Section 2: Medical Protocols Flashcards
2.01 Acute Neurologic Event with Evidence of Increased ICP - Recognition
Recognition:
• Patient with ACS (GCS <8), abnormal motor posturing, unilateral/bilateral dilation of pupils, +/- bradycardia and/or hypertension.
• Possible etiologies include TBI, epidural, subdural, or subarachnoid hemorrhage, primary intracerebral hemorrhage, tumor, or encephalopathy.
2.01 Acute Neurologic Event with Evidence of Increased ICP - Treatment
- Routine patient care.
- If feasible, elevate the head of bed to > 30°.
- Avoid obstructions to venous drainage, such as tight cervical collars, securing devices for endotracheal tubes, or a non-midline head position.
- Provide airway management.
- Ventilate the patient to maintain an EtCO2 of 30-35 mmHg (avoid over aggressive hyperventilation).
- Perform blood glucose analysis.
- Manage hypotension, maintain the MAP ≥ 80 or the SBP ≥ 110.
- 3% SALINE (HTS) 3 ml/kg (peds 1ml/kg) IV over 15 min.
2.01 Acute Neurologic Event with Evidence of Increased ICP - PEARLS
- Attempt to obtain information related to use of antiplatelet or anticoagulants by the patient.
- Mild hyperventilation (EtCO2 30-35 mmHg) is a temporizing means of decreasing ICP and is reserved for patients with evidence of increased ICP/brain herniation. Brain ischemia is worsened by over aggressive hyperventilation. Patients without evidence of increased ICP should be ventilated to maintain normocapnia.
- Short isolated episodes of hypoxia or hypotension should be avoided as they can cause secondary brain injury.
- Hyperglycemia is associated with worsened neurologic outcome. Glucose-containing solutions should be administered only as indicated for the treatment of hypoglycemia.
2.02 Abdominal Pain - Recognition
• Patient with complaint of abdominal pain, discomfort or cramping.
2.02 Abdominal Pain - Treatment
- Routine patient care.
- Manage hypotension, poor perfusion, or shock.
- Acquire a multi-lead ECG in any patient ≥ 35 yo. Manage per the CP- ACS-STEMI Protocol if cardiac etiology.
- Analgesia and antiemetic therapy as indicated per the age appropriate Patient Comfort Protocol.
2.02 Abdominal Pain - PEARLS
- Consider a possible cardiac etiology in patients ≥ 35 yo, diabetic patients and/or females especially with upper abdominal complaints or vague complaints of GI distress. Maintain a low threshold acquire a multi-lead ECG in these patients.
- Any female within child bearing age (12-50) should be managed as an ectopic pregnancy until such is ruled out.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm should be considered in any patient ≥ 50 yo with abdominal pain, especially those with hypotension, poor perfusion, or shock.
- Mesenteric ischemia may present with severe pain with limited exam findings. Risk factors include age ≥ 60, atrial fibrillation, CHF and atherosclerosis.
2.03 Adrenal Insufficiency (AI). - Recognition
- History of AI/Addison’s disease, HIV/AIDS, sepsis.
- History of long term use of steroids (asthma, COPD, rheumatoid arthritis, organ transplant), use of antifungal agents.
- Hypotension, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, abdominal pain.
2.03 Adrenal Insufficiency (AI). - Treatment
- Routine patient care.
- Maintain and promote normothermia.
- Perform blood glucose (bG) analysis and treat.
- HYDROCORTISONE 100 mg (2 mg/kg, 100 mg max for peds) IV or METHYLPREDNISOLONE 125 mg (2 mg/kg, 60 mg max for peds) IV or DEXAMETHASONE 10 mg (0.3 mg/kg, 10 mg max for peds) IV.
- Manage hypotension/shock.
2.03 Adrenal Insufficiency (AI). - PEARLS
- Consider AI in patients with hypotension refractory to IV fluids and or vasopressors.
- Consider administering a steroid stress dose to patients with a history of AI and any of the following: shock, fever (T>100.4°F) and ill appearing, multisystem trauma, burns (partial/full thickness) > 5% BSA, environmental hypo or hyperthermia or vomiting or diarrhea with evidence of dehydration.
2.04 Adult Allergic Reaction - Anaphylaxis - Recognition
Recognition:
• History of exposure to an antigen
• Itching, urticaria (hives), angioedema, wheezing, respiratory distress, chest or throat tightness, difficulty swallowing, GI symptoms, hypotension.
