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Transcript
Contra Costa County
Prehospital Care Manual
January 2010
Table of Contents
GENERAL NOTES SECTION ....................................................................................................1
Communications .........................................................................................................................................1
Radio Communications ............................................................................................................................1
Receiving Facility Report Format ............................................................................................................1
Notes on Dialysis Patients ..........................................................................................................................4
Load And Go Procedures ..........................................................................................................................5
Notes on Pain Assessment and Management ...........................................................................................5
OPQRST Mnemonic ................................................................................................................................6
Pain Assessment Tools .............................................................................................................................6
FACES PainScale.................................................................................................................................6
Numeric Pain Scale ..............................................................................................................................6
Pain Assessment In The Very Young ......................................................................................................7
Notes On Pediatric Patients.......................................................................................................................7
Initial Approach .......................................................................................................................................7
Age Definitions ........................................................................................................................................7
Vital Signs ................................................................................................................................................7
ALT-E ......................................................................................................................................................8
Notes On OB/Gyn Emergencies ................................................................................................................8
Vaginal Bleeding ......................................................................................................................................8
Sexual Assault ..........................................................................................................................................9
Childbirth .................................................................................................................................................9
Notes On Trauma .......................................................................................................................................9
Helmet Removal.......................................................................................................................................9
Cervical Collars ........................................................................................................................................9
Spinal Immobilization ............................................................................................................................10
Head Injury.............................................................................................................................................10
Amputations ...........................................................................................................................................11
Geriatric Patients ....................................................................................................................................11
Notes On Hypothermia ............................................................................................................................11
Notes On Geriatrics ..................................................................................................................................11
Notes On Burns ........................................................................................................................................12
Rule of Nines..........................................................................................................................................13
BLS NOTES SECTION.............................................................................................................15
EMT Scope of Practice ............................................................................................................................17
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page i
BLS Management of Patients Encountered Prior to Activation of 9-1-1 ...........................................18
Administration of Oral Glucose ..............................................................................................................18
Public Safety Defibrillation .....................................................................................................................19
Patient Assessment .................................................................................................................................19
Verbal Report .........................................................................................................................................19
Defibrillator Cables/Pads .......................................................................................................................19
Patient Care Data....................................................................................................................................19
Public Safety Defibrillation .....................................................................................................................20
Spinal Immobilization.............................................................................................................................. 21
ALS NOTES SECTION ............................................................................................................ 23
Paramedic Scope of Practice ...................................................................................................................25
Local Optional Scope of Practice ............................................................................................................26
ALS Skills List ..........................................................................................................................................27
Airway Management ................................................................................................................................ 28
ALS Procedures ........................................................................................................................................30
Oral Endotracheal Intubation .................................................................................................................30
Endotracheal Tube Introducer (Bougie).................................................................................................33
Esophageal Airway (King LTS-D) ........................................................................................................34
Tracheostomy Tube Replacement ..........................................................................................................36
Stomal Intubation ...................................................................................................................................37
ResQPOD ...............................................................................................................................................38
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) ......................................................................................39
Needle Thoracostomy ............................................................................................................................40
Intraosseous Infusion - Pediatric ............................................................................................................42
Saline Lock.............................................................................................................................................45
Pulse Oximetry .......................................................................................................................................47
Blood Glucose Testing ...........................................................................................................................48
External Cardiac Pacing .........................................................................................................................49
12-Lead Electrocardiography .................................................................................................................50
12-Lead Electrocardiography .................................................................................................................52
FIELD MANUAL/TREATMENT GUIDELINES ......................................................................... 55
Instructions For Use ............................................................................................................................... 58
ADULT ......................................................................................................................................................59
A1 - Adult Patient Care ..........................................................................................................................59
A2 – Chest Pain – Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome .....................................................................60
A3 – Cardiac Arrest – Initial Care and CPR ..........................................................................................61
A4 – Ventricular Fibrillation – Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia .......................................................62
A5 – Pulseless Electrical Activity - Asystole ........................................................................................63
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Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
A6 – Symptomatic Bradycardia .............................................................................................................64
A7 – Ventricular Tachycardia with Pulses.............................................................................................65
A8 – Supraventricular Tachycardia .......................................................................................................66
A9 – Other Cardiac Dysrhythmias .........................................................................................................67
A10 - Shock............................................................................................................................................68
GENERAL ................................................................................................................................................69
G1 – Allergy/Anaphylaxis .....................................................................................................................69
G2 – Altered Level of Consciousness ....................................................................................................70
G3 – Behavioral Emergency ..................................................................................................................71
G4 - Burns ..............................................................................................................................................72
G5 – Childbirth – Routine or Complicated ............................................................................................73
G6 – Dystonic Reactions .......................................................................................................................74
G7 – Envenomations – Snake Bites, Insect Stings ................................................................................75
G8 – Heat Illness/Hyperthermia ............................................................................................................76
G9 - Hypothermia ..................................................................................................................................77
G10 – Pain Management (Non-Traumatic) ...........................................................................................78
G11 – Poisoning - Overdose ..................................................................................................................79
G12 – Respiratory Depression or Apnea ...............................................................................................80
G13 – Respiratory Distress ....................................................................................................................81
G14 – Seizure/Status Epilepticus ...........................................................................................................82
G15 - Stroke ...........................................................................................................................................83
- Cincinnati Stroke Scale ....................................................................................................................83
G16 - Trauma .......................................................................................................................................84
- Crush Injury Syndrome ....................................................................................................................84
PEDIATRIC .............................................................................................................................................85
P1 - Pediatric Patient Care .....................................................................................................................85
P2 – Cardiac Arrest – Initial Care and CPR ..........................................................................................86
P3 – Neonatal Care and Resuscitation ...................................................................................................87
P4 – Ventricular Fibrillation – Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia .......................................................88
P5 – Pulseless Electrical Activity/Asystole ...........................................................................................89
P6 – Symptomatic Bradycardia .............................................................................................................90
P7 - Tachycardia ....................................................................................................................................91
P8 - Shock ..............................................................................................................................................92
PROCEDURES ........................................................................................................................................93
Indications For Spinal Immobilization...................................................................................................93
Vascular Access .....................................................................................................................................93
12-Lead Acquisition/Lead Placement ....................................................................................................94
- Localizing Site of Infarct .................................................................................................................94
STEMI Recognition and Destination .....................................................................................................95
STEMI Report ........................................................................................................................................95
Key ALS Procedures ..............................................................................................................................96
Pediatric Assessment ..............................................................................................................................97
Pediatric Vital Signs ...............................................................................................................................97
ABC Maneuvers .....................................................................................................................................98
POLICY SUMMARY - GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................................................99
Base Hospital Information .....................................................................................................................99
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page iii
Contra Costa Hospitals...........................................................................................................................99
Destination Determination ...................................................................................................................100
Basic Procedure....................................................................................................................................100
5150 and Obstetric ............................................................................................................................... 100
Trauma Triage Criteria .........................................................................................................................101
Trauma – Base Call-In Criteria ............................................................................................................101
Helicopter Transport Criteria ...............................................................................................................102
Restraints ..............................................................................................................................................102
Rule of Nines .......................................................................................................................................103
Burn Patient Destination ......................................................................................................................103
Burn Centers .......................................................................................................................................... 103
Declining Medical Care or Transport (AMA) .....................................................................................104
Determination of Death ........................................................................................................................104
Adult Drug Reference ..........................................................................................................................105
Dopamine Drip Rates ...........................................................................................................................107
Pediatric Drug Reference .....................................................................................................................108
PEDIATRIC DOSAGE CHARTS ........................................................................................................111
Gray – 3-5 kg .......................................................................................................................................111
Pink – 6-7 kg ........................................................................................................................................112
Red – 8-9 kg .........................................................................................................................................113
Purple – 10-11 kg .................................................................................................................................114
Yellow – 12-14 kg................................................................................................................................ 115
White – 15-18 kg..................................................................................................................................116
Blue – 19-22 kg ....................................................................................................................................117
Orange – 24-28 kg................................................................................................................................ 118
Green – 30-36 kg..................................................................................................................................119
40 kg .....................................................................................................................................................120
45 kg .....................................................................................................................................................121
Pain Evaluation/Treatment ...................................................................................................................122
PATIENT REPORTING GUIDELINES ................................................................................... 125
INDEX..................................................................................................................................... 131
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Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
General Notes
Section
 COMMUNICATIONS
 RADIO COMMUNICATIONS
Four radio channels are designated for communications with hospitals in Contra Costa County.
Receiving hospital communications are done via XCC EMS 2, whereas paramedic base hospital
communications may occur via XCC EMS 2 or XCC EMS 3, depending on location.
XCC EMS 1
(formerly L9)
T: 491.4375
R: 488.4375
Use for Sheriff’s Dispatch-to-ambulance communication
XCC EMS 2
(formerly L19)
T: 491.9125
R: 488.9125
Primary channel for base contact for West County paramedic units.
Also used county-wide for BLS and helicopter radio traffic
XCC EMS 3
T: 491.6125
R: 488.6125
Primary channel for base contact for paramedic units operating south
of Ygnacio Valley Road and west of I-680 along Highway 24
XCC EMS 4
T: 491.6625
R: 488.6625
Primary channel for base contact for paramedic units operating in
East County and Central County north of Ygnacio Valley Road.
Whenever possible, paramedic personnel should use the XCC EMS channel assigned to the area in
which they are responding, for ambulance-to-base hospital communications. XCC EMS 2 is the countywide backup ALS channel and should be used if XCC EMS 3 or XCC EMS 4 is not available.
Ambulance and helicopter personnel are to contact Sheriff’s Dispatch on XCC EMS 1 to request the use
of XCC EMS 2 prior to utilizing the channel. The dispatcher shall be given unit identification and a
description of current traffic (Code 2, Code 3 or trauma destination decision).
No request for use is necessary for XCC EMS 3 or XCC EMS 4. However, each unit must monitor the
channel prior to use to ensure that other units are not already using the channel. Radio identification
procedures must be strictly followed, as more than one call may be occurring at the same time. If traffic
is in progress on a XCC EMS channel, other ambulance personnel may either wait until current traffic is
finished or find an alternate means of contacting the desired hospital. Any unit may, in cases such as
trauma destination decisions, request that Sheriff’s Dispatch break into current traffic on XCC EMS 2 to
request temporary use of the channel. Units using XCC EMS 3 or XCC EMS 4 may request use of the
channel from a unit that is currently on that channel. When making base contact for trauma destination
only, the initial transmission should make the purpose of the call clear. Cellular phones may also be used
as a means of communication.

RADIO CONTACT AND PATIENT HANDOFF GUIDELINES: SBAR
Agency name & unit #.
Situation
What is the situation?
Urgent Issues?
State why calling: (eg: STEMI Alert, High Risk
Criteria, ETA)
Pt age and gender.
Chief complaint. Urgent concerns &
immediate needs up front.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 1
Background
What happened up to this
point? What past history
would be important to
others caring for the
patient to know?
Assessment
How is the patient now?
Improved or worse since
on scene? Patient stable
or unstable?
RX/Recap
What field care has been
given? Was it effective?
Repeat concerns as
needed?
Presenting complaint and symptoms.
Pertinent past medical history.
High risk medications.
General impression.
Pertinent Findings.
Vital Signs.
Pain Level.
Prehospital treatments given & patient
response.
Restate concerns.
Respond to questions.
SBAR is a evidenced-based communication model developed in the military and is widely used in many
industries including aviation and health care to make sure the right information gets to the right people in
the shortest timeframe. It is currently the communication standard of care in many emergency
departments in the United States because it has been so effective in improving communication between
health care providers.

