Welcome to Ask MAC
Ask MAC is a tool aimed at providing paramedics with an opportunity to find question and answers related to the medical directives, challenging or unique calls, or other relevant topics for discussion.
All answers provided on Ask MAC have been reviewed by and reflect the opinions of the Medical Directors within the Southwest Ontario Regional Base Hospital Program (SWORBHP).
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- Acute Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema
- Adult Intraosseous
- Analgesia
- Bronchoconstriction
- Cardiac Ischemia
- Cardiogenic Shock
- Central Venous Access Device
- Combative Patient
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
- Croup
- Cyanide Exposure
- Endotracheal and Tracheostomy Suctioning and Reinsertion
- Hyperkalemia
- Hypoglycemia
- Intravenous and Fluid Therapy
- Medical Cardiac Arrest
- Moderate to Severe Allergic Reaction
- Nausea Vomiting
- Newborn Resuscitation
- Opioid Toxicity
- Orotracheal Intubation
- Pediatric Intraosseous
- Procedural Sedation
- Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC)
- Seizure
- Supraglottic Airway
- Symptomatic Bradycardia
- Tachydysrhythmia
- Trauma Cardiac Arrest
Question: I have a question regarding congestive heart failure (CHF) and ASA. If a patient is having acute CHF and is coughing up blood but is also having chest pain are they still a candidate to receive ASA given the active “bleeding”. I would think the blood from back up into your lungs is different than the blood from an ulcer or something. Thanks for your help.
Published On: December 3, 2014Question: I’m a PCP with autonomous IV. It states that a contraindication for a fluid bolus is “signs of fluid overload”. I realize the obvious one is pulmonary edema as that is the example that is always brought up in this scenario. What about a pt that has a clear chest with no fluid accumulation in the lungs, but has peripheral edema in the legs or abdomen? I’ve also had pt’s with hypotension that are on dialysis and have stated that they cannot receive large amounts of fluid due to kidney failure. Do we just document their condition? I’ve heard different answers from everyone and would appreciate some clarification.
Published On: December 3, 2014Question: There was a question posted on Sep 23, 2014 in regards to a fluid bolus on a transfer between facilities. As I agree that there should have been an RN escort for this patient, the paramedic was certified in IV fluid therapy including boluses. Your answer has me perplexed however. If a physician gave the paramedic a fluid bolus order how would that differ from getting a similar order from a BHP through phone patch. It is in the scope of practice for the paramedic to administer NaCl 0.9% as a bolus, the volume was prescribed by the physician(s) in charge of this patient’s care. Would any paramedic be wrong in following the order given by the physician?
Published On: December 3, 2014Question: Last night I had a 75 year old patient calling because he was SOB x 2 days with it worsening this evening. Patient could not sleep (could not breathe very well laying down) and was more SOB on exertion. I could hear fine crackles in the bases of his lungs. There was no ischemic chest pain or NTG history. His vitals on contact were HR 90, BP 188/70 (ish), SPO2 95% on Room air, 100% on NRB, RR 24 verified with an with ETCO2 of 40mmHg, No ST changes in 12 lead. He had some slight increased work of breathing on scene with mild increased diaphragmatic use but was speaking full sentences and in good spirits with us. Patient had a history of COPD and CHF. He also stated he had taken some of his Ventolin puffers prior to our arrival with no relief (probably made things worse). I wanted to treat him with NTG but he did not seem to be in enough distress initially, so I kept him on the NRB which he stated help initially. We got to the truck and started an IV enroute, then administered 0.8mg NTG. Literally… within about 2 minutes of the NTG admin, while I was patching, the patient had a sudden onset of severe SOB. We were right outside the hospital, so I grabbed my BVM, assisted his respirations distress until my partner could get us out of the truck and help me put CPAP on. CPAP helped and he was back to normal shortly after our transfer of care. My question is, should I have used the CPAP right away with the NTG, even though the patient was not showing signs of severe respiratory distress at the time, and on numerous auscultations of the lung, did not have any increase in crackles… until of course, he developed that sudden severe respiratory distress? My gut was to CPAP him early, but I felt he did not fit the protocol yet given his level of dyspnea, SPO2 sats, RR and minimal accessory muscle use.
Published On: November 5, 2014Question: This question is in regards to timing during a medical VSA. Would your 2 minutes in between analysis restart when you stop to analyse or after you have analysed or shocked? For example, you stop to analyse at 1500:00 and you start your CPR at 1500:10 after shock or no shock, would your next analyze be at 1502:00 or 1502:10?
