Ten Minute Medic

In this final session of this two part podcast, the student will

1.  weigh the benefits versus the risks of moving from basic airway maneuvers to more advanced ones.

2.  understand the importance of adequate airway suctioning versus limiting it to 10-15 seconds.

3. be introduced to the concepts of rapid sequence intubation and drug assisted intubation.  The protocol established by the Kentucky Board of EMS will be used for this discussion.  Please refer to the EMS governing agency of your state for your particular regulation and protocol.  

The Ten Minute Medic takes a look at the airway of the trauma patient.  In this session, you will learn:

1.  the role of external and internal respiration.

2.  factors that influence alveolar and cellular gas exchange.

3.  the dangers of hyperventilation of your patient.

Next weeks podcast will continue the discussion of the airway of the trauma patient.  If you would like to have a topic covered, drop me a line at [email protected]. 

This is the second part of the Pathophysiology of Shock episode.  In this recording we'll look at:

1.  Why relying on a BP for indication of shock could be deadly for your patient,

2.  The three stages of shock and why you must be aggressive in its recognition and treatment and,

3.  How the movement of fluid in and out of the cells affects the hemostatic status of your patient. 

This week and next week the Ten Minute Medic will cover the workings of the body in shock and why this topic is probably the most important lecture you will cover in your paramedic class.  This is a two part episode. 

The rules of engagement for active shooting scenes have changed.  No longer can EMS sit back until the "scene is secure".  In this podcast, we will review the kinematics of gunshot wounds that will enable you to better assess, recognize and treat your gunshot patient. 

We come to the end of our series on acid base balance with a look at metabolic acidosis and alkalosis.  In this podcast you will learn:

1.  The most common cause of metabolic acidosis

2.  Why the administration of sodium bicarbonate for your patient in metabolic acidosis may be deadly

3.  A summary of pathophysiology pearls to remember when addressing acid base issues.

For your patient, there is, probably, no more frightening sensation than that of not being able to breathe.  This is never more true than in the patient who is in respiratory alkalosis.  In this podcast we look at:

1.  What respiratory alkalosis is.

2.  The pathophysiology behind it.

3.  The best way to treat, and not treat, your patient.

Respiratory acidosis is commonly seen in the pre-hospital patient.  In this episode, we take a look at the pathophysiology and treatment approach of this frequently encountered condition. 

We've all been there!  What do you do after that massive chili cheese burger?  You reach for an antacid!  In this episode, we take a look at the mechanisms that the body uses to help maintain a homeostatic pH so that we live the best life.  This also introduces a four part series in which we will take a look at each of the syndromes that occur when acid-base balance gets out of kilter. 

Conventional EMS education says that T wave abnormalities are present with an elevated potassium.  Is that always true.  In today's podcast, Dr. Bill Young takes a look at some of the most common symptoms of hyperkalemia as well as the importance of understanding the pathophysiology behind it.