Medical Emergencies Flashcards
What does ABCDE stand for?
A- airway
B- breathing
C- circulation
D- disability
E- exposure
What are the three airway checks?
- Is airway patent?
- Are there signs of blockage?
- Are there any sounds coming from airway? (E.g. stridor, wheeze etc)
What are the two airway manoeuvres for airway management?
- Head tilt-chin lift
- Jaw thrust
What is the dose of oxygen required through a non-rebreather mask in oxygen delivery for medical emergency?
15l/minute
What are the three breathing checks?
- Respiratory rate (breathes per minute)
- SpO2 levels (oxygen saturation)
- Chest movement
What is an ideal respiratory rate?
12-20 breaths per min
What respiratory rates indicate a problem?
> 20 or <12 breaths per min
What is the ideal SpO2 level?
> 95%
What are the 4 circulation checks?
- Heart/pulse rate
- Blood pressure
- Capillary refill time
- Colour
What is an ideal heart/pulse rate?
60-100bpm
How many bpm represents tachycardia?
> 100bpm
How many bpm represents bradycardia?
<60bpm
What is the normal parameters for blood pressure?
120/70 range (falls around this)
How would you initially manage someone with low BP?
Place them in supine position with their legs raised in the air to return venous blood flow
What does ACVPU stand for?
A- alert
C- confusion
V- verbal
P- pain
U- unresponsive
What reading on a glucometer would indicate that patient is hypoglycaemic?
<4mmols
What temperature would indicate patient is pyrexial?
> 38 degrees Celsius
What does SBAR stand for?
S- situation
B- background
A- assessment
R- recommendation
Why should abdominal thrusts never be given to a pregnant woman that is choking?
Due to the risk to the baby’s life/long term outcomes
What side must a heavily pregnant patient be placed in the recovery position and why?
Left-hand side
Because placing patient on RHS would put pressure on the inferior vena cava from the baby and could prevent blood flowing around the body. This could be fatal to both baby and mum.
What is important to note about a suspected head or neck injury when managing a patient during medical emergency?
Do not place this patient in the recovery position for fear of causing further damage
What is the DRSABC approach used for?
An approach which ensures the safety of the rescuer as well as the correct treatment for the casualty during a medical emergency.
What does DRSABC stand for?
Danger
Response
Shout
Airway
Breathing
Circulation/call 999/chest compressions
What are the two main reasons why an AED is required by someone in cardiac arrest?
- The heart needs a shock from a defibrillator in order to fall back into sinus rhythm.
- The sooner the heart is shocked the better likelihood of a positive outcome in short term
