Block Two Signs and Symptoms

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Definition: like a stroke, producing similar symptoms but usually lasting only a few minutes and causing no permanent damage, "ministroke" or warning S&S: weakness, numbness or paralysis in your face, arm or leg, typically on one side of your body, slurred or garbled speech, blindness in one or both eyes, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination, sudden, severe headache with no known cause Risk Factors: family history, Age, Sex, Prior transient ischemic attack, Sickle cell disease, Race, high BP, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, excess weight, tobacco, physical health, nutrition, heavy drinking, illicit drugs, birth control pills Scope of Practice: oxygen and rapid transport

Cardiogenic Shock

Definition: your heart suddenly can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs. Most often caused by a severe heart attack, but not everyone who has a heart attack has cardiogenic shock. Rare but often fatal if not treated immediately. S&S: rapid breathing, severe shortness of breath, sudden, rapid heartbeat, loss of consciousness, weak pulse, low BP, sweating, pale skin, cold hands and feet Risk Factors: older, have a history of heart failure, have blockages, have diabetes or high BP, are female Scope of Practice: blanket, O2, Position, rapid transport

Emphysema

S&S: mucus, wheezing, frequent lung infections, fatigue, reduced appetite and weight loss, blue-tinged lips or fingernails, anxiety or sleep problems. Pathophysiology: most common in men between 50 & 70. Smoking is the number one cause. Damage to the walls of the air sacs in the lungs Destruction of the airways distal to the bronchiole. Destruction of the pulmonary capillary bed Decreased ability to oxygenate the blood Lower cardiac output and hyperventilation Development of muscle wasting and weight loss. Risk factors: smoking is one of the making causes. Or persons inhaling air with irritants for long periods of time National EMT scope treatment: only provide low flow O2 is necessary, assist w/ prescribed inhaler, position comfortably, transport promptly

Simple pneumothorax

S&S: sudden chest pain with dyspepsia (difficult/labored breathing). Decreased Lung sounds/ affected sides. Risk factors: can often worsen or deteriorate into a tension pneumothorax. Complications can evolve like bleeding or hemothorax. National EMT scope treatment: provide high flow O2, monitor oximeter reading and breathe sounds and treat underlying causes of the injury, should NOT withhold and pressure ventilation in the pt. needs support Pathophysiology: result of blunt trauma that results in fractures ribs. Lungs must collapse a significant amount before the effect will be heard as decreased breath sounds

Asthma

S&S: wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath National EMT scope procedure: nebulized albuterol, connected to O2 at 6-8 LPM. Prescribed inhaler Pathophysiology: involves airway inflammation, intermittent airflow obstruction, and bronchial hyper responsiveness Risk factors: the most common risk factors for developing asthma include having a parent with asthma, having a severe realities infection as a kid, having an allergic condition, or being exposed to certain chemicals or industrial dusts in the workplace.

Pulmonary embolism

Definition: a blockage in the pulmonary artery, which supplies blood to the lungs. The blockage, usually a blood clot, prevents oxygen from reaching the tissues of the lungs. S&S: chest pain, increased or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, difficulty catching breath, rapid breathing, a cough, normally dry but possibly with blood or blood and mucus Risk Factors: age, conditions or diseases that increase the risk of blood clotting, long periods of bed rest or inactivity, damaged blood vessels, cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, pregnancy, smoking Scope of Practice: supply oxygen, transport

Diabetes type I

Definition: a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin is the hormone needed to allow sugar to enter cells to produce energy. S&S: increased thirst, frequent urination, bed wetting in children, extreme hunger, unintended weight loss, irritability and other mood changes, fatigue and weakness, blurred vision Risk Factors: family history, Genetics, Geography, Age Scope of Practice: prescribed insulin

Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Definition: a collapsed lung. Occurs when air leaks into the space between your lung and chest wall. This air pushes on the outside of your lung and makes it collapse or a collapse of only a portion of the lung. Can be caused by blunt or penetrating chest injury, medical procedures, damage from underlying lung disease. S&S: sudden chest pain, shortness of breath Risk Factors: chest injury, Lung disease, ruptured air blisters, mechanical ventilation, smoking, genetics, previous pneumothorax. Scope of Practice: administer O2, sit in an upright position, rapid transport

