The acute abdomen
Chapter 17. The acute abdomen Abdominal emergencies usually present with acute abdominal pain in association with other symptoms and signs. The causes range from life-threatening conditions that require immediate resuscitation…
Assessment and monitoring
Chapter 13. Assessment and monitoring Clinical assessment Colour • Pallor: very pale appearance, best visualised in the conjunctivae or the mouth. Usually a sign of anaemia but may also be…
Respiratory emergencies
Chapter 11. Respiratory emergencies Respiratory emergencies are a frequent part of the workload of a pre-hospital clinician. The following definitions are important in managing patients with respiratory problems: • Hypoxaemia…
Vascular access
Chapter 8. Vascular access Intravenous access allows fluids or drugs to be administered. In children, the intraosseous (IO) route is often used. This route is increasingly being used in shocked…
Taking a medical history
Chapter 9. Taking a medical history In medical illness, the history affords 70% of the information on which most diagnoses are made. The history is thus much more important than…
Basic management of the airway and ventilation
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…
Approach to the patient
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…
Approaching the scene
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…
An introduction to clinical examination
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…
