Syncope is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Often it's a symptom of a benign etiology but it can indicate a life-threatening condition. So how do we distinguish between the two? We dive into the complex topic of syncope with guest Matt Mendes. We discuss the importance of recognizing syncope, differentiating it from seizures, and identifying who are the high-risk patients and why. The episode covers the guiding principles syncope- a good history, physical exam findings, and the ECG. It also delves into common presentations, risk stratifying strategies, and real-world cases to equip EMS providers with the knowledge needed to manage syncope calls effectively.
00:00 Intro
01:07 Welcome to EMS Cast, host and guest introductions
04:51 Guiding Principles for Syncope Assessment
07:22 High-Risk Syncope Patients
09:14 Initial Approach to Syncope Patients
15:15 Syncope vs. Seizure
20:08 Physical Exam and EKG Importance
25:14 Identifying Arrhythmias in Syncope Patients
26:37 Understanding Wolf Parkinson White Disease
27:46 QT Prolongation and Its Implications
29:49 Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Its Risks
31:28 Recognizing Brugada Pattern
32:02 Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia
33:04 Bifascicular Block and Its Dangers
35:00 EKG Interpretation and Syncope Risk Stratification
39:53 Emergency Department Workups for Syncope
55:49 Case Studies and Memorable Syncope Calls
Resources
The Resus TailorEMS Cast Syncope Blog PostOther episodes you might like: Wide Complex TachycardiaPodcast announcements- WE'RE RENAMING THE SHOW TO, LOUD & CLEAR: EMS GUIDING PRINCIPLESSurvey- Help us learn what content you wantGear We Like
Good Stethoscope - https://amzn.to/3YJJrf2Good Shears - https://amzn.to/40FROuF or https://amzn.to/3ChZ4Tn Notepad for taking notes on calls - https://amzn.to/3Z1X21JSunglasses - https://frontline-optics.com/discount/EMSCAST15Books we recommend - The Dichotomy of Leadership - https://amzn.to/4fiCAjNExtreme Ownership - https://amzn.to/3O1FWfa Managing the Unexpected: Sustained Performance in a Complex World - https://amzn.to/3V7BwYfThinking Fast and Slow - https://amzn.to/4fiJG85A Thousand Naked Strangers: A Paramedic's Wild Ride to the Edge and Back - https://amzn.to/3YJJrf2Guest/Cast/Crew information-
Guest- Matt Mendes, EM doc, Resident didactics coordinator, former EMS Cast Co-Host
Hosts- Ross Orpet, Will Berry
Catch up with us after the show
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