Intracranial Bleed (hematoma)

Definition: a collection of blood within the skull. Most commonly caused by a rupture of a blood vessel within the brain or form of trauma such as a car accident or fall. The blood collection can be within the brain tissue or underneath the skill, pressing on the brain. Requires immediate attention S&S: increased headache, vomiting, drowsiness or progressive loss of consciousness, dizziness, confusion, unequal pupil size, slurred speech, lethargy, seizures, unconsciousness (SUBDURAL)- occurs when blood vessels, usually veins, rupture between your brain and the outermost of three membrane layers that cover your brain. Leaking blood forms a hematoma that presses on brain tissue. (EPIDURAL)- occurs when a blood vessel, usually an artery, ruptures between the outer surface of the dura mater and the skull. Risk Factors: head injury, accidents, falls, assaults, sports injuries Scope of Practice: immobilize patient, high flow O2, rapid transport

Pulmonary Edema

Definition: a condition caused by excess fluid in the lungs. This fluid collects in the numerous air sacs in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. In most cases, heart problems cause pulmonary edema. But fluid can accumulate for other reasons, including pneumonia, exposure to certain meds, trauma to the chest wall, and visiting or exercising at high elevations. S&S: ACUTE; extreme shortness of breath, feeling of suffocating or drowning that worsens lying down, cold/clammy skin, anxiety, cough that produces frothy sputum that may be tinged with blood, blue-tinged lips, rapid- irregular heartbeat (palpitations) CHRONIC; difficulty breathing with exertion, wheezing, rapid weight gain, welling in your lower extremities, fatigue Risk Factors: cardiogenic problems, Acute respiratory distress syndrome, high altitudes, nervous system conditions, Adverse drug reaction, pulmonary embolism, viral infections, exposure to certain toxins, smoke inhalation, near drowning. Scope of practice: supplemental oxygen and medications, ensure patent airway (with adjuncts if necessary), position patient to lessen the burden of breathing, provide high-flow supplemental oxygen, ensure adequate ventilation (assisted if necessary), prepare to suction

Heat stroke

Definition: a condition caused by your body overheating, usually because of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. If body temp reaches over (104F). S&S: high body temp, altered mental state or behavior, alteration in sweating, nausea and vomiting, flushed skin, rapid breathing, racing heart rate, headache Risk Factors: wearing excess clothing, drinking alcohol, becoming dehydrated, strenuous activity, exposure to hot environment, exertion in hot weather, age, lack of air conditioning, certain meds, certain health complications. Scope of Practice: remove patient from hot environment, removing clothing, fan patient, hydrate the patient, ice packs in the groin and armpit areas, transport if necessary

Decompression Sickness (the bends)

Definition: a condition that occurs in scuba divers when dissolved gases (mainly nitrogen) come out of solution in the bloodstream, forming gas bubbles in the circulation. It is caused by rapid changes in pressure during scuba diving. Can affect almost any area of the body or any organ, including the lungs, heart, brain, joints, and skin. S&S: joint pains, fatigue, low back pain, paralysis or numbness of the legs, weakness or numbness in the arms, dizziness, confusion, vomiting, ringing in the ears, head or neck pain, loss of consciousness. Risk Factors: rapid ascent from a dive, too long of a dive at too much of pressure, repeated dives within a short amount of time, driving a car up a MNTN or flying in an unpressurized plane that climbs too high too quickly

Heat exhaustion

Definition: a condition whose symptoms may include heavy sweating and a rapid pulse, because of your body overheating. S&S: cool and moist skin, heavy sweating, faintness, dizziness, fatigue, weak and rapid pulse, low BP, muscle cramps, nausea, headache Risk factors: dehydration, alcohol use, overdressing, drugs, obesity, age, sudden temp. changes, a high heat index Scope of Practice: oxygen, transport

Febrile Seizure

Definition: a convulsion in a child caused by a spike in body temp, often from an infection. They occur in young children with normal development without a history of neurological symptoms. They are usually harmless and typically don't indicate a serious health problem S&S: fever higher than 100.4 F, lose consciousness, shake or jerk arms and legs, (simple last around 15 seconds, complex last around 15 minutes) Risk Factors: infection, post immunization, young age, family history, Scope of Practice: assess ABC's, cooling measures with tepid (room temp) water, provide quick transport

