Overview
This lecture provides an overview of oxygen delivery systems, common EMT medications, airway anatomy and management, shock types, and essential emergency assessment procedures for EMT exam preparation.
Oxygen Delivery Systems
- Five systems: non-rebreathing mask (NRB), nasal cannula (NC), bag-valve mask (BVM), small volume nebulizer (T-neb), and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
- NRB: 10-15 Lpm; NC: 1-6 Lpm; BVM: 15 Lpm; T-neb: 6-8 Lpm; CPAP: 15-25 Lpm.
Common EMT Medications
- Know indications, contraindications, dosage, route, side effects, and actions for: aspirin (ASA), epinephrine, naloxone, nitroglycerin, oral glucose, diphenhydramine, albuterol, glucagon, antidote (DuoDote), ondansetron, activated charcoal.
- Example: Epinephrine used for anaphylaxis, no contraindications in life-threat, 0.3 mg adult IM, increases pulse/BP, bronchodilator.
Airway Anatomy & Management
- Upper airway: nose, mouth, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx; Pharynx parts: nasopharynx, oropharynx, laryngopharynx.
- Larynx marks end of upper airway; lower airway: trachea, carina, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli.
- Airway management: head-tilt chin lift (no spinal trauma), jaw-thrust (suspected spinal trauma).
Respiratory Physiology & Assessment
- Ventilation: air movement in/out of lungs; inhalation is active, exhalation is passive.
- Tidal volume for adults: 500 mL.
- Hypoxia is low oxygen; typical O2 for COPD patients: 88-92%.
- Use capnography to monitor end-tidal CO2 (35-45 mm Hg).
- Assist ventilations for altered mental status with respiratory depression or fatigue.
- Agonal gasps and Kussmaul respirations are signs of distress.
Shock: Types, Signs and Management
- Six types: cardiogenic, septic, neurogenic, anaphylactic, psychogenic, hypovolemic.
- Compensated shock: rapid/shallow breathing, rapid pulse; decompensated: low BP, irregular breathing, dilated pupils.
- Treat shock: control bleeding, maintain airway, cover with blankets, elevate feet, give O2, call ALS, trendelenburg as needed.
Medication Administration & Pharmacology
- Enteral: oral (PO), rectal (PR); Parenteral: IV, IO, IM, IN, SC, transdermal, inhalation, SL.
- Absorption rates: IV/IO—immediate, IN/SL/inhaled—rapid, IM—moderate, PO/SC/transdermal—slow.
- MAD device: mucosal atomizer device for IN meds.
Infectious Diseases & Assessment
- MRSA: resistant bacteria, spreads via unwashed hands.
- Whooping cough: bacterial, airborne, vaccinate to prevent.
- Infectious disease: caused by harmful organisms in the body.
- Ask travel history and exposures when assessing sick patients.
Circulation Assessment
- Conscious: check radial pulse and observe skin; unconscious: check carotid.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Ventilation — physical air movement in and out of lungs.
- Hypoxia — low oxygen state in the body.
- Shock — inadequate cellular perfusion.
- Polypharmacy — using multiple medications simultaneously.
- Contraindication — reason not to administer a medication.
- Trade Name — brand name of a drug (capitalized).
- Generic Name — chemical name of a drug (not capitalized).
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review medication details (indications, dosages, side effects).
- Memorize oxygen delivery systems and their flow rates.
- Practice airway management techniques.
- Study types and treatments of shock.
- Complete assigned textbook readings and flashcard practice.