These guidelines outline the priority information that needs to be related during patient care
handoff to the receiving party so that information critical to patient care is not missed.

The format emphasizes urgent concerns be brought to the forefront and empowers the EMS
provider to advocate for the patient

These guidelines are to be used in a flexible way that meets the needs of the situation
encountered.

Although the format is split into separate sections (Situation, Background, Assessment and Rx
Recap) the information is relayed as a conversation.

See addendum of PHCM for SBAR guidelines for trauma, STEMI, hospital contact & patient
handoff.
 TRAUMA PATIENT REPORT FORMAT
This report is for personnel calling the base hospital either for destination or to inform the base of a
patient who is being transported to the trauma center (meets criteria for direct transport).
Agency name & unit #.
S
State “Trauma Destination Decision” or patient meeting “High
Risk” criteria.
What is the situation?
Urgent Issues?
ETA to trauma center. Pt age and gender.
Urgent concerns & immediate needs up front.
If trauma destination request-state destination you believe is
needed.
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Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Mechanism of Injury/Injuries Sustained
B
What happened up to
this point? What past
history would be
important to others
caring for the patient
to know?
Chief Complaint. State patient’s major injuries and LOC
Basic scene information:

Seatbelt or helmet use

Airbag deployment

Prolonged extrication

Estimated MPH in known
Primary Survey and pertinent positives: ABCD (can report as
ABCD normal except….)
Report if abnormal
A
How is the patient
now? Improved or
worse since on
scene? Patient stable
or unstable?

Airway (if not patent)

Breathing (labored, shallow, or rapid)

Circulation (altered perfusion, shock)

Estimated blood loss

Disability: AVPU include any changes
If pertinent VS, ALOC
Treatment(s):
R
What field care has
been given? Was it
effective? Repeat
concerns as needed?
Prehospital treatments & patient response.
Restate concerns as needed.
Respond to questions.
Request direct online MD consultation as needed.
The following is a list of examples of positive findings on secondary survey that would be appropriate to
report. This is not an exhaustive list and other important findings may need reporting:
HEENT: Blood, swelling anywhere on head around eyes, ears, mouth, nose. Inability to open mouth.
NECK: Midline tenderness to touch or crepitus.
CHEST: Visible wounds, breath sounds unequal, pain upon compression.
ABDOMEN: Visible wounds, tender to palpation, distention
PELVIS: Pain on compression. Stable or unstable.
EXTREMITIES: Deformity, tenderness, swelling.
NEUROLOGICAL: Presence of numbness or tingling. Abnormal motor exam or extremities (if nontender/not splinted)
SPINE: Tenderness or pain to palpation.
 TRAUMA PATIENT HANDOFF: MIVT
The MIVT (Mechanism, Injuries, Vital Signs, Treatment) report is given at the trauma center upon
arrival. MIVT works with SBAR to efficiently relate the most critical prehospital information to the
trauma physician or ED physician in the trauma room in a time frame of 30 seconds or less. The MIVT
report puts urgent concerns & immediate needs of the trauma patient needs up front.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 3
If there are major issues the paramedic feels are critical to the first minutes of care that needs to be
relayed upfront. The paramedic should remain available to provide more detailed or additional
information to the scribe in the trauma room.
S
Pt identification, age and gender & MR # (if known)
What is the situation?
Urgent Issues?
(M) Mechanism of Injury: eg: MVA, rollover, ejection, GSW,
blunt trauma
B
What happened up to
this point? What past
history would be
important to others
caring for the patient
to know?
(I) Injuries Sustained/Level of Consciousness

Injuries: Major Anatomy involved, major patient
complaints-does not have to be all inclusive

Level of Consciousness: AVPU format. Should include
changes noted on scene and en route.
(V) Vital Signs.
A
R
How is the patient
now? Improved or
worse since on
scene? Patient stable
or unstable?
What field care has
been given? Was it
effective? Repeat
concerns as needed?

Blood Pressure: If known, otherwise quality/location of
pulse

Pulse: Rate and quality

Respiratory Rate: Add abnormal lung sounds if noted

ECG rhythm: if anything other than NSR or sinus
tachycardia

Pulse oximetry: If known
(T) TREATMENT

Patient response to treatment.

Respond to questions.

Repeat concern as needed.
 NOTES ON DIALYSIS PATIENTS
Patients with advanced renal disease requiring dialysis have special medical needs that may deserve
specific attention in the pre-hospital setting. Problems that may occur include fluid overload and
electrolyte imbalances. Patients may be particularly prone to these problems if they should miss
scheduled dialysis sessions.
Fluid overload may lead to pulmonary edema. The initial treatment of this is similar to other patients
with pulmonary edema, and may include oxygen, nitroglycerin and morphine. Definitive treatment at a
center that provides acute dialysis capabilities is often necessary. The preferable transport destination
for this type of patient is the hospital at which the patient has received dialysis care. Patients in extremis
will need transport to the closest emergency department.
Hyperkalemia is also common in renal failure patients, leading to arrhythmia or ventricular fibrillation.
Treatment in the field may include sodium bicarbonate and calcium chloride.
Page 4
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
 NOTES ON BARIATRIC PATIENTS
Bariatric patients are morbidly obese individuals who weigh 100 pounds or more than their ideal body
weight. Severe obesity can result in patients having difficulty with walking or moving and special
equipment may be necessary to transport the patient. AMR has a bariatric unit in Contra Costa County
which, when needed, should be requested as soon as possible. When the decision is made to transport
the bariatric patient, notify the receiving facility as they need time to prepare equipment for the patient’s
arrival.
Obesity has many health care risks associated with it, including diabetes, cardiovascular respiratory and
other problems. Special prehospital considerations are:
Airway
Management
Obese patients are prone to respiratory insufficiency, airway obstruction and have difficult
airways to intubate. Positioning to maintain their airway is very important. Obese patients
should be transported in a seated position. CPAP may also be needed more often to
support oxygenation and ventilation.
Vascular
Access
Increased subcutaneous tissue makes it difficult to obtain regular IV access. The IO
proximal tibia site may be difficult to access due to difficulty in finding appropriate
landmarks. In these cases the distal tibia (media malleolus) is a preferred IO site.
Proper
Medication
Dosage
Obesity may create a need for increased medication due to the patient’s body weight.
Increases in medication beyond what is listed in the PHCM should be requested through
the Base as needed.
 LOAD AND GO PROCEDURES
Patients with severe medical conditions or traumatic injuries often need to be transported without delay.
Field treatment is to be minimized to essential stabilization and the emphasis is placed on prompt
transport to an appropriate receiving facility.
Conditions to be considered for "Load and Go" transport include:

unmanageable airways in any patient;

obstetrical emergencies including prolapsed cord, abnormal presentation, abnormal bleeding,
or maternal seizures.

patients in shock

severe trauma, especially to the head, chest, or abdomen; for severe trauma, scene time
should not exceed 15 minutes. Reasons for extended scene times should be documented on
the patient care report
 NOTES ON PAIN ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT
Relief of pain and suffering is an important component of quality EMS field care. Pain assessment is
the 5th vital sign and should be performed on each patient using an age appropriate pain scale.
Pain is a subjective experience for the patient and should be treated following the appropriate pain
treatment guideline. Patients in pain should be assessed before and after pain medication is
administered. Appropriate efforts should be made to alleviate pain using both pharmacologic (e.g,
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 5
Morphine, Nitroglycerin for cardiac cases) and non-pharmacologic (e.g., splinting, immobilization)
measures.




Assess blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and pain scale during initial assessment and 5
minutes after every medication administration.
Assess pain using the same pain scale before and after pain administration and document.
Dramatic drops in systolic blood pressure and respiratory rate can occur once pain is relieved.
Administer medication cautiously and monitor patient.
Use narcotics cautiously in the elderly. Increased sensitivity to drugs and slowed drug
metabolism can alter patient response. Allow 10 minutes to assess the full effect of the
medication prior to additional narcotic administration.
 OPQRST MNEMONIC
Mnemonic
Onset
Provocation
Description
Document time when pain started and if suddenly worsening, when this occurred.
Document what caused the pain and what makes it worse or better.
Quality
In patient’s own words, document description of what type of pain it is. If not able to describe
it on their own, provide a list of different types of pain (e.g. heaviness, pressure, burning,
tearing, dull , stabbing or needle-like).
Radiation
Document if pain travels to another part of the body.
Severity
Ask the patient to rate the pain using an age appropriate pain scale. Always reassess after
medication is given to relieve pain.
Time
Document if patient states the pain is intermittent or is constant.
 PAIN ASSESSMENT TOOLS
FACES Pain Rating Scale: (used in children older than 3 years and adults)
Point to each face using the words to describe the pain intensity. Ask the patient to choose the face that
best describes how they are feeling. A person does not have to be crying to have the worst pain.
RATING
English
0
No pain
1-2
3-4
5-6
7-8
Hurts a
Hurts a
Hurts even Hurts a lot
little bit
little more
more
Spanish
No dolor
Muy leve
Leve
Moderada
Severa
0-10 Numeric Pain Rating Scale: (used in adults and children older than 9 years)
9-10
Hurts worst
Muy severa
Explain scale (0 means no pain and 10 is the most severe pain they have ever had). Ask patients what
number on a scale of 0-10 they would give as the level of pain currently.
Page 6
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
 PAIN ASSESSMENT IN THE VERY YOUNG, NON-VERBAL INFANT AND CHILD
Pain assessment in infants, non-verbal young children or developmentally delayed children is more
complex and presents special challenges. Despite this, pain medication should be considered in cases
where the infant or child is in severe pain. This includes evidence of painful mechanisms such as burns,
limb fractures or other events. Using pain medication in these children requires judgment and caution.
Signs and symptoms of pain in non-verbal young or developmentally delayed children include:

Inconsolable crying, screaming that cannot be distracted from by a caregiver

High pitched crying

Any pain face expression that is continual
o Grimace
o Quivering chin
Constant tense/stiff body tone and/or guarding

“Whatever is painful to adults, is painful to children until proven otherwise”
 NOTES ON PEDIATRIC PATIENTS
The causes of catastrophic events, such as cardiac arrest are most often related to respiratory failure,
shock or central nervous system injuries. Early treatment is critical in this population.
 INITIAL APPROACH







Remain calm and confident as the child may pick up on any anxiety.
DO NOT SEPARATE THE CHILD FROM THE PARENT unless absolutely necessary.
Establish a rapport with the parents as well as the child, and encourage the parents to touch,
hold or cuddle the child when appropriate.
Go from least intrusive to most intrusive in your initial assessment.
LOOK, then LISTEN, then FEEL
Always explain what you are doing as you proceed.
Avoid manipulating any area that appears to be painful until late in the examination, and
always tell the child before you touch those potentially painful areas.
 PEDIATRIC AGE DEFINITIONS

