Advanced Medical Life Support : A Practical Approach to Adult Medical Emergencies

by Dalton, Twink M.; Limmer, Daniel J.; Mistovich, Joseph J.; Werman, Howard

• ISBN13: 9780130986320
• ISBN10: 0130986321
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-01-01
• Publisher: Prentice Hall

Summary

Advanced Medical Life Support is the text on practical methods for adult emergency treatment. Designed to provide students with the practical knowledge and skills to effectively manage on-scene, adult medical emergencies, each chapter moves from assessment-based procedures to field diagnosis and management of treatable cause. Written by authors uniquely qualified to address the specific requirements of advanced-level EMS training, this is a complete and essential resource for seasoned EMS practitioners. Features: bull; Highlights definitions, key ideas, and Clinical Insights in the margin. Introduces each chapter with a relevant case study and concludes the chapter with a follow-up to that same case study. Teaches critical thinking (Possibilities to Probabilities in Chapter 1). Applies critical thinking through interactive case studies (Chapter 13) Includes a Further Reading bibliography in each chapter. Contains appendices on pharmacology, normal lab data, and 12-lead ECG interpretation.

Author Biography

Alice L. Dalton, RN, MS, NREMT-P: Clinical Educator, Pridemark Paramedic Services, Boulder, Colorado Daniel Limmer, EMT-P: Adjunct Faculty, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. and Southern Maine Technical College, South Portland Joseph J. Mistovich, M.Ed., NREMT-P: Chairperson, Department of Health Professions; Associate Professor of Health Professions, Youngstown State University, Ohio Howard A. Werman, MD, FACEP: Associate Professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health

Table of Contents

1. Assessment of the Medical Patient.
2. Airway Management, Ventilation, and Oxygenation Therapy.
3. IV Access and Medication Administration.
4. Hypoperfusion (Shock).
5. Dyspnea.
6. Chest Pain.
7. Altered Mental Status.
8. Acute Abdominal Pain.
9. Gastrointestinal Bleeding.
10. Seizures and Seizure Disorders.
11. Syncope.
12. Headache, Nausea, and Vomiting.
13. Putting It All Together: Case Studies.
Appendix A: Pharmacology Index.
Appendix B: Electrocardiographic Interpretation.
Appendix B: Normal Laboratory Values.

Excerpts

This newly updated and revised edition ofAdvanced Medical Life Supportoffers a practical approach to adult medical emergencies. The authors assume that the students who use this textbook are currently taking or have completed paramedic or other advanced-level training. They are assumed to have a familiarity with anatomy; physiology, and pathophysiology and an overall understanding of the nature of medical emergencies. The purpose ofAdvanced Medical Life Supportis to offer pragmatic approaches to applying this knowledge to common medical emergencies.After introductory chapters on assessment, airway management/oxygenation/ventilation, and venous access/medication administration, the text includes chapters on such common medical complaints and presentations as shock, dyspnea, chest pain, altered mental status, acute abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, seizures, syncope, headache, nausea, and vomiting. The goal of each chapter is to present an integrated, practical approach to the care of the patient who has that complaint or presentation--the kind of realistic approach a seasoned veteran would use. Each chapter moves from assessment- and complaint-based initial assessment (identifying and controlling immediate life threats) to field diagnosis and management of immediately treatable underlying diseases.Several features of the chapters are designed to help with study and review: "Possibilities to Probabilities" in Chapter 1 walks students through a reasoning process of patient assessment (new to this edition). A case study with an end-of-chapter follow-up presents chapter content in a realistic context. Terms, definitions, and key ideas are highlighted in the margins. "Clinical Insights" provide special perspectives on assessing and managing the patient (new to this edition). Summaries of important information appear in boxes. Typical findings associated with various etiologies are summarized in tables. A "Treatment Pathway" in algorithm format appears at the end of each complaint-based chapter. A "Further Reading" bibliography suggests sources to consult for additional information.A final "Case Studies" chapter presents eight patients with typical complaints. The cases require students to use critical thinking skills to bring together information from all the prior chapters and apply it to the patient at hand. On the basis of the information given about each patient, the student is challenged at various points during each case to identify and manage life threats, form a field impression of the underlying etiology, and determine appropriate treatment.Four appendices provide valuable reference information: Pharmacology Index Electrocardiographic Interpretation (new to this edition) Anatomy and Physiology Illustrations Normal Laboratory ValuesAn instructor's course guide and slide program are available to accompany the text.