emt-basic curriculum module 4

State of WisconsinEMT-Basic: A Practice BasedApproach to EMS EducationVI.a) Caused by ascending too quickly or flying within twelvehours of divingb) Most often occurs within 3 hours of incident but mayoccur 1-48 hoursc) Signs and symptoms(1) personality changes(2) fatigue(3) muscle and joint pain (the “bends”)(4) skin blotching, mottling or rash(5) numbness and paralysis(6) choking(7) labored breathing(8) intoxicated appearance (e.g. staggering gait)(9) chest pains(10) collapse and unconsciousness3. Air embolisma) Caused by diver holding their breath due to inexperience,equipment failure, underwater emergencies, or toconserve airb) Gases leave a damaged lung and enter the bloodstreamc) Signs and symptoms(1) Blurred vision(2) Chest pains(3) Numbness and tingling(4) Weakness/paralysis(5) Frothy blood at mouth and nose(6) Convulsions(7) Unconsciousness occurs rapidly(8) Respiratory or cardiac arrest4. Emergency medical care:a) Maintain an open airwayb) Consider need or spinal immobilizationc) Administer high concentration oxygend) Rapid transport. Consider transport to a hyperbaricchamber or consult medical controle) Keep patient warmf) Position patient supine or on sideg) Transport dive gear with patientBites and StingsA. Signs and symptoms1. History of bite (spider, snake) or sting (insect, scorpion, marineanimal)2. Pain3. Redness4. Swelling5. WeaknessModule 4-78