Category: Nice to know
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Tell me about the treatment of ischaemic CVAs
This post refers to treatment in hospital and the potential for future treatment pre-hospitally. Ischaemic CVAs are usually treated with thrombolysis using IV alteplase within 4.5 hours from symptom onset and after a CT scan and diagnosis, but there are new tests and treatments coming out and many other factors to consider.
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Tell me about ischaemic CVAs
These are strokes that are caused by a blockage in the blood flow to the brain. They may be treated with thrombolysis if not contra-indicated
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What is the third most common cause of adult death?
Also: What can cause adult disability?
According to Haran et al (2016), ‘Stroke is the third most common cause of death and largest cause of adult disability’
Haran et al, 2016, ‘Hyperacute stroke unit training for paramedics’, Journal of Paramedic Practice, Vol. 8. No. 10
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What is the definition of trauma?
‘Trauma is the acute physiological and structural change that occurs in a patient’s body when an external source of energy dissipates faster than the body’s ability to sustain and dissipate it (Pilbery, 2014). Major trauma is seen as the most common cause of loss of life under 40 years of age’ (Elms and Harris, 2016: 151)
Elms, S. and Harris, G. (2016) ‘Trauma Assessment’ in A.Y. Blaber and G. Harris (Ed), Assessment Skills for Paramedics, 2nd edition, New York: Open University Press
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Where are most airway obstructions?
These ‘may occur at any level from the nose to the trachea’ but are commonly found ‘at the level of the pharynx’ (Gregory & Mursell, 2010: 2)
Gregory, P. and Mursell, I. (2010) Manual of Clinical Paramedic Procedures, Sussex: John Wiley & Sons
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What are the risk factors of febrile convulsions?
‘The presence of anaemia or neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy, also increases the risk of febrile convulsions’ (Sharp, 2016, ‘Management of febrile convulsions within the pre-hospital environment’, Journal of Paramedic Practice, Vol. 8, No. 9, pp. 447-451
Other risk factors listed in the same article:
- Family history in 25-40%
- Ethnicity – Indian and Guam (in the US) children have statistically higher chances of developing epilepsy
- ‘A family history of epilepsy also increases the risk (Paul et al, 2012; Paul et al, 2015)’
- ‘However it should be noted that around 50% of children presenting with febrile convulsions do not have any risk factors (Paul et al, 2012)’
(Sharp, 2016: 447)
The purpose of these posts is to summarise expert knowledge to provide quick and simple answers to simple questions. These posts do not intend to replace the benefits of reading the entire referenced article. If this is your topic of interest, read more by following the links or references listed.
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Should we use cervical collars?
Or:
What are the arguments for and against cervical collars?
What are the disadvantages of cervical collars?
Why use cervical collars?
This is a ‘debate which has rumbled on for several years and still appears to have no definitive solution in sight’; there is minimal evidence supporting using collars in all situations; the negative effects in discussion at current range ‘from raising intracranial pressure, to restricting the airway and having a negative impact on respiration’
Source: Thomas, A. (2016) ‘Trauma Care Conference considers expanding role of paramedics in subspecialty’, Journal of Paramedic Practice, Vol. 8, No. 6, pp. 278-279
More info coming soon. Watch this space
Caption competition! Because moving is good for you? We do like to keep our patients moving?
