具体描述
Perhaps the best way to learn EMT profession is through extensive study of real-world emergency care situations. This book is designed to give you needed "street smarts" as well as all the conceptual basics around emergency care. Material includes basic EMT procedures and the principles of patient assessment, along with the three "R's" of communications-Radio, Report, Record. Specific chapters are devoted to maternal health, childhood emergencies and elder care. Cultural differences among patients are highlighted. This is one of the best tools to get you field-ready! (KEYWORDS: EMS, Emergency Care, EMT)
Fundamentals of Emergency Care: A Comprehensive Guide to Prehospital and Emergency Department Practice Book Title: Fundamentals of Emergency Care Target Audience: Aspiring paramedics, EMTs, nursing students specializing in emergency care, and early-career emergency medical providers seeking a foundational yet robust understanding of prehospital and emergency department operations. Book Overview: Fundamentals of Emergency Care serves as an indispensable cornerstone text, meticulously designed to bridge the gap between theoretical medical knowledge and the rigorous, high-stakes reality of emergency response. This text moves beyond simple memorization of protocols, instead fostering critical thinking and clinical judgment essential for effective decision-making under pressure. It provides a comprehensive, integrated framework covering the entire spectrum of emergency medicine—from the initial 911 call through stabilization and transfer to definitive care. The core philosophy underpinning this book is systematic, evidence-based practice integrated with patient-centered communication. It acknowledges that emergency care is not just about mastering advanced life support skills, but equally about compassionate interaction, scene safety, and seamless team dynamics. --- Part I: The Emergency Care System and Professional Practice This foundational section establishes the legal, ethical, and operational context within which all emergency care providers function. Chapter 1: The Evolution and Structure of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) A deep dive into the history of emergency medical response, tracing the evolution from basic first aid to modern, multi-tiered EMS systems. This chapter details the roles and responsibilities across different provider levels (EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, Paramedic, Emergency Nurse) and explains the critical functions of dispatch centers (911/112/999 protocols), air medical transport, and receiving facilities. It emphasizes the importance of continuous quality improvement (CQI) and data-driven clinical review within the system framework. Chapter 2: Scene Safety, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and Scene Size-Up Safety is paramount. This chapter dedicates extensive coverage to hazard recognition across diverse environments—traffic incidents, hazardous materials (HAZMAT) awareness using placard interpretation (e.g., DOT placards), rescue scene risks (e.g., structural collapse, trench safety), and personal safety protocols (e.g., appropriate selection and donning/doffing of Level A through D PPE). It introduces the systematic primary and secondary scene size-up procedures ensuring provider safety before patient contact is initiated. Chapter 3: Legal, Ethical, and Professional Responsibilities Navigating the complex intersection of law and emergency medicine. Topics include informed consent, implied consent for unconscious patients, patient refusal of care (and proper documentation protocols), scope of practice limitations defined by local medical direction, HIPAA compliance in the field, and mandated reporting requirements (e.g., suspected child or elder abuse). Ethical dilemmas such as resource allocation in mass casualty incidents (MCIs) and end-of-life care discussions are explored through case studies. Chapter 4: Communication and Documentation Effective communication is the glue of emergency response. This section details verbal communication strategies for rapport building with patients, families, and skeptical bystanders. It covers clear, concise radio communication standards (using established phonetics and standardized reporting formats) for handoffs between units and to the receiving hospital. Emphasis is placed on meticulous prehospital care reporting (PCR) generation—documenting chief complaint, vital signs, interventions performed, time stamps, and patient response to treatment, serving as the critical legal and clinical record. --- Part II: Patient Assessment and Pathophysiology Fundamentals This section builds the necessary theoretical and practical foundation for effective patient evaluation, connecting observed signs and symptoms to underlying disease processes. Chapter 5: Principles of Pathophysiology for the Emergency Provider A focused review of core physiological systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, endocrine) and the mechanisms by which injury or illness disrupts normal homeostasis. Key concepts covered include cellular response to hypoxia, mechanisms of shock (hypovolemic, cardiogenic, distributive), acid-base balance disruption, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Chapter 6: Systematic Patient Assessment: The Primary and Secondary Survey This is the core assessment manual. It meticulously details the systematic approach: Primary Survey (ABCDEs): Rapid identification and management of immediate life threats (Airway patency, Breathing adequacy, Circulation/Hemorrhage control, Disability/Neurological status, Exposure/Environment control). Detailed instruction on cervical spine immobilization techniques compatible with various trauma mechanisms. History Taking (SAMPLE/OPQRST/OLD CARTS): Structured methods for eliciting a focused medical history tailored to the patient’s presentation. Secondary Survey: Head-to-toe physical examination, including focused assessments based on dispatch information (e.g., focused cardiac vs. focused abdominal exams). Techniques for vital sign acquisition, including manual and automated methods, and interpretation of waveform capnography (ETCO2). Chapter 7: Shock and Resuscitation Principles A comprehensive look at the