Neonate is 0-1 month

Pediatric patient is less than 14 years old
 PEDIATRIC VITAL SIGNS
Vital signs are valuable in the assessment of pediatric patients, but have significant limitations and can
be dangerously misleading. Children can be in compensated shock with a normal blood pressure.
However, they will exhibit signs of poor peripheral circulation. Blood pressure is maintained by
increasing peripheral vascular resistance and heart rate. This will cause the skin to appear pale, dusky or
mottled, and to feel cool, clammy or moist. Capillary refill may also be delayed. Capillary refill greater
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 7
than 2 seconds is a sign of poor circulation. Capillary refill time of 5 seconds or greater indicates
impending circulatory failure.
Hypotension is a late and often sudden sign of cardiovascular decompensation. The systolic pressure
may not drop until the patient has a decrease of 25-30% in blood volume. Relatively little blood loss in
an infant or young child may cause decompensation and cardiopulmonary arrest. Tachycardia (heart rate
greater than 100) will persist until cardiac reserve is depleted. Bradycardia (heart rate less than 60) in a
distressed child is an ominous sign of impending cardiac arrest.
 APPARENT LIFE-THREATENING EVENT (ALTE)
An Apparent Life-Threatening Event (ALTE) was formally known as a "near-miss SIDS" episode. This
is an event that is frightening to the observer (may think the infant has died) and involves some
combination of apnea, color change, marked change in muscle tone, choking, or gagging. It usually
occurs in infants less than 12 months of age, though any child with symptoms described under 2 years of
age may be considered an ALTE. Most patients have a normal physical exam when assessed by
responding personnel.
Approximately half of the cases have no known cause, but the other half do have a significant underlying
cause such as infection, seizures, tumors, respiratory or airway problems, child abuse, or SIDS. Because
of the high incidence of problems and the normal assessment usually seen, there is potential for
significant problems if the child's symptoms are not seriously addressed.
If an ALTE is suspected, the following should be done:
1. Obtain history, including duration and severity of event, whether patient awake or asleep at time of
episode, and what resuscitative measures were done by the parent or caretaker
2. Obtain medical history, including history of chronic diseases, seizure activity, current or recent
infections, gastroesophageal reflux, recent trauma, medication history. Obtain history with regard to
mixing of formula
3. Perform comprehensive exam, including general appearance, skin color, interaction with
environment, or evidence of trauma
4. Treat identifiable cause if appropriate
5. Transport
6. If treatment/transport is refused by parent or guardian, contact base hospital to consult prior to
leaving patient.
Document refusal of care.
 NOTES ON OB/GYN EMERGENCIES
 VAGINAL BLEEDING
Vaginal bleeding that is not a result of direct trauma or a women's normal menstrual cycle may indicate a
serious gynecological emergency. Determining the specific cause of the bleeding may be impossible,
therefore, all women who have vaginal bleeding should be treated as though they have a potentially lifethreatening condition. This is especially true if the bleeding is associated with abdominal pain. The
most serious complication of vaginal bleeding is hypovolemic shock due to blood loss.
Page 8
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
 SEXUAL ASSAULT
Care of the patient who has been sexually assaulted must include both medical and psychological
considerations. The best approach is to be nonjudgmental and to maintain a professional but
compassionate attitude. Examine the victim for injury that requires immediate stabilization. Though
your responsibilities do not include law enforcement, try wherever possible to preserve evidence. Field
personnel are required to notify law enforcement personnel in these cases.
 CHILDBIRTH
Since childbirth is a natural process, the decision field personnel will need to make is whether there is
time to transport the patient to the hospital or whether they should prepare for a field delivery. If delivery
appears imminent, immediately prepare to assist the delivery.
 NOTES ON TRAUMA
 HELMET REMOVAL
Patients wearing helmets present special management needs regarding airway maintenance and
monitoring. There are generally two types of helmets, and the type of helmet determines how easily or
difficult it may be to maintain or monitor the airway with the helmet in place:

Sports Helmets (football, hockey, etc) - these helmets are generally open anteriorly and
allow for easy airway access. The face mask should be removed to facilitate easy airway
access. If spinal immobilization is required, the helmet should not be removed. If the
helmet must be removed, the shoulder pads must also be removed to maintain neutral spinal
alignment.