Hypertensive Emergency

Definition: a hypertensive crisis is a severe increase in blood pressure that can lead to a stroke. A systolic over 180 and diastolic over 120 or higher can damage blood vessels. The blood vessels become inflamed and may leak fluid or blood. As a result, the heart may not be able to pump blood effect S&S: severe chest pain, severe headache, nausea and vomiting, severe anxiety, shortness of breath, seizures, unresponsiveness lively Risk Factors: not take BP meds, Stoke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, rupture of your body's main artery, interaction between meds, convulsions during pregnancy Scope of Practice: make sure the patient is comfortable, keep head elevated, monitor the BP regularly, rapid transport

Epiglottitis

Definition: a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the epiglottis swells, blocking the flow of air into your lungs S&S: (children) fever, severe sore throat, abnormal high pitches sound when breathing in, difficult and painful swallowing, drooling, anxious and restless behavior, feeling better when sitting up or leaning forward. (adults) severe sore throat, fever, muffled or hoarse voice, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, drooling. Risk Factors: infection, Injury, Males, having a weak immune system, lacking adequate vaccination. Scope of Practice: try and keep patient calm, maintain clear airway, make sure airway stays open, supply oxygen, rapid transport Right vs Left: the right side of the heart usually becomes weakened in response to failure on the left side. The right side of the heart brings in the circulated blood from the body and sends it to the lungs for oxygen. As the heart muscles losses strength, blood and fluid become backed up in the body. Scope of Practice: airway, Ventilator, Circulatory support, provide O2, prepare for deterioration

Anaphylaxis

Definition: a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It can occur second or minutes within exposure. Causes your immune system to release a flood of chemicals that can cause you to go into shock. Your BP drops suddenly, and your airways narrow, blocking breathing. S&S: skin reactions, Low BP, constriction of the airways, a weak and rapid pulse, nausea , vomiting, dizziness or fainting Risk Factors: previous anaphylaxis, allergies or asthma, heart disease, abnormal accumulation of a certain type of white blood cell Scope of Practice: epinephrine (if not treated quickly it can cause death)

Concussion

Definition: a traumatic brain injury that affects your brain function. Effects are usually temporary but can include headaches and problems with concentration, memory, balance, and coordination. Caused by a blow to the head. Violently shaking the head and upper body can cause them as well. S&S: headache or a feeling of pressure in the head, temporary loss of consciousness, confusion, amnesia, dizziness, ringing in the ears, nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, delayed response to questions, appearing dazed, fatigue, concentration or memory complaints, irritability, sensitivity to light and noise, sleep disturbances, seizures Risk Factors: falling, participating in high-risk sports, motor vehicle collision, pedestrian bike accident, soldier in combat, physical abuse, having previous concussions Scope of Practice: supplemental O2, Supine, Rapid transport

Angina Pectoris (stable vs unstable)

Definition: a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Symptom of coronary artery disease. Squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness or pain in your chest. S&S: nausea, fatigue, sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, pain in your arms, neck jaw, shoulder or back, chest pain or discomfort. (STABLE) Develops when your heart works harder, such as when you exercise or climb stairs, last short amounts of time. Disappears sooner if you rest or use meds. (UNSTABLE) occurs even at rest, unexpected, more severe and lasts longer, may not disappear with rest or meds, might signal a heart attack Risk Factors: tobacco use, diabetes, high BP, high blood cholesterol, stress, obesity, lack of exercise, older age, family history Scope of Practice: rest, supplemental O2, administer nitro if 3 pills have not been taken by the patient already, rapid transport is the symptoms get worse

Narcotic (Opiate) OD

Definition: an excessive and dangerous dose of a drug S&S: pupils will contract and appear small, muscles are slack and droopy, they might "nod out", scratch a lot due to itchy skin, speech is impaired, they might be out of it, loss of consciousness, unresponsive to outside stimulus, awake but unable to talk, breathing is very slow and shallow, erratic or has stopped, cyanosis, choking sounds, vomiting, body is very limp, face is pale or clammy, fingernails and lips turn blue, pulse is slow and erratic or not there at all. Risk Factors: overuse of opiate type drugs. Pills, IV. Smoking. Scope of Practice: naloxone (Narcan) reverses the effects, can be given IV, Intramuscularly or intranasal, O2, Transport

