Heat illness
Chapter 42. Heat illness Heat illness does occur in the summer months and is frequently associated with strenuous activities such as sport or military exercises. As with other environmentally produced…
Hypothermia
Chapter 40. Hypothermia Hypothermia is defined as having a core temperature below 35°C. Clinically, it can be divided into three categories: • Mild: 32–35°C • Moderate: 30–32°C • Severe: below…
Care of the elderly
Chapter 39. Care of the elderly The proportion of the population that is over the age of 70 is rising. Old age may bring a combination of factors rendering the…
The paediatric history
Chapter 34. The paediatric history A paediatric history is made up of two elements: • The account of what has happened • Background information about the child which might affect…
Overview of trauma resuscitation
Chapter 33. Overview of trauma resuscitation On arrival at an accident, identify yourself to the other emergency services Safety The first priority at all times is to be safe: are…
Wound management
Chapter 32. Wound management Definitions Abrasion – Removal of part of the surface of the skin. There is often oozing from the capillaries on the surface of the dermis. Conventionally…
Blast and gunshot injuries
Chapter 30. Blast and gunshot injuries Injuries to blast and gunshot are becoming increasingly common in modern Western society. Basic rules for blast and bomb incidents • Do not become…
Patient immobilisation and extrication
Chapter 29. Patient immobilisation and extrication It is crucial that decisions about stabilisation, extrication and subsequent evacuation are taken early on in the rescue. The techniques used for stabilisation must…
Cardiac arrest in adults
Chapter 14. Cardiac arrest in adults Advanced life support The chances of surviving an out of hospital cardiac arrest are 1:100. The paramedic has two challenges: 1. To recognise and…
Abdominal and genitourinary trauma
Chapter 26. Abdominal and genitourinary trauma A high index of suspicion is mandatory in potential abdominal trauma as signs and symptoms may be subtle or evolve slowly. Mechanisms of injury…
