Paramedic Comprehensive Study Notes

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts and definitions related to trauma, cardiology, pharmacology, airway management, medical/obstetrical emergencies, and patient care.

Humerus blood loss

~750 mL

Tibia/Fibula blood loss

~1,000 mL

Femur blood loss

~1,500 mL

Pelvis blood loss

2,000–3,000+ mL (life-threatening)

Burn shock treatment

Fluid shift, treat with fluids

Pneumothorax vs Hemothorax

Pneumothorax: air; Hemothorax: blood

Cushing’s Triad

HTN, bradycardia, irregular respirations

Cavitation

Tissue damage beyond projectile path

Cardiac Output (CO) formula

CO = HR × SV

Stroke Volume (SV) determinants

Depends on preload, afterload, contractility

Frank-Starling Law

More stretch = stronger contraction

Chronotropic effect

Affects heart rate (HR)

Dromotropic effect

Affects conduction

Inotropic effect

Affects force of contraction

Defibrillation paddle pressure

~25 lbs

Dopamine

Dose dependent effects

Verapamil

Used for SVT (Supraventricular Tachycardia)

Nitroglycerin

Decreases preload/afterload

Mannitol

Decreases ICP (Intracranial Pressure)

Lorazepam

Used for seizures

Furosemide

Used for CHF (Congestive Heart Failure)

Thiamine

Give before glucose to prevent Wernicke's encephalopathy

Aspirin toxicity

Causes tinnitus and acidosis

Acetaminophen toxicity

Leads to liver failure; treat with NAC (N-acetylcysteine)

Cocaine treatment

Treat with benzodiazepines (benzos)

TCA overdose treatment

Use sodium bicarbonate

I-Gel

An airway device with no cuff

Combitube

Requires 85–100 mL proximal, 10–15 mL distal for use

Pediatric endotracheal tube (ETT) size formula

(age/4)+4 for size, depth 3× tube

Ectopic pregnancy symptoms

Pain and bleeding

Placenta previa symptoms

Painless bleeding

Abruptio placenta symptoms

Painful bleeding

Cholecystitis symptoms

Right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain to shoulder

Bell’s Palsy vs Stroke

Bell’s: whole face; Stroke: lower face only

Tidal Volume for ventilation

6–8 mL/kg

I:E ratio

1:2

EJ IV safety

Trendelenburg position, risk of air embolism