Chapter 54. The uncooperative or violent patient Ambulance crews are frequently exposed to violent situations and threatening behaviour from patients and bystanders. Ambulance control should communicate to crews any factors…
Chapter 15. Cardiovascular emergencies Ischaemic heart disease is the most common cardiovascular problem in the UK. Approximately one in four men and one in five women die from the disease….
Chapter 53. Substance abuse Alcohol dependence Of the UK population, 2% suffer from alcohol dependence syndrome at any time. Dependence is most common in: • Those aged 40–54 years •…
Chapter 51. Trauma in pregnancy The approach to the pregnant trauma victim is exactly the same as for the non-pregnant trauma victim, except that there are two patients – mother…
Chapter 50. Emergencies in pregnancy Pregnancy should be considered in any woman of reproductive age. Not every woman will admit, or even realise, that she is pregnant. There are medical…
Chapter 49. Childbirth Childbirth is frequently successful without any intervention from healthcare professionals. The time when a paramedic may have to become involved is in the established second stage of…
Chapter 48. Aeromedical evacuation Medical aviation is now extremely sophisticated and can be conveniently divided into primary casualty evacuation and secondary patient transfer. The expertise and equipment required for each…
Chapter 25. Chest injuries Deaths following injuries to the thorax usually result from a lack of oxygen (hypoxia) or lack of circulating blood volume (hypovolaemia). Injuries may be blunt or…
Chapter 46. The sports arena Sport-related deaths Most deaths that occur at sporting events are from natural causes such as myocardial infarctions. Occasionally, congenital heart diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy…
Chapter 47. Rescue from remote places Rescue teams require specialist training, equipment and physical conditioning for working in the remote or austere environments. Paramedics must be fully trained team members,…