Published On: November 5, 2014Question: In which instance should a transdermal patch be removed in the pre-hospital setting? Example 1: Hypotensive patient with a Nitro patch on. Example 2: VSA with a narcotic patch on. Example 3: Suspected OD with a narcotic patch on (or several).
Published On: November 5, 2014Question: Is narcotic analgesia recommended for patients currently on methadone? Would there be any synergistic effect? Would it cause the patient to relapse?
Published On: November 5, 2014Question: I have a few questions regarding the new analgesia and moderate to severe pain medical directives. 1. Could you be more specific on what you mean with “current active bleed”? Would this include the possible bleeding attributed with fractures? Blood in urine from damage caused by known kidney stones? Menstrual bleeding? 2. Could you elaborate on the condition of “patient must remain NPO or is unable to take oral medications” for Ketorolac? Does this mean it is only to be given if Tylenol/Ibuprofen cannot be given orally, or they should remain NPO after medication administration? 3. Should we avoid giving Tylenol/Ibuprofen/Ketorolac if patient has already self-medicated with other pain medications? i.e. Percocet, Demerol, etc. Thank you in advance for your clarification.
Published On: November 5, 2014Question: If a doctor is someone who can assume care of a VSA patient and decide to have resuscitative efforts ceased, then why is a doctor not someone who counts as a witness in the ‘unwitnessed arrest’ condition of a TOR, along with paramedics and firefighters? Thanks in advance.
Published On: September 23, 2014Question: I am a PCP-IV medic who recently transferred a patient between facilities – from county hospital to trauma centre. On arrival I was told by the attending physician that the patient was to be spinal immobilized as a precaution as instructed by the trauma centre. The physician also informed me that the trauma centre requested that the patient receive 1000ml NaCl prior to arrival at the LTC. I inquired about the patient’s vitals and assessed the patient as normotensive with no indications of poor perfusion. I told the physician that my protocols did not permit me to fluid bolus the patient with up to 1000ml enroute unless the patient was hypotensive and remained hypotensive. Moreover the sending facility was not sending an escort on this long CODE 4 STAT transfer. I called my Duty Manager for advice and was told to abide by my directives and follow the BLS standard for IV monitoring – 200ml/hr max pending patient presentation enroute. This is the direction I proceeded with. My question is – was I correct in my course of action and was it advisable to press the physician for an escort based on the requirements of the LTC?
Published On: September 23, 2014Question: I have a question about postictal patients and cardiac monitoring. I have been told two things by several other partners in past few weeks. Assume you are a regular seizure patient whom you have seen many times and he/she is in their normal postictal state and you are not suspecting brain trauma. Is there any clinical reason/need to put cardiac monitor (e.g. limb leads) on? Also assuming you have a 1 min transport time. I was told as per BLS standard you “must” but in the postictal section it mentions that the paramedic may consider enroute. Thanks.
Published On: September 23, 2014Question: I have a question regarding an MCI scenario. There is a total of 10 patients; 3 patients are dead from trauma and 7 patients are cleared off scene from other ambulances. You now have the 3 black tag patients left. Do we need to re-assess these patients and get trauma TOR for each one?
Published On: May 13, 2014Question: My question is regarding our chest pain protocol. There is a 48 year old male complaining of chest pain. It is substernal, 7/10, onset 1 hour, provoked at rest, radiates to left arm sitting steady. O/E patient’s history is hypertension; vitals H/R 78 regular and full; breathing 20x / minute; B/P 138/99; conscious and alert x 3. Patient is not allergic to ASA, so he receives ASA. History of nitro is in question. The patient states he was in hospital once with similar chest pain and doctor “gave me a spray of something for my chest pain”. When asked if it was nitro, the patient did not know name of medication. Could this patient receive NTG or should we patch?
Published On: May 13, 2014Question: Couple of questions regarding the Musculoskeletal pain protocols: To be clear, we are to give Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen OR Ketorolac. There is no case where we can give all 3 medications, as Ketorolac requires NPO? Also Cardiovascular Disease means anyone with any hint of HTN, Athersclerosis, Dysrrhthmias, Heart Failure, and Peripheral Vascular issues, anything of the sort are not to get Ibuprophen? And lastly for Ketorolac, is a daily ASA considered anticoagulation therapy?
