2001 EMT-Intermediate: NSC
Refresher Curriculum

 

2001 EMT-Intermediate: NSC Refresher Curriculum Logo

Instructor Course Guide

 

U.S. Department of Transportation- NHTSA Logo

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: HRSA Logo

Table of Contents

Introduction

Course Overview

Course Planning Considerations

Methods of Delivery

Evaluating the Participant

Program Evaluation

 

Acknowledgments

 

Module I: Airway / Ventilation

 

Module II: Cardiovascular

 

Module III: Medical

 

Module IV: Trauma

 

Module V: Pediatrics

 

Module VI: Other Recommended Content Areas

 

Appendixes

 

INTRODUCTION


HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT PHILOSOPHY

As part of the revision project for the EMT-Intermediate and EMT-Paramedic: National Standard Curricula (NSC), the contractor was directed to develop the EMT-Paramedic and EMT-Intermediate Continuing Education, National Guidelines. The guidelines document, developed as a substitute for traditional refresher courses, gives the reader an overview of competency assurance mechanisms to promote the delivery of medically appropriate patient care. The guidelines document defined refresher programs as follows:

Refresher programs are a review of the original program in a condensed number of hours. While ideal for the purpose of remediation, they are not intended to expand the cognitive or psychomotor ability above the entry level. Therefore, refresher courses should not be considered a means of continued expansion of cognitive information and introduction of new psychomotor skills. They are not intended to deliver relevant contemporary information to practitioners who are currently active in the field.

Although the guidelines document is widely used by the EMS community, the definition for refresher programs caused the EMS community to ask that refresher courses be developed. A contract to develop the refresher courses went to the National Association of EMS Educators (NAEMSE) and they convened a task force of EMS stakeholders inclusive of regulators, physicians, association representatives, providers, and educators.

Some challenges undertaken by the task force were:

  1. The development of a refresher program based on scientific data.
  2. A program that could be delivered in different formats.
  3. A program flexible enough to meet the specific needs of different systems while maintaining the intent of a refresher program.
  4. The need to incorporate relevant contemporary material.

The task force used EMS provider practice data, an EMS literature review, expert opinion, and a final EMS community review to develop the refresher programs. Previous versions of EMS refresher programs have been based on a perceived need and not on scientific evidence. With this in mind, the Refresher Development Task Force relied heavily on the findings of the 1999 NREMT Practice Analysis and the following documents:

  1. The EMS Agenda for the Future
  2. The EMS Education Agenda for the Future, A Systems Approach
  3. The National EMS Education and Practice Blueprint
  4. EMT-Paramedic and EMT-Intermediate Continuing Education, National Guidelines
  5. 1999 EMT-Intermediate National Standard Curriculum

Each of the above documents was created as individual projects, but they are designed to work as a systems approach to EMS and integrate with one another. Contact the NHTSA EMS Division to obtain copies of these documents.

In 1994, the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) performed the first nationally conducted practice analysis of EMS. The information obtained in the first analysis was used in the development of the 1998 EMT-Paramedic and 1999 EMT-Intermediate: NSC. In 1999, the NREMT conducted its second practice analysis.

The 1999 NREMT Practice Analysis is a scientific, randomized national sampling of practicing EMT-Paramedic and EMT-Intermediates. The EMTs participating in the practice analysis provided data on 123 various patient assessments focusing on patient care and operational tasks that make up the day-to-day functions of the providers. Each provider indicated the frequency they performed each task and the potential for harm they experienced accomplishing each task. A Practice Analysis Committee reviewed the data, validated the responses, and published the data in a peer reviewed medical journal. The NREMT Practice Analysis Committee used this data to develop a plan that grouped the identified tasks into the following six content areas:

The specific tasks from the practice analysis are listed in appendix A. The NREMT supplied the data from their practice analysis to the EMT-Intermediate refresher development task force. This information was used to help determine specific content for the refresher course.

The refresher task force used the NREMT data to identify tasks that are infrequent and may cause potential harm to the patient if delayed, performed improperly, or omitted when providing care. The panel decided to "refresh" these tasks since patient outcome is jeopardized if the task is not correctly performed. An example of this would be "Provide care to an infant or child with cardiac arrest." The practice analysis categorizes this task as number 113 of 123 for frequency, but lists it as the number one task for potential for harm. The panel agreed and decided to include this task as a mandatory part of the refresher program.

Likewise, a task such as "Provide care to a patient with a painful, swollen, deformed extremity" is listed as task number 98 in frequency and number 100 as potential for harm. This task is not included as a mandatory part of the refresher program. Other tasks that are performed frequently and lack potential for harm are not included as a mandatory part of this refresher program. Again, the refresher course only targets infrequently performed tasks with a high potential for harm.

Upon further review of the practice analysis, the task force identified a few frequently performed tasks that have a very high potential for harm. The task force decided to also include all tasks with a high potential for harm, regardless of their frequency of performance.

Another tool used in the development of this refresher program was an EMS literature review. The literature review found issues not identified by the data from the NREMT Practice Analysis. The task force also sought expert opinion and feedback from the EMS community to identify additional course content.

COURSE OVERVIEW


Traditional refresher programs refresh material already known by the students. The intent of these programs is to maintain a students competence in knowledge and skill performance. This refresher program embraces the same concept, but it also encourages the inclusion of new and expanded information. New and expanded information may be added to the course but not at the expense of content that is core material for the program. This course is not designed to be continuing education for the participants. If a system wishes to incorporate additional information or a new intervention that requires a substantial amount of time to teach, the information must be offered in addition to the content of the refresher program. Moreover, this course is not a transition or bridge course for EMT-Intermediates to become certified at the revised 1999 EMT-Intermediate level.

The participant make-up in a refresher program may challenge the instructional staff. Participants who attend a refresher program may do so for a variety of reasons. Some students may not have practiced for a period of time and are attending to gain back their level of competence prior to practicing again. Others may attend to remediate or gain refresher or continuing education hours. Knowledge of the participant make-up will help the instructors meet the participants needs. A thorough knowledge of the re-credentialing requirements and approval process is a must for any organization sponsoring a refresher program.

NREMT PRACTICE ANALYSIS TASK ITEMS

The NREMT Practice Analysis task items are listed at the beginning of each module. These tasks are included based upon their performance frequency and potential for harm.

OBJECTIVES and DECLARATIVE MATERIAL

The objectives and declarative material are extracted from the 1999 EMT-Intermediate: NSC and they support the identified practice analysis tasks. The objectives and declarative material are renumbered for formatting purposes; however, the original objective number from the NSC is found at the end of each objective. The declarative material provides guidance for programs to use to establish their own individual lesson plans.

The objectives in modules 1-5 are mandatory objectives and must be included in every refresher program. The objectives for the operational section should be considered recommended content for the refresher course. Any other objectives and declarative information has not been included and should be developed by the sponsoring agency.

TIME REQUIREMENTS

The length of this refresher program will vary according to a number of factors. Some of these factors are as follows:

The recommended time to instruct the mandatory objectives for the refresher program is 40 to 80 hours. Training institutes will need to adjust these times based on their individual needs. The agencies responsible for program oversight are cautioned against using these hours as a measure of program quality. Competence of the participants, not adherence to arbitrary time frames, is the true measurement of program quality.

COURSE PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS


NEEDS ASSESSMENT

The first step for the needs assessment is the performance of a comprehensive analysis of the factors that influence the local pre-hospital emergency care delivery system. Some factors included in this analysis are:

The second step of the needs assessment is an analysis of the education needs of the course participants. This assessment may include the following:

The information collected during the assessment process may be used as a guide to select specific material for the classroom. The assessment results can determine the course format, course schedule, and course methods. The selected material may be subjected to national, State, and local standards.

COURSE DESIGN

The following steps will assist with the design and implementation of the course design.

Determine regulatory requirements for course conduct:
The refresher course will be approved or accredited by the appropriate local or state agency. A part of this approval process will be the length of the course, the course content, and the faculty requirements or restrictions.

Develop schedule:
The course is designed to allow programs to present the material in a variety of formats. The program may be delivered in class sessions that might include 8 hour consecutive days or may be taught in a shorter sessions extended over a period of months.

Determine class size:
The course emphasizes the evaluation of participant skills. Class size should be manageable and allow students an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers or assistance from the instructor.

Since the instructor must observe and evaluate student performance, it is essential that the groups size not be too large when evaluating practical skills. Consider segmenting the class into smaller groups, such as 6:1 (students to instructor) when doing the practical skills session.

METHODS of DELIVERY


INSTRUCTOR ATTRIBUTES

Instructing a refresher program for practicing EMT-Intermediates is a challenge. We often hear that refresher programs lack challenge, cover material already well known, and are not deemed as useful for the participants. Faculty members must possess expertise in both the content area they instruct and in multiple delivery styles. Instructors must be proficient in performing the skills that they are instructing. Knowing your students abilities and the local EMS systems expectations is essential for a successful program.

Instructional staff must be appropriately credentialed according to local or state requirements. The course medical director must be available throughout the program and be aware of the course design and evaluation instruments being used. The course medical director may be utilized for medical expertise.

INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACH

Given the repetitive nature of refresher education, it is easy for participants to become bored and lack enthusiasm about the program. The overuse of lecturing is ineffective as the sole method of learning. To improve the quality of the educational experience for instructors and participants, creative and innovative instructional activities are strongly recommended. Consider using some of the following:

Case Presentation
Case presentation and discussion helps participants apply and understand the content by relating to their field experiences. The instructional staff can generate cases by using actual calls. Instructors should develop case studies to highlight key points of their presentations and the area of content being delivered. The most successful case presentations are those placing the participant(s) in a decision-making role allowing them to see the consequences of their decisions. Case presentations can be used in any format, such as, large classes, small groups, and individual instruction. Several examples and templates for case construction are in Appendix B.

Simulations
Simulations are case presentations incorporating role-playing situations. The role players may be other participants, programmed (standardized) patients, or manikins. Simulations work best when they are realistic and present situations the participant(s) may encounter, highlighting key points of the content area. Instructors and participants may critique simulations if the classroom environment is adequate.

Technology
We live in a time when technology is expanding in development and practical use. Though it is hard to say what will be the state of the art delivery system for education resources in the future, participation by the student will likely enhance the learning process.

DISTRIBUTED LEARNING

Distributed learning includes several alternative methods and media usage. Self-study programs, videotapes, audiotapes, and computer-based instruction are just a few examples of distributed learning. These alternative methods of instruction provide an opportunity to review and learn new cognitive knowledge, but they may not replace the need to practice or demonstrate a psychomotor skill. The use of a distributed learning process may best be applied in the remediation of cognitive knowledge identified in a needs assessment. Course directors and the credentialing agency should evaluate distributed learning products to assure that they meet the course goals and objectives.

EVALUATING THE PARTICIPANTS


In order for the refresher program sponsor to issue a certificate of program completion, an evaluation process must be employed. The evaluation process should measure both cognitive knowledge and psychomotor skills. Individuals who are unsuccessful may be counseled and a course of action for remediation developed.

COGNITIVE EVALUATION

Authoring a valid written evaluation is both a science and an art. While some instructors possess skills in writing test questions, some others may not. A variety of commercially available test question banks may be useful to the instructional staff during the refresher program. Regardless of the tool used, the purpose of the cognitive measurement tool must be known before a test can be validated. The instructional staff must use basic test construction principles to develop written evaluation instruments.

Written evaluation questions should be balanced to the program content. Items should be based upon what is taught and emphasized throughout the program and should have a difficulty measurement. A test written so each participant can obtain a score of 90% without taking the course lacks measurement ability and validation. Test items must be reviewed by faculty members, including the course medical director, to ensure content validation. Correct answers need to be the best choice or the only correct answer. Incorrect answers and distracters should be plausible to the item and have some attraction to the less than competent participant. Finally, a pass/fail score should be established based upon item analysis and judgment by faculty members responsible for issuing course completion certificates.

PSYCHOMOTOR EVALUATION

The following have been identified as essential items in the 2001 EMT-Intermediate Refresher Program:

Trauma assessment
Medical assessment
Ventilation
  • Adult
  • Pediatric
Cardiac arrest management
  • Adult
  • Pediatric
Medication administration
  • Intravenous
  • Intraosseous
Oral scenarios
Basic skills
  • Seated spinal immobilization
  • Femoral/longbone immobilization
  • Wounds, bleeding, and shock management
Lifting, moving, and carrying patients

Validation of psychomotor performance must be accomplished prior to issuing a certificate of course completion. Three opportunities are available to the instructional staff to validate a participants performance.

Pretest
The use of a psychomotor pretest is the best measurement of an individuals performance. The pretest identifies skills that need to be emphasized during the course. Likewise, if all candidates possess competency in a skill prior to taking the program, it may not be necessary to cover that skill.

Skill Labs
When the sponsoring agency does not administer a pretest, the staff can use the skill labs to measure the competency of each participant. The skill labs ensure validation is sprinkled throughout the refresher program.

End of Program
At the end of the refresher program an evaluation process can be utilized if a pretest and skill labs were not used. If an end of program evaluation process is used, some skills may need to be re-evaluated if participants are unsuccessful.

Participants must have documentation of demonstrating competence for each skill identified during the program regardless of what process is used.

The refresher curriculum is the minimum acceptable content to be covered by education programs. With certifying agency approval, the student may meet some program objectives by satisfactorily completing a nationally recognized trauma life support program, cardiac care program, or pediatric care program. Although some certifying agencies allow providers to attend continuing education programs, it is recommended that providers participate in regularly scheduled group education sessions as well.

REMEDIATION

Participants who do not complete the programs objectives or pass the evaluation process should have their performance reviewed by one of the instructional staff members. The participants strengths and weaknesses should be identified and a plan developed that helps the participant successfully complete the requirements. This plan may include additional classroom time, clinical time, field time, or repeating the entire program.

PROGRAM EVALUATION


Refresher programs are often provided by the same instructional staff in a variety of settings to different groups of participants. The program staff should evaluate each program for its effectiveness when completed. The evaluation can include the participants point of view by administering post program evaluation surveys. Some questions to ask when evaluating program effectiveness include:

At the end of each program, the faculty and course medical director must meet to determine if the course met its desired needs. The faculty needs to review content design, measurements, course completion criteria, and participant comments. Adjustments to future programs may be indicated once the evaluation process is complete.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS


The development of this document would not have been possible without the involvement and help of the following task force members and organizations. Gratitude and thanks are also extended to all the individuals who made comments during the development of this document.

Refresher Curriculum Development Task Force Members

Linda M. Abrahamson
Education Coordinator
Silver Cross Hospital
Joliet, Illinois
NAEMT

Joann Freel

Executive Director

National Association of EMS Educators

Carnegie, Pennsylvania

NAEMSE Task Force Administrator

Mike Armacost

Director

Colorado Department of Health

Prehospital Care Program

Denver, Colorado

NASEMSD

Art Hsieh

Section Chief EMS Inservice Training

San Francisco Fire Department

San Francisco, California

NAEMSE

David Bryson

EMS Specialist

NHTSA

Washington, DC

NHTSA

Jon Krohmer, MD

Kent County EMS

Grand Rapids, Michigan

NAEMSP

William E. Brown Jr.

Executive Director

National Registry of EMTs

Columbus, Ohio

NREMT

David LaCombe

Deputy Chief

Sanibel Fire Rescue District

Sanibel, Florida

Expert Writer

Debra Cason

EMS Program Director

UT Southwestern Medical Center

Dallas, Texas

NAEMSE Project Director

Dennis Mitchell

EMS Instructor

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Little Rock, Arkansas

NAEMT

Russell Crowley

EMS Education Director

Alabama Department of Health

EMS Division

Montgomery, Alabama

NCSEMSTC

Steve Mercer

Education Coordinator

Iowa Department of Public Health

Bureau of EMS

Des Moines, Iowa

NAEMSE Project Coordinator

 

Robert K. Waddell II

Director EMS Systems

MCHB/EMSC National Resource Center

Washington, DC

MCHB/EMSC

MODULE I: AIRWAY / VENTILATION


NREMT PRACTICE ANALYSIS TASK ITEM

COGNITIVE OBJECTIVES
At the completion of this unit, the EMT-Intermediate will be able to:

1.1 Describe the indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, complications, and technique for ventilating a patient by: (C-1) / 2-1.31
  • Mouth-to-mouth
  • Mouth-to-nose
  • Mouth-to-mask
  • One person bag-valve-mask
  • Two person bag-valve-mask
  • Three person bag-valve-mask
  • Flow-restricted, oxygen-powered ventilation device
1.2 Explain the advantage of the two-person method when ventilating with the bag-valve-mask. (C-1) / 2-1.32
1.3 Compare the ventilation techniques used for an adult patient to those used for pediatric patients. (C-3) / 2-1.36
1.4 Describe indications, contraindications, advantages, disadvantages, complications, and technique for ventilating a patient with an automatic transport ventilator (ATV). (C-1) / 2-1.33
1.5 Define how to ventilate with a patient with a stoma, including mouth-to-stoma and bag-valve-mask-to-stoma ventilation. (C-1) / 2-1.37
1.6 Describe the special considerations in airway management and ventilation for patients with facial injuries. (C-1) / 2-1.63
1.7 Describe the special considerations in airway management and ventilation for the pediatric patient. (C-1) / 2-1.64

PSYCHOMOTOR OBJECTIVES
At the completion of this unit, the EMT-Intermediate will be able to:

1.8
  1. Demonstrate ventilating a patient by the following techniques: (P-2) / 2-1.75
  • Mouth-to-mask ventilation
  • One person bag-valve-mask
  • Two person bag-valve-mask
  • Three person bag-valve-mask
  • Flow-restricted, oxygen-powered ventilation device
  • Automatic transport ventilator
  • Mouth-to-stoma
  • Bag-valve-mask-to-stoma ventilation
1.9 Ventilate a pediatric patient using the one and two person techniques. (P-2) / 2-1.77
1.10 Perform bag-valve-mask ventilation with an in-line small-volume nebulizer. (P-2) / 2-1.74