Motorcycle Helmets - these helmets may have full face shields, which makes airway
assessment and management very difficult.
As a general guideline DO NOT REMOVE HELMETS, unless:
The helmet interferes with airway management.
The helmet has improper fit, which allows the head to move within the helmet.
The helmet interferes with proper spinal immobilization.
The patient is in cardiac arrest.
 CERVICAL COLLARS
The primary purpose of a cervical collar is to protect the cervical spine from compression. Cervical
collars are an important adjunct to immobilization but must always be used in conjunction with manual
immobilization or with mechanical immobilization provided by a suitable spine immobilization device.
The rigid anterior portion of the collar also provides a safe pathway for the lower head strap across the
neck.
Proper sizing of a cervical collar is critical. The key dimension on a patient is the distance between an
imaginary line drawn across the top of the shoulders, where the collar will sit, and the bottom plane of
the patient's chin. The key dimension on the collar is the distance between the black fastener and the
lower edge of the rigid plastic encircling band, not the foam padding. When the patient is being held in a
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 9
neutral position, measure the distance from the shoulder to the chin in finger widths. Then select the size
collar that most closely matches the key dimensions of the patient. The tallest collar that does not
hyperextend a patient should be used.
The most important step in application is the proper positioning of the chin piece. Position the chin
piece by sliding the collar up the chest wall. Be sure that the chin is well supported by the chin piece
and that the chin extends far enough onto the chin piece to at least cover the central fastener. Difficulty
in positioning the chin piece may indicate the need for a shorter collar.
A cervical collar must NOT inhibit the patient's ability to open his mouth or your ability to open the
patient's mouth if vomiting occurs. A cervical collar must not obstruct or hinder ventilation in any way.
 SPINAL IMMOBILIZATION
Spinal immobilization is a critical procedure necessary in many, but not all patients suffering trauma.
Proper evaluation, including assessment of the mechanism of injury, assessment of the patient
(particularly with regard to neurologic function) and assessment of confounding factors (drugs, pain,
etc.) are necessary in order to make a proper decision about spinal immobilization.
One overriding principle is that if any doubt exists as to whether a patient has sustained a spinal injury,
immobilization should be done. A poor neurologic outcome because immobilization was not performed
far outweighs the discomfort of immobilization for those without injuries. A systematic approach will
allow appropriate evaluation of patients with potential for spinal injury and application of
immobilization techniques for those patients. Patients who do not meet criteria will avoid the
discomfort, delay and additional unnecessary testing that often accompanies spinal immobilization.
In all situations, airway and ventilation have the highest priority and must be addressed with minimal
movement of the patient prior to full assessment.
A wide variety of devices and methods exist for immobilizing a patient. The specific method and
equipment to be used should be based upon the situation, the patient's condition and available resources.
Regardless of the specific device the focus should be on the patient and their needs
 HEAD INJURY
Priorities for treatment of head-injury patients include maintenance of adequate oxygenation and blood
pressure as well as appropriate attention to possible cervical spine injury. Hyperventilation of headinjury patients should be avoided, as it may worsen delivery of oxygen to the brain.
Patients with adequate ventilatory effort (10-12 breaths per minute in adults) should receive 100%
oxygen by mask. Patients with poor ventilatory effort (either in terms of slow rate or shallow breathing)
may need assisted ventilations at normal rate. Deeply comatose patients may require intubation to assure
an adequate airway. Capnography and end-tidal CO2 levels should guide ventilation rate (levels of 35-45
mm Hg are optimal).
Patients with a dilated pupil on one side, or who have decerebrate or decorticate posturing likely have
severe brain injury and swelling that may lead to brain herniation. For these patients, an increase in
respiratory rate of 2-4 per minute is appropriate to provide the small degree of increased ventilation
advised for these most severe cases.
Fluid administration should not be withheld in hypotensive head injury patients, as hypotension also
worsens brain injury. Rapid transport of trauma patients is essential, and it is appropriate to obtain IV
access and administer fluids during transport.
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Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
 AMPUTATIONS
For partial amputations, splint in anatomic position and elevate the extremity. If the part is completely
amputated, place the amputated part in a sterile, dry container or bag. Seal or tie off the bag, and place it
in a second container or bag. Seal or tie off the second bag and place on ice. DO NOT PLACE THE
AMPUTATED PART DIRECTLY ON ICE OR IN WATER. Elevate the extremity involved and dress
with dry gauze.
 GERIATRIC PATIENTS
Due to the physiologic changes of aging, a mechanism of injury that might be less damaging to a
younger person can cause grave injury in the geriatric patient. Undertriage in the patient over 65 is three
times greater than with younger patients. The decreased perception of pain can mask injury – they can
have many injuries but rate their pain very low.
The most common mechanisms of injury are motor vehicle crashes, falls, and auto vs. pedestrian. Falls
are the most frequent mechanism in patients over age 75. Motor vehicle crashes are most common in the
65-75 range.
Anticoagulant use (particularly Coumadin or warfarin) in the elderly is relatively common and may add
risk. Aspirin and other anti-platelet agents are also very common. Direct pressure to hemorrhage is the
best way to deal with control of bleeding. The elderly are also more prone to environmental thermal
emergencies – avoid hypothermia.
Field care for critical elderly trauma victims should follow basic trauma principles - rapid assessment,
performing only necessary interventions on scene, and rapid transport. Necessary on-scene interventions
include basic airway management, appropriate spinal immobilization, and bleeding control. Vascular
access should not delay transport.
 NOTES ON HYPOTHERMIA
Many patients seen in the prehospital setting may have predisposing factors that lead to hypothermia.
Common medical conditions leading to hypothermia include hypoglycemia or stroke. Trauma with
shock may also lead to hypothermia, and this can be worsened by exposure to a cold environment.
Resuscitative efforts for these patients are less effective in the setting of hypothermia. Newborns and
infants as well as the elderly have an increased predisposition to hypothermia, as do some persons with
drug and alcohol abuse.
For any patient with a predisposition to or suspected hypothermia, general treatment measures include
removing wet clothing and drying the patient. Insulate against additional heat loss by covering the
patient with a blanket. In newborns and infants, the head should also be covered to prevent heat loss.
Patients should be removed from cold environments as soon as possible.
Severe hypothermia leading to marked lowering of core body temperature is rare in our county.
Severely hypothermic patients may have impaired speech, memory, judgment, and coordination.
Hypotension may also be present. Gentle handling of these patients, general warming/treatment
measures listed above, and prompt transport (in a warmed ambulance) is appropriate.
 NOTES ON GERIATRICS
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 11
Geriatric patients (older than 65 years of age) have decline in organ function and physiologic changes
which make their presentation and treatment different than younger patients. Older patients also more
frequently have chronic medical problems and may be taking numerous medications for their illnesses.
System
Physiologic Changes/Prehospital Considerations
Neurologic
One of the first to deteriorate in illness. Elder patients with fever, MI, and sepsis may
appear confused and have impaired balance and coordination. Short-term memory
impairment, a decrease in the ability to perform psychomotor skills and slower reflex
times are normal in the aging process. The patient’s baseline abilities are important for
comparison to current findings
Senses
Sight problems (visual acuity and depth perception) as well as balance problems caused
by the inner ear can make falls more likely. Changes in vision and hearing also may
affect the rescuer’s interaction with the patient. Decreased function of sensory nerves
also may increase chances of injury.
Skin
Connective and subcutaneous tissue loss makes skin more easily traumatized, less likely
to stop bleeding spontaneously, and sensitive to pressure (ulcers can develop in 45
minutes or less).
Musculoskeletal
A decrease in muscle mass often results in less strength, and decreased bone density
make fractures more likely. Posture changes can make immobilization of the geriatric
patient more challenging.
Cardiovascular
Stiffer vessels are unable to compensate for an increase in demand on the cardiovascular
system. The heart walls are less compliant and cardiac function slowly declines.
Increase in heart rate may not be seen in elderly with blood loss and hypovolemia (as is
typically seen in younger patient). Atypical presentations for MI may be seen (painless,
presenting with weakness, fatigue, syncope or shortness of breath).
Respiratory
Changes in the lung result in a decreased ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Pulse oximetry readings can be lower even in healthy individuals. The ability to cough is
decreased because of loss of muscle mass and lower chest wall compliance, and increases
the chance of infection, particularly pneumonia. Spinal curvature (kyphosis) additionally
may compromise respiratory function.
Gastrointestinal
Saliva and gastric juices decrease, making chewing and digestion more difficult. The
intestinal tract slows and may cause constipation or fecal impaction. Liver function
decreases which makes it harder to detoxify the blood and eliminate substances (e.g.
medications and alcohol). Abdominal pain may be less prominent when serious
problems exist.
Renal
Renal function declines after age 50 because of decreased blood flow and filtration.
Elimination of certain medications can be impaired, and along with electrolyte
disturbances caused by decreased filtration, may often be the cause of altered mental
status in older people.
Illness in the geriatric patient can result in a “domino effect” where failure of one organ system leads to
failure of others. Symptoms may be subtle, atypical, vague and easily dismissed as part of old age.
Geriatric patients require a high index of suspicion.
 NOTES ON BURNS
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Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
After the patient has been removed from direct contact with the source of the burn, and the acute burning
process has been stopped, then the priorities for burned patients are the same as for any other type of
injury or illness.
In the case of chemical burns (other than dry chemicals that may become more harmful when wet),
remove the patient's shoes, hose or shower over the clothes, and then remove the clothes. Remove
potentially constricting jewelry. Do not remove clothing that has stuck to the skin as a result of the
burning. Protection should be afforded to prehospital personnel during this process.
Airway problems should be suspected whenever the patient was burned or otherwise exposed to smoke
in an enclosed space, when there was exposure to toxic fumes, or when there are burns or evidence of
soot or hair singing to the face and/or upper airway. Pulmonary complications are usually delayed;
however, if early airway problems are evident or likely, apply oxygen and transport immediately to the
nearest appropriate facility. Further care can be given en route. All patients exposed to smoke should be
treated for possible carbon monoxide poisoning using high flow oxygen. Chronic lung patients will be
more dramatically affected and should be more closely observed.
Shock from burns is usually delayed. If the patient is in shock, consider other causes. Associated
injuries are likely to be more acutely life threatening than the burn itself.
If the burn has just occurred (less than 3 minutes prior), cool wet dressings should be used to stop the
burning process and to limit the depth of injury. Dry dressings should then be placed on burns. If
patients have large burns (more than 10% of total body surface area), cooling measures and exposure
may lead to hypothermia. Those patients should be covered with blankets to preserve body heat (can be
placed over wet dressings).
Patients with other life threatening injuries may require stabilization at the closest appropriate receiving
facility prior to transfer to a burn center. Transporting units may be directed past closer facilities by the
base hospital physician, once it has been determined that the patient is stable enough and that the burn
center is prepared to receive the patient.
The following patients may be appropriate for initial transport to a Burn Center::
a. Partial thickness (2nd degree) greater than 20% TBSA
b. Full thickness (3rd degree) greater than 10%
c. Significant burns to face, hands, feet, genitalia, perineum, or circumferential burns of the
torso or extremities
d. Chemical or high voltage electrical burns
e. Smoke inhalation with external burns
Use the Rule-of-Nines to estimate the extent of the burn.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
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BLS NOTES
Section
 EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN (EMT) SCOPE OF PRACTICE
"Emergency Medical Technician I" or "EMT-I" means a person who has successfully completed an
EMT-I course which meets the requirements of this Chapter, has passed all required tests, and who has
been certified by the EMT-I certifying authority.
100063. Scope of Practice of Emergency Medical Technician-I (EMT-I).
a) During training, while at the scene of an emergency, during transport of the sick or injured, or during
interfacility transfer, a supervised EMT-I student or certified EMT-I is authorized to do any of the
following:
1) Evaluate the ill and injured.
2) Render basic life support, rescue and emergency medical care to patients.
3) Obtain diagnostic signs to include, but not be limited to the assessment of temperature, blood
pressure, pulse and respiration rates, level of consciousness, and pupil status.
4) Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including the use of mechanical adjuncts to basic
cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
5) Use the following adjunctive airway breathing aids:
A) oropharyngeal airway;
B) nasopharyngeal airway;
C) suction devices;
D) basic oxygen delivery devices; and
E) manual and mechanical ventilating devices designed for prehospital use.
6) Use various types of stretchers and body immobilization devices.
7) Provide initial prehospital emergency care of trauma.
8) Administer oral glucose or sugar solutions.
9) Extricate entrapped persons.
10) Perform field triage.
11) Transport patients.
12) Set up for ALS procedures, under the direction of an EMT-II or EMT-P.
13) Perform automated external defibrillation when authorized by an EMT AED service provider.
14) Assist patients with the administration of physician prescribed devices, including but not limited
to, patient operated medication pumps, sublingual nitroglycerin, and self-administered
emergency medications, including epinephrine devices.
b) In addition to the activities authorized by subdivision (a) of this section, the medical director of the
local EMS agency may also establish policies and procedures to allow a certified EMT-I or a
supervised EMT- I student in the prehospital setting and/or during interfacility transport to:
1) Monitor intravenous lines delivering glucose solutions or isotonic balanced salt solutions
including Ringer’s lactate for volume replacement;
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 17
2) Monitor, maintain, and adjust if necessary in order to maintain, a preset rate of flow and turn off
the flow of intravenous fluid; and
3) Transfer a patient who is deemed appropriate for transfer by the transferring physician, and who
has nasogastric (NG) tubes, gastrostomy tubes, heparin locks, foley catheters, tracheostomy tubes
and/or indwelling vascular access lines, excluding arterial lines;
4) Monitor preexisting vascular access devices and peripheral lines delivering intravenous fluids
with additional medications pre-approved by the Director of the EMS Authority (not currently
allowed in Contra Costa County).
c) The scope of practice of an EMT-I shall not exceed those activities authorized in this Section,
Section 100064, and Section 100064.1.
 BLS MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS ENCOUNTERED PRIOR TO ACTIVATION
OF 9-1-1
EMT-I's who encounter a patient where the 9-1-1 system has not been activated should assess the patient
to determine whether the care needed by that patient is beyond their scope of practice. If it is determined
that the patient may benefit from ALS level care, the 9-1-1 system should be activated. After assuring
activation of the 9-1-1 system, EMT-I personnel should assess the patient and begin any care required
that is allowed in the EMT-I Scope of Practice.
If the EMT-I unit has transport capabilities, the personnel should determine if the ETA of the paramedic
unit is greater than the transport time to the closest appropriate receiving facility. If so, the EMT-I unit
should proceed with patient transport and cancel the ALS unit. If the ETA of the paramedic unit is less
than the transport time to the closest appropriate receiving facility, remain on scene and turn the patient
over to the paramedic unit upon their arrival.
Documentation of the patients chief complaint, history of present illness, past medical history,
medications, allergies, vital signs, findings from the physical exam, and a general assessment and any
treatment initiated is to be completed. A copy of the patient documentation should be given to the
transport unit prior to transport, if possible.
 ADMINISTRATION OF ORAL GLUCOSE
EMT-Is may administer an approved oral glucose agent by utilizing the following procedure:
1. Confirm altered level of consciousness in a patient with a known history of diabetes, and that the
patient is conscious and able to sit in an upright position.
2. Dispense up to 30 grams of the oral glucose solution into the patient's mouth. Optimally, the
patient will self-administer the solution.
3. If the patient has difficulty swallowing the solution, discontinue the procedure. The first priority
is keeping an open airway.
4. Record the administration of the oral glucose solution with the time given and any changes in the
patients level of consciousness.
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Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
 PUBLIC SAFETY DEFIBRILLATION
 PATIENT ASSESSMENT
All patients are to be assessed upon arrival for level of consciousness and the presence or absence of a
pulse and respirations, even if CPR is being done. The results of this initial assessment are to be
verbalized in the initial report.
If the patient is an unwitnessed arrest or a witnessed arrest with no CPR for 5 minutes or more, two
minutes of CPR shall be done prior to attaching the defibrillator for analysis. If the patient was a
witnessed arrest with CPR or a downtime less than 5 minutes proceed to attach defibrillator and
immediately initiate analysis.
 VERBAL REPORT
Verbal reports are very important and should begin once the self-check for the AED has cleared the
screen. The initial report should include the name of the person reporting, engine company designation,
status of the defibrillator self-check (e.g., self-check ok), patient location, estimated patient age, patient
sex, and findings from the initial assessment of the patient. Continue to verbally report events as they
occur (e.g., attaching electrodes, analyzing rhythm, paramedics (unit number) on-scene at...). If a shock
is advised, verify that everyone (including the operator) is clear of the patient, and verbalize that
everyone is clear.
 DEFIBRILLATOR ELECTRODES
Do not use the defibrillation electrode if the gel is torn, separated or split from the foil. This may cause
arcing and patient burns. Peel the protective backing from the electrode slowly to prevent damage to the
gel.
Patients with implanted pacemakers or implantable defibrillators are treated just like any other patient.
If possible, do not place the electrodes on the pulse generator of the pacemaker. EMS personnel may
feel the shock from an implantable defibrillator as a slight "buzz", but it will not harm them.
 PATIENT CARE DATA
Patient data should be downloaded and a patient care report completed and sent to the EMS Agency as soon as
possible after the use of the AED.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 19
► Public Safety Defibrillation
NON-TRANSPORTING UNIT
1.
CONFIRM:
- unconscious, pulseless, and apneic or
- unconscious, pulseless with agonal respirations
- if 1-8 years of age, attach pediatric electrodes, if available. If not, attach adult electrodes if able to
do so without electrodes touching
IF TRAUMA: Prepare patient for immediate transport. As time permits, prior to transport unit arrival,
initiate defibrillation protocol
2. If unwitnessed or there is a known down time of 5 minutes or greater with no effective CPR
- CPR for 2 minutes
- If patient remains unconscious, pulseless and apneic proceed to 3
If witnessed and the down time is less than 5 minutes proceed to 3
3. Attach Defibrillator and Initiate Analyze/Defibrillation
 Clear bystanders and crew
 Have machine analyze the patient’s rhythm
3.1 If the rhythm is shockable
 Clear bystanders and crew
 Deliver shock
 Resume CPR
 Machine will reanalyze rhythm as indicated by manufacturer protocol
3.2 If the rhythm is NOT shockable
 Resume CPR beginning with chest compressions
 Machine will reanalyze the rhythm as indicated by manufacturer protocol
4. If the patient begins breathing or becomes responsive:
 Maintain airway
 Assist ventilations as necessary
 Check blood pressure, if equipment is available
If the patient again stops breathing or becomes unresponsive:
 Clear bystanders and crew
 Have the machine analyze the patient’s rhythm
 Proceed as in 3 above
5. If a paramedic unit arrives to transport the patient, turn the patient over to paramedic personnel when
you reach the point where CPR is appropriate. If turnover is delayed, continue to provide care
according to this protocol.
If a BLS unit, without defibrillation capability, arrives to transport the patient, accompany the
patient to the hospital providing care enroute. Deliver no more than nine (9) defibrillations onscene prior to beginning transport.
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Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
► Spinal Immobilization
Spinal immobilization is a critical procedure necessary in many, but not all patients suffering trauma.
Proper evaluation, including assessment of the mechanism of injury (high velocity motor vehicle crash,
significant fall, penetrating trauma that may have potential spinal involvement, etc.), assessment of the
patient (particularly with regard to neurologic function) and assessment of confounding factors (drugs,
pain, etc.) are necessary in order to make a proper decision about spinal immobilization.
If any doubt exists as to whether a patient has sustained a spinal injury, immobilization should be done.
In all situations, airway and ventilation have the highest priority and must be addressed with minimal
movement of the patient prior to full assessment.

