Cardiovascular & Respiratory Protocols Flashcards

An EMD dispatcher is handling a cardiac arrest call. The caller states an AED is available on site. The dispatcher should instruct the caller to:

Answer: Use the AED immediately, pausing CPR only as long as necessary

Early defibrillation is critical; bystanders should use an available AED as quickly as possible, minimizing interruptions to CPR.

A patient is described as having chest pain that radiates to the jaw and left arm. This radiation pattern is most associated with:

Answer: Acute myocardial infarction

Referred pain to the jaw and left arm is a classic presentation of acute myocardial infarction due to shared dermatomes.

During a respiratory distress call, the caller reports that the patient used their rescue inhaler twice with no improvement. The EMD dispatcher should:

Answer: Upgrade the response priority based on failed bronchodilator response

Failed response to bronchodilator therapy indicates potentially severe bronchospasm or an alternative diagnosis requiring upgraded EMS response.

A bystander is performing chest compressions and says they are tiring. The EMD dispatcher should:

Answer: Encourage switching to another bystander if available, with minimal interruption

Rescuer fatigue causes compression quality to deteriorate; switching rescuers every 2 minutes maintains effective CPR with minimal pauses.

When questioning a caller about chest pain, the EMD asks about 'associated symptoms.' Which combination is most consistent with a cardiac event?

Answer: Nausea, diaphoresis, and shortness of breath

Nausea, diaphoresis (sweating), and dyspnea are classic autonomic and sympathetic responses associated with acute coronary syndrome.

For a suspected anaphylaxis call with respiratory compromise, the highest priority EMD intervention is:

Answer: Dispatching ALS immediately and asking about epinephrine auto-injector availability

Anaphylaxis with airway compromise is life-threatening; ALS dispatch and epinephrine administration are the highest priorities.

A caller reports a 45-year-old experiencing sudden-onset tearing chest pain that radiates to the back between the shoulder blades. The EMD should consider this presentation most consistent with:

Answer: Aortic dissection requiring urgent ALS response

Sudden tearing chest pain radiating to the back is the classic description of aortic dissection, a life-threatening vascular emergency.