DECLARATIVE

  1. Ventilation
    1. Mouth-to-mouth
      1. Most basic form of ventilation
      2. Indications
        1. Apnea from any mechanism when other ventilation devices are not available
      3. Contraindications
        1. Awake patients
        2. Communicable disease risk limitations
      4. Advantages
        1. No special equipment required
        2. Delivers excellent tidal volume
        3. Delivers adequate oxygen
      5. Disadvantages
        1. Psychological barriers from
          1. Sanitary issues
          2. Communicable disease issues
            1. Direct blood/ body fluid contact
            2. Unknown communicable disease risks at time of event
      6. Complications
        1. Hyperinflation of patient's lungs
        2. Gastric distension
        3. Blood/ body fluid contact manifestation
        4. Hyperventilation of rescuer
    2. Mouth-to-nose
      1. Ventilating through nose rather than mouth
      2. Indications
        1. Apnea from any mechanism
      3. Contraindications
        1. Awake patients
      4. Advantages
        1. No special equipment required
      5. Disadvantages
        1. Direct blood/ body fluid contact
        2. Psychological limitations of rescuer
      6. Complications
        1. Hyperinflation of patient's lungs
        2. Gastric distension
        3. Blood/ body fluid manifestation
        4. Hyperventilation of rescuer
    3. Mouth-to-mask
      1. Adjunct to mouth-to-mouth ventilation
      2. Indications
        1. Apnea from any mechanism
      3. Contraindications
        1. Awake patients
      4. Advantages
        1. Physical barrier between rescuer and patient blood/ body fluids
        2. One-way valve to prevent blood/ body fluid splash to rescuer
        3. May be easier to obtain face seal
      5. Disadvantages
        1. Useful only if readily available
      6. Complications
        1. Hyperinflation of patient's lungs
        2. Hyperventilation of rescuer
        3. Gastric distention
      7. Method for use
        1. Position head by appropriate method
        2. Position and seal mask over mouth and nose
        3. Ventilate as appropriate
    4. One person bag-valve-mask
      1. Fixed volume self inflating bag can deliver adequate tidal volumes and O2 enrichment
      2. Indications
        1. Apnea from any mechanism
        2. Unsatisfactory respiratory effort
      3. Contraindications
        1. Awake, intolerant patients
      4. Advantages
        1. Excellent blood/ body fluid barrier
        2. Good tidal volumes
        3. Oxygen enrichment
        4. Rescuer can ventilate for extended periods without fatigue
      5. Disadvantages
        1. Difficult skill to master
        2. Mask seal may be difficult to obtain and maintain
        3. Tidal volume delivered is dependent on mask seal integrity
      6. Complications
        1. Inadequate tidal volume delivery
        2. Poor technique
        3. Poor mask seal
        4. Gastric distention
      7. Method for use
        1. Position appropriately
        2. Choose proper mask size - seats from bridge of nose to chin
        3. Position, spread/ mold/ seal mask
        4. Hold mask in place
        5. Squeeze bag completely over 1.5 to 2 seconds for adults
        6. Avoid overinflation
        7. Reinflate completely over several seconds
      8. Special considerations
        1. Medical
          1. Observe for
            1. Gastric distension
            2. Changes in compliance of bag with ventilation
            3. Improvement or deterioration of ventilation status (i.e., color change, responsiveness, air leak around mask)
        2. Trauma
          1. Very difficult to perform with cervical spine immobilization in place
    5. Two-person bag-valve-mask ventilation method
      1. Most efficient method
      2. Indications
        1. Bag-valve-mask ventilation on any patient
          1. Especially useful for cervical spine immobilized patients
          2. Difficulty obtaining or maintaining adequate mask seal
      3. Contraindications
        1. Awake, intolerant patients
      4. Advantages
        1. Superior mask seal
        2. Superior volume delivery
      5. Disadvantages
        1. Requires extra personnel
      6. Complications
        1. Hyperinflation of patient's lungs
        2. Gastric distention
      7. Method for use
        1. First rescuer maintains mask seal by appropriate method
        2. Second rescuer squeezes bag
      8. Special considerations
        1. Observe chest movement
        2. Avoid overinflation
        3. Monitor lung compliance with ventilations
    6. Three-person bag-valve-mask ventilation
      1. Indications
        1. Bag-valve-mask ventilation on any patient
          1. Especially useful for cervical spine immobilized patients
          2. Difficulty obtaining or maintaining adequate mask seal
      2. Contraindications
        1. Awake, intolerant patients
      3. Advantages
        1. Superior mask seal
        2. Superior volume density
      4. Disadvantages
        1. Requires extra personnel
        2. "Crowded" around airway
      5. Complications
        1. Hyperinflation of patients lungs
        2. Gastric distention
      6. Method for use
        1. First rescuer maintains mask seal by appropriate method
        2. Second rescuer holds mask in place
        3. Third rescuer squeezes bag and monitors compliance
      7. Special considerations
        1. Avoid overinflation
        2. Monitor lung compliance with ventilations
    7. Flow-restricted, oxygen-powered ventilation devices
      1. The valve opening pressure at the cardiac sphincter is approx. 30 cm H2O
      2. These devices operate at or below 30 cm H2O to prevent gastric distention
      3. Indications
        1. Delivery of high volume/ high concentration of O2 (1 L/ sec)
        2. Awake compliant patients
        3. Unconscious patient with caution
      4. Contraindications
        1. Noncompliant patients
        2. Poor tidal volume
        3. Small children
      5. Advantages
        1. Self administered
        2. Delivers high volume/ high concentration O2
        3. O2 delivered in response to inspiratory effort (no O2 wasting)
        4. O2 volume delivery is regulated by inspiratory effort minimizing overinflation risk
        5. O2 volume delivery is also restricted to less than 30 cm H2O
      6. Disadvantages
        1. Cannot monitor lung compliance
        2. Requires O2 source
      7. Complications
        1. Gastric distention
        2. Barotrauma
      8. Method
        1. Mask is held manually in place
        2. Negative pressure upon inspiration triggers O2 delivery or medic triggers release button
        3. Patient is monitored for adequate tidal volume and oxygenation
    8. Automatic transport ventilators
      1. Volume/ rate controlled
      2. Indications
        1. Extended ventilation of intubated patients
        2. In situations in which a BVM is used
        3. Can be used during CPR
      3. Contraindications
        1. Awake patients
        2. Obstructed airway
        3. Increased airway resistance
          1. Pneumothorax (after needle decompression)
          2. Asthma
          3. Pulmonary edema
      4. Advantages
        1. Frees personnel to perform other tasks
        2. Lightweight
        3. Portable
        4. Durable
        5. Mechanically simple
        6. Adjustable tidal volume
        7. Adjustable rate
        8. Adapts to portable O2 tank
      5. Disadvantages
        1. Cannot detect tube displacement
        2. Does not detect increasing airway resistance
        3. Difficult to secure
        4. Dependent on O2 tank pressure
    9. Cricoid pressure - Sellicks maneuver
      1. Pressure on cricoid Ring
      2. Occludes esophagus
      3. Facilitates intubation by moving the larynx posteriorly
      4. Helps to prevent passive emesis
      5. Can help minimize gastric distention during bag-valve-mask ventilation
      6. Indications
        1. Unconscious patients receiving BVM ventilations
        2. Patient cannot protect own airway
      7. Contraindications
        1. Use with caution in cervical spine injury
      8. Advantages
        1. Noninvasive
        2. Minimizes risk of aspiration as long as pressure is maintained
      9. Disadvantages
        1. May have extreme emesis if pressure is removed
        2. Second rescuer required for bag-valve-mask ventilation
        3. May further compromise injured cervical spine
      10. Complications
        1. Laryngeal trauma with excessive force
        2. Esophageal rupture from unrelieved high gastric pressures
        3. Excessive pressure may obstruct the trachea in small children
      11. Method
        1. Locate the anterior aspect of the cricoid ring
        2. Apply firm, posterior pressure
        3. Maintain pressure until the airway is secured with an endotracheal tube
    10. Artificial ventilation of the pediatric patient
      1. Flat nasal bridge makes achieving mask seal more difficult
      2. Compressing mask against face to improve mask seal results in obstruction
      3. Mask seal best achieved with jaw displacement (two person bag-valve-mask)
      4. Bag-valve-mask ventilation
        1. Bag size
          1. Full-term neonates and infants - minimum of 450 ml tidal volume (pediatric BVM)
          2. Children up to eight years of age - pediatric BVM preferred but adult-sized BVM (1500 ml) may be used
          3. Children over eight years of age require adult-sized BVM for adequate ventilation
          4. Proper mask fit
          5. Length based resuscitation tape
          6. Bridge of nose to cleft of chin
        2. Proper mask position and seal (EC-clamp)
          1. Place mask over mouth and nose; avoid compressing the eyes
          2. Using one hand, place thumb on mask at apex and index finger on mask at chin (C-grip)
          3. With gentle pressure, push down on mask to establish adequate seal
          4. Maintain airway by lifting bony prominence of chin with remaining fingers forming an "E"; avoid placing pressure on the soft area under chin
          5. May use one or two rescuer technique
        3. Ventilate according to current standards
        4. Obtain chest rise with each breath
          1. Begin ventilation and say "squeeze"; provide just enough volume to initiate chest rise; DO NOT OVERVENTILATE
        5. Allow adequate time for exhalation
          1. Begin releasing the bag and say "release, release"
        6. Continue ventilations using "squeeze, release, release" method
        7. Assess BVM ventilation
          1. Look for adequate chest rise
          2. Listen for lung sounds at third intercostal space, midaxillary line
          3. Assess for improvement in color and/ or heart rate
        8. Apply cricoid pressure to minimize gastric inflation and passive regurgitation
          1. Locate cricoid ring by palpating the trachea for a prominent horizontal band inferior to the thyroid cartilage and cricothyroid membrane
          2. Apply gentle downward pressure using one fingertip in infants and the thumb and index finger in children
          3. Avoid excessive pressure as it may produce tracheal compression and obstruction in infants
    11. Ventilation of stoma patients
      1. Mouth-to-stoma
        1. Locate stoma site and expose
        2. Pocket mask to stoma preferred
          1. Seal around stoma site, check for adequate ventilation
          2. Seal mouth and nose if air leak evident
      2. Bag-valve-mask to stoma
        1. Locate stoma site and expose
        2. Seal around stoma site, check for adequate ventilation
        3. Seal mouth and nose if air leak evident

MODULE II: CARDIOVASCULAR


NREMT TASK ANALYSIS ITEMS

COGNITIVE OBJECTIVES
At the completion of this unit, the EMT-Intermediate will be able to:

2.1 Identify the specific mechanical, pharmacological and electrical therapeutic interventions for patients with arrhythmias causing compromise. (C-1) / 5-2.13
2.2 Describe the pharmacological agents available to the EMT-Intermediate for use in the management of arrhythmias and cardiovascular emergencies. (C-2) / 5-2.22
2.3 Develop, execute and evaluate a treatment plan based on the field impression for the patient with chest pain that may be indicative of angina or myocardial infarction. (C-3) / 5-2.23
2.4 List and describe the pharmacological agents available to the EMT-Intermediate for use in the management of a patient with cardiac compromise. (C-1) / 5-2.28
2.5 List the interventions prescribed for the patient with a hypertensive emergency. (C-1) / 5-2.31
2.6 Identify local protocol dictating circumstances and situations where resuscitation efforts would not be initiated. (C-1) / 5-2.36
2.7 Identify local protocol dictating circumstances and situations where resuscitation efforts would be discontinued. (C-1) / 5-2.37
2.8 Identify the critical actions necessary in caring for the patient in cardiac arrest. (C-2) / 5-2.38

PSYCHOMOTOR OBJECTIVES
At the completion of this unit, the EMT-Intermediate will be able to:

2.9 Set up and apply a transcutaneous pacing system. (P-3) / 5-2.45
2.10 Given the model of a patient with signs and symptoms of pulmonary edema, position the patient to afford comfort and relief. (P-3) / 5-2.46

DECLARATIVE

  1. Management of the patient with arrhythmias
    1. Assessment
      1. Symptomatic
      2. Hypotensive
      3. Hypoperfusion
    2. Treatment
      1. Mechanical interventions
        1. Vagal maneuvers - if the heart rate is too fast
        2. Stimulation - if heart rate is too slow
        3. Precordial thump
        4. Cough
      2. Pharmacological interventions (for example)
        1. Aspirin
        2. Atropine
        3. Adenosine
        4. Epinephrine
        5. Furosemide
        6. Lidocaine
        7. Morphine
        8. Nitroglycerin
        9. Oxygen
      3. Electrical
        1. Defibrillation
        2. Transcutaneous pacing
          1. Implanted pacemaker functions
            1. Characteristics
            2. Pacemaker artifact
            3. ECG tracing of capture
            4. Failure to sense
              1. ECG indications
              2. Clinical significance
            5. Failure to capture
              1. ECG indications
              2. Clinical significance
            6. Failure to pace
              1. ECG indications
              2. Clinical significance
      4. Transport considerations
      5. Psychological support / communications strategies
        1. Explanation for patient, family, significant others
        2. Communications and transfer of data to the physician
  2. Management of chest pain that may be myocardial infarction
    1. Position of comfort
    2. Pharmacological interventions (for example)
      1. Oxygen
      2. Aspirin
      3. Nitroglycerin
      4. Morphine
    3. ECG
    4. Transport considerations
      1. Sense of urgency for reperfusion
        1. No relief with medications
        2. Hypotension / hypoperfusion
    5. Psychological support / communications strategies
      1. Explanation for patient, family, significant others
      2. Communications and transfer of data to the physician
  3. Cardiac Arrhythmias
    1. Common management modalities
      1. Assessment of LOC, airway, breathing and circulation (ABCs)
      2. High flow oxygen
      3. Question medical and medication history, allergies
      4. Communicate with the physician
      5. Intravenous (IV) access
      6. Consider aspirin
      7. Pain management
        1. Nitroglycerin
        2. Morphine
      8. Transport considerations common to all conditions
      9. Psychological support / communications strategies
        1. Explanation for patient, family, significant others
        2. Communications and transfer of data to the physician
    2. Tachycardias, narrow-QRS complex
      1. Sinus tachycardia
        1. Management - ABCs, oxygen (as in III.A)
        2. Identify and treat the cause - e.g., fever, pain, anxiety, anger
        3. Transport and support (as in III.A.8 and .9)
      2. Supraventricular tachycardia
        1. Management - ABCs, oxygen (as in III.A)
          1. Vagal maneuvers
          2. Consider adenosine
            1. Ventricular rate greater than 150
            2. Use with caution, if at all, in atrial flutter
              1. Fear of catastrophic event resulting from acceleration of ventricular rate, that is, from 2:1 to 1:1 conduction
              2. Every attempt must be taken to clarify that the patient is not in atrial flutter
            3. When in doubt, do not use adenosine
        2. Transport and support (as in III.A.8 and .9)
      3. Wide-complex (see Ventricular tachycardia)
      4. Bradycardia
      5. Narrow complex
        1. Sinus
        2. Junctional
        3. AV blocks
      6. Management - ABCs, oxygen (as in III.A)
        1. Consider atropine if symptomatic, hypotensive and hypoperfusion
          1. Transport and support (as in III.A.8 and .9)
      7. Wide complex
        1. May have a preexisting complication (identified by history)
          1. Accessory pathway
          2. Bundle branch block
        2. New onset
          1. AV blocks
      8. Management - ABCs, oxygen (as in III.A)
        1. Atropine may be contraindicated
      9. Transport for pacemaker
      10. Support (as in III.A.9)
    3. Ventricular arrhythmias
      1. Ectopics (PVCs)
        1. Management - ABCs, oxygen (as in III.A)
        2. Consider lidocaine
        3. Transport and support (as in III.A.8 and .9)
      2. Ventricular tachycardia
        1. Stable, LOC, blood pressure not impaired
          1. Management - ABCs, oxygen (as in III.A)
          2. Consider lidocaine
          3. Consider adenosine
          4. Transport and support (as in III.A.8 and .9)
        2. Unstable
          1. LOC altered, diminished or unresponsive
          2. Chest pain/pressure
          3. Consider sedation
          4. Consider defibrillation
          5. Transport and support (as in III.A.8 and .9)
        3. Pulseless
          1. Defibrillation as soon as possible
          2. Transport and support (as in III.A.8 and .9)
      3. Ventricular fibrillation
        1. Management
          1. Confirm pulselessness
          2. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until defibrillation is available
            1. Confirm pulses with CPR
            2. High flow oxygen
              1. Bag-valve-mask
              2. Intubate
          3. Defibrillation as soon as possible
            1. Energy dosage
              1. In accordance with local medical protocol
              2. In accordance with type and model of defibrillator
          4. Pharmacological interventions (for example)
            1. Epinephrine
            2. Lidocaine
          5. Transport and support (as in III.A.8 and .9)
    4. Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
      1. Management
        1. Confirm pulselessness
        2. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
        3. Confirm pulses with CPR
        4. High flow oxygen
          1. Bag-valve-mask
          2. Intubate
        5. Monitor ECG
          1. Basic ECG rhythm, sinus, atrial, junctional, AV blocks
          2. Ventricular rate
        6. Intravenous (IV) fluids
          1. Fluid challenge
            1. Normal saline
            2. Lactated ringers
        7. Pharmacological interventions (for example)
          1. Epinephrine
          2. Atropine if rhythm is bradycardic
        8. Attempt to identify and treat the cause (for example)
          1. Hypovolemia
          2. Pneumothorax
          3. Tamponade
          4. Hypothermia
          5. Pulmonary embolus
          6. Drug overdose
      2. Transport and support (as in III.A.8 and .9)
    5. Asystole (confirmed in second ECG lead)
      1. Management
        1. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
        2. Confirm pulses with CPR
        3. High flow oxygen
          1. Bag-valve-mask
          2. Intubation
        4. Monitor ECG
          1. Basic ECG rhythm, sinus, atrial, junctional, AV blocks
          2. Ventricular rate
        5. Intravenous (IV) fluids
          1. Fluid challenge
            1. Normal saline
            2. Lactated ringers
        6. Pharmacological interventions (for example)
          1. Epinephrine
          2. Atropine
        7. Attempt to identify and treat the cause (for example)
          1. Hypovolemia
          2. Pneumothorax
          3. Tamponade
          4. Hypothermia
          5. Hyperkalemia
          6. Hypokalemia
          7. Drug overdose
      2. Transport and support (as in III.A.8 and .9)
  4. Management of pulmonary edema
    1. Position of comfort
    2. Pharmacological interventions (for example)
      1. Oxygen
      2. Nitroglycerin
      3. Lasix
      4. Morphine
    3. Transport considerations
    4. Psychological support / communications strategies
      1. Explanation for patient, family, significant others
      2. Communications and transfer of data to the physician
  5. Management of hypertensive emergencies
    1. Pharmacological interventions (for example)
      1. Oxygen
    2. Non-pharmacological interventions
      1. Position of comfort
      2. Airway and ventilation
    3. Transport considerations
    4. Psychological support / communications strategies
      1. Explanation for patient, family, significant others
      2. Communications and transfer of data to the physician
  6. Management of cardiogenic shock
    1. Position of comfort
      1. Patient may prefer sitting upright with legs in dependent position
    2. Pharmacological interventions (for example)
      1. Oxygen
      2. Nitroglycerin
      3. Lasix
      4. Antiarrhythmic as indicated
      5. Fluid therapy
    3. Transport considerations
    4. Psychological support / communications strategies
      1. Explanation for patient, family, significant others
      2. Communications and transfer of data to the physician
  7. Management of cardiac arrest
    1. Related terminology
      1. Resuscitation - to provide efforts to return spontaneous pulse and breathing to the patient in cardiac arrest
      2. Survival - patient is resuscitated and survives to hospital discharge
      3. Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) - patient is resuscitated to the point of having pulse without CPR; may or may not have return of spontaneous respirations; patient may or may not go on to survive
    2. Indications for NOT initiating resuscitative techniques
      1. Signs of obvious death
        1. Rigor, fixed lividity, decapitation
      2. Local protocol
        1. Out of hospital advance directives
    3. Airway and ventilatory support
      1. High flow oxygen
        1. Bag-valve-mask
        2. Intubation
    4. Circulatory support
      1. CPR in conjunction with defibrillation
      2. IV therapy
    5. Pharmacological interventions (for example)
      1. Oxygen
      2. Epinephrine
      3. Lidocaine
    6. Transport considerations
    7. Psychological support / communications strategies
      1. Explanation for patient, family, significant others
      2. Communications and transfer of data to the physician
    8. Termination of resuscitation
      1. Identify local protocols
      2. Criteria for inclusion (for example)
        1. 18 years old or older
        2. Arrest is presumed cardiac in origin and not association with a condition potentially responsive to hospital treatment (e.g., hypothermia, drug overdose, toxicologic exposure)
        3. Endotracheal intubation has been successfully accomplished and maintained
        4. Standard advanced cardiac life support measures have been applied throughout the resuscitative effort
        5. On-scene ALS resuscitation efforts have been sustained for 25 minutes or the patient remains in asystole through four rounds of appropriate ALS drugs
        6. Patient has a cardiac rhythm of asystole or agonal rhythm at the time the decision to terminate is made and this rhythm persists until the arrest is actually terminated
        7. Victims of blunt trauma in arrest whose presenting rhythm is asystole or who develop asystole while on scene
      3. Exclusion criteria (for example)
        1. Under the age of 18
        2. Etiology for which specific in-hospital treatment may be beneficial
        3. Persistent or recurrent ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation
        4. Transient return of pulse
        5. Signs of neurological viability
        6. Arrest was witnessed by EMS personnel
        7. Family or responsible party opposed to termination
      4. Criteria NOT to be considered as inclusionary or exclusionary
        1. Patient age (e.g., geriatric)
        2. Time of collapse prior to EMS arrival
        3. Presence of a non-official do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order
        4. Quality of life valuations
      5. Procedures (according to local protocol)
        1. Direct communication with on-line medical direction
          1. Medical condition of the patient
          2. Known etiologic factors
          3. Therapy rendered
          4. Family present and apprised of the situation
          5. Communicate any resistance or uncertainty on the part of the family
          6. Maintain continuous documentation to include ECG
          7. Mandatory review after the event
            1. Grief support (according to local protocol)
              1. EMS assigned personnel
              2. Community agency referral
            2. Law enforcement (according to local protocol)
              1. On-scene determination if the event/patient requires assignment of the patient to the medical examiner
              2. On-scene law enforcement communicates with attending physician for the death certificate
              3. If there is any suspicion about the nature of the death or if the physician refuses or hesitates to sign the death certificate
              4. No attending physician is identified (the patient will be assigned to the medical examiner)

