Bleeding & Shock
Bleeding & Hemorrhage Hemorrhage Overview Early recognition and effective control of hemorrhage are essential in both medical and trauma patients. Severe blood loss can rapidly reduce tissue perfusion and lead to shock or death. In major trauma, life-threatening bleeding should be controlled as early as possible while airway and breathing problems are also addressed. Cardiovascular […]
Burns & Thermal Care
Burn Injuries Burns and Thermal Injuries Burn injuries may result from many different sources, and their appearance, severity, and effect on the body depend on the type of burn, temperature involved, duration of exposure, and amount of tissue affected. Young children and older adults are at greater risk of serious complications from burns. Factors such […]
Neuro & Behavior
Brain & Nerve Emergencies Seizure Emergencies Overview A seizure is a temporary disturbance in neurologic function caused by abnormal, excessive, or synchronized electrical activity within the brain. Seizures may occur as part of epilepsy, in which a person has a predisposition to recurrent unprovoked seizures, or they may occur because of another medical problem such […]
Toxicology & OB
Poisons and Overdose Drug Overdose and Poisoning Emergencies Overview Toxicology is the study of poisonous or harmful substances and their effects on the body. A poison is any substance capable of causing injury, illness, or death after entering the body and producing harmful chemical effects. Even a relatively small amount of some substances may cause […]
Hemodynamic Emergencies
Cardiogenic Shock Overview In everyday conversation, the word shock may describe emotional distress, but in emergency medicine it has a specific and potentially life-threatening meaning.Shock occurs when the body cannot provide adequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to its tissues and vital organs. Early recognition is essential because delayed treatment can lead to progressive organ […]
Heart Failure and Fluid Overload
Introduction What Is Heart Failure? Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to adequately meet the body’s needs. It can develop when a disorder interferes with normal ventricular filling, normal ventricular contraction, or the heart’s ability to move blood effectively into the circulation. When the […]
Abnormal Ventilation and Major Respiratory Emergencies
Hypoventilation and Hyperventilation Disorders Overview Hyperventilation and hypoventilation can occur as signs of many different medical emergencies. Their causes can range from relatively mild conditions, such as anxiety, to serious and potentially life-threatening problems, including pulmonary embolism or respiratory failure. Because abnormal ventilation may indicate significant underlying illness, EMS providers must recognize the pattern of […]
Medical Oxygen, Basic Airway Management, and COPD
Medical Oxygen Systems and Cylinder Safety Introduction to Medical Oxygen Oxygen (O₂) is essential for normal aerobic metabolism and cellular function. At sea level, ambient air contains approximately 20.9% oxygen. In many situations, the body is able to obtain enough oxygen from normal breathing. However, during certain medical emergencies, chronic illnesses, respiratory conditions, or exposure […]
Abdominal Injuries
Abdominal & Genitourinary Injuries Abdominal and Genitourinary Trauma Abdominal injuries can be challenging to assess and manage because serious internal damage may exist even when few external findings are present. Definitive treatment for significant abdominal trauma usually occurs at the hospital rather than in the prehospital setting. The abdominal cavity contains many vital organs and […]
Medical Emergencies
Endocrine System Emergencies Blood Glucose Emergencies: Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia Anatomy, Physiology, and Disease Process How Diabetic Emergencies Develop Type 1 Diabetes and Diabetic Ketoacidosis Hypoglycemia / Insulin Shock Type 2 Diabetes and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS/HHNK) Recognition Hypoglycemia Common findings may include: Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) DKA usually develops more rapidly than HHS. […]