Question: Can calcium gluconate be given through a CVAD? The patients requiring it (usually dialysis patients) often have difficult IV access, unstable veins and some sort of CVAD in place. If access of the CVAD for administration of fluids and cardiac arrest meds has already been performed, are we still required to start an IO for the calcium gluconate or can it be requested of the BHP to administer through the CVAD with proper flushing before and after?

Question: How many analyses would you perform on a patient who is VSA following a drowning. Is it considered special circumstances, should the patient be transported after one analysis? Or should we transport after the first rhythm that doesn’t result in a defibrillation? How many shocks total if patient stays in a shockable rhythm (4 max or more)?

Question: Reviewing the STEMI bypass protocol I noticed that it requires 2mm of elevation in V1-V3 in two contiguous leads and 1mm of elevation in any other contiguous leads.

My question is then twofold:
1. What’s different about V1-V3 that we require 2mm of elevation?
2. Why is V3 included in this since it is not anatomically contiguous with V1 or V2? Should then V4 not be included to give a “partner” to V3?

Thanks for your help!

Question: I am just wondering if ASA is contraindicated for patients taking Pradaxa?

Question: When attending to a medical VSA, where our monitor energy settings are preprogrammed (120J, 150J, 200J, 200J), if I happen to dump the first charge (non-shockable rhythm), should my second charge be at 120J or 150J? This second charge would be the first shock (assuming shockable rhythm), but the second analysis.

Question: While enroute to the emergency department with a VSA patient, if your patient presents in shockable rhythm (either new, or still in a shockable rhythm), can we continue to shock the patient without pulling over? My understanding of the reason for stopping was because we used to use semi-automated systems, and we did not want false interpretations based on artifact. But, if we are now interpreting the rhythm, and determine that it is a shockable rhythm, not artifact while in transit, shouldn’t we be shocking?

The OBHG companion document states to stop when enroute using semi-automated system, no wording on manual defibrillation.

Question: Hello, When a crew arrives on scene and finds a patient VSA, the ALS and BLS Standards require CPR per the HSFO guidelines at 30:2. When considering that there is strong evidence showing high quality CPR is the most important care to impact patient survival, my question revolves around what care or priorities should be considered when there are just the 2 paramedics on scene awaiting additional crews or resources.

The questions specifically are:

1) While Early defib, high-quality CPR and BVM ventilation’s are a must, should an IV and medications be attempted with such limited resources? In attempting to do so, there is strong likelihood of compromising the quality of CPR because the compressor is doing about 2 compressions a second, and the 2nd medic is ventilating about every 15 seconds, thus making it next to impossible to perform any other tasks without diluting the CPR quality. This should the early defib, High-quality CPR and BVM ventilation’s be the only focus until more resources show up, or should the IV and medication process be attempted to satisfy the requirements of the directive, even if doing so will compromise the CPR quality?

2) In regard to #1 above, when working in a rural setting, in which allied resources can sometimes take upwards of 20 minutes to arrive on scene, how does this play into the care?

3) As a given, I would love to be able to meet all the requirements of the ACP Cardiac arrest directive effectively, but with only 2 paramedics on scene the problem is there is just so much to do, and with quality of CPR and ventilation’s/ETCO2 being able to be monitored and recorded, you can either violate the directive to maintain high-quality CPR, or risk having this data show your CPR quality was not great but got “everything done”. Which is the preferred method of care?

4) While there is evidence supporting that CPR saves lives, is there any strong evidence supporting that the IV/Meds and the Advanced airways lead to better patient survival?

Question: Pushing a dose epinephrine seems to be very popular in the FOAM world for emergency physician. Its use has been promoted for things such as post cardiac arrest, refractory anaphylaxis, and severe bradycardia (some strong pharmacology reasons supporting it over atropine have been presented). Is this something you see being added to the advanced care paramedic treatment options at some point?

Question: In Elgin county we have been having trouble with our defibs spitting out ‘noisy data’ warnings on our 12 lead ECG’s lately which has prompted conversation with crews about the STEMI protocol. Though the protocol clearly states that LP15 ECG software interpretation meets ***MEETS ST ELEVATION… some crews are saying that due to this issue with noisy data, we are able to interpret the ECG on our own and determine if it meets our criteria based on the >1 mm/or the >2mm ST elevation criteria. Your thoughts? Should we patch the cardiologist? Should we transport to nearest ED due to software not recognizing due to noisy data?

Question: How many liters to we run a BVM at?

Question: Can you give Ketorolac to a HTN patient (180 systolic)? The PCP directive states Normotension.

