Probably Protocols
this airway maneuver should be used first on an unresponsive patient without suspected trauma.
What is the head-tilt, chin-lift?
This medication is commonly given for chest pain and helps by thinning the blood to prevent clots.
What is aspirin?
This condition presents with hypotension, warm/flushed skin, and bradycardia after spinal trauma, due to disruption of sympathetic pathways.
What is neurogenic shock?
This condition can present with altered mental status, slurred speech, and diaphoretic skin. It’s common in diabetic patients who’ve missed a meal or taken too much insulin.
What is hypoglycemia?
Before a patient can legally refuse treatment or transport, they must meet this basic requirement.
What is being alert and oriented (having decision-making capacity)?
Current CPR guidelines recommend compressions at this rate and depth for adult patients.
What is 100–120 compressions per minute, at a depth of at least 2 inches?
This bronchodilator is often administered via nebulizer to relieve wheezing and shortness of breath in asthma or COPD patients
What is albuterol?
This chest injury results in air collecting in the pleural space, compressing the lung and shifting the mediastinum, causing hypotension, JVD, and absent breath sounds on one side.
What is a tension pneumothorax?
This condition is often caused by prolonged compression injuries and results in the release of myoglobin, potassium, and toxins into the bloodstream, potentially leading to kidney failure and arrhythmias.
What is crush syndrome?
This legal document allows someone to make medical decisions on behalf of an incapacitated patient.
What is a durable power of attorney for healthcare (or healthcare proxy)?
In a symptomatic bradycardia patient with a heart rate of 30 bpm and hypotension, if atropine is ineffective, most ALS protocols recommend this next intervention.
What is transcutaneous pacing (TCP)?
This substance is used for severe pain management and can cause respiratory depression if overdosed.
What is fentanyl?
This type of burn destroys both the epidermis and dermis, may appear leathery or charred, and typically results in little to no pain at the center of the wound.
What is a full-thickness (third-degree) burn?
This systemic infection leads to vasodilation, leaky capillaries, and hypotension. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to shock and organ failure.
What is sepsis?
You’re treating a critically ill patient who hands you a DNR signed two years ago. The family begs you to continue CPR. What’s your legal obligation?
What is honor the DNR unless it appears invalid or has been revoked?
For a cardiac arrest with a shockable rhythm, protocol states delivering this immediately after the first shock.
What is 2 minutes of high-quality CPR?
This antidysrhythmic is used in wide-complex tachycardia and refractory ventricular fibrillation. It has a half-life of up to 40 days, can cause pulmonary toxicity with long-term use, and must be administered slowly due to risk of hypotension and bradycardia.
What is amiodarone?
This is the lethal triad of trauma — three physiological abnormalities that significantly increase mortality if not corrected rapidly.
What are hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy?
This adventitious lung sound is typically heard in patients with CHF or pulmonary edema, caused by fluid in the alveoli.
What are crackles (or rales)?
Discussing patient information with unauthorized individuals — even off-duty — is a violation of this federal law.
What is HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)?
Per seizure protocols, if a patient continues seizing for more than 5 minutes, this class of medication is typically indicated.
What is a benzodiazepine (e.g., midazolam or diazepam)?
This medication is used for beta-blocker or calcium channel blocker overdoses and also plays a role in muscle contraction and cardiac function. It is usually given IV slowly to avoid side effects like bradycardia or hypotension.
What is calcium chloride?
This type of internal bleeding often presents without external signs, commonly occurs in older adults after a ground-level fall, and can lead to delayed deterioration.
What is a subdural hematoma?
This life-threatening cardiac condition is sometimes mistaken for indigestion or fatigue, particularly in women and diabetics, due to vague or atypical symptoms.
What is a myocardial infarction?
This ethical principle refers to the responsibility of EMS providers to act in the best interest of the patient, even if the patient cannot voice that interest.
What is beneficence?