Mild -
Flushing, urticaria, itching, erythema with normal blood pressure and perfusion
Moderate -
Flushing, urticaria, itching, erythema plus respiratory (wheezing, dyspnea, hypoxia) with normal blood pressure and perfusion
Severe -
+/- skin symptoms depending on perfusion. Possible itching, erythema plus respiratory (wheezing, dyspnea, hypoxia) or gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain) with hypotension and poor perfusion
2.04 Adult Allergic Reaction - Anaphylaxis - Treatment
- Routine patient care, Assess symptom severity.
- For patients with symptoms of moderate severity, consider EPINEPHRINE (1:1000) 0.3 mg IM (avoid in patients > 50 yo or with a history of cardiac disease).
- For patients with severe symptoms, administer EPINEPHRINE (1:1000) 0.3 mg IM (lateral thigh) (for patients > 50 y.o. or with a history of cardiac disease, administer 0.15 mg) every 5 minutes.
• For patients with symptoms of mild severity, DIPHENYDRAMINE 50 mg PO/IV/IM and FAMOTIDINE 20-40 mg PO/IV.
• For patients with symptoms of moderate severity:
⃝ If indicated, continue IM EPINEPHRINE (max 3 doses).
⃝ DIPHENHYDRAMINE 50 mg IV/IM if not already given PO.
⃝ ALBUTEROL 2.5-5 mg (+/- IPRATROPIUM) via SVN for continued wheezing (may repeat X3).
⃝ FAMOTADINE 20-40 mg PO/IV.
⃝ METHYLPREDNISOLONE 125 mg IV or HYDROCORTISONE 100 mg IV or PREDNISONE 60 mg PO.
• For patients with severe symptoms:
⃝ If indicated, continue IM EPINEPHRINE (max 3 doses).
⃝ NS 500 ml IV for a SBP <100 mmHg (max of 2L max).
⃝ DIPHENHYDRAMINE 50 mg IV/IM if not already given PO.
⃝ ALBUTEROL 2.5-5 mg (+/- IPRATROPIUM) via SVN for continued wheezing (may repeat x3).
⃝ FAMOTIDINE 20-40 mg PO/IV.
⃝ METHYLPREDNISOLONE 125 mg IV or HYDROCORTISONE 100 mg IV or PREDNISONE 60 mg PO.
⃝ Consider GLUCAGON 1-4 mg IV in patients taking a beta antagonist.
⃝ For peri-arrest hypotension refractory to IM epinephrine, push-dose EPINEPHRINE
10-20 mcg (1-2 ml EPINEPHRINE 10 mcg/ml) IV every minute followed by an EPINEPHRINE IV infusion at 5-15 mcg/min titrated to achieve a SBP of ≥100 or MAP ≥65.
2.04 Adult Allergic Reaction - Anaphylaxis - PEARLS
• Recommended exam: mental status, skin, cardiac, pulmonary.
• If possible, patients with severe symptoms should remain in a supine position.
• Patients > 50 yo, with a history of cardiac disease, or a heart rate > 150 are at risk for cardiac ischemia following the administration of epinephrine. These patients should have ongoing cardiac monitoring and a multi-lead ECG following the administration of epinephrine.
• Angioedema may be seen in patients taking ACE inhibitors (ACE-I) [lisinopril, ramipril, captopril, benazepril, quinapril, enalapril]. ACE-I induced angioedema results from an excessive accumulation of bradykinin. This is different then the histamine mediated angioedema associated with allergic/anaphylactic reactions. The use of antihistamines, corticosteroids and epinephrine offer no benefit in ACE-I related angioedema.
• ACE-I induced angioedema usually starts with focal swelling (e.g. isolated swelling of the tongue or lips). Patients with severe angioedema involving the tongue with airway compromise often require nasotracheal intubation.
• In the case of hereditary angioedema (HAE), like ACE-I related angioedema, the use of antihistamines, corticosteroids and epinephrine offer no benefit. Some patients with HAE are prescribed medication which may reverse it. Paramedics may assist the patient
with or administer these medication per patient or packaging/prescription instructions.
2.04 Pediatric Allergic Reaction - Anaphylaxis - Recognition
Recognition:
• History of exposure to an antigen
• Itching, urticaria (hives) angioedema, wheezing, respiratory distress, chest or throat tightness, difficulty swallowing, GI symptoms, hypotension.