Published On: May 13, 2014Question: With the new PCP pain medical directives, I realize there has been a lot of debate over the age range. That being said, if we end up with a patient outside the age range (within reason), in severe pain, who does not meet any other contraindications, if a BH patch would be advisable for the possible administration of ketoralac? I realize that the patch orders are generally doctor specific but I was just unsure if these ages are set in stone or given special circumstances and orders if the rules can be bent. Thanks for the help!
Published On: May 13, 2014Question: I have a question regarding the Analgesia and Moderate to Severe Pain medical directives for torodol and narcotics. Can a narcotic analgesia and torodol be administered to the same patient on the same call if the ACP determines the patient’s pain is severe enough and the properties of both analgesics would be beneficial given the situation? Or are we best to pick the most appropriate analgesia and possible consult with a BHP? Thanks for your time and input!
Published On: May 13, 2014Question: I have overheard a couple of crews recently discussing the ACP cardiac arrest protocol for when you arrive on-scene and a PCP has already initiated their protocol. I’ve overheard that some crews use what the PCP crew has done (say two no shocks) and then just do two more and either call for pronouncement or transport. I also know other crews that will show up and do their entire three rounds of epi, etc. and then call/leave regardless of how many or what the first arriving PCP crew has done. I know what I do but which one is actually correct because now I’m wondering if I’m doing the right method.
Published On: April 8, 2014Question: You respond to a call for a 57 year old male patient who collapsed while cutting the lawn. On arrival, his neighbour who witnessed the arrest, reports that she saw him fall and when she checked on him, she realized that he was in cardiac arrest and started CPR. You confirm that the patient is VSA and quickly apply the defib pads. You deliver one shock and start CPR again but the patient begins to moan and tries to raise his arms. Your next action would be to…?
Published On: April 8, 2014Question: I am seeking direction in the management of a patient(s) who have sustained exposure to Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) in suicide; taking into account the presenting HAZ-Mat situation and the associated dangers to 911 allied agency personnel. Specifically, assessments, resuscitation, TOR, field pronouncement, transport guidelines and recommendations. My major concern is the potential harm to transporting crews due to external ventilation of the lethal gases notably if the Fire Dep’t “4 Gas Monitor” monitors indicate a presence of H2S.
Published On: April 8, 2014Question: On a recent ischemic chest pain call with an approximately 60 year old female patient, conscious and alert, 2 nitro sprays prior to arrival. The 12 lead was normal and I gave ASA, but decided to withhold nitro as I had difficulty obtaining a BP on scene. The patient had no palpable radial or brachial pulses bilaterally. My partner and I made 4 NiBP attempts on scene with no reading on either arm and manual BP attempts bilat with no sound on auscultation or deflection of the needle. I was unable to also confirm the HR that showed on the monitor as she was uncooperative while attempting a carotid (although present). After extricating the patient on a stair chair, I decided to continue my care with an IV TKVO in the truck. I did not want to delay scene time any further. While in the truck I continued to attempt NiBPs which was now displaying a reading of hypertension, yet no pulses other than carotid were palpable. Although the monitor was always showing vitals within my parameters to administer nitro, I withheld it, as I was treating the findings with the patient, not the monitor. She had stated her pulses were usually weak. She remained conscious and alert with no signs of hypotension other than weak/absent pulses. My question is€¦ was I ever justified to administer a bolus to this patient?
Published On: April 8, 2014Question: In the case of a post-ictal combative patient, is time considered a “reversible” cause? I’m hesitant to jump to sedation for somebody who could resolve on their own in a few minutes. However, today we had a case where we held off, but the patient was not improving and beginning to pose a danger to himself so we went ahead with the standing order. Should we have initiated it immediately? Or if safe for the patient wait to see if they do resolve on their own, and what would be an acceptable time frame?