MODULE III: MEDICAL


NREMT TASK ANALYSIS ITEMS

COGNITIVE OBJECTIVES
At the completion of this unit, the EMT-Intermediate will be able to:

3.1 Describe physical manifestations in anaphylaxis. (C-1) / 5-4.6
3.2 Recognize the signs and symptoms related to anaphylaxis. (C-1) / 5-4.7
3.3 Differentiate among the various treatment and pharmacological interventions used in the management of anaphylaxis. (C-3) / 5-4.8
3.4 Correlate abnormal findings in assessment with the clinical significance in the patient with anaphylaxis. (C-3) / 5-4.10
3.5 Develop a treatment plan based on field impression in the patient with allergic reaction and anaphylaxis. (C-3) / 5-5.11
3.6 List signs and symptoms of near-drowning. (C-1) / 5-8.32
3.7 Discuss the complications and protective role of hypothermia in the context of near-drowning. (C-1) / 5-8.33
3.8 Correlate the abnormal findings in assessment with the clinical significance in the patient with near-drowning. (C-3) / 5-8.34
3.9 Differentiate among the various treatments and interventions in the management of near-drowning. (C-3) / 5-8.35
3.10 Integrate pathophysiological principles and the assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement a treatment plan for the near-drowning patient. (C-3) / 5-8.36
3.11 Review the signs and symptoms related to the most common poisonings by overdose. (C-1) / 5-5.11
3.12 Correlate the abnormal findings in assessment with the clinical significance in patients with the most common poisonings by overdose. (C-3) / 5-5.12

DECLARATIVE

  1. Assessment findings of allergic reaction
    1. Not all signs and symptoms are present in every case
    2. History
      1. Previous exposure
      2. Previous experience to exposure
      3. Onset of symptoms
      4. Dyspnea
    3. Level of consciousness
      1. Unable to speak
      2. Restless
      3. Decreased level of consciousness
      4. Unresponsive
    4. Upper airway
      1. Hoarseness
      2. Stridor
      3. Pharyngeal edema/ spasm
    5. Lower airway
      1. Tachypnea
      2. Hypoventilation
      3. Labored - accessory muscle use
      4. Abnormal retractions
      5. Prolonged expirations
      6. Wheezes
      7. Diminished lung sounds
    6. Skin
      1. Redness
      2. Rashes
      3. Edema
      4. Moisture
      5. Itching
      6. Urticaria
      7. Pallor
      8. Cyanotic
    7. Vital Signs
      1. Tachycardia
      2. Hypotension
      3. Assessment tools
      4. Cardiac monitor
  2. Management of anaphylaxis
    1. Remove offending agent (i.e. remove stinger)
    2. Airway and ventilation
      1. Positioning
      2. Oxygen
      3. Assist ventilation
      4. Advanced airway
    3. Circulation
      1. Venous access
      2. Fluid resuscitation
    4. Pharmacological interventions
      1. Oxygen
      2. Epinephrine - main stay of treatment
        1. Bronchodilator
        2. Decreases vascular permeability
        3. Vasoconstriction
      3. Bronchodilator
    5. Transport considerations
    6. Psychological support / communications strategies
  3. Management of acute allergic reaction without dyspnea or hypotension
    1. Remove offending agent (i.e., stinger)
    2. Airway and ventilation
    3. Circulation
    4. Transport considerations
    5. Psychological support / communications strategies
  4. Specific pathology, assessment and management - near-drowning
    1. Definitions
      1. Drowning - suffocation due to submersion in water or other fluids.
      2. Near-drowning - near suffocation due to submersion in water or other fluids with a recovery event that lasts at least 24 hours.
    2. Pathophysiology
      1. Hypothermic considerations in near-drownings
        1. Common concomitant syndrome
        2. May be organ protective in cold-water near-drownings
        3. Always treat hypoxia first
        4. Treat all near-drowning patients for hypothermia
    3. Treatment
      1. Establish airway
        1. Conflicting recommendations regarding prophylactic abdominal thrusts
        2. Questionable scientific data to support prophylactic abdominal thrusts
      2. Ventilation
      3. Oxygen
    4. Trauma considerations
      1. Immersion episode of unknown etiology warrants trauma management
    5. Post-resuscitation complications
      1. Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or renal failure often occur post-resuscitation
      2. Symptoms may not appear for 24 hours or more, post-resuscitation
      3. All near-drowning patients should be transported for evaluation
  5. Specific toxicology, assessment and management
    1. Definition / advantages
      1. Grouping of toxicologically-similar agents
      2. Useful for remembering the assessment and management of toxicological emergencies
      3. Does not consider how or why the toxin has been introduced to the body
      4. Be sure to include the general management on route of entry in addition to specific treatments
    2. Cholinergics
      1. Common causative agents
        1. Pesticides (organophosphates / carbamates)
        2. Nerve agents (sarin, Soman)
      2. Assessment findings
        1. Headache
        2. Dizziness
        3. Weakness
        4. Nausea
        5. SLUDGE (Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Defecation, GI upset, Emesis)
        6. Bradycardia, wheezing, bronchoconstriction, myosis, coma, convulsions
        7. Diaphoresis, seizures
    3. Anticholinergics
      1. Common causative agents
      2. Assessment findings
    4. Narcotics / opiates
      1. Common causative agents
        1. Heroin
        2. Morphine
        3. Codeine
        4. Meperidine
        5. Propoxyphene
        6. Fentanyl
      2. Assessment findings
        1. Euphoria
        2. Hypotension
        3. Respiratory depression / arrest
        4. Nausea
        5. Pinpoint pupils
        6. Seizures
        7. Coma
    5. Carbon monoxide
      1. Source
      2. Common causative agents
      3. Pharmacodynamics
      4. Pharmacokinetics
      5. Assessment findings
    6. Psychiatric medications
      1. Tricyclic antidepressants
        1. Clinical use
        2. Common causative agents
          1. Amitriptyline
          2. Amoxapine
          3. Clomipramine
          4. Doxepin
          5. Imipramine
          6. Norptyline
        3. Pharmacodynamics
        4. Pharmacokinetics
        5. Assessment findings
          1. Early findings (dry mouth, confusion, hallucinations)
          2. Late findings (delirium, respiratory depression, hypotension, hyperthermia, seizures, coma)
          3. Cardiotoxicity - dysrhythmias
    7. Bites and stings
      1. Common offendings organisms
        1. Hymenoptera
        2. Spiders
        3. Other anthropods
        4. Snakes
        5. Marine animals
      2. Pharmacodynamics
      3. Pharmacokinetics
      4. Assessment findings

MODULE IV: TRAUMA


NREMT PRACTICE ANALYSIS TASK ITEM

Cognitive Objectives
At the completion of this unit, the EMT-Intermediate will be able to:

4.1 State the reasons for performing a rapid trauma assessment. (C-1) / 3-3.29
4.2 Apply the techniques of physical examination to the trauma patient. (C-1) / 3-3.31
4.3 Describe the areas included in the rapid trauma assessment and discuss what should be evaluated. (C-1) / 3-3.32
4.4 Differentiate cases when the rapid assessment may be altered in order to provide patient care. (C-3) / 3-3.33
4.5 Discuss the treatment plan and management of hemorrhage and shock. (C-1) / 4-2.6
4.6 Develop, execute and evaluate a treatment plan based on the field impression for the hemorrhage or shock patient. (C-3) / 4-2.38
4.7 Discuss the management of thoracic injuries. (C-1) / 4-4.7
4.8 Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with chest wall injuries. (C-1) / 4-4.8
4.9 Discuss the management of chest wall injuries. (C-1) / 4-4.12
4.10 Discuss the management of lung injuries. (C-1) / 4-4.15
4.11 Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with lung injuries. (C-1) / 4-4.16
4.12 Discuss the management of myocardial injuries. (C-1) / 4-4.19
4.13 Identify the need for rapid intervention and transport of the patient with myocardial injuries. (C-1) / 4-4.20
4.14 Discuss the management of vascular injuries. (C-1) / 4-4.23
4.15 Discuss the management of esophageal injuries. (C-1) / 4-4.29
4.16 Discuss the management of tracheo-bronchial injuries. (C-1) / 4-4.32
4.17 Discuss the management of traumatic asphyxia. (C-1) / 4-4.35

Psychomotor Objectives
At the completion of this unit, the EMT-Intermediate will be able to:

4.18 Using the techniques of physical examination, demonstrate the assessment of a trauma patient. (P-2) / 3-3.68
4.19 Demonstrate the rapid trauma assessment used to assess a patient based on mechanism of injury. (P-2) / 3-3.69
4.20 Demonstrate the management of a patient with signs and symptoms of compensated hypovolemic shock. (P-2) / 4-2.42
4.21 Demonstrate the management of a patient with signs and symptoms of decompensated hypovolemic shock. (P-2) / 4-2.44
4.22 Demonstrate a clinical assessment to determine the proper management modality for a patient with a suspected traumatic spinal injury. (P-1) / 4-5.16
4.23 Demonstrate a clinical assessment to determine the proper management modality for a patient with a suspected non-traumatic spinal injury. (P-1) / 4-5.17
4.24 Demonstrate immobilization of the urgent and non-urgent patient with assessment findings of spinal injury from the following presentations: (P-1) / 4-5.18
  • Supine
  • Prone
  • Semi-prone
  • Sitting
  • Standing
4.25 Demonstrate preferred methods for stabilization of a helmet from a potentially spine injured patient. 4-5.19
4.26 Demonstrate the following techniques of management for thoracic injuries: (P-1) / 4-4.44
  • Needle decompression
  • Fracture stabilization
  • Elective intubation
  • ECG monitoring
  • Oxygenation and ventilation

Declarative

  1. Focused history and physical exam - trauma patients
    1. Re-consider mechanism of injury
      1. Helps to identify priority patients
      2. Helps to guide the assessment
      3. Significant mechanism of injury
        1. Ejection from vehicle
        2. Death in same passenger compartment
        3. Falls > 20 feet
        4. Roll-over of vehicle
        5. High-speed vehicle collision
        6. Vehicle-pedestrian collision
        7. Motorcycle crash
        8. Unresponsive or altered mental status
        9. Penetrations of the head, chest, or abdomen
        10. Hidden injuries
          1. Seat belts
            1. If buckled, may have produced injuries
            2. If patient had seat belt on, it does not mean they do not have injuries
          2. Airbags
            1. May not be effective without seat belt
            2. Patient can hit wheel after deflation
            3. Lift the deployed airbag and look at the steering wheel for deformation
              1. "Lift and look" under the bag after the patient has been removed
              2. Any visible deformation of the steering wheel should be regarded as an indicator of potentially serious internal injury, and appropriate action should be taken
              3. Child safety seats
                1. Injury patterns with airbags
                2. Proper use in vehicles with airbags
      4. Additional infant and child considerations
        1. Falls >10 feet
        2. Bicycle collision
        3. Vehicle in medium speed collision
    2. Perform rapid trauma physical examination on patients with significant mechanism of injury to determine life-threatening injuries
      1. In the responsive patient, symptoms should be sought before and during the trauma assessment
      2. Continue spinal stabilization
      3. Reconsider transport decision
      4. Assess mental status
      5. As you inspect and palpate, look and feel for injuries or signs of injury
      6. Examination
        1. Assess the head, inspect and palpate for injuries or signs of injury
        2. Assess the neck, inspect and palpate for injuries or signs of injury
        3. Apply cervical spinal immobilization collar (CSIC)
        4. Assess the chest
        5. Assess the abdomen, inspect and palpate for injuries or signs of injury
        6. Assess the pelvis, inspect and palpate for injuries or signs of injury
        7. Assess all four extremities, inspect and palpate for injuries or signs of injury
        8. Roll patient with spinal precautions and assess posterior body, inspect and palpate, examining for injuries or signs of injury
        9. Look for medical identification devices
        10. Assess baseline vital signs
        11. Assess patient history
        12. Chief complaint
        13. History of present illness
        14. Past medical history
        15. Current health status
  2. Shock
    1. Epidemiology
    2. Pathophysiology
    3. Stages of Shock
    4. Assessment
    5. Management/ treatment plan
      1. Airway and ventilatory support
        1. Ventilate and suction as necessary
        2. Administer high concentration oxygen
        3. Reduce increased intrathoracic pressure in tension pneumothorax
      2. Circulatory support
        1. Hemorrhage control
        2. Intravenous volume expanders
          1. Types
            1. Isotonic solutions
            2. Hypertonic solutions
            3. Synthetic solutions
            4. Blood and blood products
            5. Experimental solutions
            6. Blood substitutes
          2. Rate of administration
            1. External hemorrhage that can be controlled
            2. External hemorrhage that can not be controlled
          3. Internal hemorrhage
            1. Blunt trauma
            2. Penetrating trauma
        3. Pneumatic anti-shock garment
          1. Effects
            1. Increased arterial blood pressure above garment
            2. Increased systemic vascular resistance
            3. Immobilization of pelvis and possibly lower extremities
            4. Increased intra-abdominal pressure
          2. Mechanism
            1. Increases systemic vascular resistance through direct compression of tissues and blood vessels
            2. Negligible autotransfusion effect
          3. Indications
            1. Hypoperfusion with unstable pelvis
            2. Conditions of decreased SVR not corrected by other means
            3. As approved locally, other conditions characterized by hypoperfusion with hypotension
            4. Research studies
          4. Contraindications
            1. Advanced pregnancy (no inflation of abdominal compartment)
            2. Object impaled in abdomen or evisceration (no inflation of abdominal compartment)
            3. Ruptured diaphragm
            4. Cardiogenic shock
            5. Pulmonary edema
        4. Needle chest decompression of tension pneumothorax to improve impaired cardiac output
        5. Recognize the need for expeditious transport of suspected cardiac tamponade for pericardiocentesis
      3. Pharmacological interventions
        1. Hypovolemic shock
          1. Volume expanders
        2. Cardiogenic shock
          1. Volume expanders
          2. Positive cardiac inotropes
          3. Vasoconstrictor
          4. Rate altering medications
        3. Distributive shock
          1. Volume expanders
          2. Positive cardiac inotropes
          3. Vasoconstriction
          4. PASG
        4. Obstructive shock
          1. Volume expanders
        5. Spinal shock
          1. Volume expanders
      4. Psychological support/communication strategies
      5. Transport considerations
        1. Indications for rapid transport
        2. Indications for transport to a trauma center
        3. Considerations for air medical transportation
  3. Thoracic trauma
    1. General Introduction
      1. Epidemiology
      2. Mechanism of injury
      3. Anatomy and physiology review of the thorax
      4. Pathophysiology
      5. Assessment findings
      6. Management
        1. Airway and ventilation
          1. Oxygen therapy
          2. Endotracheal intubation
          3. Needle cricothyrotomy
          4. Surgical cricothyrotomy
          5. Positive pressure ventilation
          6. Occlude open wounds
          7. Stabilize chest wall
        2. Circulation
          1. Manage cardiac dysrhythmias
          2. Intravenous access
        3. Pharmacologic
          1. Analgesics
          2. Antiarrhythmics
        4. Non-pharmacologic
          1. Needle thoracostomy
          2. Tube thoracostomy - in hospital management
          3. Pericardiocentesis - in hospital management
        5. Transport considerations
          1. Appropriate mode
          2. Appropriate facility
    2. Chest wall injuries
      1. Rib fractures
        1. Epidemiology
        2. Anatomy and physiology review
        3. Pathophysiology
        4. Assessment findings
        5. Management
          1. Airway and ventilation
            1. Oxygen therapy
            2. Positive pressure ventilation
            3. Encourage coughing and deep breathing
          2. Pharmacological
            1. Analgesics
          3. Non-pharmacological
            1. Splint - but avoid circumferential splinting
          4. Transport consideration
            1. Appropriate mode
            2. Appropriate facility
          5. Psychological support/ communication strategies
      2. Flail segment
        1. Epidemiology
        2. Pathophysiology
        3. Assessment findings
        4. Management
          1. Airway and ventilation
            1. Positive pressure ventilation may be needed
            2. Oxygen (high concentration)
            3. Evaluate the need for endotracheal intubation
            4. Stabilize flail segment (may be controversial locally)
            5. Positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP)
          2. Circulation
            1. Restrict fluids
          3. Pharmacologic
            1. Analgesics
          4. Non-pharmacologic
            1. Positioning
            2. Endotracheal intubation and positive pressure ventilation for internal splinting effect
          5. Transport considerations
            1. Appropriate mode
            2. Appropriate facility
          6. Psychological support/ communication strategies
      3. Sternal fracture
        1. Epidemiology
        2. Pathophysiology
        3. Assessment findings
        4. Management
          1. Airway and ventilation
          2. Circulation
            1. Restrict fluids if pulmonary contusion is suspected
          3. Pharmacologic
            1. Analgesics
          4. Non-pharmacologic
            1. Allow chest wall self-splinting
          5. Transport considerations
            1. Appropriate mode
            2. Appropriate facility
          6. Psychological support/ communication strategies
    3. Injury to the lung
      1. Simple pneumothorax
        1. Epidemiology
        2. Pathophysiology
        3. Assessment findings
        4. Management
          1. Airway and ventilation
            1. Positive pressure ventilation if necessary
            2. Monitor for development of tension pneumothorax
          2. Non-pharmacologic
            1. Needle thoracostomy
          3. Transport consideration
            1. Appropriate mode
            2. Appropriate facility
          4. Psychological support/ communication strategies
      2. Open pneumothorax
        1. Epidemiology
        2. Pathophysiology
        3. Assessment findings
        4. Management
          1. Airway and ventilation
            1. Positive pressure ventilation if necessary
            2. Monitor for development of tension pneumothorax
          2. Non-pharmacologic
            1. Occlude open wound
            2. Tube thoracostomy - in hospital management
          3. Transport consideration
            1. Appropriate mode
            2. Appropriate facility
          4. Psychological support/ communication strategies
      3. Tension pneumothorax
        1. Epidemiology
        2. Pathophysiology
        3. Assessment findings
        4. Management
          1. Airway and ventilation
            1. Positive pressure ventilation if necessary
          2. Circulation
            1. Relieve tension pneumothorax to improve cardiac output
          3. Non-pharmacologic
            1. Occlude open wound
            2. Needle thoracentesis
          1. Tube thoracostomy - in hospital management
          2. Transport consideration
            1. Appropriate mode
            2. Appropriate facility
          3. Psychological support/ communication strategies
      1. Hemothorax
        1. Epidemiology
        2. Pathophysiology
        3. Assessment findings
        4. Management
          1. Airway and ventilation
            1. Positive pressure ventilation if necessary
          2. Circulation
            1. Re-expand the affected lung to reduce bleeding
          3. Non-pharmacological
            1. Needle chest decompression
            2. Tube thoracostomy - in hospital management
          4. Transport considerations
            1. Appropriate mode
            2. Appropriate facility
          5. Psychological support/ communication strategies
      2. Hemopneumothorax
        1. Epidemiology
        2. Pathophysiology
        3. Assessment findings
        4. Management
          1. Management is the same as a hemothorax
      3. Pulmonary contusion
        1. Epidemiology
        2. Pathophysiology
        3. Assessment findings
        4. Management
          1. Airway and ventilation
            1. Positive pressure ventilation if necessary
          2. Circulation
            1. Restrict intravenous fluids (use caution restricting fluids in hypovolemic patients)
          3. Transport considerations
            1. Appropriate mode
            2. Appropriate facility
          4. Psychological support/ communication strategies
    1. Myocardial injuries
      1. Pericardial tamponade
        1. Epidemiolgy
        2. Anatomy and physiology
        3. Pathophysiology
        4. Assessment findings
        5. Management
          1. Airway and ventilation
          2. Circulation
            1. Fluid challenge
          3. Non-pharmacological
            1. Pericardiocentesis - in hospital management
          4. Transport considerations
            1. Appropriate mode
            2. Appropriate facility
          5. Psychological support/ communication strategies
      2. Myocardial contusion (blunt myocardial injury)
        1. Epidemiology
        2. Anatomy and physiology
        3. Pathophysiology
        4. Assessment findings
        5. Management
          1. Airway and ventilation
            1. Oxygen therapy
          2. Circulation
            1. Intravenous fluid volume
          3. Pharmacological
            1. Antiarrhythmics
            2. Vasopressors
          4. Transport considerations
            1. Appropriate mode
            2. Appropriate facility
          5. Psychological support/ communication strategies
      3. Myocardial rupture
        1. Epidemiology
        2. Anatomy and physiology
        3. Pathophysiology
        4. Assessment findings
        5. Management is supportive
    2. Vascular injuries
      1. Aortic dissection/ rupture
        1. Epidemiology
        2. Anatomy and physiology
        3. Pathophysiology
        4. Assessment findings
        5. Management
          1. Airway and ventilation
          2. Circulation
            1. Do not over hydrate
          3. Transport considerations
            1. Appropriate mode
            2. Appropriate facility
          4. Psychological support/ communication strategies
      2. Penetrating wounds of the great vessels
        1. Epidemiology
        2. Anatomy and physiology
        3. Pathophysiology
        4. Assessment findings
        5. Management
          1. Manage hypovolemia
            1. PASG not recommended
          2. Relief of tamponade if present
          3. Expeditious transport
    3. Other thorax injuries
      1. Diaphragmatic injury
        1. Epidemiology
        2. Pathophysiology
        3. Assessment
        4. Management
          1. Airway and ventilation
            1. Positive pressure ventilation if necessary
            2. Caution IPPB may worsen the injury
          2. Non-pharmacologic
            1. Do not place patient in Trendelenburg position
          3. Transport consideration
            1. Appropriate mode
            2. Appropriate facility
          4. Psychological support/ communication strategies
      2. Esophageal injury
        1. Epidemiology
        2. Pathophysiology
        3. Assessment
        4. Management
          1. Airway and ventilation
          2. Transport consideration
            1. Appropriate mode
            2. Appropriate facility
          3. Psychological support/ communication strategies
      3. Tracheo-bronchial injuries
        1. Epidemiology
        2. Pathophysiology
        3. Assessment
        4. Management
          1. Airway and ventilation
          2. Circulation
          3. Transport consideration
            1. Appropriate mode
            2. Appropriate facility
      4. Traumatic asphyxia
        1. Epidemiology
        2. Pathophysiology
        3. Assessment
        4. Management
          1. Airway and ventilation
          2. Circulation
            1. Expect hypotension once compression is released
          3. Pharmacological
            1. Sodium bicarbonate should be guided by ABGs in hospital
          4. Transport considerations
            1. Appropriate mode
            2. Appropriate facility

