Should Patients Take Caffeine-Containing Analgesics?
Many of our patients have high temperatures, especially during COVID outbreaks. Some of them are taking over the counter pain relief as required. This is of course recommended, however many of our patients are also tachycardic due at least in part to their high temperatures. When they complain of palpitations, do they need to be aware of the effects of caffeine-paracetamol combinations? Should they be taking this combination at all, or should they simply ease off dietary sources of caffeine while taking analgesics? Here are a few quotes on the subject. Full references are below.
What is the structure of the digestive system?
The Digestive System is the 'alimentary canal and its associated glands, the salivary glands, the liver and the pancreas.' (Boyle and Senior, 2008: 131). Pass your exams or refresh yourself by reading the extended answer here.
What does NICE say about head injuries?
NICE guidelines are great, but they're annoying sometimes. They're lengthy, and it can be hard to find only the content that is directly relevant to frontline ambulance clinicians. Here is a summary of their head injury guidelines, showing only the points and quotes that are relevant to us. Article 999: Simplifying, Presenting, Refreshing.
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 […]
Cheat Sheets: Scene Overview
You may find varying suggestions for what to consider in what is usually referred to as your 'scene assessment' (Harris, 2016: 1; Pilbery & Lethbridge, 2016: 126) or 'end of bed [...] assessment' (Spurr, 2014). This is a cheat sheet to assist you in identifying these important factors.
How do I get the ventilator off the racks?
If you've ever felt the frustration of being a student on Day 1 and having to retrieve the ventilator for your crewmate, you might enjoy this GIPHY.
What is the relief pressure dial on the ventilator?
The relief pressure dial on the ventilator ensures that the pressure of ventilation is not so high that it causes problems but allows it to be high enough to help ensure that the patient actually is ventilated. Read more...
Should We Use Rigid Cervical Collars?
Compare the evidence, including from the JRCALC, on the use of rigid cervical collars.
What are the main sections used for?
The various parts of the law applicable to mental health sectioning are Section 2, 3, 4, 5, 135 and 136 but Community Treatment Orders also enable sectioning. These allow for durations of 6 hours, 72 hours, 28 days or 6 months, depending on the type of section. Read more to find out which types provide those durations...