Ten Minute Medic

This week and next week the Ten Minute Medic will cover the workings of the body in shock and why this topic is probably the most important lecture you will cover in your paramedic class.  This is a two part episode. 

The rules of engagement for active shooting scenes have changed.  No longer can EMS sit back until the "scene is secure".  In this podcast, we will review the kinematics of gunshot wounds that will enable you to better assess, recognize and treat your gunshot patient. 

We come to the end of our series on acid base balance with a look at metabolic acidosis and alkalosis.  In this podcast you will learn:

1.  The most common cause of metabolic acidosis

2.  Why the administration of sodium bicarbonate for your patient in metabolic acidosis may be deadly

3.  A summary of pathophysiology pearls to remember when addressing acid base issues.

For your patient, there is, probably, no more frightening sensation than that of not being able to breathe.  This is never more true than in the patient who is in respiratory alkalosis.  In this podcast we look at:

1.  What respiratory alkalosis is.

2.  The pathophysiology behind it.

3.  The best way to treat, and not treat, your patient.

Respiratory acidosis is commonly seen in the pre-hospital patient.  In this episode, we take a look at the pathophysiology and treatment approach of this frequently encountered condition. 

We've all been there!  What do you do after that massive chili cheese burger?  You reach for an antacid!  In this episode, we take a look at the mechanisms that the body uses to help maintain a homeostatic pH so that we live the best life.  This also introduces a four part series in which we will take a look at each of the syndromes that occur when acid-base balance gets out of kilter. 

Conventional EMS education says that T wave abnormalities are present with an elevated potassium.  Is that always true.  In today's podcast, Dr. Bill Young takes a look at some of the most common symptoms of hyperkalemia as well as the importance of understanding the pathophysiology behind it. 

Could oxygen be detrimental to our cardiac patients? You bet your sweet nitroglycerine it could be. Learn more from this week's podcast!

Although a newcomer to the drug bags of paramedics, ketamine was first developed in 1962 and used as an anesthetic in surgery.  Over the last couple of years, it has become an attractive option for use in the prehospital arena because of it many applications, it’s safety as an anesthetic and fairly rapid onset of action. 

It is fall of the year and this is the time that health care providers begin to think about childhood respiratory diseases.  In this podcast, we will take a brief look at some of the more common pediatric respiratory diseases that you may come into contact with.