MODULE V: PEDIATRICS


NREMT PRACTICE ANALYSIS TASK ITEM

Cognitive Objectives
At the completion of this unit, the EMT-Intermediate will be able to:

5.1 Describe techniques for successful assessment of infants and children. (C-1) / 6-3.4
5.2 Discuss the appropriate equipment utilized to obtain pediatric vital signs. (C-1) / 6-3.9
5.3 Determine appropriate airway adjuncts for infants and children. (C-1) 6-3.10
5.4 Discuss complications of improper utilization of airway adjuncts with infants and children. (C-1) 6 3.11
5.5 Discuss appropriate ventilation devices for infants and children. (C-1) 6-3.12
5.6 Discuss complications of improper utilization of ventilation devices with infants & children. (C-1) 6-3.13
5.7 Discuss appropriate endotracheal intubation equipment for infants and children. (C-1) / 6-3.14
5.8 Identify complications of improper endotracheal intubation procedure in infants and children. (C-1) / 6-3.15
5.9 List the indications and methods for gastric decompression for infants and children. (C-1) / 6-3.23
5.10 Differentiate between upper airway and lower airway obstruction. (C-3) / 6-3.24
5.11 Identify the major classifications of pediatric cardiac rhythms. (C-1) 6-3.55
5.12 Discuss the primary etiologies of cardiopulmonary arrest in infants and children. (C-1) / 6-3.68
5.13 Discuss age appropriate vascular access sites for infants and children. (C-1) 6-3.84
5.14 Discuss the appropriate equipment for vascular access in infants and children. (C-1) 6-3.85
5.15 Identify complications of vascular access for infants and children. (C-1) 6-3.86
5.16 Identify common lethal mechanisms of injury in infants and children. (C-1) / 6-3.87
5.17 Discuss anatomical features of children that predispose or protect them from certain injuries. (C-1) / 6-3.88
5.18 Describe aspects of infant and children airway management that are affected by potential cervical spine injury. (C-1) / 6-3.89
5.19 Identify infant and child trauma patients who require spinal immobilization. (C-1) / 6-3.40
5.20 Discuss fluid management and shock treatment for infant and child trauma patient. (C-1) / 6-3.91
5.21 Discuss the parent/ caregiver responses to the death of an infant or child. (C-1) / 6-3.102
5.22 Discuss basic cardiac life support (CPR) guidelines for infants and children. (C-1) / 6-3.69
5.23 Identify appropriate parameters for performing infant and child CPR. (C-1) / 6-3.70
5.24 Integrate advanced life support skills with basic cardiac life support for infants and children. (C-3) / 6-3.71
5.25 Describe the epidemiology, including the incidence, morbidity/ mortality, risk factors and prevention strategies for respiratory distress/ failure in infants and children. (C-1) / 6-3.19
5.26 Discuss the pathophysiology of respiratory distress/ failure in infants and children. (C-1) / 6-3.20
5.27 Discuss the assessment findings associated with respiratory distress/ failure in infants and children. (C-1) / 6-3.21
5.28 Discuss the management/ treatment plan for respiratory distress/ failure in infants and children. (C-1) / 6-3.22
5.29 Discuss the assessment findings associated with cardiac dysrhythmias in infants and children. (C-1) / 6-3.58
5.30 Discuss the management/ treatment plan for cardiac dysrhythmias in infants and children. (C-1) / 6-3.59
5.31 Discuss the pathophysiology of trauma in infants and children. (C-1) / 6-3.92
5.32 Discuss the assessment findings associated with trauma in infants and children. (C-1) / 6-3.93
5.33 Discuss the management/ treatment plan for trauma in infants and children. (C-1) / 6-3.94

PSYCHOMOTOR OBJECTIVES
At the completion of this unit, the EMT-Intermediate will be able to:

5.34 Demonstrate the appropriate approach for treating infants and children. (P-2) / 6-3.112
5.35 Demonstrate appropriate intervention techniques with families of acutely ill or injured infants and children. (P-2) / 6-3.113
5.36 Demonstrate an appropriate assessment for different developmental age groups. (P-2) / 6-3.114
5.37 Demonstrate an appropriate technique for measuring pediatric vital signs. (P-2) / 6-3.115
5.38 Demonstrate the use of a length-based resuscitation device for determining equipment sizes, drug doses and other pertinent information for a pediatric patient. (P-2) / 6-3.116
5.39 Demonstrate the techniques/procedures for treating infants and children with respiratory distress. (P-2) / 6-3.117
5.40 Demonstrate proper technique for administering blow-by oxygen to infants and children. (P-2) / 6-3.118
5.41 Demonstrate the proper utilization of a pediatric non-rebreather oxygen mask. (P-2) / 6-3.119
5.42 Demonstrate appropriate use of airway adjuncts with infants and children. (P-2) / 6-3.120
5.43 Demonstrate appropriate use of ventilation devices for infants and children. (P-2) 6-3.121
5.44 Demonstrate endotracheal intubation procedures in infants and children. (P-2) / 6-3.122
5.45 Demonstrate appropriate treatment/ management of intubation complications for infants and children. (P-2) / 6-3.123
5.46 Demonstrate proper placement of a gastric tube in infants and children. (P-2) / 6-3.124
5.47 Demonstrate an appropriate technique for insertion of peripheral intravenous catheters for infants and children. (P-2) / 6-3.125
5.48 Demonstrate an appropriate technique for administration of intramuscular, inhalation, subcutaneous, rectal, endotracheal and oral medication for infants and children. (P-2) / 6-3.126
5.49 Demonstrate an appropriate technique for insertion of an intraosseous line for infants and children. (P-2) / 6-3.127
5.50 Demonstrate appropriate interventions for infants and children with a partially obstructed airway. (P-2) / 6-3.128
5.51 Demonstrate appropriate airway and breathing control maneuvers for infant and child trauma patients. (P-2) / 6-3.129
5.52 Demonstrate appropriate treatment of infants and children requiring advanced airway and breathing control. (P-2) / 6-3.130
5.53 Demonstrate appropriate immobilization techniques for infant and child trauma patients. (P-2) / 6-3.131
5.54 Demonstrate treatment of infants and children with head injuries. (P-2) / 6-3.132
5.55 Demonstrate appropriate treatment of infants and children with chest injuries. (P-2) / 6-3.133
5.56 Demonstrate appropriate treatment of infants and children with abdominal injuries. (P-2) / 6-3.134
5.57 Demonstrate appropriate treatment of infants and children with extremity injuries. (P-2) / 6-3.135
5.58 Demonstrate appropriate treatment of infants and children with burns. (P-2) / 6-3.136
5.59 Demonstrate appropriate parent/ caregiver interviewing techniques for infant and child death situations.(P-2) / 6-3.137
5.60 Demonstrate proper infant CPR. (P-2) / 6-3.138
5.61 Demonstrate proper child CPR. (P-2) / 6-3.139
5.62 Demonstrate proper techniques for performing infant and child defibrillation and synchronized cardioversion.(P-2) / 6-3.140

