Medical Emergencies & Vital Signs

Medical Emergencies & Vital Signs Overview

• Understanding of vital signs is crucial for assessing patient health.
• This unit covers various medical emergencies and the corresponding protocols and equipment used in such situations.

Emergency Codes in Medical Settings

• Code Blue: Cardiac Arrest - Initiate a code, retrieve the crash cart.
• Code Grey: Security issue.
• Code Red: Fire emergency.
• Code Pink/Secure: Infant abduction situation.
• Code Purple: Child abduction situation.
• Code Orange: Hazardous material spill response.
• Code Green: Incoming cardiac arrest.
• Code Triage: Activation of emergency response procedures during internal/external disasters.
• Code Yellow: Bomb threat scenario.
• Code White: Pediatric medical emergency.
• Code Silver: Individual with a weapon or hostage situation.

Crash Cart

• Purpose: Contains vital emergency medicines and life-sustaining equipment.
• Contents Include:
  • Multifunction pads (e.g., Stat pads).
  • Cardiac monitor/defibrillator.
  • Ambu bag (with mask).
  • Inventory checklist for Code Blue.
  • Sharps container.

Drawer 1: Medications for Cardiac Emergencies

• Epinephrine: Used for severe anaphylaxis; vasoconstrictor that enhances contractility and blood pressure.
• Vasopressin: Maintains water and constricts blood vessels.
• Sodium Bicarbonate: Maintains pH balance in acidosis.
• Atropine: Administered for patients with bradycardia or asystole during cardiac arrest.
• Lidocaine: Treatment for ventricular tachycardia (V-Tach) and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs).
• Dopamine: Vasodilator that increases contractility and blood flow.

Drawer 2: Airway Management

• Supplies Include:
  • Endotracheal tubes, intubating stylet.
  • Nasopharyngeal Airways (NPA) and Oropharyngeal Airways (OPA).
  • Laryngoscope handle and various blades.
  • CO2 detector for confirming intubation.

Drawer 3: Pediatric Airway Supplies

• Supplies Include:
  • Pediatric endotracheal tubes, IV arm boards, and suction catheter kits.
  • Assorted laryngoscope blades and handles.

Drawer 4: Miscellaneous Pediatric Supplies

• Supplies Include:
  • Infant feeding tubes and ECG electrodes.
  • IV solutions (0.9% Sodium Chloride, medications for emergency.

Drawer 5: IV and Blood Draw Supplies

• Supplies Include:
  • IV catheters, syringes for drawing blood, and stopcock.

Drawer 6: IV Solutions and Tubing

• Supplies Include:
  • Central venous catheter kit and various sized syringes.

Drawer 7: Procedural Trays & Miscellaneous Items

• Supplies Include:
  • Sterile surgical instruments, gloves, and procedural trays.

Medical Emergencies in Radiology

• Types of emergencies encountered:
  • Shock: A critical condition due to various causes that leads to decreased blood flow to vital organs.
  • Anaphylaxis: Severe allergic reaction requiring immediate treatment.
  • Diabetes: Blood sugar management issues requiring intervention.
  • Pulmonary emboli: Blockage in pulmonary arteries, urgent condition.
  • Cardiovascular accident (CVA): Stroke emergencies requiring immediate care.
  • Cardiac and respiratory failure: State requiring resuscitative efforts.
  • Fainting: Loss of consciousness and stability in patient care.
  • Seizures: Sudden electrical disturbances in the brain needing monitoring and response.

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

• Evaluation of Consciousness:
  • Composed of three behavioral categories: Eyes, Motor response, and Verbal response.
  • Scoring ranges from 3 to 15; a score of 7 or less is critical.
  • Response categories help determine patient stability and action required.
  • Prepare for oxygen and IV fluid administration if GCS indicates severe impairment.

Loss of Consciousness Protocol

• Assess if the patient can respond to questions and follow commands.
• Monitor vital signs continuously and document any changes.
• Stay with the patient; call for assistance if deterioration occurs, and prepare emergency interventions.

Understanding Shock

• Definition: Physiological state caused by insufficient blood flow to vital organs.
• Stages of Shock:
  • Compensatory Stage: Normal blood pressure; cold/clammy skin, increased anxiety, and heart rate increases.
  • Progressive Stage: Systolic BP < 60 mm Hg; severe pulmonary edema occurs, increased rapid heart rate, confusion, and lethargy.
  • Irreversible Stage: Persistent low BP; organ failure leads to serious complications; tissues become necrotic.
• Common Causes:
  • Severe bleeding, serious injuries, infections, stress, dehydration, and severe pain.

Important Notes for Responding to Shock

• Recognize signs early and escalate care appropriately.
• Must stabilize vital signs and ensure blood flow restoration to critical organs timely.