cheif complaint selection rules Flashcards
rule #1
A sudden, unexplained collapse resulting in unconsciousness, even when reported as a ground level fall,
should be considered a MEDICAL cardiac arrest until proven otherwise
rule 2
When cardiac arrest appears to be TRAUMATIC in nature,
chose the Chief Complaint Protocol that best fits the scene safety concerns and the mechanism of injury
rule 3
if the complaint description includes scene safety issues,
chose the Chief Complaint Protocol that best addresses those issues
rule 4
if the complaint description suggests TRAUMA,
choose the Chief Complaint Protocol that best addresses the mechanism of injury
rule 5
if the complaint description appears to be MEDICAL in nature,
choose the Chief Complaint Protocol that best fits the patient’s foremost symptom, with consideration given to priority symptoms
rule 6
Abdominal pain/cramping anytime during pregnancy,
should be considered contractions until proven otherwise
rule 7
if the complaint is traumatic injury or constriction involving a non-venomous (unquestionable)
snake, go to protocol 3. if unknown or unsure, go to Protocol 2
rule 8
Back Pain should only be selected as the Chief Complaint when it is initially clear on Case Entry
that the cause is NON-RECENT traumatic or NON-TRAUMATIC back pain. if unclear, **go to protocol 30.
rule 9
for breathing related tracheostomy problems in the conscious person
go to protocol 6.
dont be distracted, ppl with trachs can still have breathing problems
rule 10
when the complaint description involves both NON-TRAUMATIC chest pain/HEART ATTACK symptoms and breathing problems,
chose the Chief Complaint Protocol that best fits the patient’s foremost symptoms, with ECHO-level conditions taking precedence. Use the Aspirin Diagnostic & Instruction Tool an either protocol as appropriate
rule 11
for severe thermal burns to the eyes, which protocol and why
- Protocol 7
- severe thermal burns to the eyes almost always affect the face or head
rule 12
go to protocol 8,
scene safety
if the complaint description involved hazardous materials that pose a threat to bystanders or responders
both chest pain/heart attack symptoms and stroke symptoms
go to protocol 10 but do not utilize the aspirin diagnostic and instruction tool
rule 14
regardless of consciousness or breathing status
go to protocol 12, if the complaint descriptions strongly suggests GENERALIZED seizure
rule 15
postpartum hemorrhage only
for this complaint description go to protocol 21 (no complications with baby and placenta has been delivered)
rule 16
for DANGEROUS uncontrolled hemorrhage
go to protocol 21, excluding scene safety complaints
DANGEROUS HEMORRHAGE (neck, armpit groin)
rule 17
for complaints of coffee ground emesis or black/tarry stool
go to protocol 21 because these are often signs of gasterointestinal bleeding
rule 18
if the actual type of sucicide attempt is determined to be overdose, carbon monoxide, stab or gunshot
go to and dispatch from that more specific protocol (instead of 25)
rule 19
for recreatation inhalation of toxic substances
go to protocol 23
rule 20
when the complain description involves a suicide attempt by jumping from a height
go to protocol 25 (intending suicide, imminent suicide potential, or already jumped)
rule 21
if pregnant patients have “illness” as the primary complaint
go to protocol 26 unless the problem concerns vaginal bleeding, labour, miscarriage, or waters broken
pregnant patients can be sick too
rule 22
if the complaint involves sickle cell crisis/talessemia, autonomic dysreflexia/hyperreflexia, or acute adrenal insufficency/adrenal crissi/addisonian crisis
go to protocol 26
rule 23
medical eviscerations
go to protocol 27 (abdominal/thoracic)
rule 24
for insignifficant or peripheral puncture wounds
go to protocol 21 or 30 as appropriate instead of 27