Declarative

  1. Assessment
    1. General considerations
      1. Many components of the initial patient evaluation can be done by observing the patient. Utilize the parent/ guardian to assist in making the infant or child more comfortable as appropriate.
      2. Interacting with parents and family
        1. Normal responses to acute illness and injury
        2. Parent/ guardian and child interaction
        3. Intervention techniques
    2. Physical exam
      1. Scene survey
        1. Observe the scene for hazards or potential hazards
        2. Observe the scene for mechanism of injury/ illness
          1. Ingestion
            1. Pills, medicine bottles, household chemicals, etc.
          2. Child abuse
            1. Injury and history do not coincide, bruises not where they should be for mechanism of injury, etc.
          3. Position patient found
        3. Observe the parent/ guardian/ caregiver interaction with the child
          1. Do they act appropriately
          2. Is parent/ guardian/ caregiver concerned
          3. Is parent/ guardian/ caregiver angry
          4. Is parent/ guardian/ caregiver indifferent
      2. Initial assessment
        1. General impression
          1. General impression of environment
          2. General impression of parent/ guardian and child interaction
          3. General impression of the patient/ Pediatric Assessment Triangle
            1. A structure for assessing the pediatric patient
              1. Focuses on the most valuable information for pediatric patients
              2. Used to ascertain if any life-threatening condition exists
              3. Components
                1. Appearance
                  1. Mental status
                  2. Muscle tone
                2. Work of breathing
                  1. Respiratory rate
                  2. Respiratory effort
                3. Circulation
                  1. Skin signs
                  2. Skin color
          4. Initial triage decisions
            1. Urgent - proceed with rapid ABC assessment, treatment and transport
            2. Non urgent - proceed with focused history, detailed physical exam after initial assessment
        2. Vital functions
          1. Determine level of consciousness
            1. AVPU scale
              1. Alert
              2. Responds to verbal stimuli
              3. Responds to painful stimuli
              4. Unresponsive
            2. Modified Glasgow Coma Scale
            3. Signs of inadequate oxygenation
          2. Airway
            1. Determine patency
          3. Breathing
            1. Adequate chest rise and fall
            2. Use of accessory muscles
            3. Nasal flaring
            4. Tachypnea
            5. Bradypnea
            6. Irregular breathing pattern
            7. Head bobbing
            8. Grunting
            9. Absent breath sounds
            10. Abnormal sounds
          4. Circulation
            1. Pulse
              1. Central
              2. Peripheral
              3. Quality of pulse
            2. Blood pressure
              1. Measuring blood pressure is not necessary in children < 3 years of age
            3. Skin color
            4. Active hemorrhage
          5. Vital signs
            1. Infant
            2. Toddler
            3. Preschool
            4. School aged
            5. Adolescent
      3. Transition phase
        1. Utilized to allow the infant or child to become familiar with you and your equipment
        2. Use of transition phase depends on the seriousness of the patient's condition
        3. For the conscious, non-acutely ill child
        4. For the unconscious, acutely ill child do not perform the transition phase but proceed directly to the treatment and transport
      4. Focused history
        1. Approach
          1. For infant, toddler, and preschool age patient, obtain from parent/ guardian
          2. For school age and adolescent patient, most information may be obtained from the patient
          3. For older adolescent patient question the patient in private regarding sexual activity, pregnancy, illicit drug and alcohol use
        2. Content
          1. Chief complaint
            1. Nature of illness/injury
            2. How long has the patient been sick/injured
            3. Presence of fever
            4. Effects on behavior
            5. Bowel/ urine habits
            6. Vomiting/ diarrhea
            7. Frequency of urination
          2. Past medical history
            1. Infant or child under the care of a physician
            2. Chronic illnesses
            3. Medications
            4. Allergies
      5. Detailed physical exam
        1. Examine all body regions
          1. Head-to-toe in older child
          2. Toe-to-head in younger child
        2. Some or all of the following may be appropriate, depending on the situation
          1. Pupils
          2. Capillary refill
            1. Normal - two seconds or less
            2. Valuable to assess on patients less than six years of age
            3. Less reliable in cold environment
            4. Blanch nailbed, base of the thumb, sole of the feet
          3. Hydration
            1. Skin turgor
            2. Sunken or flat fontanelle in an infant
            3. Presence of tears and saliva
          4. Pulse oximetry
            1. Should be utilized on any moderately injured or ill infant or child
              1. Hypothermia and shock can alter reading
          5. Cardiac monitor
      6. On-going exam - continually monitor the following
        1. Respiratory effort
        2. Color
        3. Mental status
        4. Pulse oximetry
        5. Vital signs
        6. Patient temperature
    3. General management
      1. Airway management in pediatric patients
        1. Basic airway management
          1. Manual positioning
            1. Allow medical patients to assume position of comfort
            2. Support under the torso for trauma patients less than 3 year old
            3. Occipital elevation for supine medical patients 3 years of age or older
          2. Foreign body airway obstruction - basic clearing methods
            1. Infants
              1. Back blows
              2. Chest thrusts
            2. Children
              1. Abdominal thrusts
            3. Suction
              1. Avoid hypoxia
              2. Avoid upper airway stimulation
              3. Decrease suction negative pressure (100 mm/Hg) in infants
            4. Oxygenation
              1. Non-rebreather mask
              2. Blow-by oxygen if mask is not tolerated
                1. Utilize the parent or guardian to deliver oxygen if (patient condition warrants)
              3. Maintain proper head position
            5. Oropharyngeal airway
              1. Sizing
              2. Preferred method of insertion uses the tongue blade to depress the tongue and jaw
            6. Nasopharyngeal airway
              1. Sizing
              2. No major differences in sizing or use compared to adults
            7. Ventilation
              1. Bag size
              2. Proper mask fit
              3. Proper mask position and seal (E-C clamp)
              4. Ventilate at age appropriate rate (squeeze-release-release)
              5. Obtain chest rise with each breath
              6. Allow adequate time for exhalation
              7. Assess BVM ventilation
              8. Apply cricoid pressure to minimize gastric inflation and passive regurgitation
        2. Advanced airway management
          1. Foreign body airway obstruction - advanced clearing methods
            1. Direct laryngoscopy with Magill forceps
            2. Attempt intubation around foreign body
          2. Endotracheal intubation in pediatric patients
            1. Laryngoscope and appropriate size blade
              1. Length based resuscitation tape to determine size
              2. Straight blade is preferred
            2. Appropriate size endotracheal tube and stylet
              1. Sizing methods
                1. Length based resuscitation tape
                  1. Numerical formulas
                  2. Anatomical clues
              2. Stylet placement
            3. Technique for pediatric intubation
            4. Depth of insertion
            5. Endotracheal tube securing device
      2. Circulation
        1. Vascular access
          1. Intraosseous access in children < 6 years of age in cardiac arrest or if intravenous access fails
        2. Fluid resuscitation
          1. 20 ml/kg of lactated ringers or normal saline bolus as needed
      3. Pharmacological
        1. Rapid sequence intubation per medical direction
      4. Non-pharmacological
        1. C-spine immobilization for traumatic cause
      5. Transport considerations
        1. Appropriate mode
          1. Transport should not be delayed to perform procedures that can be done en route
          2. Proper BLS care must be performed prior to any ALS interventions
        2. Appropriate facility
          1. The availability of a receiving hospital with expertise in pediatric care may improve the patients outcome
      6. Psychological support/ communication strategies
        1. Utilize the parent/ guardian to assist in making the infant or child more comfortable
        2. Encourage parents to help calm the child during painful procedures
        3. Infants, toddlers, preschool and school aged patients do not like to be separated from parent/ guardian
        4. Infants and children have a natural fear of strangers; for stable patients, allow them to become accustomed to you before your hands-on assessment
        5. Give some control of what is going to happen to the patient (which arm to have their IV)
        6. When possible and practical, physically position your face at the same level as the patients face to facilitate communication and minimize fear
        7. Use age-appropriate vocabulary
        8. Keep patient warm
        9. Allow child to take their favorite toy/ blanket if possible
        10. Permit the child to express their feelings (e.g., fear, pain, crying,)
        11. Let the child know that certain physical actions (e.g., hitting, biting, spitting) are not permitted
  2. Specific pathophysiology, assessment and management
    1. Respiratory compromise
      1. Introduction
        1. Epidemiology
          1. Incidence
          2. Morbidity/ mortality
          3. Risk factors
          4. Prevention strategies
        2. Categories of respiratory compromise
          1. Upper airway obstruction
          2. Lower airway disease
      2. Pathophysiology
        1. Respiratory illnesses cause respiratory compromise in airway/ lung
          1. Severity of respiratory compromise depends on extent of respiratory illness
          2. Approach to treatment depends on severity of respiratory compromise
        2. Severity
          1. Respiratory distress
            1. Increased work of breathing
            2. Carbon dioxide tension in the blood initially decreases, then increases as condition deteriorates
            3. If uncorrected, respiratory distress leads to respiratory failure
          2. Respiratory failure
            1. Inadequate ventilation or oxygenation
              1. Respiratory and circulatory systems are unable to exchange enough oxygen and carbon dioxide
            2. Carbon dioxide tension in the blood increases, leading to respiratory acidosis
            3. Very ominous condition; patient is on the verge of respiratory arrest
          3. Respiratory arrest
            1. Cessation of breathing
            2. Failure to intervene will result in cardiopulmonary arrest
            3. Good outcomes can be expected with early intervention that prevents cardiopulmonary arrest
        3. Assessment
          1. Chief Complaint
          2. History
          3. Physical findings
            1. Signs and symptoms of respiratory distress
              1. Normal mental status => irritability or anxiety
              2. Tachypnea
              3. Retractions
              4. Nasal flaring
              5. Good muscle tone
              6. Tachycardia
              7. Head bobbing
              8. Grunting
              9. Cyanosis which improves with supplemental oxygen
            2. Signs and symptoms of respiratory failure
              1. Irritability or anxiety ==> lethargy
              2. Marked tachypnea ==> bradypnea
              3. Marked retractions ==> agonal respirations
              4. Poor muscle tone
              5. Marked tachycardia ==> bradycardia
              6. Central cyanosis
            3. Signs and symptoms of respiratory arrest
              1. Obtunded ==> coma
              2. Bradypnea ==> apnea
              3. Absent chest wall motion
              4. Limp muscle tone
              5. Bradycardia ==> asystole
              6. Profound cyanosis
          4. On-going assessment - improvement indicated by
            1. Improvement in color
            2. Improvement in oxygen saturation
            3. Increased pulse rate
            4. Increased level of consciousness
        4. Management
          1. Graded approach to treatment
          2. Consider separating parent and child
          3. Airway
            1. Manage upper airway obstructions as needed
            2. Insert airway adjunct if needed
          4. Ventilation and oxygenation
            1. Respiratory distress/ early respiratory failure
              1. Administer high flow oxygen
              2. Late respiratory failure/ respiratory arrest
                1. BVM - ventilate patient with 100% oxygen via age- appropriate sized bag
                2. ETT - intubate patient if positive pressure ventilation does not rapidly improve patient condition
                3. Consider gastric decompression if abdominal distention is impeding ventilation
                4. Consider needle decompression per medical direction if tension pneumothorax is present
                5. Consider cricothyroidotomy per medical direction only as a last resort if complete upper airway obstruction is present
          5. Circulation
          6. Supportive care
          7. Transport considerations
            1. Appropriate mode
            2. Appropriate facility
          8. Psychological support/ communication strategies
      3. Upper airway obstruction
        1. Croup
          1. Epidemiology
            1. Incidence
              1. Very common in infants and children (6 months to 4 years of age)
            2. Risk factors
            3. Prevention strategies
          2. Pathophysiology
            1. An inflammatory process of the upper respiratory tract involving the subglottic region
              1. Main cause is viral infection of the upper airway
              2. Another form is spasmodic croup
                1. Occurs mostly in the middle of the night
                2. Usually without prior upper respiratory infection
          3. Assessment
            1. Signs and symptoms of respiratory distress or failure, depending on severity, plus
              1. Appears sick
              2. Stridor
              3. Barking (seal or dog-like) or brassy cough
              4. Hoarseness
              5. Fever (+/-)
            2. History
              1. Usually with history of upper respiratory infection in classic croup (1-2 days)
              2. Rarely progresses to respiratory failure
          4. Management
            1. Airway and ventilation
              1. Humidified or nebulized oxygen
              2. Cool mist oxygen at 4-6 L/min
            2. Circulation
            3. Pharmacological
            4. Non-pharmacological
              1. Keep child in position of comfort
            5. Transport considerations
            6. Psychological support/ communication strategies
              1. Do not agitate the patient (no IVs, blood pressure, etc.)
              2. Keep the parent/ guardian/ caregiver with the infant or child if appropriate
        2. Foreign body aspiration
          1. Epidemiology
            1. Incidence
              1. Usually occurs in toddlers and pre-schoolers (1 to 4 years of age, but can occur at any age)
              2. Common
            2. Risk factors
            3. Prevention strategies
          2. Pathophysiology
            1. Partial or complete blockage of the upper airway by a foreign body
            2. Objects are usually food (hard candy, nuts, seeds, hot dog) or small objects (coins, balloons)
            3. If no interventions or if interventions are unsuccessful, respiratory arrest followed by cardiopulmonary arrest will ensue
          3. Assessment
            1. Partial obstruction
              1. Signs and symptoms of respiratory distress or failure, depending on severity, plus
                1. Appears irritable or anxious, but not toxic
                2. Inspiratory stridor
                3. Muffled or hoarse voice
                4. Drooling
                5. Pain in throat
              2. History
                1. Usually a history of choking if observed by adult
            2. Complete obstruction
              1. Signs and symptoms of respiratory failure or arrest, depending on severity, plus
                1. Appears agitated or lethargic
                2. No or minimal air movement
              2. History
                1. History often lacking
                2. Inability to ventilate despite proper airway positioning
          4. Management
            1. Airway and ventilation
              1. Partial obstruction
                1. Place patient in sitting position
                2. Deliver oxygen by non-rebreather mask or blow-by
                3. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LOOK IN MOUTH
                4. Interventions other than oxygen and transport may precipitate complete obstruction
              2. Complete obstruction
                1. Open airway and attempt to visualize the obstruction
                2. Sweep visible obstructions with your finger (do NOT perform blind finger sweeps)
                3. Perform BLS FBAO maneuvers
                4. Attempt BVM ventilations
                5. Perform laryngoscopy if BVM is unsuccessful
                6. Remove object if possible with pediatric Magill forceps
                7. Intubate if possible
                8. Continue BLS FBAO maneuvers if ALS is unsuccessful
                9. Consider needle cricothyroidotomy per medical direction only as a last resort
            2. Circulation
            3. Pharmacological
            4. Transport considerations
              1. Notify hospital of patient status
              2. Transport expeditiously
            5. Psychological support/ communication strategies
              1. Do not agitate patient
                1. No IVs or medications
                2. Do not look in patients mouth
              2. Keep caregiver with child, if appropriate
        3. Bacterial tracheitis
          1. Epidemiology
            1. Incidence
              1. Usually occurs in infants and toddlers (1-5 years old), but can occur in older children
              2. Very uncommon
            2. Risk factors
            3. Prevention strategies
          2. Pathophysiology
            1. Bacterial infection of the upper airway, subglottic trachea, usually following viral croup
          3. Assessment
              1. Signs and symptoms - respiratory distress or failure depending on severity, plus
                1. Appears agitated, sick
                2. High-grade fever
                3. Inspiratory and expiratory stridor
                4. Coughing up pus/ mucous
                5. Hoarse voice
                6. Pain in throat
          4. History
            1. Usually a history of croup in the preceding few days
            2. May progress to respiratory failure or arrest
          5. Management
            1. Assure airway and ventilation
            2. Administer oxygen by non-rebreather or blow-by
            3. Complete obstruction or respiratory failure/ arrest
              1. BVM ventilation
              2. May require high pressure to adequately ventilate
              3. Intubate patient
              4. Suction endotracheal tube to reduce pus or mucous
            4. Circulation
            5. Pharmacological
            6. Transport considerations
              1. Place patient in sitting position
              2. Notify hospital of patient status as early as possible
              3. Transport quickly
            7. Psychological support/ communication strategies
              1. DO NOT AGITATE THE PATIENT - no IVs, no BP, do not look in patients mouth
              2. Keep caregiver with child if appropriate
        4. Epiglottitis
          1. Epidemiology
            1. Incidence
              1. Usually occurs in pre-school and school-age children (3-7 years of age) but can occur at any age
              2. Extremely uncommon due to the H. flu vaccine
            2. Risk factors
            3. Prevention strategies
          2. Pathophysiology
            1. Rapidly forming cellulitis of the epiglottis and its surrounding structures
            2. Bacterial infection, usually Hemophilus influenza type B
            3. Can be a true life-threatening emergency
          3. Assessment
            1. Signs and symptoms of respiratory distress or failure depending on severity, plus
              1. Appears agitated, sick
              2. Stridor
              3. Muffled voice
              4. Drooling
              5. Sore throat
              6. Pain on swallowing
              7. High fever
            2. History
              1. Usually no previous history but a rapid onset of symptoms (6-8 hours)
              2. Can quickly progress to respiratory arrest
          4. Management
            1. Airway and ventilation
              1. NEVER ATTEMPT TO VISUALIZE THE AIRWAY IF THE PATIENT IS AWAKE
              2. Allow the parent to administer oxygen
              3. If airway becomes obstructed, two rescuer ventilation with BVM is almost always effective
              4. If BVM is not effective, attempt intubation with stylet in place
              5. Intubation should not be attempted in settings with short transport times
              6. Performing chest compression upon glottic visualization during intubation may produce a bubble at the tracheal opening
              7. Consider needle cricothyroidotomy per medical direction as a last resort if complete upper airway obstruction is present
            2. Circulation
            3. Pharmacological
            4. Transport considerations
              1. Allow patient to assume position of comfort
              2. Notify hospital of patient status early
              3. Transport to the hospital without delay, keeping child warm
            5. Psychological support/ communication strategies
              1. DO NOT AGITATE THE PATIENT - no IVs, BP, do not look in patients mouth
              2. Keep the caregiver with the child if appropriate
      4. Lower airway disease
        1. Asthma
          1. Epidemiology
            1. Incidence
              1. Usually occurs in children older than 2 years of age
              2. Very common
            2. Risk factors
              1. Typically in child with known history of asthma
              2. Triggered by upper respiratory infections, allergies, changes in temperature, physical exercise and emotional response
              3. Children that experience prolonged asthma attacks tire easily; watch for signs of respiratory failure
            3. Prevention strategies
          2. Pathophysiology
            1. Bronchospasm
            2. Excessive mucous production
            3. Inflammation of the small airways
          3. Assessment
            1. Signs and symptoms - respiratory distress or failure depending on severity, plus
              1. Appears anxious
              2. Wheezes
              3. Prolonged expiratory phase
              4. A silent chest means danger
            2. History
              1. Usually follows exposure to known trigger
            3. Bronchiolitis and asthma may present very similarly
          4. Management
            1. Airway and ventilation
              1. Administer oxygen by tolerated method
              2. BVM ventilations for respiratory failure/ arrest (progressive lethargy, poor muscle tone, shallow respiratory effort)
              3. Endotracheal intubation for respiratory failure/ arrest with prolonged BVM ventilations, or inadequate response to BVM ventilations
            2. Circulation
            3. Pharmacological
              1. Albuterol nebulizer
              2. Subcutaneous epinephrine 1:1000 - only with severe respiratory distress or failure
              3. Medications can be repeated if no effect
            4. Transport considerations
              1. Allow patient to assume position of comfort
            5. Psychological support/ communication strategies
              1. Keep caregiver with child if appropriate
        2. Bronchiolitis
          1. Epidemiology
            1. Incidence
              1. Usually occurs in children less than 2 years of age
              2. Very common
            2. Risk factors
              1. Usually occurs in winter months
            3. Prevention strategies
          2. Pathophysiology
            1. An inflammatory process of the lower respiratory tract including the terminal airways
            2. Main cause is respiratory syncytial virus infection of the lower airway
          3. Assessment
            1. Signs and symptoms - respiratory distress or failure depending on severity, plus
              1. Appears anxious
              2. Wheezing
              3. Rales (diffuse)
            2. History
              1. Usually a history of upper respiratory infection symptoms
              2. Bronchiolitis and asthma may present very similarly
          4. Management
            1. Airway and ventilation
              1. Administer oxygen by tolerated method
              2. BVM ventilations for respiratory failure/ arrest (progressive lethargy, poor muscle tone, shallow respiratory effort)
              3. Endotracheal intubation for respiratory failure/ arrest with prolonged BVM ventilations, or inadequate response to BVM ventilations
            2. Circulation
            3. Pharmacological
              1. Albuterol nebulizer
            4. Transport considerations
              1. Allow patient to assume position of comfort
            5. Psychological support/ communication strategies
              1. Keep caregiver with child if appropriate
        3. Pneumonia
          1. Epidemiology
            1. Incidence
              1. Usually occurs in infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers (1-5 years of age), but can occur at any age
              2. Common
            2. Risk factors
            3. Prevention strategies
          2. Pathophysiology
            1. Infection of the lower airway and lung
            2. May be caused by bacteria or virus
          3. Assessment
            1. Signs and symptoms - respiratory distress or failure depending on the severity, plus
              1. Appears anxious
              2. Decreased breath sounds
              3. Rales
              4. Rhonchi (localized or diffuse)
              5. Pain in the chest
              6. Fever
            2. History
              1. Usually a history of lower respiratory infectious symptoms
          4. Management
            1. Airway and ventilation
              1. Administer oxygen by tolerated method
              2. BVM ventilations for respiratory failure/ arrest (progressive lethargy, poor muscle tone, shallow respiratory effort)
              3. Endotracheal intubation for respiratory failure, prolonged BVM ventilations, or inadequate response to BVM ventilations
            2. Circulation
            3. Pharmacological
            4. Transport considerations
              1. Allow patient to assume position of comfort
            5. Psychological support/ communication strategies
              1. Keep caregiver with child if appropriate
        4. Foreign body lower airway obstruction
          1. Epidemiology
            1. Incidence
              1. Usually occurs in toddlers and preschool age children (1-4 years of age), but can occur at any age
              2. Uncommon
            2. Risk factors
            3. Prevention strategies
          2. Pathophysiology
            1. Foreign body in the lower airway or lung
            2. Objects are usually food (nuts, seeds, etc.) or small objects
          3. Assessment
            1. Signs and symptoms - respiratory distress of failure depending on the severity, plus
              1. Appears anxious
              2. Decreased breath sounds
              3. Rales
              4. Rhonchi (localized or diffuse)
              5. Pain in the chest
            2. History
              1. May be a history of choking if witnessed by an adult
          4. Management
            1. Airway and ventilation
              1. Administer oxygen by tolerated method
              2. BVM ventilations for respiratory failure/ arrest (progressive lethargy, poor muscle tone, shallow respiratory effort)
              3. Endotracheal intubation for respiratory failure/ arrest with prolonged BVM ventilations, or inadequate response to BVM ventilations
              4. Do not attempt to retrieve foreign body if it is beyond the reach of Magill forceps
            2. Circulation
            3. Transport considerations
              1. Allow patient to assume position of comfort
            4. Psychological support/ communication strategies
              1. Keep caregiver with child if appropriate
    2. A. Shock
      1. Introduction
        1. Epidemiology
          1. Incidence
          2. Morbidity/ mortality
          3. Risk factors
          4. Prevention strategies
        2. Categories of shock
          1. Non-cardiogenic
          2. Cardiogenic
      2. Pathophysiology
        1. An abnormal condition characterized by inadequate delivery of oxygen and metabolic substrates to meet the metabolic demands of tissues
        2. Severity
          1. Compensated (early)
            1. Patients blood pressure is normal although signs of inadequate tissue perfusion are present
            2. Reversible
          2. Decompensated (late)
            1. Hypotension and signs of inadequate organ perfusion are present
            2. Often irreversible
        3. Assessment
          1. Chief complaint
          2. History
          3. Physical findings
            1. Signs and symptoms of compensated shock
              1. Irritability or anxiety
              2. Tachycardia
              3. Tachypnea
              4. Weak peripheral pulses, full central pulses
              5. Delayed capillary refill
              6. Cool, pale extremities
              7. Systolic blood pressure within normal limits
              8. Decreased urinary output
            2. Signs and symptoms of decompensated shock
              1. Lethargy or coma
              2. Marked tachycardia or bradycardia
              3. Marked tachypnea or bradypnea
              4. Absent peripheral pulses, weak central pulses
              5. Markedly delayed capillary refill
              6. Cool, pale, dusky, mottled extremities
              7. Hypotension
              8. Markedly decreased urinary output
        4. Management
          1. Graded approach to treatment
          2. Consider separating parent and child
          3. Airway
            1. Trauma - immobilize c-spine
          4. Ventilation and oxygenation
            1. Compensated shock
              1. Oxygen
            2. Decompensated shock
              1. BVM - consider ventilating patient with 100% oxygen via appropriate-sized bag
              2. ETT - consider intubating patient if positive pressure ventilation does not rapidly improve patients condition
          5. Circulation
            1. Compensated shock
              1. Oxygen
            2. Decompensated shock
              1. Non-cardiogenic
                1. Fluid
              2. Cardiogenic
                1. No fluid
                2. Dysrhythmia management as indicated
          6. Supportive care
          7. Transport considerations
            1. Appropriate mode
            2. Appropriate facility
          8. Psychological support/ communication strategies
      3. Noncardiogenic
        1. Hypovolemia
          1. Epidemiology
            1. Common
          2. Pathophysiology
            1. Intravascular volume depletion
              1. Severe dehydration
                1. Vomiting
                2. Diarrhea
              2. Blood loss
                1. Trauma
                2. Other, e.g., GI bleed
          3. Assessment
            1. Signs and symptoms of compensated or decompensated shock depending on severity, plus
              1. Blood loss
                1. External hemorrhage
                2. Major trauma
              2. Dehydration
                1. Poor skin turgor
                2. Decreased saliva and or tears
                3. Sunken fontanelle (infants)
            2. History
          4. Management
            1. Airway and ventilation
              1. Oxygen
              2. Trauma - immobilize c-spine
            2. Circulation
              1. Compensated shock
                1. Oxygen
              2. Decompensated shock
                1. Oxygen
                2. Vascular access
                3. 20 ml/kg of lactated ringers or NS bolus as needed
            3. Supportive care
            4. Transport considerations
            5. Psychological support/ communication strategies
        2. Distributive
          1. Epidemiology
            1. Uncommon
          2. Etiology
            1. Septic
            2. Neurogenic
            3. Anaphylactic
          3. Pathophysiology
            1. Peripheral pooling due to loss of vasomotor tone
          4. Assessment
            1. Signs and symptoms of compensated or decompensated shock depending on severity, plus
              1. Septic
                1. Early - warm skin
                2. Late - cool skin
              2. Neurogenic
                1. Warm skin
                2. Bradycardia
              3. Anaphylactic
                1. Allergic rash
                2. Airway swelling
            2. History
          5. Management
            1. Airway and ventilation
              1. Oxygen
              2. Trauma - immobilize c-spine
            2. Circulation
              1. Compensated shock
                1. Oxygen
              2. Decompensated shock
                1. Oxygen
                2. Vascular access
                3. 20 ml/kg of lactated ringers or NS bolus as needed
              3. Anaphylactic - secure airway
            3. Supportive care
            4. Transport considerations
            5. Psychological support/ communication strategies
      4. Cardiogenic
        1. Cardiomyopathy
          1. Epidemiology
            1. Infection
            2. Congenital abnormalities
          2. Pathophysiology
            1. Mechanical pump failure
            2. Usually biventricular
          3. Assessment
            1. Signs and symptoms of compensated or decompensated shock, depending on severity, plus
              1. Rales
              2. Jugular venous distention
              3. Hepatomegaly
              4. Peripheral edema
            2. History
          4. Management
            1. Airway and ventilation
              1. Oxygen
            2. Circulation
              1. Compensated shock
                1. Oxygen
              2. Decompensated shock
                1. Oxygen
                2. Vascular access
                3. Restrict fluid
                4. Consider diuretic
                5. Consider vasopressor
            3. Supportive care
            4. Transport considerations
            5. Psychological support/ communication strategies
        2. Dysrhythmias
          1. Epidemiology
            1. Bradydysrhythmias - common
            2. Supraventricular tachydysrhythmias - uncommon
            3. Ventricular tachydysrhythmias - very uncommon
          2. Pathophysiology
            1. Electrical pump failure
              1. Results in cardiogenic shock or cardiopulmonary arrest depending on type
          3. Assessment
            1. Signs and symptoms of cardiogenic shock (compensated or decompensated) or cardiopulmonary arrest, depending on type
            2. History
          4. Management
            1. Specific to each type
    3. Dysrhythmias
      1. Tachydysrhythmias
        1. Supraventricular tachycardia
          1. Epidemiology
            1. Incidence
              1. Usually in infants with no prior history
            2. Risk factors
            3. Prevention strategies
          2. Pathophysiology
            1. Stable (compensated shock) - patient will usually remain stable during transport with oxygen
            2. Unstable (decompensated shock) - PATIENT REQUIRES IMMEDIATE TREATMENT
            3. Children may be able to sustain increased rates for a while, but after several hours, they will decompensate
          3. Assessment
            1. Signs and symptoms - compensated or decompensated shock, depending on severity, plus
              1. Narrow complex tachycardia with rates of greater than 220 beats per minute (too fast to count)
              2. Poor feeding
              3. Hypotension
            2. History
          4. Management
            1. Stable - supportive care
            2. Unstable
              1. Airway and ventilation
                1. Oxygen
              2. Circulation
              3. Pharmacological
                1. Consider adenosine
              4. Non-pharmacological
                1. Synchronized cardioversion
              5. Transport considerations
              6. Psychological support/ communication strategies
        2. Ventricular tachycardia with a pulse
          1. Epidemiology
            1. Incidence
            2. Risk factors
            3. Prevention strategies
          2. Pathophysiology
            1. Stable (compensated shock) - patient will usually not tolerate for long periods of time
            2. Unstable (decompensated shock) - PATIENT REQUIRES IMMEDIATE TREATMENT
            3. Most VT with a pulse is secondary to structural heart disease and responds poorly to lidocaine
          3. Assessment
            1. Signs and symptoms - signs of compensated or decompensated shock, depending on severity, plus
              1. Rapid, wide complex tachycardia
              2. Poor feeding
              3. Hypotension
            2. History
          4. Management
            1. Stable - supportive care
            2. Unstable
              1. Airway and ventilation
                1. Administer high flow oxygen
              2. Circulation
              3. Pharmacological
                1. Consider lidocaine
              4. Non-pharmacological
                1. Synchronized cardioversion
              5. Transport considerations
              6. Psychological support/ communication strategies
      2. Bradydysrhythmias
        1. Epidemiology
          1. Incidence - most common dysrhythmia in children
          2. Risk factors
          3. Prevention strategies
        2. Pathophysiology
          1. Usually develops as a result of hypoxia
          2. May develop due to vagal stimulation (rare)
        3. Assessment
          1. Signs and symptoms - compensated or decompensated shock, depending on severity, plus
            1. Bradycardia
            2. Slow, narrow complex heart rhythm, QRS duration may be normal or prolonged
          2. History
        4. Management
          1. Stable - supportive care
          2. Unstable
            1. Airway and ventilation
              1. Ventilate patient with 100% oxygen via BVM
              2. Intubate patient if poor response to BVM ventilations
            2. Circulation
              1. Perform chest compressions if oxygen does not increase heart rate
            3. Pharmacological
              1. Medications can be given down the endotracheal tube
              2. Administer epinephrine
              3. Administer atropine for vagally induced bradycardia
            4. Non-pharmacological
            5. Transport considerations
            6. Psychological support/ communication strategies
      3. Absent rhythm
        1. Asystole
          1. Epidemiology
            1. Incidence - may be the initial cardiac arrest rhythm
            2. Risk factors
            3. Prevention strategies
          2. Pathophysiology
            1. Bradycardias may degenerate into asystole
            2. High mortality rate
          3. Assessment
            1. Signs and symptoms
              1. Pulseless
              2. Apneic
              3. Cardiac monitor indicating no electrical activity
            2. History
          4. Management
            1. Confirm in two leads
            2. Airway and ventilation
              1. Ventilate the patient with 100% oxygen via BVM
              2. Intubate patient if poor response to BVM ventilations
            3. Circulation
              1. Perform chest compressions
            4. Pharmacological
              1. Medications can be given down the endotracheal tube
              2. Administer epinephrine
            5. Non-pharmacological
            6. Transport considerations
            7. Psychological support/ communication strategies
        2. Ventricular fibrillation/ pulseless ventricular tachycardia
          1. Epidemiology
            1. Incidence - rare
            2. Risk factors
            3. Prevention strategies
          2. Pathophysiology
            1. Possibly due to electrocution and drug overdoses
            2. High mortality rate
          3. Assessment
            1. Signs and symptoms
              1. Pulseless
              2. Apneic
              3. Cardiac monitor indicating no organized electrical activity or rapid wide complex tachycardia
            2. History
          4. Management
            1. Unmonitored - perform basic life support
            2. Monitored - defibrillate up to three consecutive shocks
            3. Airway and ventilation
              1. Ventilate the patient with 100% oxygen via BVM
              2. Intubate patient if poor response to BVM ventilations
            4. Circulation
              1. Perform chest compressions
            5. Pharmacological
              1. Medications can be given down the endotracheal tube
              2. Administer epinephrine
              3. Administer lidocaine
              4. Administer bretylium
              5. After administration of a medication, allow it to circulate for one minute before repeat defibrillation
            6. Non-pharmacological
            7. Transport considerations
            8. Psychological support/ communication strategies
        3. Pulseless electrical activity
          1. Epidemiology
            1. Incidence - look for a treatable cause
            2. Risk factors
            3. Prevention strategies
          2. Pathophysiology
            1. Pneumothorax
            2. Cardiac tamponade
            3. Hypovolemia
            4. Hypoxia
            5. Acidosis
            6. Hypothermia
            7. Hypoglycemia
          3. Assessment
            1. Signs and symptoms
              1. Pulseless
              2. Apneic
              3. Cardiac monitor indicating organized electrical activity
            2. History
          4. Management
            1. Resuscitation should be directed toward relieving cause
            2. Airway and ventilation
              1. Ventilate the patient with 100% oxygen
              2. Intubate patient
            3. Circulation
              1. Perform chest compressions
            4. Pharmacological
              1. Medications can be given down the endotracheal tube
              2. Administer epinephrine
            5. Non-pharmacological
            6. Transport considerations
            7. Psychological support/ communication strategies
  3. Pediatric trauma
    1. Pathophysiology
      1. Blunt
        1. Thinner body wall allows forces to be readily transmitted to body contents
        2. Predominant cause of injury in children
      2. Penetrating
        1. Becoming an increasing problem in adolescents
        2. Higher incidence in the inner city (mostly intentional), but significant incidence in other areas (mostly unintentional)
    2. Mechanism of injury
      1. Fall
        1. Single most common cause of injury in children
        2. Serious injury or death resulting from truly accidental falls is relatively uncommon unless from a significant height
        3. Prevention strategies
      2. Motor vehicle crash
        1. Leading cause of permanent brain injury and new cases of epilepsy
        2. Leading cause of death and serious injury in children
        3. Prevention strategies
      3. Pedestrian vehicle crash
        1. Particularly lethal form of trauma in children
        2. Initial injury due to impact with vehicle (extremity/ trunk)
        3. Child is thrown from force of impact causing additional injury (head/ spine) upon impact with other objects (ground, another vehicle, light standard, etc.)
        4. Prevention strategies
      4. Near-drowning
        1. Third leading cause of injury or death in children between birth and 4 years of age
        2. Causes approximately 2000 deaths annually
        3. Severe, permanent brain damage occurs in 5-20% of hospitalized children for near drowning
          1. Prevention strategies
      5. Penetrating injuries
        1. Risk of death from firearm injuries increase with age
        2. Stab wounds and firearm injuries account for approximately 10-15% of all pediatric trauma admissions
        3. Visual inspection of external injuries can not evaluate the extent of internal involvement
        4. Prevention strategies
      6. Burns
        1. The leading cause of accidental death in the home for children under the age of 14 years
        2. Burn survival is a function of burn size and concomitant injuries
          1. Modified "rule of nines" is utilized to determine percentage of surface area involved
        3. Prevention strategies
      7. Physical abuse
        1. Has been classified into four categories - physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and child neglect
        2. Social phenomena such as increased poverty, domestic disturbance, younger aged parents, substance abuse, and community violence have been attributed to increase of abuse
        3. Document all pertinent findings, treatments and interventions
        4. Prevention strategies
    3. Special considerations
      1. Airway control
        1. Maintain in-line stabilization in neutral, not sniffing position
        2. Administer 100% oxygen to all trauma patients
        3. Patent airway must be maintained via suctioning and jaw thrust
        4. Be prepared to assist ineffective respirations
        5. Intubation should be performed when the airway remains inadequate
        6. Gastric tube should be placed after intubation
        7. Needle cricothyroidotomy is rarely indicated for traumatic upper airway obstruction
      2. Immobilization
        1. Indications for stabilization and immobilization of cervical spine
        2. Utilize appropriate sized pediatric immobilization equipment
          1. Rigid cervical collar
          2. Towel/ blanket roll
          3. Child safety seat
          4. Pediatric immobilization device
          5. Vest-type/ short wooden backboard
          6. Long backboard
          7. Straps, cravats
          8. Tape
          9. Padding
        3. Maintain supine neutral in-line position for infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers by placing padding from the shoulders to the hips
      3. Fluid management
        1. Management of the airway and breathing take priority over management of circulation because circulatory compromise is less common in children than adults
        2. Vascular access
          1. Large-bore intravenous catheter should be inserted into a large peripheral vein
          2. Do not delay transport to gain access
          3. Intraosseous access in children < 6 years of age if intravenous access fails
          4. Initial fluid bolus of 20 ml/kg of an lactated ringers or NS
          5. Reassess vital signs and rebolus with 20 ml/kg if no improvement
          6. If improvement does not occur after the second bolus, there is likely to be significant blood loss and the need for rapid surgical intervention
      4. Traumatic brain injury
        1. Early recognition and aggressive management can reduce mortality and morbidity
        2. Severity
          1. Mild - GCS is 13 to 15
          2. Moderate - GCS is 9 to 12
          3. Severe - GCS is less than or equal to 8
        3. Signs of increased intracranial pressure
          1. Elevated blood pressure
          2. Bradycardia
            1. Rapid deep respirations (Kussmaul) progressing to slow, deep respirations alternating with rapid deep respirations (Cheyne-Stokes)
          3. Bulging fontanelle (infant)
        4. Signs of herniation
          1. Asymmetrical pupils
          2. Posturing
        5. Specific management
          1. Administer high concentration of oxygen for mild to moderate head injuries (GCS 9-15)
          2. Intubate and ventilate at normal breathing rate with 100% oxygen for severe head injuries (GCS 3-8)
            1. Use of lidocaine may blunt rise in ICP (controversial)
            2. Consider RSI per medical direction
          3. Indications for hyperventilation
            1. Asymmetric pupils
            2. Active seizures
            3. Neurologic posturing
    4. Specific injuries
      1. Head and neck injury
        1. Larger relative mass of the head and lack of neck muscle strength provides increased momentum in acceleration-deceleration injuries and a greater stress to the cervical spine region
        2. Fulcrum of cervical mobility in the younger child is at the C2-C3 level
        3. 60% to 70% of pediatric fractures occur in C1 or C2
        4. Head injury is the most common cause of death in pediatric trauma victim
        5. Diffuse injuries are common in children, focal injuries are rare
        6. Soft tissues, skull and brain are more compliant in children than in adults
          1. Due to open fontanelles and sutures, infants up to an average age of 16 months may be more tolerant to an increase of intracranial pressure and can have delayed signs
        7. Subdural bleeds in a infant can produce hypotension (extremely rare)
        8. Significant blood loss can occur through scalp lacerations and should be controlled immediately
        9. The Modified Glasgow Coma scale should be utilized for infants and young children
      2. Chest injury
        1. Chest injuries in children under 14 years of age are usually the result of blunt trauma
        2. Due to the compliance of the chest wall, severe intrathoracic injury can be present without signs of external injury
        3. Tension pneumothorax is poorly tolerated and is an immediate threat to life
        4. Flail segment is an uncommon injury in children; when noted without a significant mechanism of injury, suspect child abuse
        5. Many children with cardiac tamponade will have no physical signs of tamponade other then hypotension
      3. Abdominal injury
        1. Musculature is minimal and poorly protects the viscera
        2. Organs most commonly injured are liver, kidney and spleen
        3. Onset of symptoms may be rapid or gradual
        4. Due to the small size of the abdomen, be certain to palpate only one quadrant at a time
          1. Any child who is hemodynamically unstable without evidence of obvious source of blood loss should be considered as having an abdominal injury until proven otherwise
      4. Extremity
        1. Relatively more common in children than adults
        2. Growth plate injuries are common
        3. Compartment syndrome is an emergency in children
        4. Any sites of active bleeding must be controlled
        5. Splinting should be performed to prevent further injury and blood loss
        6. PASG may be useful in unstable pelvic fractures with hypotension
      5. Burns
        1. Thermal burns in children
        2. Chemical burns in children
        3. Electrical burns in children
        4. Management priorities
          1. Prompt management of the airway is required as swelling can develop rapidly
          2. If intubation is required, an endotracheal tube up to two sizes smaller than what would normally be used may be required
          3. Thermally burned children are very susceptible to hypothermia; maintain normal body temperature