Indications

Penetrating Injury (Trauma to head, neck or torso):
o presence of neurologic complaint or deficit – paralysis, weakness, numbness, tingling,
priapism or neurogenic shock, loss of consciousness
o anatomic deformity of spine

Blunt Injury (regardless of mechanism):
o
o
o
o

altered level of consciousness (GCS less than 15)
presence of spinal pain or tenderness
anatomic deformity of spine
presence of neurologic complaint or deficit – paralysis, weakness, numbness, tingling,
priapism or neurogenic shock
Blunt Injury (when mechanism of injury is concerning):
o presence of alcohol or drugs or acute stress reaction/anxiety
o distracting injury (e.g., long bone fracture, large laceration, crush or degloving injury,
large burns)
o inability to communicate (e.g., speech or hearing impaired, language gap, small children,
developmental or psychiatric conditions)
Concerning mechanisms of injury include but are not limited to:

Violent impact to head, neck, torso or pelvis (e.g. assault, entrapment in structural collapse)

Sudden acceleration, deceleration or lateral bending forces to neck or torso (e.g. moderate- to
high-speed motor vehicle crash, pedestrian struck, explosion)

Falls (especially in elderly patients)

Ejection from motorized or other transportation device (e.g. scooter, skateboard, bicycle,
motor vehicle, motorcycle, recreational vehicle, or horse)

Victims of shallow-water diving incident
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 21

Equipment
- Rigid cervical collar
- Long backboard
- Straps (for torso immobilization)
- Head immobilization device
- Padding

Procedure
1) Provide manual in-line immobilization immediately, moving the head into a proper in-line
position, unless contraindicated*. Continue to support and immobilize the head without
interruption.
2) Evaluate the patient's ABC's and provide any immediately required intervention.
3) Examine patient to determine if an indication for immobilization exists. Check motor and sensory
function and circulation in all four extremities.
4) If patient meets criteria for spinal immobilization:
a. Examine the neck and apply a properly fitting, effective cervical collar.
b. Pick the immobilization device that you will use, and immobilize the torso to the device
so that the torso cannot move up or down, left or right.
c. Evaluate and pad behind the head as needed.
d. After the torso straps have been tightened, immobilize the head, maintaining a neutral inline position.
e. Tie the feet together and immobilize the legs so that they can not move anteriorly or
laterally.
f. Fasten the arms to the immobilization device.
g. If patient is pregnant, elevate spine board on patient's right side to approximately 15
degree angle (left lateral recumbent) to promote venous return.
h. Recheck the ABC's and motor, sensory, and circulation in all four extremities.
* In-line movement should not be attempted if the patient's injuries are so severe that the head presents
with such misalignment that it no longer appears to extend from the midline of the shoulders. Other
contraindications would be if careful movement of the head and neck into a neutral in-line position
results in neck muscle spasm, increased pain, the commencement or increase of a neurological deficit
such as numbness, tingling or loss of motor ability, or compromise of the airway or ventilation.
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Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
ALS Notes
Section
 PARAMEDIC SCOPE OF PRACTICE
California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 9, Chapter 4:
100145. Scope of Practice of Paramedic.
a) A paramedic may perform any activity identified in the scope of practice of an EMT-I in Chapter 2
of the Division, or any activity identified in the scope of practice of an EMT-II in Chapter 3 of this
Division.
b) A paramedic shall be affiliated with an approved paramedic service provider in order to perform the
scope of practice specified in this Chapter.
c) A paramedic student or a licensed paramedic, as part of an organized EMS system, while caring for
patients in a hospital as part of his/her training or continuing education under the direct supervision
of a physician, registered nurse, or physician assistant, or while at the scene of a medical emergency
or during transport, or during interfacility transfer, or while working in a small and rural hospital
pursuant to section 1797.195 of the Health and Safety Code, may perform the following procedures
or administer the following medications when such are approved by the medical director of the local
EMS agency and are included in the written policies and procedures of the local EMS agency.
1) Basic Scope of Practice:
A) Perform defibrillation and synchronized cardioversion.
B) Visualize the airway by use of the laryngoscope and remove foreign body(ies) with forceps.
C) Perform pulmonary ventilation by use of lower airway multi-lumen adjuncts, the esophageal
airway, and adult endotracheal intubation.
D) Institute intravenous (IV) catheters, heparin locks, saline locks, needles, or other cannulae (IV
lines), in peripheral veins; and monitor and administer medications through pre-existing
vascular access.
E) Administer intravenous glucose solutions or isotonic balanced salt solutions, including
Ringer's lactate solution.
F) Obtain venous blood samples.
G) Use glucose measuring device.
H) Perform Valsalva maneuver.
I) Perform needle cricothyroidotomy. (not currently used in Contra Costa County)
J) Perform needle thoracostomy.
K) Monitor thoracostomy tubes
L) Monitor and adjust IV solutions containing potassium, equal to or less than 20 mEq/L.
M) Administer approved medications by the following routes: intravenous, intramuscular,
subcutaneous, inhalation, transcutaneous, rectal, sublingual, endotracheal, oral or topical.
N) Administer, using prepackaged products when available, the following medications:
(1) 25% and 50% dextrose;
(2) activated charcoal; (not currently used in Contra Costa County)
(3) adenosine;
(4) aerosolized or nebulized beta-2 specific bronchodilators;
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 25
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
(13)
(14)
(15)
(16)
(17)
(18)
(19)
aspirin;
atropine sulfate;
pralidoxime chloride;
calcium chloride;
diazepam; (not currently used in Contra Costa County)
diphenhydramine hydrochloride;
dopamine hydrochloride;
epinephrine;
furosemide; (not currently used in Contra Costa County)
glucagon;
midazolam
lidocaine hydrochloride;
morphine sulfate;
naloxone hydrochloride;
nitroglycerin preparations, except intravenous, unless permitted under (c)(2)(A) of this
section;
(20) sodium bicarbonate
2) Local Optional Scope of Practice:
A) Perform or monitor other procedure(s) or administer any other medication(s) determined to
be appropriate for paramedic use, in the professional judgment of the medical director of the
local EMS agency, that have been approved by the Director of the Emergency Medical
Services Authority when the paramedic has been trained and tested to demonstrate
competence in performing the additional procedures and administering the additional
medications.
 CONTRA COSTA LOCAL OPTIONAL SCOPE OF PRACTICE
The following medications and procedures are approved for use in the Contra Costa County local
optional scope of practice:

Pediatric Endotracheal Intubation
(limited to patients > 40 kg)
 Ipratropium (CCT-P Only)
 Midazolam Infusion (CCT-P Only)

Intraosseous Infusion

 Blood/Blood Product Infusion (CCT-P Only)
External Cardiac Pacing

Amiodarone
 Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Receptor Inhibitor
Infusion (CCT-P Only)

Esophageal Airway (King LTS-D)
 Morphine Sulfate Infusion (CCT-P Only)

Heparin Infusion (CCT-P Only)
 Sodium Bicarbonate Infusion (CCT-P Only)

Lidocaine Infusion (CCT-P Only)

Nitroglycerin Infusion (CCT-P Only)
 Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) Infusion
(CCT-P Only)

KCL Infusion (CCT-P Only)
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Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
 ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT SKILLS LIST
The following skills may be performed by Contra Costa County paramedics following treatment
guidelines or base hospital orders:
1. Adult oral endotracheal intubation
2. Esophageal Airway (King LTS-D)*
3. Removal of foreign body obstruction with magill forceps
4. Defibrillation
5. Cardioversion
6. Intravenous therapy
7. Drug therapy (see drug list)
8. Needle thoracostomy
9. Intraosseous infusion*
10. Pediatric oral endotracheal intubation* (limited to patients > 40 kg)
11. Use of pulse oximeter
12. End-tidal CO2 monitoring (ETCO2)
13. Glucose Testing
14. External Cardiac Pacing*
15. 12-Lead ECG
16. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
* Only paramedics who are currently accredited in Contra Costa County may
perform these skills.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 27
 AIRWAY MANAGEMENT
The goal of airway management is to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation. Initial airway
management should always begin with BLS maneuvers.

BLS airway management is the preferred method in all patients who can be adequately
ventilated (visible chest rise) using bag-mask ventilation.

All cardiac arrest patients should have initial BLS airway management. Advanced airway
management should not interfere with initial CPR and defibrillation efforts.

Intubation should not be used in pediatric patients weighing less than 40 kg.

Intubation should not be used in trauma patients (arrest or non-arrest) unless BLS airway
management has failed to produce adequate ventilation.
Initial BLS airway maneuvers are to include:

Follow the “JAWS” pnemonic:

J Use jaw thrust maneuvers to open airway
A Use oral or nasal airway
W Work together. Ventilation using a bag-valve mask is enhanced using two rescuers to
manage airway
S Slow and small ventilations
Ventilation Rates (avoid hyperventilation):
o Adults – 10/minute
o Children – 20/minute
o Infants (< 1 yr) – 30/minute

Deliver ventilation over one second to produce visible chest rise and to avoid distention of the
stomach (do not squeeze hard or fast). Ventilation volumes will vary based on patient size.

