Foundations of Paramedicine (LVL 1)

What does DRABC stand for?

Danger, Response, Airways, Breathing, Circulation

Components of the Neurological Assessment

GCS, Pupils, Motor/sensory

Components of the Respiratory Assessment

Rate, rhythm, effort, skin, sounds, speech

What is considered bradyponoeic?

What is considered tachyponoeic?

>18 breaths per minute

What are signs of increased effort of breathing?

Nasal flaring, Tripod position, Accessory muscle use, Barrel chest, Cyanosed, Pursed lips, Increased respiratory rate, Wheezing

What are some examples of what a patients skin could look like?

Pale, Cyanosed, Well perfused, Diaphoretic, Dry, Warm, Cold

Examples of Lung sounds

Clear, Wheezes, Crackles, Reduced

What categories are included in "speech" of the respiratory assessment? e.g. patient is speaking in …

Sentences, Phrases, Words, No response

Components of the Cardiovascular Assessment

• Pulse

• BP

• SPO2

• BGL

• ECG

• Temp

What is A Normal Pulse rate (bpm)

60-100bpm

What is a bradycardic heart rate?

less than 60 bpm

What is a tachycardic heart rate?

greater than 100 bpm

What is normal blood pressure range? (Systolic and Diastolic)

Systolic: 100-130 mmHg

Diastolic: 70-90 mmHg

What is a hypertensive blood pressure? (Systolic and Diastolic)

Systolic: Greater than 140

Diastolic: Greater than 90

What is a hypotensive blood pressure? (Systolic and Diastolic)

Systolic: Less than 90

Diastolic: Less than 60

What is a normal temperature range?

36.1 - 37.2

What is a normal SPO2 level? (Non-COPD)

Greater than 94%

What is a normal SPO2 range in COPD patients?

88% - 92%

What are the components of the 5 step method?

Rate, Rhythm, P wave, PR interval, QAS Complex

Where is V1 placed on a 12- Lead ECG?

4th intercostal space, Right of sternum

Where is V2 placed on a 12- Lead ECG?

4th intercostal space, Left of sternum

Where is V4 placed on a 12- Lead ECG?

5th intercostal space, Left midclavicular line

Where is V6 placed on a 12- Lead ECG?

5th intercostal space, Left midaxillary line

Where is V3 placed on a 12- Lead ECG?

Between V2 and V4

Where is V5 placed on a 12- Lead ECG?

5th intercostal space between V4 and V6

What is the order of electrical conduction of the heart?

SA node, AV node, Bundle of His, Bundle branches, Perkinje fibres

What are the characteristics of cardiac muscles?

Contractility, Excitability, Automaticity, Conductivity

Nasal Cannula Flow Rate

2-4L/min

Nebuliser Mask Flow Rate

6-8L/min: 6 for COPD patients

Simple Face Mask Flow Rate

8-10L/min

Non-rebreather Mask Flow Rate

15 L/min

Bag-valve Mask Flow Rate

15 L/min

What is a normal End-tidal volume?

35-40mmHg (or 45)

What is a hypoventilation end-tidal volume?

>40mmHg

What is a hyperventilation end-tidal volume?

<35mmHg

What does APO stand for?

Acute Pulmonary Oedema

What does CPAP stand for and what kind of medical emergency is it used for?

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, APO

What are the four types of shock?

• Cardiogenic

• Hypovolemic

• Obstructive

• Distributive

Define hypoxia

An insufficiency of oxygen in the body's tissues.

Define hypoxemia

An abnormally low concentration of oxygen in the blood

What are the Safety checks for safe Defibrillation?

• No explosives

• No conductives

• No movement

• No contact

What is a head to toe assessment?

A complete health assessment starting at the head and proceeding in a systematic manner downward

What are the components of History Taking

• Signs and symptoms

• Allergies

• Medications

• Past medical history

• List of lasts

• Events leading up

• Advanced health directive

What are the Components of a pain assessment?

• Onset

• Provocations

• Quality

• Radiation

• Severity

• Time/Trends/Treatment

What are the components of a clinical handover?

• Identity

• Mechanism of injury

• Injury

• Signs (Vital signs)

• Treatment given

• Allergies

• Medications

• Background information e.g. recurring injury

• Other

What does VIRCA stand for?

• Voluntary

• Informed

• Relevant

• Capacity

• Advice

What are some VIRCA questions that you could ask your patient?

• What's the reason that you don't want to go to hospital?

Do you know and understand what might happen if you don't come to hospital?

After giving informed advice:

• Can you please repeat back to me what I have just told you?

• Have you had a change of heart about not coming to hospital with us?