emti2008

I have been taught to get the pt. into a cool environment first. If the pt. is a&o x4 then they can sit up and sip up to a liter of water if nausea does not develope, other wise lay them supine, if nausea is present they can lay in recovery position. If decreased LOC then lay them back, do not give water try to get a line if it's in your protocols and transport. I hope that helps some, I had heat exaustion a month and a half ago. I can tell you that they used ice to cool me down which was not a good idea. It threw me into convulsions, i had been unconcious and they were trying to talk to me but I couldn't respond, even though I could hear some of what they were saying, I was considered a load and go, and they stuck me 5 times to get an IV in me, so I say this to say that if anyone has said use ice it's really not that good, it can cool the body down too rapidly during heat exaustion. You should also look for signs that they may be going into heat stroke because it's a different protocol where I'm at... Hope it helps some.

Thank You.

Does anyone have a scenario for EMT's. I would like to stretch by brain. Please post one if you have one.

No that's why I was confused about it. She said that Verapamil has a Diuretic in it, but I think she is mistaken as well because I looked it up on multiple wedsites and can not find where it says that it has one in it. The side effects do say that it can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, fatigue, nausea, and of course a decrease in BP. The signs of OD is also dizziness, LOC, irregular HR, and syncope. It also says if one has SOB or peripheral edema to contact Dr. ASAP because it can cause CHF, it also says it can cause liver and kidney damage. I would rather deal with a little HTN than CHF, but both can kill you so.....anyway I researched the medicine and did not see anything about a diuretic.

Thanks for standing up for those who cannot stand for themselves sometimes. I a very familiar with this topic as well...There are those of us (survivors of such addictions as cutting, true cutting not just for attention) who get "caught" just as we are slipping away. If you can talk to them and let them know that they are free to talk it really helps. And you should also know that if caught AND properly treated they can live a normal healthy life. They are human beings with feelings just like anyone else, so please don't judge them, it will only make it worse.

Thanks, We didn't learn about the MAP, but it's something that is good to know. I know that diuetics can lower it, but I was talking with a friend who is a nurse and she said that the medication Verapamil can have this affect. I looked up Verapamil and it is a Ca. Channel Blocker, and I didn't see anything about it having a Diuretic in it. Either way, I'm not going to fret over it. I do treat the Pt. for the Pt. and not the #'s, I just wanted to know what the standard #'s were. Thanks to all.

Pt. states that that is the BP while not on the Medication; and can't some calcium channel blockers lower the potassium level? I'm sorry but what is a MAP. I don't remember learning that one. thank you I'm about to look at it now. Tnak you all for your information, it really helps, I'm still new at this.

Yes I can read it, and I'm glad I don't have to worry about my spelling, I suck at it anyway.... Oh and can I watch too, sounds fun! Oh and I now I'm strange.

Ok if the Pt. in the 'little car' just smoked an 8ball, they were more than likely relaxed when they hit the 'suv' which causes less damage than when someone tenses up before an impact. I guess the 'suv' Pt. was protected because the other vehicle was small and their vehicle was larger, also did they have seatbelt and airbags, that would make a difference, and were they able to slow down before impact. Just my thoughts....

I live in a faily small county, we get a lot of 'code 30 from a fall/mvi' which is possible injury, and 'code55 (sick person)' CP, and SOB mostly, ocaisional unresponsive.

Umm, the normal BP is high (160/100-140/92), which is the first reason Pt. was put on medication, but medication is also used in treatment of Hx of Angina and Palpitations. and only 5 years of Hx, no problems before. How low would the #'s need to be to be concerned that it is a problem that needs to be fixed.

Hx of Angina, HTN, and Palpitations

Ok so I have my EMT-I, and I have a question about hypotension. First, when is a BP reading in a normal, healthy adult considered to be hypotensive. I've looked back in my book and it says that a normal systolic BP is 90-140 systolic, but it does not say what the normal Diastolic BP is. Second, if you have a 23 y/o female Pt. taking a Ca channel blocker, c/o dizzyness and is slightly lathargic and the BP reading is consistently 99/58 to 99/68 (taken q5min), is it considered hypotension, and what would be the definitive treatment. Please help me with this, and if you have any questions or need me to explain it better let me know.

Thanks, you know now they consider EMT-I's medics, but I know your talking of Paramedics here. One question, what's a EMT-CT? They can do some of the cardiac support that Paramedics do, like ACLS. Here in Savannah we are not allowed to give Narcan, but most of our vans have either an EMT-I and a Paramedic or two Paramedics so someone is on scene who can administer it. Around here we need a steady supply of it, especially on the weekends (payday).

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention I'm halfway through Fire Fighter One classes, taking my midterm Monday! I'll be a "Blue Helmet" soon. We actually will be allowed to carry out own First Responder Bags, which as a first responder you can do just basic stuff. VS, O2, and CPR in my county, I think it is a GA law. N E way see ya later...