Appendicitis

Definition: an inflammation of the appendix. Causes pain in your right lower abdomen, most often between people ages 10-30. S&S: sudden pain on right side of lower abs, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain that worsens if you cough, bloating, constipation or diarrhea Risk factors: blockage in the lining of the appendix that causes infection Scope of Practice: keep patient still, rapid transport

Chronic Bronchitis

Definition: an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. Acute or chronic. Constant irritation or inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, often due to smoking. S&S: cough, production of mucus, which can be clear, white, yellowish-gray, or green in color, fatigue, shortness of breath, slight fever and chills, chest discomfort Risk Factors: cigarette smoking, low resistance, exposure to irritants on the job, gastric reflux Scope of Practice: antibiotics, prescribed inhaler

Migraine Headache

Definition: can cause throbbing pain or pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. It is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last for hours to days and the pain can be so severe that it interferes with your daily activities. S&S: constipation, mood changes, increased thirst and urination, vision loss, pins and needles sensations in an arm or leg, difficulty speaking, hearing noises, pain on one side of the head, pain that throbs, sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting Risk Factors: hormonal Changes in woman, Drinks, stress, sleep changes, physical factors, weather changes, meds, foods, family history, age, sex Scope of Practice: apply high flowing O2 if it can be tolerated, provide darkness and quiet, try to avoid using lights and sirens when/if transporting this patient

Increased Intracranial Pressure (Cushing's reflex)

Definition: can occur as a complication of surgery, a sign of a brain tumor, because of infection or maybe even as a subarachnoid hemorrhage from a fall. When the brain matter, intravascular blood and cerebrospinal fluid stop being regulated, pressure builds up in the skull resulting in ICP Risk Factors: tumors, hemorrhage, oedema, aneurysm, head injuries, infections, stroke S&S: Nausea, confusion, shallow breathing, high BP, headaches, vomiting, double vision, pupils that don't respond to changes in light, seizures, coma, decreased level of consciousness Scope of Practice: oxygen and rapid transport

Distributive Shock

Definition: caused by excessive vasodilation and impaired distribution of blood flow. High cardiac output, hypotension and a large pulse pressure, warm extremities with a good capillary refill. Most common cause is sepsis Risk Factors: sepsis, pancreatitis, burns or trauma. Toxic shock syndrome, anaphylaxis, reactions to drugs or toxins, heavy metal poisoning S&S: warm or flushed skin, pulse is bounding rather than weak, fever, chills, wheezing Scope of Practice:

Nerve Gas Exposure

Definition: causes poisoning by damaging nerves that help you breathe, move, and digest food. Chemical found in pesticides. S&S: runny nose and eyes, small pupils or blurry vision, coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhea, fatigue, headache, sweating, muscle twitching, seizures Risk Factors: breathing in fumes or coming in contact on your skin. This can happen during an accidental spill or intentional release to cause harm. Scope of Practice: be aware of multiple victims, high flow O2, monitor lung sounds and respiratory status carefully, transport

Myocardial Infarction

Definition: heart attack, this occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is blocked. The blockage is most often a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances which form a plaque in the arteries that feed the heart. The plaque breaks away and forms a clot. S&S: pressure, tightness, pain or squeezing or arching sensation in your chest or arms that may spread to your neck, jaw, or back. Nausea, indigestion, heartburn, shortness of breath, cold seat, fatigue, sudden dizziness Risk Factors: age (men 45 or older and women 55 or older), Tobacco, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, family history of heart attack, lack of physical activity, stress, illicit drug use, a history of preeclampsia, an autoimmune condition. Scope of Practice: administer Nitro, assist with 12 lead, supplemental O2, Rapid transport

