Manual of Clinical Paramedic Procedures

Introduction

Foreword

1. Airway management

Definition of airway management

Concept of a stepwise approach

Basic anatomy of the airway

Basic airway management manoeuvres

Basic airway adjuncts

Advanced airway adjuncts and cricothyroidotomy

Key points

References and Further reading

2. Assisted ventilation

Definition of assisted ventilation

Indications for assisted ventilation

The literature and complications associated with assisted

ventilation

Equipment and procedures for assisted ventilation

Key points

References and Further reading

3. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and basic life support

Definitions

The chain of survival

Adult basic life support

Basic life support in pregnancy

Mechanical chest compression devices

The recovery position

Paediatric basic life support

Newborn life support

Foreign body airway obstruction (choking)

Key point

References and Further reading

4. Defibrillation

Definition of defibrillation

The literature behind defibrillation

Procedure for defibrillation

Definition of transcutaneous cardiac pacing (TCP)

Terminology used in transcutaneous cardiac pacing

Indications for use of transcutaneous pacing

The literature behind transcutaneous cardiac pacing

Equipment

Key points

References and Further reading

5. Cardiovascular observations and examination

techniques

The assessment of pulses

Capillary refill time measurement

Blood pressure measurement

The electrocardiogram

Cardiac auscultation

Temperature measurement

Key points

References and Further reading

6. Respiratory observations and examination techniques

Indications for respiratory assessment

Respiratory rate

Respiratory depth assessment

Chest and respiratory inspection

Chest compliance

Respiratory pattern/rhythm assessment

Oxygen saturations/pulse oximetry

Peak flow measurement

Chest percussion

Tactile vocal fremitus

Chest auscultation

Vocal resonance

Key points

References and Further reading

7. Neurological observations and examination techniques

Definitions

Level of consciousness assessment

Pupillary assessment

Assessing motor function

Assessment of reflexes

Assessment of movement and power

Assessment of co-ordination

Assessment of abnormal movements

Sensory function assessment

FAST

Vital signs

Blood glucose testing

Key points

References and Further reading

8. History taking and communication

Definitions

Key communication skills

Communication models

The practitioner–patient relationship

A standardised history framework

Questioning techniques

Consent

Key points

References and Further reading

9. Documentation and record keeping

Definitions

Why keep healthcare records?

What constitutes good medical records?

Models of record keeping

Abbreviations

Key documents in record keeping and documentation

The Caldicott Guardian

Electronic patient records

Key points

References and Further reading

10. Drug administration

Definitions

Legislation related to paramedic administration

of drugs

Drug formulations

Drug documentation

Storage of drugs

Routes of administration

Key points

References and Further reading

11. Medical gases

Definition and indications for the use of Entonox

Advantages of Entonox

Contraindications to the use of Entonox

Equipment

Principles of administration of Entonox

Procedure for administering Entonox

Troubleshooting

Definition of oxygen therapy

Indications for use

Cautions and contraindications to the use of oxygen

Equipment

Procedure for administering oxygen

Use of cylinders and cylinder safety

Key points

References and Further reading

12. Infection control

Definitions

Indications for infection control

Hand hygiene

Personal protective equipment

Key points

References and Further reading

13. Vascular access devices

Definition of a vascular access device

Anatomy of veins

Peripheral cannulas

Indications for peripheral cannulation

Selection of device for peripheral cannulation

Selection of vein

Techniques of venodilatation

Complications of peripheral venous cannulation

Procedure for peripheral venous cannulation

Intraosseous infusion

Anatomy of bones

Indications for intraosseous access

Contraindications to intraosseous access

Equipment for intraosseous access

Complications of intraosseous access

Location sites for intraosseous access

Procedures for intraosseous access

Key points

References and Further reading

14. Needle thoracocentesis

Definitions

The literature surrounding needle thoracocentesis

Equipment required

Indications for use

Contraindications of use

Potential problems of use

Procedures

Key points

References and Further reading

15. Pain assessment and management

Definitions

Acute pain v chronic pain

Assessing pain

Assessing pain in cognitively impaired patients

Overview of pain management techniques

Key points

References and Further reading

16. Fracture and soft tissue injury management

Definitions: What are fractures, sprains, strains and

dislocations?

General principles of musculoskeletal injury management

Principles of splinting

Slings and support bandages

Box splints

Vacuum splints

Neighbour strapping

Traction splints

SAM splints

Pelvic fractures

Key points

References and Further reading

17. Spinal management

Relevant gross anatomy

Evidence on how to immobilise the spine

Hazards and complications associated with spinal

immobilisation

Indications for spinal immobilisation

Equipment and procedures

Key points

References and Further reading

18. Assessment and management of wounds and burns

Definitions

Classification of wounds

Wound healing

Principles of wound management

The use of tourniquets and haemostatic dressings

Burns assessment

Burn management principles

Key points

References and Further reading

19. Moving and handling procedures

Definitions

Why is moving and handling important?

Key legislation

Manual handling and no lift policies

Risk assessment in moving and handling

Biomechanical principles

Principles of manual handling

Additional principles

Lifting aids

Key points

References and Further reading

Index