-Mild-
Flushing, urticaria, itching, erythema with normal blood pressure and perfusion
-Moderate-
Flushing, urticaria, itching, erythema plus respiratory (wheezing, dyspnea, hypoxia) with normal blood pressure and perfusion
-Severe-
+/- skin symptoms depending on perfusion. Possible itching, erythema plus respiratory (wheezing, dyspnea, hypoxia) or gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain) with hypotension and poor perfusion
2.04 Pediatric Allergic Reaction - Anaphylaxis - Treatment
- Routine patient care, Assess symptom severity.
- For patients with symptoms of moderate severity, consider EPINEPHRINE (1:1000) 0.15 mg for patients 15-30 kg (33-66 lbs.) or 0.3 mg for patients > 30 kg (66 lbs.) IM.
- For patients with severe symptoms, administer EPINEPHRINE (1:1000) 0.15 for patients 15-30 kg (33-66 lbs. or 0.3 mg for patients > 30 kg (66 lbs.) IM every 5 minutes if no improvement to max of 3 doses.
• For patients with symptoms of mild severity, DIPHENHYDRAMINE 1 mg/kg PO/IV/IM (max 50 mg) and FAMOTIDINE 1 mg/kg IV (max 40 mg).
• For patients with symptoms of moderate severity:
⃝ If indicated, continue IM EPINEPHRINE (max 3 doses).
⃝ DIPHENHYDRAMINE 1 mg/kg PO/IV/IM if not already given PO (max 50 mg).
⃝ ALBUTEROL 2.5-5 mg (+/- IPRATROPIUM) via SVN for continued wheezing (may repeat X3).
⃝ METHYLPREDNISOLONE 2 mg/kg IV (max 60 mg) or HYDROCORTISONE 2 mg/kg IV (max 100 mg) or PREDNISONE/PREDNISOLONE (Orapred) 2 mg/kg PO (max 60 mg).
⃝ FAMOTIDINE 1 mg/kg IV (max 40 mg).
• For patients with severe symptoms:
⃝ If indicated, continue IM EPINEPHRINE (max 3 doses).
⃝ NS 20 ml/kg IV bolus, repeat to achieve age BP (60 ml/kg max).
⃝ DIPHENHYDRAMINE 1 mg/kg IV/IM if not already given PO (max 50 mg).
⃝ALBUTEROL 2.5-5 mg (+/- IPRATROPIUM) via nebulizer for continued wheezing (may repeat X3).
⃝METHYLPREDNISOLONE 2 mg/kg IV (max 60 mg) or HYDROCORTISONE 2 mg/kg IV (max 100 mg) or PREDNISONE/PREDNISOLONE (Orapred) 2 mg/kg PO (max 60 mg).
⃝ FAMOTIDINE 1 mg/kg IV (max 40 mg).
⃝ For peri-arrest hypotension refractory to IM epinephrine, push-dose EPINEPHRINE 1 mcg/kg IV [max dose 20 mcg] (0.1 ml/kg EPINEPHRINE 10 mcg/ ml) every 3-5 minutes followed by an EPINEPHRINE infusion at 0.01-1 mcg/kg/ min titrated to achieve age appropriate BP.
2.04 Pediatric Allergic Reaction - Anaphylaxis - PEARLS
- For patients <15 kg (33 lbs.) with moderate or severe symptoms, paramedic level providers may consider/administer Epinephrine (1:1000) 0.01 mg/kg IM.
- If possible, patients with severe symptoms should remain in a supine position.
- Tachycardia (HR >150) is common following administration of epinephrine and/or albuterol. These patients should have ongoing cardiac monitoring and should have a multi-lead ECG acquired following the administration of epinephrine.
- Angioedema may be seen in patients taking ACE inhibitors (ACE-I) [lisinopril, ramipril, captopril, benzapril, quinapril, enalapril]. ACE-I induced angioedema results from an excessive accumulation of bradykinin. This is different then the histamine mediated angioedema associated with allergic/anaphylactic reactions. The use of antihistamines, corticosteroids and epinephrine offer no benefit in ACE-I related angioedema.
- ACE-I induced angioedema usually starts with focal swelling (e.g. isolated swelling of the tongue or lips). Patients with severe angioedema involving the tongue with airway compromise often require nasotracheal intubation.