MODULE VI: OTHER RECOMMENDED CONTENT AREAS


Operations

NREMT PRACTICE ANALYSIS TASK ITEM

Other Suggested Topic Areas

  1. Diagnostic ECG
  2. EMS Agenda for the Future issues (such as prevention)
  3. Geriatrics
  4. Local clinical & technology / equipment update
  5. Local quality improvement issues
  6. Nationally recognized guidelines / programs for out-of-hospital care (ACLS, AMLS, BTLS, PALS, PEPP, PHTLS, etc)
  7. Skills updates / maintenance

APPENDIXES

Appendix A
NREMT Practice Analysis (1999)


NREMT Practice Analysis (1999)
Below is a list of the tasks extracted from the 1999 NREMT Practice Analysis. Each participant involved in the random survey was asked to indicate the frequency in which they utilized an identified task. In addition to frequency, the participants were asked to provide input on the potential of harm and difficulty they experienced in accomplishing each task. The chart below identifies those task, based on either frequency and/or potential for harm, that was used in the creation of this document. The task force utilized those task that were identified as having low frequency of performance and a high potential for harm along with the tasks that had a high frequency of performance and a high potential for harm. 24 of the 123 tasks were identified as meeting the above criteria and were utilized as the basis for the mandatory portion of this refresher curriculum.

