EMT Basics Study Guide Overview

Introduction

• Presenter: Mario Martinez
• Purpose: Comprehensive study guide for National Registry EMT Basics (NRTB)
• Target audience: EMT students, civilians interested in EMS, AEMT and paramedic test takers

Importance of Foundational Knowledge

• Students often focus too much on tricky questions
• Suggested approach: Build a strong foundational knowledge of vital signs and medications
• Available resources: Downloadable Microsoft Word study guide
  • Parts of the guide are intentionally left blank for active learning

National Registry Topics Overview

• 5 main topics to be covered
• Aim: Improve test scores to pass the National Registry

Vital Signs

1. Blood Pressure
   • Normal Range: 100-139 systolic / <100 diastolic mmHg
   • National Registry focus: Identify hypotension/hypertension
2. Heart Rate
   • Normal Range: 60-99 bpm
3. SpO2 (Oxygen Saturation)
   • Normal Range: 94-100%
4. Respiratory Rate
   • Normal Range: 12-24 breaths per minute
5. Temperature
   • Normal Range: 96.8-98.9°F
6. Blood Sugar
   • Normal Range: 70-120 mg/dL

EMT Basic Medications

• Aspirin: Used for chest pain
• Nitroglycerin: Used for chest pain; contraindications include hypotension and recent ED medication
• Albuterol and Atrovent: Used for asthma; administered via nebulizer
• Epinephrine: Auto-injector used for anaphylaxis
• Naloxone (Narcan): Reverses opioid overdose
• Oral Glucose: Treats hypoglycemia (patient must be A&O x4)
• Activated Charcoal: Used for certain poisonings
• Tylenol/Acetaminophen: Used to reduce high fever

Airway Management

• Devices: Nasal cannula, non-rebreather, nebulizer, bag valve mask
• Device Selection: Based on patient’s alertness and vital sign ranges

Additional Medical Knowledge

• Head-Tilt/Chin-Lift vs. Jaw Thrust: Used in non-trauma vs. trauma patients
• Capillary Refill: Indicates perfusion
• Cardiology Basics: Blood flow through the heart, cardiac output formulas

CPR and AED Use

• CPR Depth: Adults - 2 to 3 inches; Child/Infant - 1/3rd chest depth
• CPR Ratio: 30 compressions to 2 breaths (15:2 for infant with two rescuers)
• AED Use and Pad Placement: Consider implanted devices

Stroke Awareness

• Types: Ischemic, Transient Ischemic Attack, Hemorrhagic
• Symptoms: Unilateral weakness, high blood pressure indicating hemorrhagic
• Stroke Exams: Cincinnati, FAST, VAN

Obstetrics and Gynecology

• Pregnancy Terms: Gravida and para definitions
• Pregnancy Complications: Placenta previa vs. abruptio, preeclampsia vs. eclampsia
• Neonate Care: APGAR scale at 1 and 5 minutes

Trauma Management

• Exsanguination: X-ABC principle
• Eye and Penetrating Trauma: Secure the object, restrict movement
• Burns: First, second, third-degree definitions; Rule of Nines for estimating burn area

EMS Operations

• Hazardous Materials Zones: Cold zone for EMS operations
• Radio Communications: Repeater, mobile and portable radios
• Legal and Ethical Considerations: Battery, assault, abandonment, negligence, implied consent

Additional Important Information

• Glasgow Coma Scale: Assesses mental status
• Rule of Nines/Palms: Evaluating burn surface areas
• Pediatric Vital Signs: Understanding age-specific norms
• Important Medications: Recognizing common prescriptions for different conditions

Conclusion

• Encourage active participation and use of study guide
• Engage with available resources such as Discord for further support
• Reminder of new membership options for additional support

Note:

• The transcription provides a comprehensive overview of EMT basics and is intended as a foundational study guide to improve understanding and test performance on the National Registry for EMTs.