- In the case of hereditary angioedema (HAE), like ACE-I related angioedema, the use of antihistamines, corticosteroids and epinephrine offer no benefit. Some patients with HAE are prescribed medication which may reverse it. Paramedics may assist the patient with or administer these medication per patient or packaging/prescription instructions.
2.05 Adult and Pediatric Altered Mental Status - Recognition
• Patient with change in mental status from baseline
2.05 Adult and Pediatric Altered Mental Status - Treatment
- Routine patient care.
- Perform blood glucose (bG) analysis. If the bG is ≤ 60 mg/dl or ≥ 250 mg/dl, treat patient.
- Obtain history and perform initial assessment to include mental status, neurologic, head, ears, eyes, nose, throat (HEENT), skin, lungs, cardiac, abdomen, back, extremities.
- Exit to appropriate protocol as indicated based on history and assessment findings:
Suggestive Findings and Protocol -Toxicological Emergencies- Miosis, hypoventilation/apnea, needle track marks, other toxidrome findings -Diabetic Emergencies- Acetone odor on breath, rapid respiratory rate -General Shock and Hypotension- Hypotension or signs of poor perfusion -Head Trauma - Traumatic Brain Injury- Evidence of trauma, unequal pupils -Hypothermia and Localized Cold Injury- Hypothermia, hyperthermia
2.06 Brief Resolved Unexplained Event (BRUE) - Recognition
- An event occurring in an infant < 1 yo when the observer reports a sudden, brief (< 1 min), and now resolved episode of ≥ 1 of the following:
- Cyanosis or pallor
- Absent, decreased or irregular breathing
- Marked change in tone (hyper or hypotonia)
- Altered level of responsiveness
2.06 Brief Resolved Unexplained Event (BRUE) - Treatment
• Routine patient care.
• Perform Blood Glucose Analysis and manage.
• Obtain history of event with particular attention to:
⃝ Activity at onset and history of the event
⃝ State during the event (cyanosis, apnea, coughing, gagging, vomiting)
⃝ End of the event (duration, gradual or abrupt cessation, treatment provided)
⃝ State after the event (normal, not normal)
⃝ Recent history (illness, injuries, sick contacts, use of OTC medications, recent immunizations, new or different formula).
⃝ Past medical history (gestational age, pre-/perinatal history, GERD, seizures, previous BRUE).
⃝ Family history (sudden unexplained deaths, prolonged QT, arrhythmias).
⃝ Medications in the residence
⃝Sleeping position/parent co-sleeping.
2.06 Brief Resolved Unexplained Event (BRUE) - PEARLS
- BRUE was formerly known as Apparent Life Threatening Event (ALTE).
- BRUE is formally diagnosed (in the ED) only when there is no explanation for a qualifying event after conducting an appropriate history and physical examination.
- Recommended exam: general appearance, vital signs (including temperature), cardiac, pulmonary, skin, neurologic.
- BRUE is not a disease, but a symptom. Common etiologies include central apnea (immature respiratory center), obstructive apnea (structural), GERD (laryngospasm, choking, gagging), respiratory (pertussis, RSV), cardiac (CHD, arrhythmia), seizures.
- Always consider non-accidental trauma in any infant who presents with BRUE.
- Even with a normal physical examination at the time of EMS contact, patients that have experienced BRUE should be transported for further evaluation and work-up.
- It is important to note sleeping position as parent co-sleeping with child is associated with infant deaths.
2.07 Adult Patient Comfort - Recognition
- This protocol applies to adult patients with pain or nausea and/or vomiting.
- This protocol is generally to be entered from a complaint specific protocol.
2.07 Adult Patient Comfort - Treatment
• For mild to moderate pain (scale of 1-6), consider:
⃝ IBUPROFEN 10 mg/kg (typical adult 400-800 mg) PO or
⃝ ACETAMINOPHEN 15 mg/kg (typical adult 500-1000 mg) PO or
⃝ ASPIRIN 324-650 mg PO.
• For mild to moderate pain (scale of 1-6) consider KETOROLAC 15 MG IV or 30 mg IM or, as an alternative to ACETAMINOPHEN above, consider ACETAMINOPHEN 500- 1000 mg IV.
• For severe pain (scale >6):
⃝ FENTANYL 0.5-1 mcg/kg IV/IM/IN [max 100 mcg] (q 10 min, max 300 mcg). or
⃝ For patients with traumatic pain or burns, KETAMINE 0.2 to 0.5 mg/kg IV or 0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg IM/IN (IV dosing x1 q 10 min and IM/IN x1 q 30 min).
