Special Populations and Medical Emergencies Flashcards

What special considerations apply when DCAS paramedics manage pediatric emergencies?

Answer: Use weight-based drug dosing, age-appropriate equipment sizes, and recognize that children compensate longer before rapid deterioration

Pediatric emergencies require weight-based medication dosing, age-appropriate equipment selection (Broselow tape), and recognition that children maintain vital signs longer before rapidly decompensating.

How should DCAS paramedics manage heat-related emergencies common in Dubai's climate?

Answer: Assess severity (heat exhaustion vs heat stroke), rapidly cool with ice packs to groin/axillae/neck, IV fluids, and monitor core temperature

Dubai's extreme heat makes heat emergencies common. Management includes distinguishing severity, rapid active cooling (ice packs to major vessel areas), IV fluid resuscitation, and continuous temperature monitoring.

What is the DCAS approach to managing diabetic emergencies?

Answer: Check blood glucose level, treat hypoglycemia with glucose/dextrose, manage DKA with IV fluids, and transport for definitive care

DCAS diabetic emergency management begins with blood glucose assessment: hypoglycemia is treated with glucose administration, while diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) requires IV fluid resuscitation and rapid transport for insulin therapy.

What protocols does DCAS follow for managing obstetric emergencies?

Answer: Assess for imminent delivery, manage complications such as hemorrhage and eclampsia, and prepare for neonatal resuscitation

DCAS protocols cover assessment of labor progress, imminent delivery management, hemorrhage control, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia treatment with magnesium sulfate, and neonatal resuscitation preparedness.

How should DCAS paramedics manage acute asthma exacerbations?

Answer: Administer high-flow oxygen, nebulized salbutamol, ipratropium bromide, and consider IV hydrocortisone for severe attacks

Acute asthma management includes high-flow oxygen, nebulized salbutamol (beta-2 agonist), ipratropium bromide (anticholinergic), and IV/oral corticosteroids for severe exacerbations to reduce airway inflammation.

What is the DCAS protocol for managing stroke patients using the FAST assessment?

Answer: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services — rapid identification and transport to stroke center

DCAS uses the FAST assessment (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) for rapid stroke identification, followed by blood glucose check, noting symptom onset time, and rapid transport to a designated stroke center.