assessment

Understanding the correct assessment and management of lightning injuries

A lightning strike injures patients in three main ways: electrical current, heat production and concussive forces (Table 2)..

Knowing the difference between faints, fits, convulsions and collapses

Common heart conditions can be separated into two main categories: structural, which are detectable both in life and post-mortem, and chemical, which are detectable only in life. Examples of heart...

Pre-hospital management of cystic fibrosis patients presenting with haemoptysis

Haemoptysis is a commonly reported manifestation within the CF population its incidence increasing with greater life expectancy (Flume et al, 2005). The most common causes of haemoptysis include...

Recognising children with surgical problems in the pre-hospital setting

It is of paramount importance that surgical teams are involved early in cases where the situation can progress and rapidly deteriorate (e.g. intussusception or appendicitis) (UK Ambulance Service...

Ischaemic strokes and treatment with thrombolysis: The key lies with paramedics

In the case of an embolic cause, which creates an ischaemic stroke, alteplase (Actilyse® manufactured by Boehringen Ingelheim) can be used—this is a drug developed to break down clots. Although...

‘A pain in the back’: Psoas abscess and the importance of red and yellow flags

A 19 year old man attended an ED in Wales (UK) with an eleven day history of low back pain. Following a five mile walk he developed bilateral heaviness in his legs, one day later he experienced...

Pre-hospital coronary heart disease: Analysing performance indicators

Ischemic heart disease is a condition characterised by inadequate myocardial perfusion caused by reduced blood supply, increased myocardial oxygen demand, or both (Falk et al. 2011). Coronary heart...