The Decompensating Child: Blood Pressure Ranges to Watch
Why is it important to measure the blood pressure in an unwell child? What defines hypotension in a child? Have a quick refresher here.
Methods of ECG Interpretation
There are so many different recommendations of ECG Interpretation. Some books have 5 steps, some 6, some 9, some 11. Below, I have listed a few common ones in the hope of highlighting the differences - and the similarities. Do you have a preference? Have you spotted more methods? Add them in the comments and let us know which one you prefer.
ECG Concepts: The Importance of Time and Direction
Pattern recognition can only go so far. Understanding how the underlying physiology relates with what is shown on the ECG is key to unlocking a deeper ability of ECG interpretation. Read more...
Recommended Content: Cardiac Action Potential, Explained with Dominoes
If you, like me, struggle to understand the action potential, here is a great video from UBC Medicine, which explains the concept with dominoes. Check it out below.
Interpreting the Acid-Base Balance Using Tic Tac Toe (0s and Xs)
To interpret the acid-base blood gas results, you first need to know what normal levels are. You also need to know what a high figure means vs a low figure - is this acidemia, or alkalemia? And you need Tic-Tac-Toe. Here's why...
An Easy Way to Remember How to Identify Left and Right Bundle Branch Blocks
This is easily remembered as: in English we read from left to right, but the ECG prints a view of the heart from right (V1-V2) to left (V5-V6).
PARAMEDIC-2 Trial Results
‘For more than 50 years, treatment strategies have included the use of various drugs, but there is limited evidence that such treatments are effective’ (Perkins et al, 2018). Now […]
Considering the Differential Diagnoses of Chest Pain? Consider This.
We tend to consider acid reflux as one of the differential diagnoses of chest pain. We, or the patient's GP might advise them to alter their acidic diet. We might even suggest they take their own gaviscon if it's available. But the patient might be suffering from too low acid, not too high. And gaviscon and omemprazole might worsen their symptoms. This is a guest post written by Paul Burgess of Athletic Nutrition (athleticnutrition.tv).
What are the paramedic drugs and doses for adult ALS?
Adrenaline, amiodorone, sodium chloride... What do our guidelines say about when, how and how much of these drugs we should be giving?