Introduction
TEAM approach (trust every available member)
Autism Spectrum Disorder- general term used to describe a group of complex disorders of brain development
What are the causes of visual impairment
congenital defect; disease; injury; degeneration of eyeball; optic nerve injury
Two most common forms hearing loss
Sensorineural deafness
conductive hearing loss
What is Cerebral Palsy and what causes it
group of disorders characterize by poorly controlled body movement
damage to the developing fetal brain while in utero, oxygen deprived at birth, TBI at birth, infection in early childhood
what is one thing you need to advocate for parents of special needs pt's
CPR
What is Down Syndrome
characterized by genetic chromosomal defect resulting in mile to severe intellectual impairment
What is one thing to remember with visual impaired pt's`
Every other sense is heightened
What are the steps to take if hearing aids don't work
1. make sure it is turned on
2. try fresh battery; make sure tubing is not twisted or bent
3. make sure switch is set on M not T
4. Make sure not clogged with wax
What is Spina Bifida
birth defect caused by incomplete closure of the spinal column during embryonic or fetal development
What is your priority in assessing special needs pt's
What are the characteristics if Austim?
impairment of social interaction; behavioral problems; repetitive motor activities; verbal/nonverbal language impairment
Are service dogs allowed with pt in the ambulance?
YES!!!!! unless critical situation and issue can be addressed then
speak slowly and distinctly into less-impaired ear; position yourself on the side
change speakers; provide paper and pen
only one EMT ask questions
What is a paralysis pt
is a pt who has the inability to voluntarily move one or more body parts
What physical findings will you find for some special needs pt's
mechanical ventilators, intravenous pumps, LVADS
What does Down Syndrome occur
When 2 21st Chromosomes fail to separate. Therefore resulting in an extra chromosome in the DNA
What are the signs you need to look for to identify is someone is visually impaired
presence of eyeglasses; service dogs; signs; family members
What are the clues on scene for pts with hearing loss
presence of hearing aids
poor pronunciation of words; failure to respond to your presence or questions
What is the LVAD
special piece of medical equipment that takes over the function of one or both heart ventricles
Name 3 examples of special needs patients
1. premature babies; infant or small congenital heart disease; cerebral palsy
sensory deficits
autism
pg 1323
Like any other pt, remain calm, friendly manor, watch for signs of increased anxiety or fear
What are the KEY things to do for visual impaired pt's
Introduce yourself and have everyone else do the same; explain EVERYTHING; describe situation if needed
Where are the places hearing aids can be located?
behind the ear; conventional body; in the canal and completely in the canal; in the ear
What is a shunt
They are tubes that drain excess CSF from the ventricles of the brain to keep pressure from building up in the brain