Unit 1492: Foundations of Paramedicine

1. Overview of Paramedicine

1.1 Introduction to Paramedicine

• Definition and scope of paramedicine
• Roles and responsibilities of paramedics

1.2 History of Paramedicine

• Evolution of pre-hospital care
• Milestones in paramedic development

1.3 Importance of Pre-Hospital Care

• Impact on patient outcomes
• Integration with healthcare system

2. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) System

2.1 EMS Structure and Components

• Dispatch centers and communication systems
• Ambulance services: types and capabilities
• Fire department involvement in EMS
• Hospital roles in emergency care continuum

2.2 Coordination and Communication

• Interagency collaboration
• Patient transport and handover protocols

3. Patient Assessment

3.1 Systematic Approach to Assessment

• Scene size-up and safety considerations
• Primary assessment: airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure (ABCDE)
• Secondary assessment: focused physical examination

3.2 Vital Signs Monitoring

• Techniques and normal ranges
• Interpretation of findings

3.3 History Taking

• SAMPLE history (Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last oral intake, Events leading up)
• OPQRST for pain assessment

4. Airway Management

4.1 Basic Airway Maneuvers

• Head-tilt chin-lift, jaw-thrust

4.2 Oxygen Therapy

• Indications and delivery methods (nasal cannula, masks)

4.3 Advanced Airway Adjuncts

• Oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airways
• Endotracheal intubation: indications, procedure overview
• Supraglottic airway devices

5. Cardiac Emergencies

5.1 Recognition of Cardiac Emergencies

• Symptoms of myocardial infarction (heart attack)
• Signs of cardiac arrest
• Common arrhythmias

5.2 Management Strategies

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) protocols
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use
• Pharmacologic interventions

6. Trauma Care

6.1 Mechanisms of Injury

• Types of trauma (blunt, penetrating)
• Energy transfer and injury patterns

6.2 Hemorrhage Control

• Direct pressure, tourniquets, hemostatic agents

6.3 Spinal Immobilization

• Indications and techniques

6.4 Trauma Triage

• Criteria for prioritizing care and transport

7. Medical Emergencies

7.1 Respiratory Distress

• Causes and management

7.2 Diabetic Emergencies

• Hypoglycemia vs hyperglycemia
• Recognition and treatment

7.3 Seizures

• Types, causes, and emergency management

7.4 Allergic Reactions and Anaphylaxis

• Identification and epinephrine administration

7.5 Stroke

• Recognition using FAST protocol
• Pre-hospital management

8. Pharmacology in Paramedicine

8.1 Principles of Pharmacology

• Medication administration routes
• Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion

8.2 Drug Classifications Relevant to Paramedicine

• Analgesics, antiarrhythmics, bronchodilators, vasopressors

8.3 Common Medications in Pre-Hospital Care

• Indications, contraindications, side effects

9. Special Populations

9.1 Pediatric Patients

• Anatomical and physiological differences
• Communication and assessment adaptations

9.2 Older Adults

• Common comorbidities and medication considerations

9.3 Pregnant Women

• Physiological changes during pregnancy
• Emergency care considerations

9.4 Patients with Disabilities

• Communication strategies
• Adaptive care techniques

10. Legal and Ethical Considerations

10.1 Consent and Patient Rights

• Informed consent and implied consent

10.2 Confidentiality and Documentation

• Importance of accurate record-keeping
• Legal implications

10.3 Scope of Practice

• Defining professional boundaries

10.4 Ethical Dilemmas in Paramedicine

• Decision-making frameworks
• Patient autonomy vs beneficence