emt-basic curriculum module 4

State of WisconsinEMT-Basic: A Practice BasedApproach to EMS EducationIV.(1) Shortness of breath(2) Barrel-shaped chest(3) Thin appearance(4) Wheezing(5) Fatigueb) Patient management/treatment3. Monitor ABCs4. Oxygen5. Respiratory medications may be advised by medical direction6. TransportC. Hyperventilation Syndrome – rapid, shallow breathing usually broughton by anxiety or emotional upset, that results in an imbalance innormal levels of carbondioxide.1. Signs and symptomsa) Shortness of breathb) Numbness and tingling around the mouth and handsc) Lightheadednessd) Spasms of the hand and feete) Fainting2. Patient management/treatmenta) Coach patient to slow breathing rate and relaxb) Transport for evaluation of underlying cause if neededCommon respiratory diseases – pediatricsA. Asthma-bronchioles spasm and constrict, swelling bronchialmembrane, reducing airway size, and producing mucus (see previousdiscussion on asthma)B. Croup-viral infection that results in swelling and inflammation of thelining of the upper airways, occurring mostly in winter months1. Signs and symptoms (occurring mostly at night or when thechild is upset or crying)a) Loud cough, sounding like a seal’s barkb) Difficulty breathingc) Gruntingd) Wheezinge) Cold-like symptomsf) Stridor (high-pitched, squeaking noise)g) Pale or cyanosish) Retractionsi) Nasal flaringj) Sick appearancek) Drooling2. Patient management/treatmenta) Monitor ABCsb) Oxygen, blow-byc) Position of comfortd) TransportModule 4-16