Cardiac Emergencies
Cardiac Medications
CPR & CCR
BLS Triangle
Vital Signs & Assessment
100
What are two classic signs of a heart attack (MI)?
Left Arm Pain and radiating jaw pain
100
What is the EMT dose for aspirin for a cardiac patient?
324 mg (4x 81 mg)
100
What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult BLS with no advanced airway?
30:2
100
What are the 3 roles of the BLS triangle?
100
What is the first thing you check in the primary assessment?
Scene safety
200
What is the term for a heart that stops beating effectively?
Cardiac arrest
200
What are the contraindications for nitroglycerin administration?
Low blood pressure (SBP < 90–100 mmHg)
ED drug use in the last 24 hours
Head Trauma
200
What is the minimum compression rate per minute during CPR?
110 bpm
200
What do we do in CCR that is different than CPR?
If it is assumed etiology is cardiac we start with compressions and passive oxygen.
If it is assumed respiratory etiology we start with BVM and administer airway sooner.
200
What does cool, pale, and diaphoretic skin likely indicate?
Poor perfusion or shock
300
What is the difference between angina and a myocardial infarction?
Angina is temporary and relieved by rest or nitro; MI is prolonged and causes tissue death.
300
What does nitroglycerin do to the blood vessels?
Dilates them to reduce workload on the heart
300
What does CCR focus on compared to traditional CPR?
High-quality compressions and delayed/minimal ventilations
300
True or False, An EMT can put in an advanced airway such as a supraglottic device
True
300
If a patient is alert but shows signs of chest discomfort and has an irregular pulse, what should you do first?
Administer oxygen (if hypoxic) and transport rapidly
400
Which heart rhythms are shockable with an AED?
Ventricular fibrillation (V-Fib)
Ventricular tachycardia (V-Tach)
400
Why is aspirin used during a suspected heart attack?
It prevents blood clots from growing, it is a platelet aggregator or inhibitor.
400
After how many minutes of chest compressions is defibrillation most effective in CCR?
About 2–3 minutes
400
True or False, an EMT can ventilate an Endotracheal tube (ET tube) Placed by a Paramedic
True
400
What is the significance of systolic BP dropping below 90 mmHg in a cardiac chest pain patient?
It is a contraindication for nitro
500
What is congestive heart failure (CHF) and what physical sign might it cause in the lungs?
CHF is the heart’s inability to pump effectively; it may cause pulmonary edema or crackles
500
What does the acronym "MONA" stand for in cardiac emergencies?
Monitor
Oxygen
Nitro
Aspirin
500
Why is minimizing interruptions in chest compressions critical during CPR/CCR?
Interruptions reduce coronary and cerebral perfusion pressure
500
True or False, EMTs can only use AED devices
True, EMTs can use a monitor but it must be placed in AED mode. You do not only have to use devices like the AED trainers.
500
What are the 4 types of Medical Shock categories
Obstructive shock
Cardiogenic shock
Hypovolemic shock
Distributive shock