Position the patient to optimize airway opening and facilitate ventilations:
o Use “sniffing” position – head extended (A) and neck flexed forward (B) – unless
suspected spinal injury.
o Position with head/shoulders elevated – anterior ear at same horizontal level as sternal
notch (C). This is especially advantageous in larger or morbidly obese patients.
C
Page 28
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Avoid prolonged / multiple interruptions in ventilation:
- Interrupt ventilation for no more than two periods of up to 30 seconds during laryngoscopy or intubation attempt
- No more than two (2) endotracheal intubation attempts should be made
- Endotracheal Tube Introducer (ETI / bougie) may be helpful on first or second attempt
- Oxygenate using BLS techniques for 60 seconds (if possible) between attempts (ET or Rescue Airway)
Initial BLS
Maneuvers
BLS Airway
Management
Adequate
ventilation
Patient apneic or unable
to maintain BLS airway
Prepare intubation
equipment, including
ETI (bougie) and
rescue airway
Laryngoscopy –
Consider initial
ETI use if difficult
airway anticipated
ET Attempt #1:
Pass tube and
check tube position
Cords
visualized
Cords not
visualized
Correct
position
verified
Secure Tube
Correct
position
not verified
Resume
BLS Airway
Management
Consider ETI for
second attempt
Laryngoscopy
not possible or
likely futile
If second
ET attempt
omitted
ET Attempt #2:
Pass ETI / tube,
check tube position
Correct
position
verified
Correct position
not verified
Resume
BLS Airway
Management
Rescue Airway
Placement
(maximum 2 attempts)
Correct
position
verified
Correct position
not verified
BLS Airway
Management
Tube verification / monitoring:
Check end-tidal CO2 initially (colorimetric or capnography)
If ETCO2 is negative, use Esophageal Detector Device (EDD) with endotracheal tubes
View chest rise / listen for lung sounds and gastric sounds
All intubated patients require continuous ETCO2 monitoring until transfer of patient care at hospital
Documentation of findings is critical
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 29
 ALS PROCEDURES
Oral Endotracheal Intubation

Indications



Patient with decreased sensorium (GCS less than or equal to 8) and apneic (adults)
Patient with decreased sensorium (GCS less than or equal to 8), ventilation unable to be
maintained with BLS airway
Contraindications





Pediatric patients under 40 kg
Suspected hypoglycemia or narcotic overdose
Maxillo-facial trauma with unrecognizable facial landmarks
Patients experiencing seizures
Patients with an active gag reflex
Ventilation should be interrupted for no more than two periods of up to 30 seconds during laryngoscopy
or intubation attempts and patients should be ventilated with 100% oxygen for 1 minute via bag-valve
mask between attempts. No more than two attempts at endotracheal intubation should be done (an
intubation attempt is defined as the laryngoscopy and passing of an ET tube beyond the teeth with the
intent of placing the endotracheal tube). Use of rescue airway or return to BLS maneuvers may occur at
any time (neither require repeated advanced airway attempts before use).
Base hospital physician consultation is recommended if there is any question concerning the need to
intubate a patient. The base hospital physician may also approve extubation of a patient in the field.
Nasotracheal intubation is not an approved skill in Contra Costa County.

Procedure
1) Assure an adequate BLS airway.
2) Oxygenate with 100% oxygen using a bag-valve-mask.
3) Select appropriate ET tube. If appropriate tube has a cuff, check cuff to ensure that it does not
leak; note the amount of air needed to inflate. Deflate tube cuff. Leave syringe attached.
a. Insert appropriate stylet, making sure that it is recessed at least one cm. from the distal
opening of the ET tube. Lubricate the tip of the tube.
b. Prepare endotracheal tube introducer (bougie) and rescue airway for possible use.
4) Assure c-spine immobilization with suspected trauma.
5) Insert laryngoscope and visualize the vocal cords. If unable to identify cords, resume BLS aiway
management and utilize endotracheal tube introducer in next attempt.
6) Suction if necessary and remove any loose or obstructing foreign bodies.
7) CAREFULLY pass the endotracheal tube tip past the vocal cords; remove the stylet ; advance the
ET tube until the cuff is just beyond the vocal cords
8) Inflate the cuff with 5-7ml of air. For uncuffed pediatric tubes, advance tube no more than 2.5 cm
beyond vocal cords (use vocal cord marker line if present on tube).
9) Immediately assess tube placement with capnography or colorimetric end-tidal CO2 indicator
and/or esophageal detector bulb (see tube confirmation procedure):
10) Following successful confirmation of intubation, auscultation of lungs, epigastrium, and
observation of chest rise should be done. If chest does not rise, extubate and reintubate.
Endotracheal tube introducer (bougie) should be considered for second attempt.
11) Secure the tube with tape or ET holder and ventilate. Mark the TUBE at the level of the lips.
Page 30
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010

Confirmation of Tube Placement / Post-Intubation Monitoring
 Every patient intubated with an endotracheal tube or esophageal airway requires initial evaluation
of tube placement and ongoing tube monitoring until patient turnover or until resuscitative
efforts cease.
 Physical findings (chest rise, lung and abdominal sounds, and vital signs, if present) must be
assessed and documented in all intubated patients.
 End-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) measurement must be utilized in all intubated patients.
Electronic waveform capnography (with numerical ETCO2 readout) should be utilized from the
earliest moment possible after every tube placement to continuously verify placement as well as
to guide ventilation rates. Colorimetric ETCO2 indicators may be useful if electronic monitoring
is not immediately available, but should be replaced with waveform monitoring as soon as
possible.
 Documentation of ETCO2 measurement in the patient care record is required in all intubations.
Electronic data upload or attachment of a code summary from the monitor-defibrillator to the
record should be done in all cases.
 The esophageal detector bulb is useful only in cardiac arrest situations in which no ETCO2 is
detected, and should only be used with endotracheal tubes (not with King Airway).
 When ETCO2 is not detected in the setting of King Airway use, physical exam remains as the key
method to assess functionality of the airway.

Procedure
1) Following tube placement and cuff inflation, attach waveform capnography unit (or colorimetric
ETCO2 indicator if waveform not immediately available).
a.
If exhaled ETCO2 is detected, the tube should be secured. Waveform capnography
should be used continuously until patient turnover or cessation of resuscitative efforts.
Physical exam reassessment should also be utilized after any patient movement.
b. If exhaled ETCO2 is not detected:
1. In a patient with pulses, the tube should be removed and reintubation attempted.
2. In a patient without pulses:
a. Endotracheal tube: use esophageal bulb detector.
b. King Airway: use physical examination findings (chest rise, lung sounds
present, abdominal sounds absent) should be used to verify placement.
c.
Reassessment should occur after any patient movement, and in pulseless patients may
include re-use of the esophageal detector bulb.
d.
In all patients, ETCO2 monitoring should be continued as it may be the initial indicator
when there is return of spontaneous circulation.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 31
SIGNIFICANCE OF END-TIDAL CO2WAVEFORM / CHANGES AFTER INTUBATION
Loss of previous waveform with
 Endotracheal tube disconnected, dislodged, kinked or
ETCO2 near zero
obstructed
 Loss of circulatory function
Decreasing ETCO2 with loss of
 Endotracheal tube cuff leak or deflation
plateau
 Endotracheal tube located in hypopharynx
 Partial obstruction
Sudden increase in ETCO2
 Return of spontaneous circulation
Gradual increase in ETCO2
 If elevated above normal levels, need for increased
ventilation
 From low levels, improvement in perfusion
Gradual decrease in ETCO2
 Effects of hyperventilation
 Worsening of perfusion
“Sharkfin” waveform
 Asthma or COPD
Normal capnography:
ET Tube disconnected, displaced, or patient
develops cardiac arrest:
ET Tube in hypopharynx (above cords), partly
obstructed, or cuff leak:
Sudden Increase in ETCO2 (return of
spontaneous circulation):
“Shark-Fin” waveform (asthma or COPD):
(Source: Medtronic Physio-Control Capnography Educational
Series 2002)
ESOPHAGEAL DETECTOR BULB FINDINGS AND ACTIONS
Finding
Action
Rapid inflation of bulb

Tracheal placement – Secure tube
Slow inflation or no inflation

Likely esophageal placement – remove tube and reattempt intubation.
If second attempt, remove tube and use King Airway or
BLS airway management
Visualize airway directly via laryngoscopy
Alternative – rotate tube 90 degrees, suction, and recheck
with bulb
Remove tube if any question

If paramedic confident of tube
placement (false findings more
common with excessive
secretions, CHF, or obesity)
Page 32



Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
► Endotracheal Tube Introducer (Bougie)
The flexible endotracheal tube introducer is a useful adjunct which can be used on any intubation. It is
particularly helpful when vocal cord visualization is anticipated to be difficult (e.g. short neck, limited
neck mobility, spinal immobilization). A two-person or a one-person technique can be used. Do not
force introducer as it can potentially cause tracheal or pharyngeal perforation. The introducer cannot be
used in endotracheal tubes smaller than 6.0.
1. Two-Person Technique (recommended when visualization is less than ideal)
a. Using laryngoscope, visualize as well as possible
b. Place stylet just behind the epiglottis with the bent tip anterior and midline
c. Gently advance the tip through the cords, maintaining anterior contact
d. Use stylet to feel for tracheal rings
e. Advance stylet black mark past teeth to feel for the carina. If no stop felt, remove as
stylet is in esophagus, and retry.
f. Withdraw the stylet to align the black mark with the teeth.
g. Have assistant load and advance ETT tip to the black mark
h. Have assistant grasp and hold steady the straight end of stylet
i. Advance endotracheal tube while maintaining laryngoscope position
j. At glottic opening turn endotracheal tube 90 degrees counterclockwise to assist passage
over arytenoids
k. Advance endotracheal tube to appropriate position
l. Maintaining endotracheal tube position, withdraw stylet
2. One-Person Technique or Pre-loaded technique (recommended when visualization better but
cords too anterior to pass tube). Can be used, by paramedic choice, for any intubation.
a. Load stylet into endotracheal tube with bent end approximately 10 cm past distal end of
tube
b. Pinch the endotracheal tube against the stylet
c. With bent tip anterior, visualize cords and advance stylet through cords
d. Maintain laryngoscope position
e. When black mark on stylet is at the teeth, ease grip to allow tube to slide over the stylet.
If available, have an assistant stabilize the stylet.
f. At glottic opening, turn endotracheal tube 90 degrees counter-clockwise to assist passage
over the arytenoids.
g. Advance endotracheal tube to appropriate position
h. Maintaining endotracheal tube position, withdraw stylet
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 33
► Esophageal Airway (King LTS-D)
The Esophageal Airway, or King LTS-D, is a single-use device intended for airway management. It can
be used as a rescue airway device when other airway management techniques have failed, or as a
primary device when advanced airway management is required in order to provide adequate ventilation.
The esophageal airway does not require direct visualization of the airway or significant manipulation of
the neck.
Its main use is in cardiac arrest situations (pulseless and apneic patients). In some patients it may be
preferable to use initially (e.g. patients who are obese or with short necks, patients with limited neck
mobility, difficult visualization due to access to the patient, or blood or emesis in the airway). It is not
necessary to attempt endotracheal intubation before opting for the esophageal airway.
Because it is not tolerated well in patients with airway reflexes, it should not be used in patients with
perfusing pulses unless all other methods of ventilation have failed.
Two intubation attempts with the esophageal airway are permissible. Ventilations should be interrupted
no more than 30 seconds per attempt. Between attempts, patients should be ventilated with 100%
oxygen for one minute via bag-valve mask device.
The King LTS-D is available in three sizes and cuff inflation varies by model:


-
Size 3 – Patient between 4 and 5 feet tall (55 ml air)
-
Size 4 – Patient between 5 and 6 feet tall (70 ml air)
-
Size 5 – Patient over 6 feet tall (80 ml air)
Indications

Cardiac arrest (of any cause)

Inability to ventilate non-arrest patient (with BLS airway maneuvers) in a setting in which
endotracheal intubation is not successful or unable to be done
Contraindications

Presence of gag reflex

Caustic ingestion

Known esophageal disease (e.g. cancer, varices, stricture, others)

Laryngectomy with stoma (can place ET tube in stoma)

Height less than 4 feet
Note: Airway deformity due to prior surgery or trauma may limit the ability to adequately ventilate with
this device (may not get adequate seal from pharyngeal cuff)

Equipment
 Suction
 King LTS-D Kit (Size 3, 4, or 5)
 Bag-Valve-Mask
Page 34
 Stethoscope
 End-tidal CO2 detection device
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Insertion of LTS-D King Tube
(Source: King LTS-D Manufacturer’s Instructions for use)
Source:
Source: King LT(S)-D: Manufacturers Instructions for Use

Procedure
1)
2)
3)
Assure an adequate BLS airway (if possible).
Select appropriately sized esophageal airway.
Test cuff inflation by injecting recommended amount of air for tube size into the cuffs.
Remove all air from cuffs prior to insertion.
4)
Apply water-based lubricant to the beveled distal tip and posterior aspect of tube, taking care
to avoid introduction of lubricant in or near ventilatory openings.
5)
Have a spare esophageal airway available for immediate use.
6)
Oxygenate with 100% oxygen.
7)
Position the head. The ideal head position for insertion is the “sniffing position.” A neutral
position can also be used (e.g. spinal injury concerns).
8)
Hold mouth open and apply chin lift unless contraindicated by cervical spine injury or patient
position.
9)
With tube rotated laterally 45-90 degrees such that the blue orientation stripe is touching the
corner of the mouth, introduce tip into mouth and advance behind base of tongue. Never
force the tube into position.
10)
As the tube tip passes under tongue, rotate tube back to midline (blue orientation stripe faces
chin).
11)
Without exerting excessive force, advance tube until base of connector aligns with teeth or
gums.
12)
Inflate cuff to required volume.
13)
Attach bag-valve to airway. While gently bagging the patient to assess ventilation,
simultaneously withdraw the airway until ventilation is easy and free flowing.
14)
Confirm proper position by auscultation, chest movement, and verification of CO2 by
capnography. Do not use esophageal detector device with esophageal airway.
15)
Secure the tube. Note depth marking on tube.
16)
Continue to monitor the patient for proper tube placement throughout prehospital treatment
and transport. Capnography should be done in all cases.
17)
Document airway placement and results of monitoring throughout treatment and transport.
Troubleshooting:
 If placement is unsuccessful, remove tube, ventilate with BVM and repeat sequence of steps.
 If unsuccessful on second attempt, BLS airway management should be resumed.
Additional Information:
 The key to insertion is to get the distal tip of the airway around the corner in the posterior
pharynx, under the base of the tongue. It is important that the tip of the device is maintained at
the midline. If the tip is placed or deflected laterally, it may enter the piriform fossa and cause
the tube to appear to “bounce back” upon full insertion and release.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 35
► Tracheostomy Tube Replacement
Establishing a patent airway in a patient with a tracheostomy may be accomplished by suctioning or by
replacement of an old tracheostomy tube when suctioning is not successful. Tracheostomy tube
replacement may only be performed when patient has a new replacement tracheostomy tube available. If
tracheostomy tube is not available, or placement of a new tube is unsuccessful, use of an endotracheal
tube (stomal intubation) or BVM ventilation is appropriate.

Indications:



Contraindications:



Dislodged tracheostomy tube (decannulation)
Tracheostomy tube obstruction not resolved by suction
Recent tracheostomy surgery (less than 1 month)
Inadequately sized tract or stoma for insertion of new tube (use endotracheal tube instead)
Procedure:
1) Remove old tracheostomy tube if obstructed
a. Hyperextend head to extent possible to expose tracheostomy site
b. Apply oxygen over mouth and nose and occlude stoma or tracheostomy tube
c. If existing tube has a cuff, deflate with 5-10 ml syringe (do not cut balloon)
d. Cut or untie cloth ties holding tube in place
e. Withdraw tube using a slow and steady outward and downward motion
f. Assess airway for patency and adequate ventilation
g. Provide oxygen through stoma as needed
2) Replace tracheostomy tube
a. If tube has obturator, place in tube. If tube has outer and inner cannula, use the outer
cannula and obturator for placement.
b. Moisten or lubricate tip of tube and obturator with water, saline, or a water-soluble
lubricant
c. Hold device by flange (wings) or actual tube like a pencil
d. Gently insert tube with arching motion (follow curvature of tube) posteriorly and then
downward. Slight traction on skin above and below stoma may help.
e. Once tube is in place, remove obturator, attach BVM and attempt to ventilate. If tube
uses inner cannula, insert to allow ventilation with BVM.
f. Check for proper placement by observing bilateral chest rise, listening for equal breath
sounds, and general patient assessment. Signs of improper placement include lack of
chest rise, unusual resistance to assisted ventilation, air in surrounding tissues, or lack of
patient improvement.
g. If tube cannot be inserted, withdraw, administer oxygen, and ventilate as needed.
h. If insertion not successful, consider use of smaller tracheostomy tube (if available) or
endotracheal tube placement.
i. An additional aid in placement may be use of a suction catheter as a guide (without
applying suction) for tube placement. Remove obturator and slide tube along suction
catheter into stoma. Remove suction catheter after placement and assess.
Page 36
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
j. If still unsuccessful and patient requires ventilation, consider endotracheal intubation or
BVM ventilation through newborn mask or via nose and mouth with stoma occluded.
3) After proper placement, place tracheostomy ties through openings on flanges and tie around
neck, allowing room for a little finger to pass between ties and neck.

Possible Complications




Creation of false lumen
Subcutaneous air
Pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum
Bleeding at insertion site or through tube
► Stomal Intubation
For patients with existing tracheostomy without tube (mature stoma):
1. Assure an adequate BLS airway.
2. Oxygenate with 100% oxygen using a bag-valve-mask.
3. Select the largest endotracheal tube that will fit through the stoma without force (it should not be
necessary to lubricate the tube).
4. Check cuff, if applicable.
5. Do not use a stylet.
6. Pass endotracheal tube until the cuff is just past the stoma. Right mainstem bronchus intubation
may occur if the tube is placed further since the distance from tracheostomy to carina is less than
10 cm. The tube will protrude from the neck by several inches.
7. Inflate the cuff
8. Immediately assess tube placement with colorimetric end-tidal CO2 indicator (see confirmation
of tube/post-intubation procedure).
9. Auscultate the chest for air entry on the right and left sides equally. Look for symmetric chest
wall rise. Check neck for subcutaneous emphysema, which indicates false passage of tube. If the
chest DOES NOT RISE, extubate and repeat steps 2-7.
10. Secure the tube with tape and ventilate.
Note: Do not attempt to reinsert a dislodged pre-existing tracheostomy tube.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 37
► ResQPOD
ResQPOD impedance threshold device is a novel circulatory enhancement device that is intended to be
an adjunct for intubated adult patients with cardiac arrest. It should not be used on patients with
perfusing pulses or spontaneous breathing or on patients with history of traumatic cardiac arrest due to
blunt chest trauma. The ResQPOD is not required equipment.

Indications



Patients ≥ 9 years of age in cardiac arrest
Contraindications

Patients under the age of nine (9)

Patients with a perfusing pulse or spontaneous breathing

Patients with history of traumatic cardiac arrest due to blunt chest trauma

Patients with flail chest
Procedure
1. Secure advanced airway (because less CPR interruption occurs, King Airway is the ideal
advanced airway to use early in cardiac arrest to facilitate ResQPOD use).
2. Attach bottom of ResQPOD directly to the airway adjunct. Assure tight fit, being sure to
avoid movement of airway.
3. Attach ventilation bag to the ResQPOD.
4. Remove clear tab and slide red timing assist light switch on.
5. Place end-tidal CO2 measurement device between bag and ResQPOD (not between tube and
ResQPOD).
6. Administer 10 breaths per minute. (Timing light flash rate is 10/minute)
Do Not Hyperventilate.
If spontaneous respiration resumes, ResQPOD should be immediately discontinued.
The ResQPOD is to be used for a single patient. If secretions are encountered, clear the device by
shaking it.
Page 38
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
► Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
The purpose of CPAP is to improve ventilation and oxygenation and avoid intubation in patients with
congestive heart failure (CHF) with acute pulmonary edema or other causes of severe respiratory
distress.

Indications
Patients 14 years and older in severe respiratory distress who are:
 Awake and able to follow commands
 Able to maintain a patent airway
 Exhibit two or more of the following:
o Respiratory rate > 25
o Pulse oximetry < 94%
o Use of accessory muscles during respiration
Conditions in which CPAP may be helpful include suspected:
 CHF with pulmonary edema
 Acute exacerbation of COPD or asthma
 Pneumonia
 Near drowning

Absolute Contraindications: (Do NOT Use)






Respiratory or cardiac arrest or agonal respirations
Tracheostomy
Signs and symptoms of pneumothorax
Major facial, head or chest trauma
Vomiting
Procedure
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Place patient in a seated position
Monitor ECG, Vital signs (BP, HR, RR, SPO2)
Set up the CPAP system (per manufacturers recommendation) with pressure set at 7.5 cm H2O
Explain to the patient what you will be doing
Apply mask while reassuring patient – encourage patient to breathe normally (may have a
tendency to hyperventilate)
6) Reevaluate the patient every 5 minutes – normally the patient will improve in the first 5 minutes
with CPAP as evidenced by:
 Decreased heart rate
 Decreased respiratory rate
 Decreased blood pressure
 Increased SPO2
BVM ventilation or endotracheal intubation may be considered, when indicated, if the patient fails to
show improvement.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 39
► Needle Thoracostomy
Needle thoracostomy may be performed to relieve a tension pneumothorax.