Published On: April 8, 2014Question: In studying for this year’s recert, I started to wonder why the administration of intramuscular epinephrine was being advocated for a first line drug in the management of an arrest where the patient was suspected to be suffering from anaphylaxis. The impression from the protocol is that this procedure should be given priority over starting an IV or an IO. Given that as a routine course in all arrests, an ACP will usually manage to initiate an IV / IO and administer epinephrine (1.0 mg €“ twice the dose that would be given IM) early in the call, it doesn’t seem to make sense to delay the initiation of the line. With few hands on scene, and the PCP partner performing CPR, the ACP will only likely be able to perform one procedure during the two minutes between rhythm analyses €“ draw up and deliver epi IM or initiate an IV and deliver epi IV €“ but probably not both. Since the patient was likely suffering profound vasodilation prior to the arrest, there is low likelihood that there would be much effectiveness in circulating the half millilitre of fluid that is administered IM into a deltoid using CPR alone (which, at best, is only 25% as effective as the heart pumping on it’s own). The introduction of epinephrine directly into the bloodstream would likely have a much higher probability of achieving systemic circulation and effect as compared to the IM injection. The recommendation seems to stem from an interpretation of Part 12 of the 2010 AHA ECC guidelines (Cardiac Arrest in Special Circumstances) where the use of IM epinephrine in arrests of suspected anaphylactic etiology is advised as a modification in the management of a BLS arrest. The recommendation is not present in the modifications in the management of an ALS arrest where, conversely, it is advised that epinephrine is administered by IV where a line is present. In fact, the one recommendation for ALS modification in the management of anaphylactic arrests in the AHA ECC guidelines is absent from our protocols. Currently, a fluid bolus is only indicated where the patient presents in PEA, however, the AHA ECC guidelines make the recommendation that “Vasogenic shock from anaphylaxis may require aggressive fluid resuscitation (Class IIa, LOE C).” I understand that OBHG MAC might have apprehensions in delaying the administration of epinephrine in circumstances where an IV or IO could not be initiated in short order, however, would it not be more effective to use IM epinephrine as a backup where the line could not be initiated quickly (as in the case with Glucagon vs. IV Dextrose)? The IM administration would also have a higher likelihood of success if given once optimal circulation due to CPR was achieved (which would not occur until a couple minutes into the call). Thanks for your consideration!
Published On: March 3, 2014Question: What position should patients be in when we are doing do a 12-lead?
Published On: March 3, 2014Question: Once I’ve started my bolus, do I stop once just above 90 say 92 or do I stop once normal tensive at 100? This has been tossed around so many times and I get both answers.
Published On: March 3, 2014Question: What is the reason why IV certified PCPs cannot bolus PEA patients?
Published On: March 3, 2014For pediatric VSAs, at what heart rate do we initiate compressions?
Published On: February 5, 2014Question: The medical directives state that in order to call for a medical TOR one of the conditions is for the arrest to not be witnessed by EMS. Does this just refer to EMS or does it include other emergency services, such as Nurses, Fire, Police or PSW? For example if PSW or Fire witnessed the arrest before EMS arrival and EMS arrived on scene and completed 4 analyzes and no shocks delivered, can EMS still call for a TOR because it was not witnessed by EMS?
Published On: February 5, 2014Question: Can ALS take a pronouncement from the on-scene doctor at a retirement home? I ran the code, since the patient was full code, and got a pronouncement on the phone with the BHP. Once we stopped care, the guy who had been watching us, said that he was her doctor and didn’t think we would get her back. I was wondering if that the on-scene doctor had said something at the beginning of the call, could I just ask him for the pronouncement instead of waiting for the BHP to come to the telephone? We cleared it with management to leave care with that doctor since police didn’t come to the scene to call the coroner and take over. Otherwise we would wait for police until we left scene.
Published On: February 5, 2014Question: If an IV certified paramedic with a non-IV certified partner initiates a saline lock but does not give fluid or medication; can the partner without IV certification attend the call?
Published On: February 5, 2014Question: Whilst completing my pre-course recertification material, we were asked a question with regards to blood glucose testing. Following administration of med for hypoglycemia, the question asked when next should you do a blood glucose test. I had guessed after 5 min although re-dosing would not be for 10 or 20 min depending on drug used. I guessed wrong apparently. The other choices would have been: a) With EVERY vitals post treatment (what about a long off load, we might do 3 or 4 more sets of vitals!) b) After no improvement (no time noted and they might not show no improvement for a few minutes and sticking them after just two would be unnecessary) c) Once at the hospital (that would disallow the re-administration of a second dose of treatment.)
Published On: February 5, 2014Question: Multi-part question on croup. I’ve heard that croup is becoming more prevalent in older children (8 years & up). What is the incidence of croup in older children, and how would their treatment differ in the ER from the < 8 year old group?
