This program will review medication administration routes, explain the reasons why different routes are used, provide examples of common medications for each route, and describe appropriate precautions and considerations for each route.
Spinal Injury Management
Although the most familiar approach to vascular access is the intravenous catheter or IV, the most seriously ill or injured patient has little of no peripheral circulation allowing for rapid IV access. Fortunately, there is another option: intraosseous (IO) access and infusion. This course provides the guidelines for the proper use of IO devices, outlines the indications and contraindications of IO, and demonstrates why IO can be a viable alternative to IV in an emergency situation.
Featuring Scotty Bolleter, BS, Paramedic Chief Centre for Emergency Health Sciences.
Capnography
Capnography is a technology that provides a graphic picture and an objective measure of a patient’s ventilatory status. While not a new technology, capnography is a hot topic now because of its reference in the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) Guidelines, and more states are requiring it as part of their intubation protocol. This course provides an overview of the intubated uses of capnography, a summary of the use of capnography in the treatment of asthma, and an in-depth presentation of the less common, non-intubated uses of capnography.
Featuring Troy Smith, LPN, NREMT-Paramedic, AS Snohomish, Washington.
Critical Airway Management
Supporting a patient’s airway, ventilation, and respiration is a priority for EMS providers. The airway management continuum of care is a conceptual approach that emphasizes how all levels of EMS providers can implement these less invasive interventions whenever possible. For most patients that need airway intervention, EMS providers can effectively manage the airway with less invasive airway techniques like supÂplemental oxygen, NIPPV, or OPA/NPA. These practices are clinically appropriate for many patients and have less potential for complication, and data shows these can have equivalent patient outcomes as the use of endotracheal intubation (ETI).
However, there are times when a patient’s presentation calls for a provider to move swiftly to the far end of the airway management conÂtinuum, to the more invasive airway management tools. When truly necessary, these interventions can be lifesaving and should be acted on decisively. EMS providers of all levels should practice the skills within their scope of practice to ensure effective team dynamics for airway management, including airway device insertion if applicable.
This program reviews how EMS providers can approach airway interÂventions with the airway continuum in mind and can improve the speed and effectiveness of airway insertion techniques when the patient’s preÂsentation demands these interventions.
Featuring Reuben Farnsworth, B.S., CCP-C, CP-C, Clinical/Operational Coordinator of Delta County Ambulance District, Colorado.
12-Lead Electrocardiogram (ECG)
In current EMS practice, paramedics and nurses are now expected to be able to use the 12-Lead ECG for early recognition of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and then fast-track patients for immediate physician review and treatment. This course reviews the importance of 12-Lead ECGs, how to correctly apply the chest and limb electrodes for an accurate reading, and an update on the best practices. Also covered are the most frequently encountered errors of 12-Lead ECGs, the importance of obtaining 12-Lead ECGs with an emphasis on ST-elevation, capturing clear ECGs for analysis, and reducing false positives and STEMI imitators.
Featuring Tim Phalen Author and Educator, ECG Solutions, Inc.