Question: We were presented with a patient on scene who stated she had fallen 2 hours prior. The fall was due to a slip on the ice. There was no LOC, no head injuries or any other neuro deficits. The patients vitals weren’t abnormal and was in a mild state of distress on scene. The only injuries noted were some wrist and knee pain, where there was no obvious deformity or injuries evident but stated both as 7/10 pain. She also mentioned her back was in moderate pain from the fall as well. My partner and I were unsure of whether to provide symptom relief for pain management. Yes there is trauma to 2 different extremities but it was the simultaneous back pain that threw a twist in, as the directive states that the patient must have “isolated hip or extremity trauma.” We were minutes from the hospital and I did ask the patient if the pain was tolerable until we got to the hospital where they would provide more effective pain management, but for future reference it would be nice to no! t have to think twice if put in this particular situation again.

Question: The IV Therapy Medical Directive lists hypotension as a required indication for a fluid bolus. In pediatric medicine, blood pressure is rarely used alone as an indication of perfusion and tends more to rely on looking at the overall presentation including: level of awareness/activity, heart rate, capillary refill etc.

If presented with a child who is: irritable, tachycardic (or bradycardic for that matter), with delayed cap refill, and decreased urine output, but is not hypotensive (<5th percentile), is it permissible to administer a fluid bolus?

Question: If a patient is presenting with signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia (confusion, diaphoresis, pallor, tachycardia, etc.) and you find them with a BG of 4.5mmol/L, but family on scene states their normal BG is over 12mmol/L, and that they are presenting as they typically do when their blood sugar is low, AND you cannot identify from assessment/history any other reason for their current presentation, is it advised to give them oral glucose at this point if they are able to swallow?

Question: Can you go stroke bypass with the only complaint being a defined onset of confusion?

Question: In reference to LOA and gravol administration: a patient who has had a fall and struck their head, has a GCS of 14 (4,4,6) and is alert to person but not place and time, confused about previous events, but can follow commands and is answering some questions appropriately (ie… Birthday, wifes name). Does this rule them out for gravol? My concern is if they are nauseated and we dont treat it early, vomiting and being supine on a spinal board can be very difficult to manage by yourself. I appreciate the definition of LOA is a GCS less than normal for the patient. Can you explain the reasoning for this condition?

Question: I had a scenario where my patient stated he had a few drinks and was slightly drowsy, he answered all my questions fine and was alert to person place and time, once in the ambulance he became nauseous and began vomiting two emesis bags full, I gave gravol in this situation after listing off the contraindications and patient confirming there were none. My question is, would this have been acceptable?

Question: Any news or updates regarding the progress of a new BLS version?

Question: I know that the standard practice for Epinephrine administration in the case of anaphylaxis is in the patient’s deltoid. I have heard and read that the time to maximal serum concentration of epinephrine is 7 times faster with IM administration to the anterolateral thigh.

My question therefore is: Would it be acceptable to administer epinephrine in the anterolateral thigh as opposed to the deltoid? Or, is SWORBHPs preferred administration site the deltoid and if so why?

References:
http://emergencymedicinecases.com/anaphylaxis-anaphylactic-shock/

Simmons, F.E., Kelso J.M., Feldweg A.M. (2015). Anaphylaxis: Rapid recognition and treatment. In T. W. Post (Ed.), UpToDate. Retrieved from http://www.uptodate.com/contents/anaphylaxis-rapid-recognition-and-treatment/

Question: You have a patient who you obtain ROSC and return of spontaneous respiration on scene who was in a VF (post rosc 12lead shows STEMI). They arrest on route into a VF, we pull over, defibrillate. You resume transport and reassess after each cycle of CPR. If you obtain ROSC again during transport, and the patient rearrests for a second time, is it prudent to pause transport quickly again for defibrillation. The treatment for VF is defibrillation. If there is still prolonged transport the pt will likely deteriorate to asystole if not defibrillated, correct? I appreciate we do not want to delay definitive care, would it be helpful or harmful to continue defibrillation in this setting.

Question: In reviewing literature addressing treatment and management of tachyarrhythmias, I’ve encountered several articles stating that lidocaine and amiodarone are contraindicated for treatment of Torsades de Pointes as they could prolong the QT interval and worsen the situation. However, our medical directives for ventricular tachycardia make no mention of this contraindication and make no distinction in the management of VT vs TdP. Recognizing that lidocaine as a Class I antiarrythmic would be worse for the patient than amiodarone (Class III) and that amiodarone is the preferred drug in our protocols for VTach, should we nonetheless be concerned with the use of either of these in managing TdP? Thanks for providing the forum in which to ask and share with colleagues.

Question: A recent study, published in the Lancet showed an alternative way of performing a Valsalva maneuver, that is much more effective.

It is described and shown in a video here:
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(15)61485-4/abstract

Is it acceptable for us to perform this when a Valsalva is called for in our directives?

