Chapter 6. Basic management of the airway and ventilation • Airway management is the cornerstone of emergency care • Airway obstruction producing hypoxia will lead to circulatory arrest and irreversible…
Chapter 2. Approach to the patient The approach to the patient follows scene safety and scene assessment. In trauma cases you will already have information about the patient’s likely injuries…
Chapter 1. Approaching the scene Heading to the scene • The Road Traffic Act allows certain exemptions to drivers of emergency vehicles who may: • Exceed the statutory speed limit…
Chapter 3. An introduction to clinical examination Examination will be described in the order used in the standard approach which is a common theme throughout this book – the <C>ABCDE…
Adapted from: Wang K, Asinger RW, Marriott H. ST-segment elevation in conditions other than acute myocardial infarction. N Eng J Med. 2003;349:2128–2135. CHEST PAIN Approach Obtain & review an ECG…
APPENDICITIS Definition • Inflammation of the appendix History • Diffuse/periumbilical pain → localizing to RLQ, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, irritability (may be the only sx in age <2), fever Physical Findings…
• Step 4a: Is there an anion gap? Anion gap acidosis: (Na – (Cl + bicarb)) > 14 (see chart) Note: Needs to be corrected for albumin; a fall in…
HEAD TRAUMA Background • Leading cause of traumatic death in pts <25 • 80% mild (GCS 14–15), 10% mod (GCS 9–13), 10% severe (GCS <9) injuries • CPP = MAP…
History • Timing, quantity of ingestion/exposure, access to household chemicals/other meds, coingestions, enteric-coated/extended-release substances Physical Exam • VS, pupils, skin, neuro findings (AMS, nystagmus, myoclonus, tremor), peristalsis, smell Evaluation •…
History • Excessive fluid loss (V/D, sweating, polyuria, diuretic/laxatives, bowel regimen), inadequate intake (debilitated, institutionalized, NM d/o, H&N pathology), altered thirst mechanism (intoxication, systemic illness, malignancy, antipsychotic use) Findings •…
