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Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
Recognize and manage common medical emergencies such as diabetic emergencies, stroke, seizures, and poisoning.
Understand the pathophysiology behind these conditions.
Provide appropriate interventions within the EMT scope of practice.
Section 1: Diabetic Emergencies
Types
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Causes: Too much insulin, not eating, overexertion.
Symptoms: Altered mental status, rapid onset, pale skin, sweating, tachycardia.
Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar)
Causes: Not enough insulin, infection, stress.
Symptoms: Gradual onset, warm, dry skin, excessive thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), fruity breath odor.
Management
Hypoglycemia
Administer oral glucose if patient is conscious and able to swallow.
Monitor and transport.
Hyperglycemia
Supportive care.
Transport for further evaluation.
Section 2: Neurological Emergencies
Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident - CVA)
Types: Ischemic (blockage), hemorrhagic (bleeding).
Signs and Symptoms: Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side, confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding, severe headache.
Assessment Tool: FAST
F = Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?
A = Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S = Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred?
T = Time to call 911 – Stroke is an emergency. Every minute counts. Note the time when any of the symptoms first appear.
Other Stroke Symptoms
Other Stroke Symptoms
Watch for Sudden:
NUMBNESS or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
CONFUSION, trouble speaking or understanding speech
TROUBLE SEEING in one or both eyes
TROUBLE WALKING, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
SEVERE HEADACHE with no known cause
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Temporary blockage; symptoms resolve within 24 hours. (Aspirin should be given post-TIA, transport patient immediately)
Management
Rapid recognition.
Maintain airway and oxygenation.
Transport to stroke center.
Section 3: Seizures
Types
Generalized (Tonic-Clonic) : Loss of consciousness, muscle rigidity, convulsions.
Absence Seizures (Petit Mal) : Brief lapse in consciousness.
Partial Seizures: Affects one area of the brain.
Causes
Epilepsy, head injury, fever (in pediatrics), hypoglycemia, poisoning.
Management
Protect patient from injury.
Do not restrain movements.
Maintain airway after seizure ends.
Monitor vital signs.
Transport for evaluation.
Section 4: Poisoning and Overdose
Routes of Exposure
Ingestion
Inhalation
Injection
Absorption
General Signs and Symptoms
Altered mental status.
Respiratory distress.
Abnormal heart rhythms.
Management
Remove patient from exposure if safe.
Support airway and breathing.
Obtain history (what, when, how much).
Contact Poison Control if needed.
Transport promptly.
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