Question: Some years ago during a recert in the fall a question was posed regarding administering a nebulized treatment of ventolin to a patient who otherwise would not tolerate an MDI but also had a fever above 38C (all other conditions met). The question was answered by stating if all attempts fail for use of the MDI, a nebulized treatment could be administered if all droplet precautions were taken (N95 worn, gown worn closed window to cab area, goes without saying truck disinfected). Is this in fact the case? (Updated)

Question: I was faced the other day with a question by one of my fellow peers in regards to the administration of nitroglycerine. As a contraindication, it states that we cannot administer nitro of the SBP drops by one third or more of its initial value after nitro is administered. This can be interpreted in 2 different ways, as brought to my attention by my fellow peer so now ever since, I second guess myself. So my question is, this “initial value,” is it the very first BP we take even before the first dose of nitro, or is it referring to the initial BP you take AFTER the first dose of nitro. It is such a simple answer I am sure but if I can get clarification so I can also relay the message to my fellow peer that would be great.

Question: In a patient presenting with respiratory distress, crackles and a relevant cardiac history, I would assume that left ventricular failure/infarct would be a fair working assessment. If 12-lead indicated LV involvement occurring with hypotension that would place the Cardiogenic Shock and CPAP Directives out of parameters.

Crackles = no bolus, hypotension = no CPAP. Other than vitals/cardiac monitoring, oxygenation/ventilatory support as needed, it seems like a situation such as this one may limit pre-hospital management, as far as a PCP scope goes. Any comments or suggestions?

Question: When administering a fluid bolus, are we to give the full bolus amount (i.e. 1000ml for a 50kg patient) reassessing for fluid overload or return to TKVO when the BP reaches 100mmHg or greater? Given so much fluid shifts, administering the full bolus when no fluid overload is present (either 10 or 20ml/kg), particularly with the septic or preload dependent patient would be beneficial.

Question: How is the DNR standard in the BLS PCS reconciled with this statement in the ALS PCS: “if a paramedic is aware or is made aware that the person has a prior capable wish with respect to treatment, they must respect that wish (for example, if the person does not wish to be resuscitated).”

Obviously the ideal situation is that the patient has the DNR confirmation form and there are no issues. The issue comes up with regards to verbal DNRs issued by a capable patient or SDM (that are reasonable), or in such cases where the patient has a DNR, living will or other advanced directive that specifies the patients wishes, but no prehospital DNR form. Is this form not redundant provided there is a reasonable indication that the patient does not wish to be resuscitated or have aggressive life sustaining therapies delivered?

How can the BLS PCS DNR standard be reconciled with the ALS PCS regarding honouring a prior capable wish when the provider is made aware of such wish (provided its reasonable)? Especially given that in nearly ever other case, a directive in the ALS PCS over-rides the BLS-PCS. Given that this issue is not nearly as cut and dry in reality, or in any other healthcare setting, as it seems to be made out to be in EMS in this province what is the situation with regards to this? Especially given that end-of-life issues are increasingly common, the issue is not going to disappear. There are many other provinces that use a similar wording or philosophy to that mentioned in the ALS-PCS under consent and capacity.

Question: If you work in 2 services under the same base hospital and you are certified and work in one as an ACP, but one service is now only PCP, can you perform any ACP skills if you feel necessary while working in the PCP service? (for example, cardioversion or pacing, epi in arrests?)

Question: Can a PCP, certified AEMCA in good standing with their Base Hospital, administer symptom relief medication while off duty? We know that some medics carry their own first aid kit in their car and that some services support this.

Question: Is daily, low dose ASA considered towards ‘NSAID use in the past 6 hours,’ as per the Adult Analgesia Medical Directive?

Question: Under the Analgesia & Moderate to Severe Pain Protocol. What is the definition of cancer pain? And if they fall under the guidelines of cancer pain, what kind of relief would a half dose of Ketorolac provide seeing as they are probably on much stronger medications?

Question: In regards to the adult analgesia medical directive, it states “in patients with isolated hip or extremity trauma, ibuprofen and acetaminophen are preferred to ketorolac except where the patient is unable to tolerate oral medications.” It is my understanding that together, they provide similar pain relief to ketorolac. If the patient is in severe pain, but is unable to take acetaminophen due to a contraindication (ex. due to having taken some in the past 4 hours), is it appropriate to administer ketorolac instead? Or is it still preferred to administer just the Ibuprofen at this point.

Question: In the setting of an adult who has extremity trauma with severe pain and has vomited along with nausea, could this patient receive dimenhydrinate with ketorolac?

