EMT State 2 Study Guide Overview

Hyperglycemia

High Blood Sugar: Signs/Symptoms include warm, dry skin; fruity breath; rapid deep breathing (Kussmaul); altered LOC; polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia.

Hypoglycemia

Low Blood Sugar: Signs/Symptoms include cool, clammy skin; sudden onset; confusion; seizures; coma; hunger; weakness.

Using an AED

Steps include turning on AED, exposing chest and applying pads (upper right, lower left), ensuring scene safety and clearing the patient, analyzing rhythm, delivering shock if advised, and resuming CPR immediately.

Suctioning

Indicated for blood, vomit, secretions. Suction on the way out, not during insertion. Use rigid catheter orally, soft catheter nasally. Time limits: Adult 15s, Child 10s, Infant 5s.

Adequate Breathing

Characterized by normal rate/depth, clear sounds, no accessory muscle use, and good chest rise.

Inadequate Breathing

Characterized by shallow/irregular breathing, cyanosis, use of accessory muscles, and diminished or absent breath sounds.

Lifting and Moving Techniques

Use power lift and grip, keep back straight, use legs, avoid twisting, communicate with team, and use stair chair, scoop, or backboard as appropriate.

Advance Directives

Legal documents (DNR, POLST) that must be present to be followed. If unclear or absent, provide full care.

Airway Structure

Upper Airway includes nose, mouth, pharynx, epiglottis, larynx; Lower Airway includes trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli.

Signs/Symptoms of a Cardiac Event

Includes chest pain (radiating), dyspnea, nausea, diaphoresis, syncope, feeling of doom.

Proper Documentation

Must be objective and clear, including times, treatments, responses, using proper abbreviations, and documenting refusals clearly.

Drug Actions

Aspirin prevents platelet aggregation;

Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that reduces preload/afterload;

Epinephrine causes bronchodilation and vasoconstriction;

Glucose raises blood sugar;

Activated Charcoal binds toxins

; Albuterol is a bronchodilator.

Types of Moves

Emergency Moves are for immediate danger (fire, scene collapse); Urgent Moves are for spine concerns + unstable patient; Non-Urgent Moves are for stable patient, safe scene.

Patient Priority

Helps determine urgency and destination; high priority includes altered LOC, respiratory distress, shock.

General Impression Goal

Identify life threats in <30 seconds; guides urgency of care and transport.

H's and T's (ACLS Unconscious Assessment)

H's include Hypovolemia, Hypoxia, Hydrogen ion (acidosis), Hypo-/Hyperkalemia, Hypothermia, Hypoglycemia; T's include Tension pneumothorax, Tamponade (cardiac), Toxins, Thrombosis (pulmonary and coronary).

Hyperglycemia Treatment

Treatment includes monitoring ABCs, high-flow oxygen if needed, rapid transport, assist with insulin if protocols allow.

Hypoglycemia Treatment

Treatment includes oral glucose (if alert), ALS backup for IV dextrose, immediate transport.