CFR 2

Introduction to Medical Emergencies

  • Definition: A medical emergency occurs due to illness or medical problems.

  • Development: Emergencies can develop quickly or slowly.

  • Threat Level: Some situations may be life-threatening.

  • Key Skills: Recognize signs and symptoms & apply appropriate emergency medical care.

General Medical Complaints

  • Patients or family members may call for help regarding symptoms.

  • The cause may be known or unknown.

  • Approach: Same for all medical emergencies.

  • Assessment Focus: Standard assessment and management of life-threatening problems.

Standard Assessment Guidelines

  • Step 1: Size up the scene.

  • Step 2: Complete primary assessment and address life-threatening conditions.

  • Step 3: Take the patient's history.

  • Step 4: Perform secondary assessment and necessary physical exams.

  • Step 5: Conduct reassessments.

General Signs and Symptoms of Medical Emergencies

  • Patient feels ill, dizzy, confused, or weak.

  • Notice skin color changes like flushed or pale skin.

  • Symptoms may include:

    • Sweating

    • Changes in breathing

    • Nausea, vomiting

Standard Patient Care Principles

  • Ensure Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is activated.

  • Take body substance isolation precautions.

  • Maintain patient's airway; provide artificial ventilation if necessary.

  • Comfort and reassure the patient.

Specific Care for Medical Emergencies

  • Follow local protocols regarding oxygen.

  • Help patient rest and regulate temperature.

  • Food/Drink: Do not give any unless specified.

  • Be prepared to administer Basic Life Support (BLS).

Heart Attack

Overview

  • Cause: Sudden reduced blood flow to heart muscle leading to cardiac arrest.

  • Risk: Can occur at any age; often results from atherosclerosis.

Importance of Awareness

  • Approximately 132,000 die yearly in the US from heart attacks.

  • 20% of patients may not feel chest pain.

  • Symptoms vary; being alert can save lives.

Assessing for a Heart Attack

  • Assess chest discomfort or pain based on:

    • Quality: How does it feel?

    • Location: Where is the pain?

    • Severity: Use a pain scale.

  • Check for pain radiating to:

    • Arms

    • Back

    • Neck

    • Jaw

    • Stomach

Monitoring during Heart Attack

  • Monitor vital signs: blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rates.

  • Special considerations for:

    • Pediatric patients: Often related to congenital conditions.

    • Geriatric patients: May not exhibit typical discomfort.

Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attack

  • Persistent chest discomfort, pressure, or tightness.

  • Pain may spread to neck, shoulders, arms.

  • Other symptoms:

    • Shortness of breath

    • Dizziness or lightheadedness

    • Cold, clammy skin or heavy sweating

    • Indigestion, nausea, or vomiting.

Emergency Care for Heart Attack

  • Act promptly; perform standard care steps.

  • Help patient rest comfortably in a sitting position and loosen tight clothing.

  • Inquire about medications.

  • Follow local protocols for oxygen and medications like aspirin.

Respiratory Distress

Definition

  • Characterized by difficulty in breathing; can occur suddenly, especially in chronic patients.

  • Assess for signs that indicate underlying causes and apply general care.

Signs and Symptoms of Respiratory Distress

  • Gasping for air or unable to breathe.

  • Abnormalities in breathing patterns (fast/slow, shallow/deep).

  • Physical signs:

    • Restlessness, dizziness, ashen skin.

    • Tripod position or nasal flaring in children.

Emergency Care for Respiratory Distress

  • Ensure the patient is in the easiest position for breathing.

  • Follow local protocols for supplemental oxygen.

  • Be prepared for Basic Life Support (BLS).

Asthma

Prevalence

  • Affects 1 in 20 adults and 1 in 10 children.

  • Patients often carry their medication.

Signs and Symptoms of Asthma Attack

  • Wheezing, difficulty breathing, dry cough, gray-blue skin.

  • Patients may show fear or anxiety during an attack.

Emergency Care for Asthma Attack

  • Standard patient care procedures apply; activate EMS for first attack.

  • Assess the patient's ability to use their inhaler.

  • Follow local protocols for medication assistance and oxygen.

Diabetic Emergencies

Overview

  • Diabetes leads to issues with blood glucose management.

  • Hypoglycemia: Too much insulin or not enough food.

  • Hyperglycemia: Too little insulin or excessive sugar intake.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

  • Rapid mood changes, dizziness, confusion; may appear intoxicated.

  • Physical symptoms include pale skin and rapid pulse.

Emergency Care for Diabetic Emergencies

  • Confirm diabetes diagnosis with history and identification.

  • Provide treatment appropriate to hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia based on the assessment.

Severe Allergic Reactions

Overview

  • Anaphylaxis represents severe allergic reactions that can be life-threatening.

Signs and Symptoms of Anaphylaxis

  • Skin flushing, swelling, difficulty breathing, rapid weak pulse.

  • Symptoms progress rapidly; prompt care is essential.

Emergency Care

  • Remove allergen and perform standard care.

  • Use an Epinephrine auto-injector if available; assist the patient in using it by following local protocols.

Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Disorders

Overview

  • Severe abdominal pain may signal emergencies; assessment is crucial.

Assessing Symptoms

  • Normal findings: soft, non-tender abdomen.

  • Abnormal findings: vomiting, blood in vomit or stool, signs of shock.

Emergency Care for Severe Abdominal Pain

  • Perform standard patient care and follow oxygen protocols.

  • Position for comfort and be ready for potential vomiting.