Question: In regards to gravol. Pregnancy is not a contradiction but after doing research most medical journals state the following: because the studies in humans cannot rule out the possibility of harm, Dimenhydrinate should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. What are your thoughts?

Question: Can a PCP insert a King LT in a non-VSA patient with a GCS of 3 under the direction of an ACP?

Question: If an 18 year old male hockey player was tackled and hit his face off the ice, has otorrhagea and and is VSA. First analysis shows asystole. Should he be treated under the trauma cardiac arrest directive or medical?

Question: I have a question in regards to right sided MI’s. We had a patient that had slight elevation in his 12 lead inferior leads, but not enough to call for a STEMI. I once worked for a service that I could do a right sided 12 lead ECG. Are we allowed to perform right sided 12 leads here at SWORBHP if we do suspect an inferior MI?

Question: Recently we were on scene with an unresponsive 65 year old female. This was a witnessed event by a friend. While on route to the nearest ED patients condition improved. The patient started to answer questions. At this time the patient found to have left sided deficits. Should we continue to the local ED (5 min transport) or turn around for stroke bypass (50 min transport) After assessment in ED we ended up transporting to Stroke Unit.

Question: Referring to the STEMI by-pass medical directive, is it 60 minutes from patient contact or 60 minutes transport time?

Question: I was going over the CPAP standing order today and would like clarification on whether the contraindication “Major trauma or burns to the head or torso” only means for a new occurrence or does it also include persons with prior existing major trauma or burns to head and torso?

Question: In regards to the CPAP medical directive, it states in the ALS PCS Companion document that CPAP is the treatment for Acute Pulmonary Edema (REGARDLESS of origin). Does this mean that the cause does not need to be cardiogenic in nature? Could you please elaborate on this?

Question: If a person have a near fresh water (lake water) drowning and Spo2 <90 % severe SOB, and by auscultating lungs I hear Crackles all over the places mainly on lower lobes tachypnea and normotensive. As per CPAP protocol: indication severe respiratory distress and signs and/ or symptoms of Acute pulmonary edema or COPD is the indication, and patient is above 18years and no contraindication met, can I apply CPAP on this patient ? If not please tell me why and I know Nitro is not applicable in this case because this is not a cariogenic pulmonary edema.

Question: I am a ACP student and was discussing among my colleagues the proper time frame for vitals and drug administration for morphine and NTG in the cardiac ischemia medical directive. I understand that each drug has a 5 minute intervals but someone had mentioned that you could stagger both drugs in 5 minute intervals, for example after administering a third NTG wait 5 minutes then morphine then wait 5 minutes then NTG etc. I was wondering what the preferred interval for vital signs and drug administration would be with two drugs staggered at 5 minute intervals.

Question: My question is regarding fluid bolus for DKA. There seems to be varying belief on whether or not a DKA patient must be hypotensive to administer a bolus. There is no specific language that I can find addressing bolus protocol for DKA other than the mandatory BHP patch point if the suspected DKA pt is 2-12yrs old, but this is listed under the NaCl fluid bolus protocol where hypotension is a condition for treatment. Just looking for a little clarification on the entire DKA bolus protocol.

Question: As per the question posted Feb 5th, 2014, if the FD shocks a patient prior to our arrival, we may count that shock into our protocol assuming we deem their care to adhere to AHA guidelines. In that setting, do we dial up to our second shock dose, or start at our first shock dose and dial up appropriately after that?

Question: After the recent introduction of Narcan for PCPs, I’m still a little confused about the role of Narcan in an arrest. The 2010 AHA Guidelines state there is no role for Naloxone in cardiac arrest but the 2015 Guidelines are less prohibitive, leaving some room for interpretation. I understand that where there is question whether the patient is pulseless or not, there is a role for naloxone in the setting of presumed opioid overdose but what is the direction of base hospital for the use of naloxone where there is definite absence of vital signs in the setting of a PCP-only arrest. Is it the expectation of the base hospital that PCPs attempt to administer naloxone at some point during that call? If so, when during the cardiac arrest protocol? On scene or en route to hospital?

Question: Are we allowed to accept photocopied DNR? I have heard several discrepancies on this question.

Question: My question is concerning the 5ml vials of Gravol and Toradol that some services are now carrying. Should these be thrown out after opening and removing one dose? Or are we to keep them and use them again for another patient?

Question: Are we required to complete a patient refusal and obtain a signature for any patient who for example refuses gravol administration, or does not want a medication given by IV, but accepts the medication administered IM, or refuses oxygen. Or any similar instance where there is a refusal, but the patient is still being transported to hospital.

Question: The PCP adult analgesia directive is for “isolated extremity injuries”, if there’s more than one injury is it a contraindication? For example, burns to more than one location (shoulder and a portion of the ant chest) or an ankle and a knee injury.