent?

No swelling, no pain, free-flowing fluid, cannula flushes easily.

What is the approximate drip rate to give 250 mL in 30 minutes?

2-3 drops per second using a 20 drops/mL giving set.

How would you give 250 mL slowly over 1 hour?

Around 1-1.5 drops per second.

What is a 250 mL bolus?

Opening the roller clamp to let 250 mL run in quickly (5-10 minutes), then reassess.

What do you monitor during the infusion?

HR, BP, RR, perfusion, mental state, lung sounds, IV site.

What are signs of fluid overload?

SOB, crackles, raised JVP, hypertension, sudden deterioration.

When do you stop the infusion?

When 250 mL has been delivered or if the patient shows adverse reactions.

What must be documented after giving fluid?

Amount administered, time started/finished, vital signs, patient response, IV site condition.

Can a first-year paramedic independently decide to give fluids?

No — must administer only under supervision or instruction.