Chest pain is a common chief complaint and can have many causes. It can be associated with life-threatening conditions such has heart attacks, pulmonary embolisms and others. EMTs are trained to respond to these emergencies and others. Here's a look at the process EMTs follow when handling a patient experiencing chest pain:
Immediate Assessment
Once determining the scene is safe and calling for additional resources such as Paramedics, EMTs conduct an assessment of the patient's condition. This includes:
Primary Survey: Checking the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation.
Performing a Secondary Assessment: This includes vital signs, history taking, and doing an in depth evaluation of the pain.
Vital Signs checked: Measuring blood pressure, level of consciousness, heart rate, respiratory rate, skin signs, and oxygen saturation and others.
Patient History: Asking about the onset, duration, intensity, and nature of the pain, as well as any other symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, or sweating.
Monitoring and Support
In many EMS systems, EMTs initiate care and call for Paramedics to respond once it is determined Advance Life Support care is warranted. EMTs may begin the assessment and treatment and then work with the Paramedics once they arrive on scene.
Once the assessment is complete, EMTs, working with Paramedics, begin continuous monitoring and provide support as needed:
Oxygen Therapy: If the patient has low oxygen levels, supplemental oxygen is administered to improve oxygenation and reduce the strain on the heart.
Medication Administration: Depending on protocols and the specific situation, EMTs may administer medications such as aspirin (to reduce blood clotting), nitroglycerin (to relieve chest pain), or other drugs as directed by medical control.
ECG: EMTs are not trained to interpret electrocardiograms but Paramedics are. EMTs often work with the Paramedics and assist Paramedics in the administration of advanced life support care.
Transportation to the Hospital
Once assessment and initial treatment has been completed, EMTs transport the patient to the hospital, often with a Paramedic in the ambulance with them.
Safe Transport: The patient is transported to the nearest appropriate medical facility, with continuous monitoring en route.
Communication with the Hospital: EMTs provide the receiving hospital with detailed information about the patient's condition, treatment administered, and any changes observed during transport.
Reassurance and Support
Throughout the entire process, EMTs provide support and reassurance to the patient and their family. They explain the procedures being performed and keep the patient informed about what to expect next.
EMTs play a crucial role in the early recognition and treatment of chest pain, ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate care.
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