Paramedic Success Signs & Symptoms Cheat Sheet

Vocabulary flashcards covering emergency medical conditions, trauma, and cardiology based on the 1,2,3,4 Method from The Paramedic Coach.

Evan's 1,2,3,4 Method

A systematic approach to mastering medical content: 1) Simple explanation of the disease, 2) Identification of risk factors, 3) Recognition of hallmark signs and symptoms, and 4) Determination of EMS treatment.

Asthma

A reactive airway disease causing bronchoconstriction and excess mucous production; signs include wheezing, cough with chest tightness, and accessory muscle use; treated with oxygen (goal $94-99\% S P O_2$), Albuterol, CPAP ($5-10\,cm\,H_2O$), and potentially Epinephrine, Solu-Medrol, or Magnesium.

Anaphylaxis

A severe allergic reaction affecting two or more body systems; hallmarks include stridor, wheezing, hives, and nausea; treated with EpiPen (Adult: $0.3\,mg\,IM$; JR: $0.15\,mg\,IM$), Albuterol, Benadryl, and Zofran if nausea is present.

COPD

A chronic respiratory disease involving bronchoconstriction, mucus production, and destruction of alveoli; signs include wheezing, Rhonchi, and low $S P O_2$; treatment includes oxygen, CPAP, Albuterol, Epinephrine, and Solu-Medrol.

Pulmonary Embolism

A thrombosis in the pulmonary arteries often referred to as a 'lung attack'; risk factors include long travel, recent surgery, and birth control use; signs include tachycardia, hypoxia, and leg pain if DVT is present; treated with oxygen at $15\,lpm$ and rapid transport.

Croup

An upper airway infection in pediatrics ($6\,months$ to $4\,years$) causing an inflamed airway and characterized by a distinct 'barking cough' and stridor; ALS treatment includes nebulized/racemic epinephrine.

Epiglottitis

Inflammation of the epiglottis that can cause life-threatening airway swelling over the laryngeal opening; hallmarks include stridor, heavy drooling, and painful swallowing with a rapid onset; requires keeping the patient calm and potentially needle cricothyrotomy.

Pneumonia

Infection causing alveoli inflammation and the formation of fluid or pus in lung fields; signs include Rales (early) or Rhonchi (late), productive cough with green/yellow sputum, fever, and night sweats.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Condition where the heart fails as a pump, potentially leading to life-threatening pulmonary edema; signs include bilateral Rales, JVD, pink sputum, and hypertension; treated with oxygen, 12-Lead EKG, and CPAP at $5-10\,cm\,H_2O$.

Myocardial Infarction (MI)

Blockage of a coronary artery causing loss of blood flow to heart muscle; symptoms include crushing chest pain, jaw/arm/shoulder pain, and nausea; treated with oxygen (goal $\ge 94\%$), Aspirin $324\,mg$, and Nitroglycerin.

Stroke

Blockage or hemorrhage of a cerebral artery; assessments focus on balance, eyes (nystagmus), facial droop, arm drift, speech, and 'time last seen normal'; TPA window is noted as $3-4.5\,hrs$.

Cardiogenic Shock

Hypoperfusion occurring when the heart is unable to pump effectively due to severe damage (e.g., MI or CHF); symptoms include hypotension, altered mental status, and chest pain; treated with oxygen, 12-Lead EKG, and potentially vasopressors like dopamine or norepinephrine.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

A tear or rupture of the Aorta; risk factors include being male ($60-70\,years$) and cardiac history; signs include unexplained hypotension, abdominal pain, and syncope; requires rapid transport and IV fluids.

Cardiac Tamponade

Compression of the heart by fluid/pressure in the pericardial sac; characterized by Beck's triad (hypotension, JVD, muffled heart sounds); treated with oxygen and IV access during rapid transport.

Neurogenic Shock

A type of distributive shock caused by spinal cord trauma resulting in loss of sympathetic tone and widespread vasodilation; symptoms include the unique combination of hypotension and bradycardia.

Increased Intracranial Pressure

Pressure on the brain from trauma-induced bleeding or swelling; symptoms include Cushing's triad (hypertension, bradycardia, irregular slow respirations), headache, and confusion; treatment avoids hyperventilation and maintains $S P O_2 \ge 94\%$.

Flail Chest

Two or more adjacent ribs broken in two or more places; hallmark sign is paradoxical chest movement; treatment involves oxygenation, ventilations (BVM if needed), and stabilization with a pillow for pain control.

Hypovolemic Shock

Low blood volume due to excessive bleeding or dehydration; symptoms include dizziness, tachycardia, and hypotension; treated with warmth, oxygen, IV fluids, and emergency blood.

Tension Pneumothorax

Lung collapse due to trauma resulting in hypotension; signs include absent/diminished breath sounds unilaterally, JVD, and sharp chest pain; treated with oxygen, a 3-sided dressing, and BVM ventilations.

Appendicitis

Inflamed appendix due to blockage or infection; pain typically starts in the mid-abdomen and radiates to the right lower quadrant; treated with Zofran for nausea and morphine/fentanyl for pain.

Benzodiazepine Overdose

Excessive intake of sedatives (e.g., Ativan, Valium, Xanax) leading to respiratory depression or apnea; treated with airway maintenance, ventilations, and the antidote Flumazenil.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver; types A and E are via contaminated food/water; types B, C, and D are via blood/bodily fluids; signs include jaundice (skin/eyes), dark urine, and joint pain.

Excited Delirium

Condition caused by synthetic drugs (Cocaine, Meth, PCP, LSD) resulting in extreme agitation, hyperthermia, and aggressiveness; treated with intramuscular benzodiazepines or Ketamine for sedation.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A state of hyperglycemia where the body lacks insulin to move glucose into cells, resulting in excess ketones; signs include 'fruity' breath odor, excessive thirst, and excessive urination.

Hypoglycemia

Blood glucose level below $70\,mg/dL$; signs include diaphoretic skin, irritability, and shaky hands; treated with oral glucose (BLS) or Glucagon IM and Dextrose $10\%$ IV (ALS).

Opiate Overdose

Excessive intake of narcotics (Heroin, Fentanyl, Morphine) causing respiratory depression, pinpoint pupils, and unresponsiveness; treated with Narcan (IN, IV, IM) and ventilations.

Schizophrenia

Mental illness causing delusions, hallucinations, and withdrawal from reality; EMS treatment involves transport for mental health evaluation and potentially physical or chemical restraints (Ativan, Versed, or Haldol).

Seizures

Episodes of loss of consciousness and rapid jerking movements; may be preceded by an 'aura'; active seizures are treated with IM benzodiazepines such as Versed or Ativan.

Obstructive Shock

Shock where blood flow is physically obstructed; causes include cardiac tamponade, tension pneumothorax, and pulmonary embolism; signs include cool, clammy skin, tachycardia, and hypotension.