• For patients with nausea or vomiting:
⃝ ONDANSETRON 4 mg PO/IV/IM/ODT (q x1 in 15 min).
⃝ For patients who do not respond to ONDANSETRON, consider PROMETHAZINE 6.25-12.5 mg IV/IM (may repeat once in 15 minutes).
• For patients requiring electrical therapy (cardioversion or pacing) or other procedure requiring sedation, consider MIDAZOLAM 2.5-5 mg IV/IM/IN or DIAZEPAM 2.5-5 mg IV/IM or KETAMINE 0.5-1 mg/kg IV or KETAMINE 2mg/Kg IM (must have continuous quantitative waveform capnography in place).
• For patients with an advanced airway in place (ETI/BIAD/cricothyrotomy) requiring sedation and analgesia, consider:
⃝ MIDAZOLAM 2-5 mg IV every 5-10 minutes as needed or
⃝ LORAZEPAM 1-2 mg IV may every 15 minutes as needed (max 10mg) and
⃝ FENTANYL 1-1.5 mcg/kg slow IV push.
• For patients with an advanced airway in place (ETI/BIAD/cricothyrotomy), if necessary for patient safety or to facilitate ventilation, consider ROCURONIUM 1 mg/kg IV or VECURONIUM 0.1 mg/kg IV (must have continuous quantitative waveform capnography in place and must be preceded by sedation as above).
• Monitor and reassess response to treatment and vital signs prior to and 5 minutes following any dose of narcotic analgesic and before transfer of care (patient hand off). This must be documented in the ePCR.
2.07 Adult Patient Comfort - PEARLS
- DO NOT administer ibuprofen and ketorolac (Toradol) to patients that are pregnant, have a history of renal failure or transplant, are allergic to non-steroidal anti- inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), have active bleeding (including GI bleeding), have suspected intracranial hemorrhage, or in patients that may require surgical intervention such as those with open fractures/fractures with deformity.
- DO NOT administer aspirin to patients that have active bleeding (including GI bleeding, have suspected intracranial hemorrhage, or in patients that may require surgical intervention such as those with open fractures/ fractures with deformity).
- PO analgesics are not indicated for abdominal pain.
- DO NOT administer PO medications to patients that may require surgical intervention.
- Individual patients may respond differently to opioid analgesics. The patient’s age, weight, clinical condition, co-administered/ingested drugs (alcohol, benzodiazepines) and prior exposure to opiates should all be considered when determining the dose to be administered. Weight based dosing provides a standard means for dose calculation, but does not predict patient response. Example: minimal doses of opioids may cause respiratory depression in elderly, opiate naïve or alcohol intoxicated patients.
- Avoid co-administering multiple sedating agents in non-intubated patients due to the risk for respiratory depression.
- Consider the use of waveform capnography in all patients receiving narcotic analgesics or ketamine.
- Patients with alcohol intoxication or those that have received benzodiazepines are at increased risk for respiratory depression following the administration of narcotic analgesics.
- Sub-anesthetic (low) dose ketamine has demonstrated significant analgesic efficacy without the adverse effects associated with higher doses. While uncommon, ketamine administration may result in laryngeal spasm and/or increased salivation. Laryngeal spasm is transient and can be managed with positive pressure ventilation if need be.
- As the dose related effect of ketamine transitions from analgesia to anesthesia, nystagmus emerges and as such, ketamine administration should be discontinued when nystagmus occurs.
- Ketamine should be administered over 60 seconds when given IV.
- Ketamine should not be used in patients with penetrating ocular injuries or known coronary artery disease.
- Droperidol has a sedating effect. Document mental status and vital signs prior to administration.
- Confirm IV patency with a saline flush prior to administering promethazine.
- Advanced airway placement MUST be confirmed by the presence of waveform capnography (> 6 breaths) prior to the administration of rocuronium or vecuronium and continuous airway monitoring with waveform capnography is required.
- For IM administration, the 100 mg/ml concentration of Ketamine is preferred.
- Ketamine in a concentration of 100 mg/ml must be diluted 1:1 with 0.9% saline, D5W or sterile water creating a 50 mg/ml concentration prior to IV use.
2.07 Pediatric Patient Comfort - Recognition
- This protocol applies to pediatric patients with pain, nausea or vomiting.
- This protocol is generally to be entered from a complaint specific protocol.