Vascular access devices
Definition of a vascular access device For the purposes of prehospital care, a vascular access device is a device that is inserted into a peripheral or central vein (intravenous), or…
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and basic life support
Definitions Cardiac arrest is defined as the sudden and complete loss of cardiac output due to asystole, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia or loss of mechanical cardiac function.3 The clinical diagnosis…
Fracture and soft tissue injury management
Definitions: What are fractures, sprains, strains and dislocations? A fracture is described as a break in the continuity of a bone; this can be the result of excessive force, repetitive…
Airway management
Definition of airway management Airway management may be defined as the provision of a free and clear passageway for airflow. Obstruction of the airway may be partial or complete and…
Respiratory observations and examination techniques
Indications for respiratory assessment There are a variety of conditions that require respiratory assessment of varying levels, the level of assessment and observation should be based upon clinical judgement; however…
Cardiovascular observations and examination techniques
The assessment of pulses A pulse is the alternating expansion and recoil of arteries during each cardiac cycle; it is felt as the pressure wave passes through the arterial tree.1…
Medical gases
Definition and indications for the use of Entonox Entonox is an inhaled analgesic gas comprising of 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen that is indicated in the management of moderate…
Assisted ventilation
Definition of assisted ventilation Assisted ventilation is where the practitioner offers ventilatory support to a patient whose alveolar ventilation is inadequate to maintain normal partial pressures of oxygen and carbon…
Pain assessment and management
Definitions A widely used definition of pain is: ‘… an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage’.11 This…
Assessment and management of wounds and burns
Definitions A wound is defined as a break in an organ or tissue caused by an external agent; this can be divided into seven broad categories2 that will be discussed…