Task

Frequency

Potential for Harm

Assess a patient experiencing an allergic reaction

s

s

Assess a patient with possible overdose

s

s

Assess a near-drowning patient

s

s

Assess an infant or child with cardiac arrest

s

s

Assess an infant or child with respiratory distress

s

s

Assess an infant or child with shock (hypoperfusion)

s

s

Assess an infant or child with trauma

s

s

Assess a patient with a head injury

s

s

Assess a patient with a suspected spinal injury

s

s

Perform a rapid trauma assessment

s

s

Provide ventilatory support for a patient

s

s

Attempt to resuscitate a patient in cardiac arrest

s

s

Provide care to a patient experiencing cardiovascular compromise

s

s

Provide post-resuscitation care to a cardiac arrest patient

s

s

Provide care to the patient experiencing an allergic reaction

s

s

Provide care to a near-drowning patient

s

s

Provide care to an infant or child with cardiac arrest

s

s

Provide care to an infant or child with respiratory distress

s

s

Provide care to an infant or child with shock (hypoperfusion)

s

s

Provide care to an infant or child with trauma

s

s

Provide care to a patient with a chest injury

s

s

Provide care to a patient with an open abdominal injury

s

s

Provide care to a patient with shock (hypoperfusion)

s

s

Provide care to a patient with suspected spinal injury

s

s

Appendix B
Practice Scenario and Scenario Template


Scenario Template
Lectures have traditionally been the backbone for most educational endeavors. While this type of education process has been used in the past, todays students are seeking greater challenges in the classroom. One alternative method for education is the use of scenario based education. Scenario based education allows the instructor and student to achieve a more realistic approach to patient care situations. This refresher curriculum can be delivered to the experienced provider through the use of scenarios.

This scenario template has been included for use during the refresher course. The template was designed by the NREMT for use with their oral scenario station. The recommendation would be for the instructor to develop scenarios that met the objectives of this curriculum for use in the classroom portion as well as the skill labs.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
EMS System description (including urban/rural setting)  
Vehicle type/response capabilities  
Proximity to and level/type of facilities  
DISPATCH INFORMATION
Nature of the call  
Location  
Dispatch time  
Weather  
Personnel on scene  
SCENE SURVEY INFORMATION
Scene considerations  
Patient location  
Visual appearance  
Age, gender, weight  
Immediate surroundings (bystanders, family members present, etc.)  
PATIENT ASSESSMENT
Chief complaint  
History of present illness/injury  
Patient responses, symptoms, and pertinent negatives  
PAST MEDICAL HISTORY
Past medical history  
Medications and allergies  
Social/family concerns  
EXAMINATION FINDINGS
Initial vital signs B/P

P

R

SpO2

Respiratory  
Cardiovascular  
Gastrointestinal  
Genitourinary  
Musculoskeletal  
Neurologic  
Integumentary  
Hematologic  
Immunologic  
Endocrine  
Psychiatric  
PATIENT MANAGEMENT
Initial stabilization  
Treatments  
Monitoring  
Additional resources  
Patient response to interventions  
TRANSPORT DECISION
Lifting and moving the patient  
Mode  
Facilities  
CONCLUSION
Field impression  
Rationale for field impression  
Related pathophysiology  
Verbal report  
MANDATORY ACTIONS
 
POTENTIALLY HARMFUL/DANGEROUS ACTIONS ORDERED/PERFORMED
 

Practice Scenario

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
EMS System description (including urban/rural setting) Suburban EMS that responds to both emergency and non-emergency calls
Vehicle type/response capabilities 2 person Intermediate/99 level transporting service
Proximity to and level/type of facilities 30 minutes to the attending physicians office

15 minutes to the community hospital

DISPATCH INFORMATION
Nature of the call Woman cant walk, requests transport to her physicians office, non-emergent
Location Well kept walk-up single family dwelling
Dispatch time 1512 hours
Weather 68 F, clear spring day
Personnel on scene Daughter who is serving as primary care giver
SCENE SURVEY INFORMATION
Scene considerations 10 cement steps up to the front door

No access for stretcher from any other doorway

Patient location 1st floor, back bedroom, narrow hallways & doorways
Visual appearance Patient sitting in bed with multiple pillows holding her in an upright position, pale in color, does not respond to your presents in the room
Age, gender, weight 58 year old female, 200 pounds
Immediate surroundings (bystanders, family members present, etc.) Clean, neat, well-kept surroundings

Daughter is only family member present

PATIENT ASSESSMENT
Chief complaint Altered level of consciousness
History of present illness/injury Daughter states "My Mother just passed out a couple of minutes ago from the pain." Patient woke this morning with a painful left leg that has increased in pain, unable to walk without sever pain. Daughter states that her mother, "Has a small score on her left inner thigh that has gotten bigger over the past few hours and her doctor wants to see her in his office."
Patient responses, symptoms, and pertinent negatives Patient opens her eyes to loud verbal stimulus but does not verbally respond
PAST MEDICAL HISTORY
Past medical history Adult onset of diabetes controlled with diet and oral medication, hypertension, hernia repair several years ago
Medications and allergies Glucophage bid, Lasix 20 mg qid, dilitazem qid, and Colace qid

NKA

Social/family concerns Patient lives alone after death of husband two years ago, daughter comes to her home each day to help mother with daily chores
EXAMINATION FINDINGS
Initial vital signs B/P 100/pa;pation

P 130, rapid and weak

R 8

Respiratory Lung sounds are diminished bilaterally
Cardiovascular Tachycardia, hypotensive
Gastrointestinal -----
Genitourinary -----
Musculoskeletal -----
Neurologic Opens her eyes to loud verbal stimulus and withdraws to pain

Utters incomprehensible sounds

Pupils equal and responds sluggishly to light

Integumentary Large ecchymotic area over the patients entire left inner thigh extending into the groin, pelvis, and left lower abdomen

Area is hot to touch with crepitation under the skin

Skin is pale, hot, and moist to the touch

Hematologic ----
Immunologic ----
Endocrine Blood glucose 370 mg/dL
Psychiatric ----
PATIENT MANAGEMENT
Initial stabilization Assisted ventilations with high flow oxygen
Treatments Assisted ventilations with high flow oxygen, IV enroute
Monitoring ECG sinus tachycardia, SpO2 85%
Additional resources Consider transportation to facility with immediate surgical capabilities and hyperbarics
Patient response to interventions No change
TRANSPORT DECISION
Lifting and moving the patient Place in Reeves stretcher to ambulance stretcher
Mode Rapid
Facilities Emergency department
CONCLUSION
Field impression Septic shock
Rationale for field impression Rapidly extending extremity infection, febrile, hypotension, and tachycardia with altered LOC
Related pathophysiology "What is the basis for septic shock in this case?"

Sever bacterial infection

Verbal report "Please provide me with a verbal report on this patient."

Must include chief complaint, interventions, current patient condition, and ETA

MANDATORY ACTIONS
Rapid identification of life-threat and immediate transportation to the emergency department
High flow oxygen
POTENTIALLY HARMFUL/DANGEROUS ACTIONS ORDERED/PERFORMED
Delayed transportation for on scene interventions
Taking the patient to the doctors office

BACKGROUND & DISPATCH INFORMATION

You are an Intermediate on a transporting Intermediate unit. You are working with an Intermediate partner in a suburban EMS system. You are thirty (30) minutes away from the attending physicians office and fifteen (15) minutes from the community hospital.

At 1512 hours, you are dispatched to a residence for a non-emergent transport of a woman to her doctors office. It is a clear spring day with temperature of 68o F. A woman who identifies herself as the patients daughter meets you at the door.

Appendix C
Practical Evaluation Skill Sheets
(Modeled after the NREMT Practical Skill Sheets)


The practical skill sheets included in this appendix were modeled after the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) Advanced Level Practical Examination for the 1999 EMT-Intermediate National Standard Curriculum. These skill sheets should not be used as a substitute during a NREMT Advanced Level Practical Examination. The sheets were designed to be used as a standardized evaluation instrument for determining an individuals competency for an identified psychomotor skill.

Worksheets
Patient Assessment - Trauma Intravenous Therapy
Patient Assessment - Medical Pediatric (<2 yrs.) Ventilatory Management
Ventilatory Management - Adult Pediatric Intraosseous Infusion
Dual Lumen Airway Device (Combitube or PTL ) Spinal Immobilization (Seated Patient)
Dynamic Cardiology Spinal Immobilization (Supine Patient)
Static Cardiology Bleeding Control / Shock Management

Modeled after the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Advanced Level Practical Examination

Patient Assessment - Trauma

Candidate: ___________________________________________________Examiner: ______________________________________________________________

Date: _________________________________________________________Signature: _____________________________________________________________

Scenario # _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Time Start: __________________

Possible
Points

Points
Awarded

Takes or verbalizes body substance isolation precautions

1

 
SCENE SIZE_UP
Determines the scene/situation is safe

1

 
Determines the mechanism of injury/nature of illness

1

 
Determines the number of patients

1

 
Requests addition help if necessary

1

 
Considers stabilization of spine

1

 
INITIAL ASSESSMENT/RESUSCITATION
Verbalizes general impression of the patient

1

 
Determines responsiveness/level of consciousness

1

 
Determines chief complaint/apparent life-threats

1

 
Airway

Opens and assesses airway (1 point) -Inserts adjunct as indicated (1 point)

2

 
Breathing

-Assesses breathing (1 point)

-Assures adequate ventilation (1 point)

-Initiates appropriate oxygen therapy (1 point)

-Manages any injury which may compromise breathing/ventilation (1 point)

 

4

 
Circulation

-Checks pulse (1 point)

-Assess skin [either skin color, temperature, or condition] (1 point)

-Assesses for and controls major bleeding if present (1 point)

-Initiates shock management (1 point)

 

4

 
FOCUSED HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION/RAPID TRAUMA ASSESSMENT
Selects appropriate assessment

1

 
Obtains or directs assistant to obtain baseline vital signs

1

 
Obtains SAMPLE history

1

 
DETAILED PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Head

-Inspects mouth**, nose**, and assesses facial area (1 point)

-Inspects and palpates scalp and ears (1 point)

-Assesses eyes for PERRL** (1 point)

3

 
Neck**

-Checks position of trachea (1 point)

-Checks jugular veins (1 point)

-Palpates cervical spine (1 point)

3

 
Chest**

-Inspects chest (1 point)

-Palpates chest (1 point)

-Auscultates chest (1 point)

3

 
Abdomen/pelvis**

-Inspects and palpates abdomen (1 point)

-Assesses pelvis (1 point)

-Verbalizes assessment of genitalia/perineum as needed (1 point)

3

 
Lower extremities**

-Inspects, palpates, and assesses motor, sensory, and distal circulation functions (1 point/leg)

2

 
Upper extremities

-Inspects, palpates, and assesses motor, sensory, and distal circulation functions (1 point/arm)

2

 
Posterior thorax, lumbar, and buttocks**

-Inspects and palpates posterior thorax (1 point)

-Inspects and palpates lumbar and buttocks area (1 point)

2

 
Manages secondary injuries and wounds appropriately

1

 
Performs ongoing assessment

1

 

Time End: TOTAL

43

 
CRITICAL CRITERIA    
  Failure to initiate or call for transport of the patient within 10 minute time limit
  Failure to take or verbalize body substance isolation precautions
  Failure to determine scene safety
  Failure to assess for and provide spinal protection when indicated
  Failure to voice and ultimately provide high concentration of oxygen
  Failure to assess/provide adequate ventilation
  Failure to find or appropriately manage problems associated with airway, breathing, hemorrhage or shock [hypoperfusion]
  Failure to differentiate patients need for immediate transportation versus continued assessment/treatment at the scene
  Does other detailed/focused history or physical exam before assessing/treating threats to airway, breathing, and circulation
  Orders a dangerous or inappropriate intervention

You must factually document your rational for checking any of the above critical items on the reverse side of this form.


Modeled after the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Advanced Level Practical Examination
Patient Assessment - Medical

Candidate: __________________________________________________________________Examiner:____________________________________________

Date: _______________________________________________________________________Signature: ___________________________________________

Scenario # ____________________________________

Time Start: ________________

Possible
Points

Points
Awarded

Takes or verbalizes body substance isolation precautions

1

 
SCENE SIZE_UP
Determines the scene/situation is safe

1

 
Determines the mechanism of injury/nature of illness

1

 
Determines the number of patients

1

 
Requests addition help if necessary

1

 
Considers stabilization of spine

1

 
INITIAL ASSESSMENT/RESUSCITATION
Verbalizes general impression of the patient

1

 
Determines responsiveness/level of consciousness

1

 
Determines chief complaint/apparent life-threats

1

 
Assesses airway and breathing

-Assesses breathing (1 point)

-Assures adequate ventilation (1 point)

-Initiates appropriate oxygen therapy (1 point)

 

3

 
Circulation

-Assesses/controls major bleeding (1 point) -Assess skin [either skin color, temperature, or condition] (1 point)

-Assesses pulse (1 point)

3

 
Identifies priority patients/makes transport decision

1

 
FOCUSED HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION/RAPID TRAUMA ASSESSMENT
History of present illness

-Onset (1 point) -Severity (1 point)

-Provocation (1 point) -Time (1 point)

-Quality (1 point) -Clarifying questions of associated signs and symptoms to OPQRTS (2 points)

-Radiation (1 point)

 

8

 
Past medical history

-Allergies (1 point) -Past pertinent history (1 point) -Events leading to present illness (1 point)

-Medications (1 point) -Last oral intake (1 point)

5

 
Performs focused physical examination [assess affected body part/system or, if indicated, completes rapid assessment]

-Cardiovascular -Neurological -Integumentary -Reproductive

-Pulmonary -Musculoskeletal -GI/GU -Psychological/Social

5

 
Vital signs

-Pulse (1 point) -Respiratory rate and quality (1 point each)

-Blood pressure (1 point) -AVPU (1 point)

5

 
Diagnostics [must include application of ECG monitor for dyspnea and chest pain]

2

 
States field impression of patient

1

 
Verbalizes treatment plan for patient and calls for appropriate intervention(s)

1

 
Transport decision re-evaluated

1

 
ON-GOING ASSESSMENT
Repeats initial assessment

1

 
Repeats vital signs

1

 
Evaluates response to treatments

1

 
Repeats focused assessment regarding patient complaint or injuries

1

 

Time End: TOTAL

48

 
CRITICAL CRITERIA    
  Failure to initiate or call for transport of the patient within 15 minute time limit
  Failure to take or verbalize body substance isolation precautions
  Failure to determine scene safety before approaching patient
  Failure to voice and ultimately provide high concentration of oxygen
  Failure to assess/provide adequate ventilation
  Failure to find or appropriately manage problems associated with airway, breathing, hemorrhage or shock [hypoperfusion]
  Failure to differentiate patients need for immediate transportation versus continued assessment/treatment at the scene
  Does other detailed or focused history or physical exam before assessing/treating threats to airway, breathing, and circulation
  Failure to determine the patients primary problem
  Orders a dangerous or inappropriate intervention
  Failure to assess for and provide spinal protection when indicated
   

You must factually document your rational for checking any of the above critical items on the reverse side of this form.


Modeled after the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Advanced Level Practical Examination
Ventilatory Management - Adult

Candidate: _____________________________________________________________Examiner: _________________________________________________

Date: __________________________________________________________________Signature: ________________________________________________

NOTE: If candidate elects to ventilate initially with BVM attached to reservoir and oxygen, full credit must be awarded for steps denoted by "*" so long as first ventilation is delivered within 30 seconds

 

Possible
Points

Points
Awarded

Takes or verbalizes body substance isolation precautions

1

 
Opens the airway manually

1

 
Elevates tongue, inserts simple adjunct {oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway]

1

 
Note: Examiner now informs candidate no gag reflex is present and patient accepts adjunct
"*" Ventilates patient immediately with bag-valve-mask devise unattached to oxygen

1

 
"*" Hyperventilates patient with room air

1

 
Note: Examiner now informs candidate that ventilation is being performed without difficulty and that pulse oximetry indicates the patients blood oxygen saturation is 85%
Attaches oxygen reservoir to bag-mask device and connects to high flow oxygen regulator [12-15 L/min]

1

 
Ventilates patient at a rate of 10-20/minute with appropriate volumes

1

 
Note: After 30 seconds, examiner auscultates and reports breath sounds are present, equal bilaterally and medical direction has ordered intubation. The examiner must now take over ventilation
Directs assistant to pre-oxygenate patient

1

 
Identifies/selects proper equipment for intubation

1

 
Checks equipment for: -Cuff leaks (1 point) -Laryngoscope operational with bulb tight (1 point)

2

 
Note: Examiner to remove OPA and move out of the way when candidate is prepared to intubate
Positions head properly

1

 
Inserts blade while displacing tongue

1

 
Elevates mandible with laryngoscope

1

 
Introduces ET tube and advances to proper depth

1

 
Inflates cuff to proper pressure and disconnects syringe

1

 
Confirms proper placement by auscultation bilaterally over each lung and over epigastrium

1

 
Note: Examiner to ask "If you had proper placement, what should you expect to hear?"
Secures ET tube (may be verbalized)

1

 
Note: Examiner now asks candidate, "Please demonstrate one additional method of verifying proper tube placement in this patient."
Identifies/selects proper equipment

1

 
Verbalizes findings and interpretations [compares indicator color to the colorimetric scale and states reading to examiner]

1

 
Note: Examiner now states, "You see secretions in the tube and hear gurgling sounds with the patients exhalations."
Identifies/selects a flexible suction catheter

1

 
Pre-oxygenates patient

1

 
Marks maximum insertion length with thumb and forefinger

1

 
Inserts catheter into ET tube leaving catheter port open

1

 
At proper insertion depth, covers catheter port and applies suction while withdrawing catheter

1

 
Ventilates/directs ventilation of patient as catheter is flushed with sterile water

1

 

Total

27

 
CRITICAL CRITERIA    
  Failure to initiate ventilations within 30 seconds after applying gloves or interrupts ventilations for grater than 30 seconds at any time
  Failure to take or verbalize body substance isolation precautions
  Failure to voice and ultimately provide high oxygen concentration [at least 85%]
  Failure to ventilate patient at a rate of at least 10/minute
  Failure to provide adequate volumes per breath [maximum 2 errors/minute permissible]
  Failure to pre-oxygenate patient prior to intubation and suctioning
  Failure to successfully intubate within 3 attempts
  Failure to disconnect syringe immediately after inflating cuff of ET tube
  Uses teeth as a fulcrum
  Failure to assure proper tube placement by auscultation bilaterally and over the epigastrium
  If used, stylet extends beyond end of ET tube
  Inserts any adjunct in a manner dangerous to the patient
  Suctions the patient for more than 15 seconds
  Does not suction the patient

You must factually document your rational for checking any of the above critical items on the reverse side of this form.


