Hematological disorders are rare in the prehospital arena; however, it is important to understand the physiology behind these disease states. Increased knowledge will enable healthcare providers to conduct an improved assessment and better understand treatment for those patients.
Special Populations
Back To The Basics: Hematology
Hematology: the subject in EMT or paramedic school where you thought, “Why do I need to know this?” I am even willing to admit it is not one of my favorite sections to teach. Interestingly though, one of the consistent issues is that many patients with a hematological disorder have complicated medical histories. As such, when they experience an acute exacerbation, their condition requires EMS professionals to perform a more thorough-than-normal assessment and physical exam. A thorough understanding of the pathophysiology of these diseases, early recognition, and prompt transport can reduce patient morbidity and mortality.
Back to the Basics: Pediatric Trauma
EMS professionals must consider the unique pediatric trauma victims’ anatomy and physiology during the interim treatment and transport. How do these differences from adults influence the findings during a trauma assessment and then dictate the ensuing management? Let’s take a closer look.
Eclampsia & Preeclampsia: Pregnancy Hypertensive Disorders
As women progress through pregnancy, one of the more dangerous conditions that they may experience is that of eclampsia and preeclampsia. Both are classified as hypertensive disorders in the pregnant patient. An awareness of conditions that may predispose patients to preeclampsia and eclampsia are an important baseline for recognition.
Geriatrics
Understand age-related pathophysiology the the body systems. Review key points of geriatric assessment and treatment.
NREMT FAQs: Test Anxiety, OB/GYN, Pediatrics, & Medical Terminology
We are on our third installment of NREMT FAQs, sent in by students during our live review session! This time around, our student attendees had questions involving: Test Anxiety, OB/PEDS, and Medical Terminology.
Pathophysiology: Lifespan Development
Learn about physical and psychosocial differences over the lifespan. Know the assessment challenges for different age groups.
Pediatric Respiratory Distress
Learn about the pathophysiology of respiratory distress in children, including asthma and parenchymal tissue diseases. Review signs and symptoms, treatments, and important concepts for working with children.
Pediatrics
Pediatric patients are among the most challenging. Can you recognize the key signs that will help you assess and treat infants, toddlers and kids?
Physical Changes In The Geriatric Patient
Older adults are unique in medical and trauma-related emergencies, as their anatomy and physiology are in a complex, ever-changing state at the structural, functional, and molecular levels. Diseases interact with pure aging effects to cause geriatric-specific complications. EMS professionals should be aware of these changes to correctly assess older patients, as they can mask underlying severe pathology.