Manual of Clinical Paramedic Procedures

Pete Gregory is a Paramedic and Senior Lecturer in Paramedic Practice at Coventry University. He represents Coventry University at the Higher Education Ambulance Development Group and is research active with Coventry University's Applied Research Group in Prehospital, Emergency and Cardiovascular Care. Ian Mursell is Lecturer-Practitioner in Paramedic Practice with Coventry University and an Emergency Care Practitioner Clinical Facilitator with West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Introduction Foreword 1. Airway management Definition of airway management Concept of a stepwise approach Basic anatomy of the airway Basic airway management manoeuvres Basic airway adjuncts Advanced airway adjuncts and cricothyroidotomy Key points References and Further reading 2. Assisted ventilation Definition of assisted ventilation Indications for assisted ventilation The literature and complications associated with assisted ventilation Equipment and procedures for assisted ventilation Key points References and Further reading 3. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and basic life support Definitions The chain of survival Adult basic life support Basic life support in pregnancy Mechanical chest compression devices The recovery position Paediatric basic life support Newborn life support Foreign body airway obstruction (choking) Key point References and Further reading 4. Defibrillation Definition of defibrillation The literature behind defibrillation Procedure for defibrillation Definition of transcutaneous cardiac pacing (TCP) Terminology used in transcutaneous cardiac pacing Indications for use of transcutaneous pacing The literature behind transcutaneous cardiac pacing Equipment Key points References and Further reading 5. Cardiovascular observations and examination techniques The assessment of pulses Capillary refill time measurement Blood pressure measurement The electrocardiogram Cardiac auscultation Temperature measurement Key points References and Further reading 6. Respiratory observations and examination techniques Indications for respiratory assessment Respiratory rate Respiratory depth assessment Chest and respiratory inspection Chest compliance Respiratory pattern/rhythm assessment Oxygen saturations/pulse oximetry Peak flow measurement Chest percussion Tactile vocal fremitus Chest auscultation Vocal resonance Key points References and Further reading 7. Neurological observations and examination techniques Definitions Level of consciousness assessment Pupillary assessment Assessing motor function Assessment of reflexes Assessment of movement and power Assessment of co-ordination Assessment of abnormal movements Sensory function assessment FAST Vital signs Blood glucose testing Key points References and Further reading 8. History taking and communication Definitions Key communication skills Communication models The practitioner-patient relationship A standardised history framework Questioning techniques Consent Key points References and Further reading 9. Documentation and record keeping Definitions Why keep healthcare records? What constitutes good medical records? Models of record keeping Abbreviations Key documents in record keeping and documentation The Caldicott Guardian Electronic patient records Key points References and Further reading 10. Drug administration Definitions Legislation related to paramedic administration of drugs Drug formulations Drug documentation Storage of drugs Routes of administration Key points References and Further reading 11. Medical gases Definition and indications for the use of Entonox Advantages of Entonox Contraindications to the use of Entonox Equipment Principles of administration of Entonox Procedure for administering Entonox Troubleshooting Definition of oxygen therapy Indications for use Cautions and contraindications to the use of oxygen Equipment Procedure for administering oxygen Use of cylinders and cylinder safety Key points References and Further reading 12. Infection control Definitions Indications for infection control Hand hygiene Personal protective equipment Key points References and Further reading 13. Vascular access devices Definition of a vascular access device Anatomy of veins Peripheral cannulas Indications for peripheral cannulation Selection of device for peripheral cannulation Selection of vein Techniques of venodilatation Complications of peripheral venous cannulation Procedure for peripheral venous cannulation Intraosseous infusion Anatomy of bones Indications for intraosseous access Contraindications to intraosseous access Equipment for intraosseous access Complications of intraosseous access Location sites for intraosseous access Procedures for intraosseous access Key points References and Further reading 14. Needle thoracocentesis Definitions The literature surrounding needle thoracocentesis Equipment required Indications for use Contraindications of use Potential problems of use Procedures Key points References and Further reading 15. Pain assessment and management Definitions Acute pain v chronic pain Assessing pain Assessing pain in cognitively impaired patients Overview of pain management techniques Key points References and Further reading 16. Fracture and soft tissue injury management Definitions: What are fractures, sprains, strains and dislocations? General principles of musculoskeletal injury management Principles of splinting Slings and support bandages Box splints Vacuum splints Neighbour strapping Traction splints SAM splints Pelvic fractures Key points References and Further reading 17. Spinal management Relevant gross anatomy Evidence on how to immobilise the spine Hazards and complications associated with spinal immobilisation Indications for spinal immobilisation Equipment and procedures Key points References and Further reading 18. Assessment and management of wounds and burns Definitions Classification of wounds Wound healing Principles of wound management The use of tourniquets and haemostatic dressings Burns assessment Burn management principles Key points References and Further reading 19. Moving and handling procedures Definitions Why is moving and handling important? Key legislation Manual handling and no lift policies Risk assessment in moving and handling Biomechanical principles Principles of manual handling Additional principles Lifting aids Key points References and Further reading Index