Published On: December 20, 2013Question: I was taught that if there is some clinical improvement, when using CPAP, we are not to titrate the pressure any higher. I understand the rationale for this, however my question is, are there clinical guidelines that quantify a patient having sufficient “clinical improvement”? Example being a patient breathing at a rate of 34 bpm with accessory muscle use, sp02 of 85%, audible crackles through all 4 lobes. With CPAP applied at 5 cmH20 vitals improve to RR of 28 bpm, sp02 of 91% and crackles remain. This patient has had a degree of improvement but would it not be advisable to titrate the pressure 2.5 cmH20 higher (after 5 mins) to attempt to further normalize the patient’s VS and clinical condition? Or is the goal to increase the sp02 above 90 % with no accessory muscle use and decrease RR below 28 bpm as the directive lists these as conditions needed for application.
Published On: December 20, 2013Question: We are instructed to get the nitro in, if applicable, apply the CPAP and if there is improvement, do not remove the mask for additional nitro sprays. Is the improvement slight or significant? If slight improvement, do we leave the pressure at the slight improvement pressure or titrate 2.5cmH2O?
Published On: December 20, 2013Question: If respirations are at or above 28, historically paramedics are taught to assist via BVM. What is the rationale with pulmonary edema to apply NRB with tachypnea instead of assisting with a BVM until CPAP and or nitro is prepared?
Published On: December 20, 2013Question: If you come to a scenario being a PCP paramedic uncertified in IV, where when finding and assessing the patient you come to terms that he/she is VSA due to anaphylaxis. Do you have to administer epi, because in the protocol for administering epi on a VSA, it says “in the event anaphylaxis is suspected as the causative event of the cardiac arrest, a single dose of 0.01mg/kg 1:1000 solution, to a maximum of 0.5mg IM, may be give prior to obtaining the IV/IO”. Since it is saying you “may” give it, do you know if you have a choice?
Published On: December 20, 2013Question: There is some debate in regards to chest compression’s, monitor applied, analyze and then airway. What happens when the compression count is at thirty and the pads are still not applied? Does the paramedic at the chest check the oral cavity, get the airway, insert it, open the BVM bag, prepare the BVM and attempt 2 breaths or continue compression’s until the other medic applies the pads and the analysis is complete?
Published On: December 20, 2013Question: A nitro virgin patient presenting with chest pain attends a doctor’s office. Doctor administers 1 spray of nitro prior to EMS arrival. Upon assessment by EMS, patient still presents with chest pain. Is the patient still considered a virgin nitro patient as this is the first incident he/she has had with nitro? Or since the doctor administered a spray, does that count as a previous use of nitro?
Published On: December 20, 2013Question: Regarding Benadryl, in the auxiliary protocol it states that you cannot give Benadryl if the patient has taken a sedative or antihistamine in past 4 hours. This is not, however, indicated in the normal standing order protocol for Benadryl. I am wondering if this is applicable as well if you arrive on scene with a patient who has taken Benadryl oral prior to your arrival. Do they still meet the protocol to give Benadryl even if they have already taken it? Should I still give it or withhold since they might have an overdose of Benadryl or have both the doses reacting at the same time? Would this also apply to a patient who has taken Gravol prior to EMS arrival as well? Hope this can be clarified. I feel it’s a grey area that most of us don’t think about until put in the situation. Thanks.
Published On: November 22, 2013Question: In a patient with an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, who is experiencing nausea or vomiting, is it okay to treat them with Gravol after I have administered Benadryl?
Published On: November 22, 2013Question: CPAP for CHF and COPD is to maintain a constant pressure in the airways (splinting with COPD) and to help push the fluid out of the alveoli and into the circulation with CHF. Would paramedics who do not have CPAP available be wrong, if the patient is conscious and tolerates, assist each inhalation with a BVM to increase tidal volume and create more positive pressure during inhalation, although not maintained with exhalation, in an attempt to force the fluid out with CHF. Debate is that we assist the ventilation at one breath every 5 seconds or 12/minute unless hyperventilating due to head trauma and respiratory problems with coning of the pupil(s). Thanks for the assistance.
Published On: November 22, 2013Question: VSA trauma patients – chest compressions and defib is the priority for this patient. C-spine maintained manually. In this scenario, is it mandatory to apply a collar prior to a shock being delivered as the manual c-spine must be removed to deliver the shock? CPAP- indication b/p 100 or above systolic. Contraindication is hypotension. If CPAP is applied while normotensive, can we leave the device on until they become hypotensive or we must remove when b/p drops below 100? Thanks.