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Definition: heart failure occurs when your heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should. Certain conditions, such as narrowed arteries in the heart or high blood pressure gradually leave your heart too weak or stiff to fill and pump effectively. S&S: shortness of breath, fatigue and weakness, swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet. Rapid or irregular heartbeat, reduced ability to exercise, persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm, increased need to urinate at night, swelling of the abdomen, very rapid weight gain from fluid retention, difficulty concentrating, chest pain if your heart failure is caused by a heart attack Risk Factors: coronary artery disease and heart attack, high blood pressure (hypertension), faulty heart valves, damage to heart muscle, myocarditis, heart defects from birth, abnormal heart rhythms, other diseases, diabetes, medications, sleep apnea, viruses, alcohol use, tobacco use, obesity, Scope of Practice:

Hyperglycemic Crisis

Definition: high blood glucose, occurs when there is too much sugar in the blood S&S: fruity smelling breath, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, dry mouth, weakness, confusion, coma, abdominal pain Risk Factors: not using enough insulin, not injecting insulin properly, not following your diabetes eating plan, being inactive, having an illness or infection, using certain meds, being injured or having surgery, emotional stress Scope of Practice:

Pancreatitis

Definition: inflammation in the pancreas, produces enzymes that help digestion and help regulate the way your body processes sugar. S&S: vomiting, nausea, rapid pulse, upper abdominal pain, abdominal pain that radiates to your back, pain that feels worse after eating, tenderness when touching the abdomen Risk Factors: cigarette smoking, meds, abdominal surgery, gallstones, cystic fibrosis, family history, alcoholism, infection, injury to abdomen, cancer Scope of Practice: keep the patient in care, provide rapid transport in case the patient slips into shock

Cholecystitis

Definition: inflammation of the gallbladder. Your gallbladder is a small, pearl shaped organ on your right side of your abdomen, beneath your liver. In most cases, gallstones blocking the tube leading out of your gallbladder cause cholecystitis. This results in a bile backup that can cause inflammation. S&S: severe pain in your upper right or center abdomen, pain that spreads to your shoulder or back, nausea, vomiting, fever Risk Factors: gallstones, Tumor, Bile duct blockage, Infection, Blood vessel problems, torn gallbladder, death of gallbladder tissue, infection within the gallbladder Scope of Practice: assess ABC's, high flow O2, rapid transport

Meningitis

Definition: inflammation of the membranes surrounding your brain and spinal cord. The swelling from meningitis typically triggers symptoms such as headache, fever, and stiff neck. Most cases in the U.S are caused by a viral infection, but bacterial, parasitic, and fungal infections are other causes. S&S: sudden high fever, stiff neck, severe headache, nausea and vomiting, confusion or difficulty concentrating, seizures, sleepiness or difficulty waking up, sensitivity to light, no appetite or thirst, skin rash. Risk Factors: viral infections are the most common cause of meningitis, followed by bacterial infections, and rarely, fungal infections. Bacterial infections can be life threatening, identifying the cause is essential. Age, skipping vaccinations, living in a community setting, pregnancy, compromised immune system. Scope of Practice: provide supplemental O2, assist with ventilations if needed, reassess vital signs frequently as you transport the patient

Peritonitis

Definition: inflammation of the peritoneum, a silk like membrane that lines your inner abdominal wall and covers the organs within your abdomen, that is usually due to a bacterial or fungal infection. Can result from any rupture in your abdomen. S&S: thirst, inability to pass stool, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, fever, bloating or a feeling of fullness, abdominal pain or tenderness, low urine output Risk Factors: trauma, diverticulitis, ruptured appendix, medical procedures, history of peritonitis, other medical conditions, peritoneal dialysis Scope of Practice: antibiotics

Status Epilepticus

Definition: is a central nervous system disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness. Effects both male and females of all races, ethnic groups, backgrounds and ages. S&S: temporary confusion, a staring spell, uncontrollable jerking movement of the arms and legs, loss of consciousness or awareness, psychic symptoms such as fear, anxiety, or Deja vu Risk Factors: genetics, head trauma, brain conditions, infectious disease, prenatal injury, developmental disorders, age, family history, stroke, dementia, brain infections, seizures in childhood Scope of Practice: protect patient from self-harm, call for ALS back up

Tuberculosis (TB)

