Patient Assessment
Patient assessment is the process an EMT or paramedic follows to evaluate an injured or ill patient. The process includes a scene size-up, which is the identification and mitigation of risks, a primary assessment to find and fix life threats and a secondary assessment to perform a focused history and physical exam of the patient. Each step is an opportunity to collect information that will guide treatment and inform a transport decision. In the EMS1 Patient Assessment topic find the latest news about patient assessment and top resources to improve your patient assessment skills.
High-stress decisions and human limitations demand more than just training
Learn the key differences, signs and symptoms of compensated and decompensated shock to improve prehospital recognition and response
Chest pain, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath: While panic attacks and anxiety attacks share common symptoms, they also have distinct differences
In this episode, our co-hosts discuss the importance of searching for a medical alert bracelet or tattoo when doing an initial patient assessment
A complaint filed last week says Crystle Galloway died “because of the negligence of four paramedics who failed to properly treat her”
Dr. Eric Topol, a world-renowned cardiologist, considers the stethoscope obsolete, nothing more than a pair of “rubber tubes”
Colerain Township Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services created an all-hands-on-deck approach to help people with substance use disorders
EMS training gaps in lifting practices, medical measuring and monitoring, and providing compassionate care put patients and providers at risk
Being thoughtful is the key to success in EMS training, providing compassionate care and setting priorities
In this episode, our co-hosts discuss the challenges that come with assisting bariatric patients, including logistics, equipment needs and provider attitudes
We’ve all heard about getting ‘back to the basic,’ but sometimes paramedics need to make sure they get back to the advanced, as well
Attacks on EMS providers by the very people we are trying to help are becoming all too common: Review your safety practices and training
According to a criminal complaint filed in Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court, Angelo Ray, 21, is charged with two counts of battery on a healthcare worker
This non-linear patient assessment flowchart allows priority decision making beyond the basics of OPQRST and SAMPLE
It took 10 minutes for a replacement ambulance to pick up the patient and continue transporting him to the hospital
A hands-on patient assessment must be performed to declare a victim dead, even at a potential crime scene
Our co-hosts discuss the three techniques EMS providers should use to determine if a patient has the mental capacity to decline medical treatment
Paul Tarashuk was having schizophrenic episode when he was picked up by police on Interstate 95 and dropped off at the nearest gas station
In 20-25% of cases, stroke symptoms and signs represent a stroke mimic, such as hypoglycemia, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis or infection
Our co-hosts discuss the complexities of handling pediatric patients, including best practices and building confidence in the ability to treat children
HealthEast Medical Transportation aims to gauge the confidence level of EMS providers around the country in the care of transgender patients
A portable ultrasound machine enabled eFAST exam can identify free fluid, a pneumothorax or signs of dissection from the back of an ambulance
Train EMS providers in patient assessment skills that rely on clear, effective communication
Our co-hosts sit down with award-winning speaker and author Rommie Duckworth, who explains how to diagnose, treat and manage septic patients
The Yellow Dot program provides first responders with a person’s medical history, allergies, medications and medical conditions
Four hours after an EMS crew released Paul Tarashuk, he was struck and killed by a vehicle; David Givot breaks down issues of patient abandonment, negligence and responsibility
EMS providers are more than personal space invaders. The connections we form with the patient can be the key to creating an environment of healing
Do you know the most current protocols for treating arrhythmia, cardiac arrest and other heart conditions?
Create a safe and affirming environment for all patients by knowing and calling patients by their preferred name and pronouns
EMS triage and destination, emergency department, transfer and stroke team protocols are essential to rapid definitive treatment for ischemic stroke
Host Ginger Locke interviews Dr. Katherine Remick about how a differential diagnosis and patient history can differentiate between SVT and sinus tachycardia
When a patient’s life is in your hands, you need to know the risk factors, signs and symptoms of PE