Published On: November 22, 2013Question: I have read the post Jan. 31 2012 in regards to R/A vs. 02 when resuscitating a neonate. It states that 100% 02 will be used after 90 sec with compressions if HR is below 60. It also states that 100% 02 will be continued until HR is normal. Does this refer to 100 bpm? The reason I ask is if I read the flow chart to the letter at 90 sec with a HR below 60, 02 and compressions are begun. If I reassess 30 sec later and the HR has improved above 60 but below 100 (ex. 80 bpm), I continue ventilating, but do I discontinue the 02 and use R/A only? Also compressions are to be discontinued. What is stance on using a pedi-mate on a critical or VSA neonate or child (below 40 lbs)? Is it necessary as it can be cumbersome and time consuming when trying to get off scene quickly?
Published On: November 22, 2013Question: I was looking at the PCP Medical Cardiac Arrest Medical Directive. I understand that we can give IM epinephrine in the setting of an anaphylaxis induced VSA. In the event of a ROSC from this type of VSA can Benadryl be administered IM/IV? Is there any benefit to doing this?
Published On: November 4, 2013Question: With reference to the cardiac ischemia protocol. Would it be possible to update the protocol for the administration of nitro (without a BHP consult) for normotensive patient on beta blockers by either: a) lowering the heart rate parameters from 60bpm to 50bpm or b) to lower heart rate parameter from 60bpm to 50bpm when patient is currently taking antihypertensive medications within the beta blocker family with an IV established?
Published On: November 4, 2013Question: Is the IV protocol like others in that once the patient falls out of a protocol, they cannot be put back in. For example, patient initial BP less than 90 systolic, decision made to load patient prior to IV attempt, on loading patient BP now above 90.
Published On: November 4, 2013Question: Is a non-IV certified paramedic allowed to monitor an IV started TKVO by an IV certified paramedic on route to the hospital?
Published On: September 25, 2013Question: There have been a few discussions flying around about a call where the patient had an internal defib whose activity was captured shocking the patient X 3 by the EMS defib. Of course, the whole discussion is treat vs. transport and shock once vs. follow the entire protocol. Can you provide some insight into these rare cases?
Published On: September 5, 2013Question: In regards to the bronchoconstriction protocol, in order to administer to Epi, the patient must require BVM ventilation and have a history of asthma. What if the patient is alone or they are so short of breath that a history of asthma cannot be obtained? Or possibly this could be their very first asthma attack without an actual diagnosis yet? We were dispatched to an 8 year old with asthma experiencing SOB; on arrival no wheezing present, lungs clear, no obvious respiratory distress noted, sats at 95 RA; 100 on o2. Mom states he takes puffers but his doctor never actually told her that he has asthma. I found this odd since he is on ventolin and steroid rescue inhaler. If that scenario was different, and we did have to bag him, we absolutely can’t give this patient Epi due to the fact that the doctor never confirmed he has asthma even though he is prescribed inhalers? Is this correct? Would a BHP patch be appropriate for an order, knowing that his air entry is diminished and the probable cause is severe bronchoconstriction, most likely due to asthma but not confirmed by diagnosis according to parent?
Published On: July 30, 2013Question: While taking our manual defibrillation training on the new LP15 we were told “if the rhythm is fast and wide, shock it” obviously the PT is pulseless as well. We were told the “fast” value is greater than 120. We were never told the “wide” value. I have asked both ACP and PCP paramedics and have gotten responses of 0.12, 0.16, and 0.20. So, could you tell me what SWORBHP considers the correct value for “fast”? Thanks!
Published On: July 30, 2013Question: I have heard from our base hospital that MAC is considering removing KING-LT airways from the directives? Is this true, and if so, what supraglottic rescue airway option are they looking at going to, both for ACP’s and PCP’s. Not every patient can be ventilated using BVM alone. I’ve also heard that they are looking at removing needle cric and intubation from ACP scope? If this is true, then why? Intubation does have major problems in the pre-hospital setting, but outside of cardiac arrest it is a very valuable method of controlling the airway (the gold standard) especially for long transport times or complex patient presentations. Finally, I understand the theoretical rational behind not using CPAP in asthma PTS, but there are services in North America using it for end-stage asthma exacerbation as a option before intubating the patient. They combine low levels of CPAP (3-5 cmH2O) with a salbutamol nebulizer tied in line to the CPAP mask and are getting good results. Is there any possibility of a clinical trial of CPAP in asthma exacerbation refractory to salbutamol/epi alone? Is there evidence against using it in asthma (besides theoretical problems).
Published On: July 11, 2013