etiology, classification, and hemodynamic consequences of various shock states. This chapter covers fluid resuscitation strategies (crystalloids vs. colloids), principles of blood product administration in the field, and monitoring effectiveness of resuscitation through perfusion markers (e.g., skin signs, mental status, urine output surrogates). --- Part III: Emergency Medical Conditions This major section provides condition-specific management algorithms informed by the assessment findings. Chapter 8: Respiratory Emergencies Management of acute dyspnea, ranging from asthma exacerbations and COPD complications to pulmonary embolism and pneumothorax. Detailed instruction on ventilatory support adjuncts, including basic airway management (OPA/NPA), advanced airway insertion (e.g., supraglottic devices), endotracheal tube confirmation, and mechanical ventilation initiation principles (if within scope). Chapter 9: Cardiovascular Emergencies In-depth review of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), recognizing STEMI vs. NSTEMI, and managing symptomatic unstable angina. Extensive coverage of cardiac arrhythmias—interpreting 12-lead ECGs to differentiate stable SVT, VT, junctional rhythms, and bradycardias. Protocols for synchronized cardioversion, external pacing, and pharmacologic intervention in collaboration with medical direction. Chapter 10: Neurological Emergencies Evaluation and management of altered mental status, seizures (status epilepticus protocols), and acute stroke (ischemic vs. hemorrhagic). Focus on rapid neurological assessment tools (e.g., NIH Stroke Scale simplified application, Glasgow Coma Scale interpretation) and time-sensitive interventions. Chapter 11: Endocrine and Metabolic Crises Focused chapters on Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) versus Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS), including blood glucose management and recognition of emergent hypoglycemia. Thyroid storm and myxedema coma are also addressed. Chapter 12: Environmental Emergencies Managing extreme temperature conditions (hypothermia and hyperthermia/heat stroke), water-related emergencies (near-drowning), and altitude sickness. Specific protocols for rewarming/cooling techniques appropriate for the prehospital environment. Chapter 13: Poisoning and Overdose Management Principles of toxicology, routes of exposure, and decontamination procedures. Focus on recognizing common toxidromes (e.g., cholinergic, anticholinergic, sympathomimetic) and the use of specific antidotes according to established regional protocols. --- Part IV: Emergency Trauma Management This section applies the systematic assessment framework to traumatic injury across all body systems. Chapter 14: Principles of Trauma Assessment and Shock The initial trauma evaluation protocol (Primary Survey for Trauma, utilizing the ATLS framework adaptation for prehospital care). Detailed focus on recognizing and managing hemorrhagic shock, including modern tourniquet application standardization and application of hemostatic dressings. Chapter 15: Head, Spinal, and Facial Trauma Assessment of traumatic brain injury (TBI), recognizing signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), and appropriate ventilation strategies to minimize secondary brain injury. Detailed procedures for inline stabilization and extrication of patients with suspected spinal cord injury, adhering to current evidence regarding unnecessary immobilization minimization. Chapter 16: Chest and Abdominal Trauma Identification and immediate stabilization of life-threatening thoracic injuries: tension pneumothorax (needle decompression technique instruction), flail chest, pericardial tamponade (recognition), and penetrating injuries. Principles of assessing blunt abdominal trauma for signs of internal hemorrhage and evisceration management. Chapter 17: Musculoskeletal and Soft Tissue Trauma Management of fractures, dislocations, and severe soft tissue injuries, including principles of fracture stabilization, traction splinting for femur fractures, and management of compartment syndrome precursors. Burn assessment using the Rule of Nines and Parkland formula calculation for fluid resuscitation initiation. --- Part V: Special Patient Populations and Operational Considerations This concluding part addresses unique patient needs and complex operational scenarios. Chapter 18: Geriatric and Pediatric Emergency Care Recognizing the physiological differences in elderly patients (e.g., atypical presentations of myocardial infarction, increased medication sensitivity) and pediatric patients (e.g., rapid progression of respiratory distress, fluid management differences). Includes pediatric assessment tools (e.g., Pediatric Assessment Triangle—PAT) and age-appropriate drug dosing calculation methods. Chapter 19: Obstetrics and Neonatal Emergencies Management of common obstetrical emergencies in the field, including precipitous delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and eclamptic seizures. Care of the compromised neonate (e.g., initial resuscitation steps, positive pressure ventilation settings). Chapter 20: Mass Casualty Incidents (MCI) and Disaster Response Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS) structure as applied to EMS. Detailed instruction on patient triage methodologies (e.g., START, JumpSTART for pediatrics), establishing casualty collection points, and managing resource limitations during prolonged disaster scenarios. Chapter 21: Ambulance Operations, Extrication, and Rescue Focus on safe ambulance driving practices under emergency lights and sirens, collision avoidance techniques, and the integration of EMS with fire rescue services. Introduces basic principles of vehicle stabilization and patient removal techniques (e.g., rapid extrication vs. controlled access). Fundamentals of Emergency Care is characterized by its use of high-quality anatomical illustrations, clinical pathways presented as clear flowcharts, and integrated case scenarios that require the learner to synthesize knowledge from multiple chapters to arrive at a definitive treatment plan. It is structured to build confidence, ensuring providers are prepared not just for common calls, but for the rare, critical events that define emergency medicine.