Definition: is a potentially serious infectious disease that mainly affects your lungs. The bacteria that causes TB is spread from one person to another through tiny droplets released into the air via coughs and sneezes. S&S: ACTIVE TB: coughing that lasts three or more weeks, coughing up blood, chest pain or pain with breathing, unintentional weight loss, fatigue, fever, night sweats, chills, loss of appetite ( can also affect the kidneys, spine, or brain) Risk Factors: have HIV/AIDS, Use IV drugs, are in contact with infected individuals, from a country where TB is common, Live or work in areas where TB is common, Work in health care and treat people with high risk of TB, traveling, weak immune system, poverty or substance abuse Scope of Practice: supply O2 mask and transport to the hospital for meds, wear an n95 mask for BSI protection

Gastrointestinal bleeds

Definition: is a symptom of a disorder in your digestive tract. The blood often appears in stool or vomit but isn't always visible, though it may cause the stool to look black or tarry. The level of bleeding can range from mild to severe and can be life-threatening S&S: overt bleeding might show up as vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, rectal bleeding usually with stool. With occult bleeding you might have lightheadedness, difficulty breathing, fainting, chest pain, abdominal pain. Could go into shock. Risk Factors: Upper GI bleeding- peptic ulcer, tears in the lining of the tube that connects your throat to your stomach, abnormal, enlarged veins in the esophagus, esophagitis. GI Lower- Diverticular disease ( small, bulging pouches in the digestive tract. If one or more of the pouches become inflamed. Inflammatory bowel disease IBD- ulcerative colitis, causes inflammation and sores in the colon and rectum. Tumors. Colon polyps- small clumps of cells that form on the lining of your colon can cause bleeding. Hemorrhoids- swollen veins in your anus or lower rectum, like varicose veins. Anal fissures- small tears in the lining on the anus. Proctitis- inflammation of the lining of the rectum can cause rectal bleeding. Scope of Practice: treat patient for shock (Position, O2, keep warm, rapid transport)

Stroke (CVA) hemorrhagic and Ischemic

Definition: occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. A stroke is a medical emergency and prompt treatment is crucial. S&S: trouble with speaking and understanding, paralysis or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble seeing in one or both eyes, headache, trouble with walking. Ischemic- occurs when the arteries to your brain become narrowed or blocked, causing severely reduced blood flow. Thrombotic- blood clot forms in one of the arteries that supply blood to your brain. Embolic- when a blood clot or other debris forms away from your brain, commonly in your heart, and is swept through your bloodstream to lodge in narrower brain arteries. Hemorrhagic- occurs when a blood vessel in your brain leaks or ruptures. Happen from uncontrolled high BP, overtreatment with blood thinners, weak spots in your blood vessel walls Risk Factors: being overweight or obese, physical inactivity, heavy or binge drinking, use of illicit drugs such as meth or coke, BP higher than 120/80mm, cigarette smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, high cholesterol, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, family history Scope of Practice: Oxygen and rapid transport

Peptic ulcer disease

Definition: open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine. (GASTRIC)-occur on the inside of the stomach. (DUODENAL)- occurs on the inside upper portion of your small intestine. If left untreated they can cause internal bleeding, infections, and obstruction of food through the digestive tract. S&S: burning stomach pain, feeling of fullness, bloating, belching, fatty food intolerance, heartburn, nausea, committing, dark blood in stools, trouble breathing, feeling faint, nausea, unexplained weight loss, appetite changes Risk Factors: bacterium, regular use of certain pain relievers, other meds, alcohol, smoking, eating spicy foods, untreated stress. Scope of Practice: support ABC's, Provide O2, provide transport or if very severe call for ALS back up

Croup

Definition: refers to an infection of the upper airway, which obstructs breathing and causes a characteristic barking cough. This is a result of swelling around the voice box, windpipe, and bronchial tubes. When a cough forces air through this narrowed passageway, the swollen vocal cords produce a noise like a seal barking. S&S: loud barking cough, fever, hoarse voice, breathing that may be noisy or labored Risk Factors: children between 6 months and 3 years of age. Scope of Practice: supply oxygen to the patient and transport to the hospital for antibiotics