Modeled after the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Advanced Level Practical Examination
Dual Lumen Airway Device (Combitube or PTL )

Candidate: ______________________________________________________________Examiner: __________________________________________________________

Date: ___________________________________________________________________Signature: __________________________________________________________

NOTE: If candidate elects to ventilate initially with BVM attached to reservoir and oxygen, full credit must be awarded for steps denoted by "*" so long as first ventilation is delivered within 30 seconds

Possible
Points

Points
Awarded

Takes or verbalizes body substance isolation precautions

1

 
Opens the airway manually

1

 
Elevates tongue, inserts simple adjunct {oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway]

1

 
Note: Examiner now informs candidate no gag reflex is present and patient accepts adjunct
"*" Ventilates patient immediately with bag-valve-mask devise unattached to oxygen

1

 
"*" Hyperventilates patient with room air

1

 
Note: Examiner now informs candidate that ventilation is being performed without difficulty
Attaches oxygen reservoir to bag-mask device and connects to high flow oxygen regulator [12-15 L/min]

1

 
Ventilates patient at a rate of 10-20/minute with appropriate volumes

1

 
Note: After 30 seconds, examiner auscultates and reports breath sounds are present, equal bilaterally and medical direction has ordered insertion of a dual lumen airway. The examiner must now take over ventilation
Directs assistant to pre-oxygenate patient

1

 
Checks/prepares airway device

1

 
Lubricates distal tip of the device [may be verbalized]

1

 
Note: Examiner to remove OPA and move out of the way when candidate is prepared to insert device
Positions head properly

1

 
Performs a tongue-jaw lift    

Uses Combitube

Uses PTL

   
Inserts device in mid-line and to depth so printed ring is at level of teeth Inserts device in mid-line until bite block flange is at level of teeth

1

 
Inflates pharyngeal cuff with proper volume and removes syringe Secures strap

1

 
Inflates distal cuff with proper volume and removes syringe Blows into tube #1 to adequately inflate both cuffs

1

 
Attaches/directs attachment of BVM to the first [esophageal placement] lumen and ventilates

1

 
Confirms placement and ventilation through correct lumen by observing chest rise, auscultation over the epigastrium, and bilaterally over each lung

1

 
Note: The examiner states, "You do not see rise and fall of the chest and you only hear sounds over the epigastrium."
Attaches/directs attachment of BVM to the second [endotracheal placement] lumen and ventilates

1

 
Confirms placement and ventilation through correct lumen by observing chest rise, auscultation over the epigastrium, and bilaterally over each lung

1

 
Note: The examiner confirms adequate chest rise, absent sounds over the epigastrium, and equal bilateral breath sounds.
Secures device or confirms that the device remains properly secured

1

 

Total

20

 
     
CRITICAL CRITERIA    
  Failure to initiate ventilations within 30 seconds after applying gloves or interrupts ventilations for grater than 30 seconds at any time
  Failure to take or verbalize body substance isolation precautions
  Failure to voice and ultimately provide high oxygen concentration [at least 85%]
  Failure to ventilate patient at a rate of at least 10/minute
  Failure to provide adequate volumes per breath [maximum 2 errors/minute permissible]
  Failure to pre-oxygenate patient prior to insertion of the dual lumen airway device
  Failure to insert the dual lumen airway device at a proper depth or at either proper place within 3 attempts
  Failure to inflate both cuffs properly
  Combitube failure to remove the syringe immediately after inflation of each cuff
  PTL - failure to secure the strap prior to cuff inflation
  Failure to confirm that the proper lumen of the device is being ventilated by observing chest rise, auscultation over the epigastrium, and bilaterally over each lung
  Inserts any adjunct in a manner dangerous to the patient

You must factually document your rational for checking any of the above critical items on the reverse side of this form.


Modeled after the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Advanced Level Practical Examination
Dynamic Cardiology

Candidate: __________________________________________________________________Examiner: ____________________________________________

Date:_______________________________________________________________________ Signature: ____________________________________________

Level of testing: NREMT-Intermediate/99 NREMT-Paramedic

Time start: ___________________

Possible
Points

Points
Awarded

Takes or verbalizes infection control precautions

1

 
Checks level of responsiveness

1

 
Checks ABCs

1

 
Initiates CPR if appropriate [verbally]

1

 
Attaches ECG monitor in a timely fashion or applies paddles for "Quick Look"

1

 
Correctly interprets initial rhythm

1

 
Appropriately manages initial rhythm

2

 
Notes change in rhythm

1

 
Checks patient condition to include pulse and, if appropriate, BP

1

 
Correctly interprets second rhythm

1

 
Appropriately manages second rhythm

2

 
Notes change in rhythm

1

 
Checks patient condition to include pulse and, if appropriate, BP

1

 
Correctly interprets third rhythm

1

 
Appropriately manages third rhythm

2

 
Notes change in rhythm

1

 
Checks patient condition to include pulse and, if appropriate, BP

1

 
Correctly interprets fourth rhythm

1

 
Appropriately manages fourth rhythm

2

 
Orders high percent of supplemental oxygen at proper times

1

 

Time end: Total

24

 

   
CRITICAL CRITERIA    
  Failure to deliver first shock in a timely manner due to operator delay in machine use or providing treatments other than CPR with simple adjuncts
  Failure to deliver second or third shocks without delay other than the time required to reassess rhythm and recharge paddles
  Failure to verify rhythm before delivering each shock
  Failure to ensure the safety of self and others [verbalizes "All Clear" and observes]
  Inability to deliver DC shock [does not use machine properly]
  Failure to demonstrate acceptable shock sequence
  Failure to order initiation or resumption of CPR when appropriate
  Failure to order correct management of airway [ET when appropriate]
  Failure to order administration of appropriate oxygen at proper time
  Failure to diagnose or treat 2 or more rhythms correctly
  Orders administration of an inappropriate drug or lethal dosage
  Failure to correctly diagnose or adequately treat v-fib, v-tach, or asystole

You must factually document your rational for checking any of the above critical items on the reverse side of this form.


Modeled after the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Advanced Level Practical Examination
Static Cardiology

Candidate: _________________________________________________________________Examiner: ___________________________________________________________

Date: _____________________________________________________________________Signature: ___________________________________________________________

Set # _______________________

Level of testing: NREMT-Intermediate/99 NREMT-Paramedic

Note: No points for treatment may be awarded if the diagnosis is incorrect.
Only document incorrect responses in space provided

Time start: ___________________

Possible
Points

Points
Awarded

STRIP #1

Diagnosis:

1

 
Treatment:

2

 
 
 
 
 
 
STRIP #2

Diagnosis:

1

 
Treatment:

2

 
 
 
 
 
 
STRIP #3

Diagnosis:

1

 
Treatment:

2

 
 
 
 
 
 
STRIP #4

Diagnosis:

1

 
Treatment:

2

 
 
 
 
 
 

Time end: ______________________________________________Total

12

 

 


Modeled after the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Advanced Level Practical Examination
Intravenous Therapy

Candidate: ___________________________________________________________________Examiner: _______________________________________

Date: ________________________________________________________________________Signature: ______________________________________

Level of testing: NREMT-Intermediate/99 NREMT-Paramedic

Time start: ___________________

Possible
Points

Points Awarded

Checks selected IV fluid for:

-Proper fluid (1 point)

-Clarity (1 point)

2

 
Selects appropriate catheter

1

 
Selects proper administration set

1

 
Connects IV tubing to the bag

1

 
Prepares administration set [fills drip chamber and flushes tubing]

1

 
Cuts or tears tape [at any time before venipuncture]

1

 
Takes/verbalizes body substance isolation precautions {prior to venipuncture]

1

 
Applies tourniquet

1

 
Palpates suitable vein

1

 
Cleanses site appropriately

1

 
Performs venipuncture

-Inserts stylet (1 point)

-Notes or verbalizes flashback (1 point)

-Occludes vein proximal to catheter (1 point)

-Removes stylet (1 point)

-Connects IV tubing to catheter (1 point)

 

 

5

 
Disposes/verbalizes disposal of needle in proper container

1

 
Releases tourniquet

1

 
Runs IV for a brief period to assure patent line

1

 
Secures catheter [tapes securely or verbalizes]

1

 
Adjusts flow rate as appropriate

1

 

Time end: Total

21

 

   
CRITICAL CRITERIA    
  Failure to establish a patent and properly adjusted IV within 6 minute time limit
  Failure to take or verbalize body substance isolation precautions prior to performing venipuncture
  Contaminates equipment or site without appropriately correcting situation
  Performs any improper technique resulting in the potential for uncontrolled hemorrhage, catheter shear, or air embolism
  Failure to successfully establish IV within 3 attempts during 6 minute time limit
  Failure to dispose/verbalize disposal of needle in proper container

Note: Check here ( ) if candidate did not establish a patent IV and do not evaluate IV Bolus Medications

Intravenous Bolus Medications

Time start:___________________________________

Possible
Points

Points
Awarded

Asks patient for known allergies

1

 
Selects correct medication

1

 
Assures correct concentration of drug

1

 
Assembles prefilled syringe correctly and dispels air

1

 
Continues body substance isolation precautions

1

 
Cleanses injection sit [Y-port or hub]

1

 
Reaffirms medication

1

 
Stops IV flow [pinches tubing or shuts off]

1

 
Administers correct dose at proper push rate

1

 
Disposes/verbalizes proper disposal of syringe and needle in proper container

1

 
Flushes tubing [runs wide open for a brief period]

1

 
Adjusts drip rate to TKO/KVO

1

 
Verbalizes need to observe patient for desired effect/adverse side effects

1

 

Time end: _____________________________________Total

13

 
     
CRITICAL CRITERIA    
  Failure to begin administration of medication within 3 minute time limit
  Contaminates equipment or site without appropriately correcting situation
  Failure to adequately dispel air resulting in potential for air embolism
  Injects improper drug or dosage [wrong drug, incorrect amount, or pushes at inappropriate rate]
  Failure to flush IV tubing after injecting medication
  Recaps needle or failure to dispose/verbalize disposal of syringe and needle in proper container

You must factually document your rational for checking any of the above critical items on the reverse side of this form.


Modeled after the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Advanced Level Practical Examination
Pediatric (<2 yrs.) Ventilatory Management

Candidate: ___________________________________________________________Examiner: ______________________________________________________________

Date:________________________________________________________________Signature: ______________________________________________________________

NOTE: If candidate elects to ventilate initially with BVM attached to reservoir and oxygen, full credit must be awarded for steps denoted by "*" so long as first ventilation is delivered within 30 seconds

 

Possible

Points

Points Awarded

Takes or verbalizes body substance isolation precautions

1

 
Opens the airway manually

1

 
Elevates tongue, inserts simple adjunct {oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway]

1

 
Note: Examiner now informs candidate no gag reflex is present and patient accepts adjunct
"*" Ventilates patient immediately with bag-valve-mask devise unattached to oxygen

1

 
"*" Hyperventilates patient with room air

1

 
Note: Examiner now informs candidate that ventilation is being performed without difficulty and that pulse oximetry indicates the patients blood oxygen saturation is 85%
Attaches oxygen reservoir to bag-mask device and connects to high flow oxygen regulator [12-15 L/min]

1

 
Ventilates patient at a rate of 20-30/minute and assures adequate chest expansion

1

 
Note: After 30 seconds, examiner auscultates and reports breath sounds are present, equal bilaterally and medical direction has ordered intubation. The examiner must now take over ventilation
Directs assistant to pre-oxygenate patient

1

 
Identifies/selects proper equipment for intubation

1

 
Checks laryngoscope to assure operational with bulb tight

1

 
Note: Examiner to remove OPA and move out of the way when candidate is prepared to intubate
Places patient in neutral or sniffing position

1

 
Inserts blade while displacing tongue

1

 
Elevates mandible with laryngoscope

1

 
Introduces ET tube and advances to proper depth

1

 
Directs ventilation of patient

1

 
Confirms proper placement by auscultation bilaterally over each lung and over epigastrium

1

 
Note: Examiner to ask "If you had proper placement, what should you expect to hear?"
Secures ET tube (may be verbalized)

1

 

Total

17

 
CRITICAL CRITERIA    
  Failure to initiate ventilations within 30 seconds after applying gloves or interrupts ventilations for grater than 30 seconds at any time
  Failure to take or verbalize body substance isolation precautions
  Failure to pad under the torso to allow neutral head position or sniffing position
  Failure to voice and ultimately provide high oxygen concentration [at least 85%]
  Failure to ventilate patient at a rate of at least 20/minute
  Failure to provide adequate volumes per breath [maximum 2 errors/minute permissible]
  Failure to pre-oxygenate patient prior to intubation
  Failure to successfully intubate within 3 attempts
  Uses teeth as a fulcrum
  Failure to assure proper tube placement by auscultation bilaterally and over the epigastrium
  Inserts any adjunct in a manner dangerous to the patient
  Attempts to use any equipment not appropriate for the pediatric patient

You must factually document your rational for checking any of the above critical items on the reverse side of this form.


Modeled after the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Advanced Level Practical Examination
Pediatric Intraosseous Infusion

Candidate: _____________________________________________________________Examiner: __________________________________________________________

Date: __________________________________________________________________Signature:__________________________________________________________

Time start:___________________________

Possible
Points

Points
Awarded

Checks selected IV fluid for:

-Proper fluid (1 point)

-Clarity (1 point)

2

 
Selects appropriate equipment to include:

-IO needle (1 point)

-Syringe (1 point)

-Saline (1 point)

-Extension set (1 point)

 

4

 
Selects proper administration set

1

 
Connects administration set to bag

1

 
Prepares administration set [fills drip chamber and flushes tubing]

1

 
Prepares syringe and extension tubing

1

 
Cuts or tears tape [at any time before IO puncture]

1

 
Takes or verbalizes body substance isolation precautions [prior to IO puncture]

1

 
Identifies proper anatomical site for IO puncture

1

 
Cleanses site appropriately

1

 
Performs IO puncture:

-Stabilizes tibia (1 point)

-Inserts needle at proper angle (1 point)

-Advances needle with twisting motion until "pop" is felt (1 point)

-Unscrews cap and removes stylet from needle (1 point)

 

4

 
Disposes of needle in proper container

1

 
Attaches syringe and extension set to IO needle and aspirates

1

 
Slowly injects saline to assure proper placement of needle

1

 
Connects administration set and adjusts flow rate as appropriate

1

 
Secures needle with tape and supports with bulky dressing

1

 

Time end: ________________________________________Total

23

 
CRITICAL CRITERIA    
  Failure to establish a patent and properly adjusted IO within 6 minute time limit
  Failure to take or verbalize body substance isolation precautions prior to performing IO puncture
  Contaminates equipment or site without appropriately correcting situation
  Performs any improper technique resulting in the potential for air embolism
  Failure to assure correct needle placement before attaching administration set
  Failure to successfully establish IO infusion within 2 attempts during 6 minute time limit
  Performing IO puncture in an unacceptable manner [improper site, incorrect needle angle, etc.]
  Failure to dispose of needle in proper container
  Orders or performs any dangerous or potentially harmful procedure

You must factually document your rational for checking any of the above critical items on the reverse side of this form.


Modeled after the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Advanced Level Practical Examination
Spinal Immobilization (Seated Patient)

Candidate: _____________________________________________________________Examiner:__________________________________________________________

Date: __________________________________________________________________Signature: _________________________________________________________

Time start: __________________________

Possible
Points

Points
Awarded

Takes or verbalizes body substance isolation precautions

1

 
Directs assistant to place/maintain head in the neutral, in-line position

1

 
Directs assistant to maintain manual immobilization of the head

1

 
Reassesses motor, sensory, and circulation function in each extremity

1

 
Applies appropriately sized extrication collar

1

 
Positions the immobilization device behind the patient

1

 
Secures the device to the patients torso

1

 
Evaluates torso fixation and adjusts as necessary

1

 
Evaluates and pads behind the patients head as necessary

1

 
Secures the patients head to the device

1

 
Verbalizes moving the patient to a long backboard

1

 
Reassesses motor, sensory, and circulation function in each extremity

1

 

Time end: _____________________________Total

12

 
CRITAL CRITERIA    
  Did not immediately direct or take manual immobilization of the head
  Did not properly apply appropriately sized cervical collar before ordering release of manual immobilization
  Released or ordered release of manual immobilization before it was maintained mechanically
  Manipulated or moved patient excessively causing potential spinal compromise
  Head immobilized to the device before device sufficiently secured to torso
  Device moves excessively up, down, left, or right on the patients torso
  Head immobilization allows for excessive movement
  Torso fixation inhibits chest rise, resulting in respiratory compromise
  Upon completion of immobilization, head is not in a neutral, in-line position
  Did not reassess motor, sensory, and circulation functions in each extremity after voicing immobilization to the long backboard

You must factually document your rational for checking any of the above critical items on the reverse side of this form.


Modeled after the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Advanced Level Practical Examination
Spinal Immobilization (Supine Patient)

Candidate: ___________________________________________________________Examiner:__________________________________________________________

Date:________________________________________________________________Signature:__________________________________________________________

Time start:  ____________________

Possible
Points

Points
Awarded

Takes or verbalizes body substance isolation precautions

1

 
Directs assistant to place/maintain head in the neutral, in-line position

1

 
Directs assistant to maintain manual immobilization of the head

1

 
Reassesses motor, sensory, and circulation function in each extremity

1

 
Applies appropriately sized extrication collar

1

 
Positions the immobilization device appropriately

1

 
Directs movement of the patient onto the device without compromising the integrity of the spine

1

 
Applies padding to the voids between the torso and the device as necessary

1

 
Immobilizes the patients torso to the device

1

 
Evaluates and pads behind the patients head as necessary

1

 
Secures the patients head to the device

1

 
Secures the patients legs to the device

1

 
Secures the patients arms to the device

1

 
Reassesses motor, sensory, and circulation function in each extremity

1

 

Time end: _______________________Total

14

 
CRITICAL CRITERIA    
  Did not immediately direct or take manual immobilization of the head
  Did not properly apply appropriately sized cervical collar before ordering release of manual immobilization
  Released or ordered release of manual immobilization before it was maintained mechanically
  Manipulated or moved patient excessively causing potential spinal compromise
  Head immobilized to the device before device sufficiently secured to torso
  Device moves excessively up, down, left, or right on the patients torso
  Head immobilization allows for excessive movement
  Upon completion of immobilization, head is not in a neutral, in-line position
  Did not reassess motor, sensory, and circulation functions in each extremity after voicing immobilization to the device

You must factually document your rational for checking any of the above critical items on the reverse side of this form.


Modeled after the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Advanced Level Practical Examination
Bleeding Control / Shock Management

Candidate: __________________________________________________________Examiner:_________________________________________________________

Date:_______________________________________________________________Signature:_________________________________________________________

Time Started: ___________________________

Possible
Points

Points
Awarded

Takes or verbalizes body substance isolation precautions

1

 
Applies direct pressure to the wound

1

 
Elevates the extremity

1

 

NOTE: The examiner must now inform the candidate that the wound continues to bleed.

Applies an additional dressing to the wound

1

 

NOTE: The examiner must now inform the candidate that the wound still continues to bleed. The second dressing does not control the bleeding.

Locates and applies pressure to appropriate pressure point

1

 

NOTE: The examiner must now inform the candidate that the bleeding is controlled

Bandages the wound

1

 

NOTE: The examiner must now inform the candidate that the patient is exhibiting signs and symptoms of hypoperfusion.

Properly positions the patient

1

 
Administers high concentration oxygen

1

 
Initiates steps to prevent heat loss from the patient

1

 
Indicates the need for immediate transport

1

 

Time End: __________________________________________TOTAL

10

 

CRITICAL CRITERIA

   
  Did not take or verbalize body substance isolation precautions
  Did not apply high concentration of oxygen
  Applied a tourniquet before attempting other methods of bleeding control
  Did not control hemorrhage in a timely manner
  Did not indicate a need for immediate transportation
   

 

You must factually document your rational for checking any of the above critical items on the reverse side of this form.