602: Advanced Life Support

Basics Treatments

ECG - Can use 6 leads or 12 leads. The first 6 leads are attached to the patient’s arms and legs while the other 6 leads attach to the torso. Usually, you can use only the torso leads, however you may need to use all 12 if the problem is difficult to diagnose. Is only used to deal with patients that are having heart or circulatory related difficulties, such as heart attack, stroke, or an absence/irregularity in the patient’s pulse. It interprets electrical signals and displays them on a monitor as waves, or EKG. There are several different waves, but there are 3 that you need to know at a basic level. Asystole (or flat line) indicates an absence of electrical activity. Sinus indicates a normal electrical rhythm and V-Fib is an abnormal rhythm which is shockable (see Treatments for info on how to roleplay these). Patients with no pulse cannot have a sinus (normal) rhythm.

Drugs - Can be delivered using needles IM (intra-muscle), IO (intra-osseous) or IV (intra-venous). Can be generally used to improve a patient’s health temporarily until arrival at hospital. Saline solutions are always IV.

Tools:

ECG: Electrocardiogram which produces an EKG (electrocardiograph)-the waves that are displayed on the device. It can also monitor blood pressure, pulse, and respirations/O2 saturation.

King LT airway: an airway with inflatable bulbs that ensure a sealed off that won’t get dislodged or moved.

ET tube: endotracheal tube, used to maintain an airway for mechanical ventilation (where the patient cannot breathe for themselves)

Intraosseous Drill (IO Drill): A drill for establishing a direct line for fluids and medications to the patient’s bone marrow. Used only in situations where large amounts of fluid are required, or there is no way to access the circulatory system through the veins.