Basic life support
Chapter 5. Basic life support The Resuscitation Council (UK) algorithms for basic, advanced, paediatric and neonatal resuscitation can be accessed via their website at: www.resus.org.uk and are based on European…
The emergency services
Chapter 4. The emergency services Box 4.1.The emergency services • Ambulance services • Police services • Fire services • HM Coastguard (part of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency) • Air…
Facial injuries
Chapter 24. Facial injuries Most facial injuries will be managed as part of the secondary survey. Severe facial injuries may however compromise the airway through anatomical disruption or by bleeding….
The primary and secondary survey
Chapter 21. The primary and secondary survey The initial assessment of the trauma patient requires a methodology which can be applied consistently and in priority order. Primary survey Primary Survey…
The unconscious patient
Chapter 16. The unconscious patient The unconscious patient is unable to ensure their own safety and in deeper levels of coma may be unable to protect their own airway. Assessment…
Advanced management of the airway and ventilation
Chapter 7. Advanced management of the airway and ventilation The gold standard for airway control in prehospital care is endotracheal intubation using a cuffed tracheal tube, however basic airway management…
Microbiology and infection
Chapter 19. Microbiology and infection Routes of infection Infection can be spread by a number of different routes, these include: • Droplet spread – the common route of infection for…
Drug formulary
Chapter 10. Drug formulary The Medicines Act allows ambulance paramedics to supply and administer prescription only medications in circumstances specified by local paramedic steering committees or their equivalent. The Joint…