Diverticulitis

Definition: small bulging pouches that can form in the lining of your digestive system. They are found most often in the lower part of the large intestine. Common in people after age 40. S&S: pain which is constant, nausea and vomiting, fever, abdominal tenderness, constipation. Risk Factors: aging, obesity, smoking, lack of exercise, a diet high in animal fat and low in fiber, certain meds. Scope of Practice: antibiotics, transport

Generalized Seizure

Definition: sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. Can cause changes in behavior, movements, and in levels of consciousness. Usually last 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Longer than 5 mins is a medical emergency. S&S: temporary confusion, staring spells, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of consciousness or awareness, cognitive or emotional symptoms Absence: often in children and are characterized by staring into space or by subtle body movements. TONIC: stiffening of your muscles. ATONIC: drop seizures, cause a loss of muscle control and you collapse or fall. CLONIC: repeated or rhythmic jerking muscle movements. Myoclonic: sudden brief twitches in your arms and legs. TONIC-CLONIC: most dramatic type, abrupt loss of consciousness, body stiffening and shaking, sometimes loss of bladder control or biting your tongue Risk Factors: stoke, alcohol abuse, drug use, brain tumor, head trauma that cause bleeding in the brain, medications, lack of sleep, low blood sodium, high fever Scope of Practice: treat ABC's/ maintain patient airway positioning, monitor oxygen saturation, apply high flow O2, be emotional support, protect the patient from self-harm, immobilize if necessary, provide transport

Aortic Dissection

Definition: the inner layer of the aorta, the large blood vessel branching off the heart, tears. Blood surges through the tear, causing the inner and middle layers of the aorta to separate. If the blood-filled channel ruptures through the outside aortic wall, aortic dissection is often fatal. S&S: sudden severe chest or upper back pain, sudden severe abdominal pain, loss of consciousness, shortness of breath, sudden difficulty speaking, loss of vision, paralysis, weak pulse in one arm or thigh compared to the other, leg pain, difficulty walking, leg paralysis Risk Factors: uncontrolled high BP, hardening of the arteries, weakened and bulging artery, an aortic valve defect, a narrowing of the aorta at birth, turner's syndrome, mar fan syndrome, sex, age, cocaine use, pregnancy, high-intensity weightlifting Scope of Practice: supplemental O2 and rapid transport

Hypoglycemic crisis

Definition: this is a condition caused by very low blood sugar, not a disease itself but mire of an indicator of a health problem S&S: pale skin, shaking, irritability, sweating, hunger, confusion, abnormal behavior, visual disturbance, seizures, loss of consciousness Risk Factors: blood sugar regulation, diabetes, medication, excessive alcohol, critical illness, insulin overproduction, hormone deficiencies Scope of Practice: oral glucose, transport

Hypovolemic shock

Definition: this is most often the result when a. Major blood vessel bursts or from serious injury S&S: rapid heartbeat, tired, weak, shallow breathing, low bp, cool and clammy skin, low urine production, confusion Risk factors: diarrhea, burns, vomiting, excess sweating, bleeding from serious injuries, internal bleeding, vaginal bleeding, Scope of Practice: blanket, O2, Positioning, rapid transport, IV therapy

Obstructive Shock

Definition: when there is a decrease of diastolic filling of the heart, which then decreases cardiac output. This means that the heart is not getting enough blood to pump out to the rest of the body. The decreased amount of blood getting to the heart is caused by an obstruction. Risk Factors: aortic dissection, Tension pneumothorax, high BP, pulmonary embolism, heart lesions S&S: confusion of consciousness, inability to concentrate, chest pain, lightheadedness, sudden increase in heart rate along with a faint pulse, shortness of breath, fast but shallow breathing, sweating, decreased urine output, clammy skin, pallor, cold hands and feet Scope of Practice: keep patient warm (blanket), position correctly, O2, transport immediately

Pneumonia

S&S: coughing with phlegm, high fever, chills or shaking, chest pain when coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue. Pathophysiology: children under the age of 2 or older than 65 are likely to attract it. If you have a weakened immune system, being hospitalized or on a ventilator, smoking, having a chronic condition including asthma. It is an infection that can affect one or both of your lungs, lung inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection. Risk factors: people with weakened immune systems, children under 2 , over 65 National EMT scope treatment: supply oxygen to the patient and transport to the hospital