Indications

Signs and symptoms of tension pneumothorax, including:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

altered level of consciousness
decreased B/P; increased pulse and respirations
absent breath sounds on the affected side
hyperresonance to percussion on the affected side
jugular vein distension
increased dyspnea or difficulty ventilating
tracheal shift away from the affected side (often difficult to assess)
Contraindications

Any condition other than tension pneumothorax

Equipment




12 – 14 gauge 2 – 3” angiocath
One-way valve
Betadine and alcohol swabs
Occlusive dressing/vaseline gauze

Procedure




10-30 ml syringe
Rubber connecting tubing
Sterile gauze pads
Tape
1) Locate the 2nd ICS in the midclavicular line on the same side as the pneumothorax (An alternate
site is the fourth or fifth intercostal space, in the mid-axillary line).
2) Prep site
3) Attach syringe to 10 - 14 gauge angiocath.
4) Make insertion on top of lower rib at a 90o angle.
5) Advance slightly superior to clear rib, then back to 90o angle, to make "Z" track puncture.
6) A "give" will be felt upon entering the pleural space. Air and/or blood should push the syringe
plunger back.
7) Advance catheter superiorly, remove needle and allow pressure to be relieved.
8) Attach one-way valve.
9) Apply vaseline gauze/occlusive dressing to site and cover with dressing.
10) Secure catheter and one-way valve.
a. criss-cross taping for catheter.
b. tape down to prevent leakage.
c. tape one-way valve in dependent position.
Reassess - expect rapid improvement in clinical condition and breath sounds.
Page 40
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
► Vascular Access

General Indications


Emergent administration of intravenous medication or fluid bolus
Anticipated emergent need to administer intravenous medications or fluid bolus

General Contraindications
 Situations in which an IV is “precautionary” – without need or anticipated emergent need for
use for medications or fluids.
 External jugular and intraosseous access are contraindicated in stable patients.

Other Considerations
 In difficult access situations (e.g. history IV drug use, dialysis patient), IM alternatives (e.g.
glucagon, naloxone, morphine, midazolam) are generally appropriate if intravenous fluid is
not required.
 For critical trauma patients, IV access should occur en route to the hospital or helispot.
 Timely transport is important in a number of conditions (e.g. stroke, STEMI, and pulmonary
edema) and vascular access attempts should not unduly delay scene departure.
 In patients with potential need only, no more than two attempts should be made.
Access Site / Type
Saline Lock
Upper Extremity IV
(available vein)
Antecubital IV
Intraosseous Access
(IO)
External Jugular IV
Indication / Comments
Indicated for vascular access in upper extremity when medication alone is
being administered or a potential need for medication is anticipated.
Indicated when fluids and / or medications are needed, and patient not in shock
or arrest.
Indicated in arrest, shock or when adenosine (rapid IV bolus) is required
 In arrest, use intraosseous access if rapid peripheral access cannot be
obtained within 30-60 seconds
Appropriate if other peripheral sites not available and medication or fluids
indicated
Indicated in cardiac arrest, profound shock, or unstable dysrhythmia when
peripheral IV access cannot be accomplished or a suitable vein cannot be
rapidly found
 Should be done only when medication or fluid bolus is being administered,
not for prophylactic vascular access
 Not indicated when other routes for medications available (IM, IN)
 Not indicated in alert or stable patients
 IO infusion is PAINFUL! In non-arrest patients, use lidocaine for pain
control PRIOR to giving fluid or medication
Indicated only when unstable patient requires vascular access for emergent IV
medication or fluids, no peripheral site is available and patient not appropriate
for IO access (e.g., when patient is alert)
 Use intraosseous access in arrest situations (does not disrupt CPR)
 Use alternative routes for medications when possible rather than EJ
o Patients requiring treatment of hypoglycemia should receive IM
glucagon – monitoring for 10-15 minutes is appropriate before EJ
considered
o Use intranasal or IM route for naloxone in respiratory depression
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 41
► Intraosseous Infusion (Pediatric and Adult)
Intraosseous infusion may be performed by EMT-P’s who have successfully completed a Contra Costa
County EMS approved training course.

Indications
 After evaluation of potential IV sites, it is determined that an IV attempt would not be
successful;
 One of the following conditions exists:
o cardiac or respiratory arrest, impending arrest, or unstable dysrhythmia
o shock or evolving shock, regardless of cause

Absolute Contraindications
 Fracture or suspected vascular compromise of the selected tibia
 Inability to locate anatomical landmarks for insertion

Relative Contraindications
 Skin infection or burn overlying the area of insertion

Equipment
 Povodine-based prep solution
 IV of NS attached to 500ml bag in
pediatric patients
 IV NS 1 liter in adult patients
 10/12 ml syringe filled with normal
saline
 Sterile gloves
 Pressure bag for IV fluid administration

 Intraosseous needle (suitable to age 8)
- OR  Automated IO insertion device (EZ-IO
PD) up to 40 kg
 Automated IO insertion device (EZ-IO
AD) if over 40 kg
 Lidocaine 2% for injection
Procedure
1) Locate and prep the insertion site. For children, place supine with a rolled towel under the knee,
restrain if necessary. Select extremity (if applicable) without evidence of trauma or infection.
2) Put on gloves and thoroughly prep the area with the antiseptic solution.
3) Locate insertion site:
a. In small children (3-12 kg), the tibial tuberosity cannot be palpated as a landmark, so the
insertion site is two finger-breadths below the patella in the flat aspect of the medial tibia.
b. In larger children (13-39 kg), the insertion site is located on the flat aspect of the medial
tibia one finger-breadth below the level of the tibial tuberosity. If tibial tuberosity not
palpable, insert two finger-breadths below the patella in the flat aspect of the medial tibia.
c. For adults, proximal or distal tibial sites may be utilized.
i. The proximal tibial site is one finger-breadth medial to the tibial tuberosity.
ii. The distal tibial site is 2 finger-breadths above the medial malleolus (inside aspect
of ankle) in the midline of the shaft of the tibia.
4) Introduce the intraosseous needle at a 90° angle, to the flat surface of the tibia.
5) For manual insertion, pierce the bony cortex using a firm rotary or drilling motion (do not move
needle side to side or up and down). A distinct change in resistance will be felt upon entry into
the medullary space.
6) Remove the stylet and confirm intramedullary placement by injecting, without marked resistance,
10 ml normal saline.
Page 42
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
7) Attach IV tubing to the intraosseous hub.
8) Anchor needle to overlying skin with tape.
9) If unable to establish on first attempt, make one attempt on opposite leg, no more than two (2)
attempts total.
10) Monitor pulses distal to area of placement
11) Monitor leg for signs of swelling or cool temperature which may indicate infiltration of fluids
into surrounding tissue.
12) For adult patients who awaken and have pain related to infusion, slowly administer
LIDOCAINE 20 mg IO. May repeat dose once.
13) For pediatric patients with pain related to infusion, slowly administer LIDOCAINE 0.5 mg/kg
IO (max dose 20 mg).

Possible Complications
 Local infiltration of fluids/drugs into the subcutaneous tissue due to improper needle
placement
 Cessation of the infusion due to clotting in the needle, or the bevel of the needle being lodged
against the posterior cortex
 Osteomyelitis or sepsis
 Fluid overload
 Fat or bone emboli
 Fracture
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 43
► External Jugular Vein Cannulation

Indications
For intravenous access when meeting both of the following criteria:



Contraindications (Relative)



Arrest or profound shock. Intraosseous access is more reliably obtained.
Suspected coagulopathy (e.g. advanced liver disease or taking coumadin)
Contraindications (Absolute)



Emergent need for fluid bolus or intravenous medication and no peripheral access is
available;
No alternative route is available for administration or treatment (i.e. glucagon IM for
hypoglycemia or naloxone IM or intranasally).
Inability to tolerate supine position
Stable patient
Procedure
1) Place patient in trendelenburg (preferred) or supine position.
2) Elevate shoulders on rolled towel or sheet
3) Turn head 45 to 60 degrees to side opposite of intended venipuncture site.
4) Palpate to assure no pulsatile quality to vessel.
5) Cleanse venipuncture site with appropriate solution.
6) “Tourniquet” vein by placing finger just above clavicle near midclavicular line.
7) Stabilize skin over vein with thumb.
8) Point needle toward shoulder in direction of vein, and puncture vein midway between jaw
and clavicle over belly of sternocleidomastoid muscle.
9) Maintain compression of vein at clavicle area until needle withdrawn and IV tubing has been
connected in order to prevent air from entering vein.
10) Secure IV site.

Possible Complications



Page 44
Air embolism
Hematoma requiring compression of neck
Extravasation of fluid or medication, infection, thrombosis
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
► Saline Lock
A saline lock is used to provide IV access in patients who do not require continuous infusion of solutions
and administration of multiple medications is not anticipated. If a saline lock is in place, it may be used
to administer one to two medications in an emergent situation, prior to connecting a primed IV line.

Indications


Any patient where placement of a prophylactic IV line is appropriate
Contraindications

Patient presentations which may require IV fluid replacement or multiple IV medication
administrations

Patients requiring administration of D50

Equipment





IV start pak or equivalent
Intravenous catheter of appropriate gauge (not to be used with 24 gauge catheters).
Saline lock catheter plug with short extension
3ml syringe
Sterile normal saline (3-5ml)

Procedure
1) Explain the procedure to the patient.
2) Remove catheter plug and attached extension set from package and prime with normal saline.
3) Prepare the site for venipuncture.
4) After venipuncture, secure extension set to hub of catheter and affix to patient's skin.
5) Prep rubber stopper on saline lock, insert needle, and slowly flush with at least 3ml of normal
saline while observing for signs of infiltration.
6) While injecting the last .2ml of normal saline, continue exerting pressure on the syringe plunger
while withdrawing the needle from the saline lock.
7) If a medication is administered via the saline lock, flush with at least 3ml of normal saline
following administration of the medication.
NOTE: If the patient requires fluid bolus or administration of multiple medications, remove saline lock
and secure primed IV tubing to catheter.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 45
► Intranasal Administration of Naloxone

Indications
Patients with altered mental status who have respiratory rate of less than 12 and in whom an
opiate overdose is suspected.


Contraindications

Patients do not meet criteria for naloxone administration

Patients in whom vascular access has already been established for other reasons

Patients with increased upper respiratory secretions (e.g., due to bleeding or URI)

Patients with shock and signs of poor perfusion
Equipment
 Mucosal Atomizer Device (MAD)
 Naloxone 2 mg/ml

Procedure
1) Assess ABC’s and support ventilation as needed.
2) Load syringe with naloxone 2 mg and attach MAD to syringe.
3) Place atomizer in nostril.
4) Administer 1 mg (one-half of dose) in each nostril
5) Continue to support respirations as needed.
6) Consider use of IM or IV naloxone if no response and opiate overdose is suspected.

Note
Intranasal administration may also be less effective in patients with pre-existing nasal
mucosa damage.
Page 46
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
► Pulse Oximetry
Pulse oximetry is a method of detecting hypoxia in patients. A pulse oximeter measures arterial blood
oxygen saturation and provides a reading as a percent of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen. (% SpO2)
A normal pulse oximetry reading for a person breathing room air is in the high 90s. A SpO2 reading of
less than 95% may indicate hypoxia and should be investigated.
While the pulse oximeter is a sensitive device that may detect hypoxia long before overt signs and
symptoms of hypoxia are present, it is very important to remember that the pulse oximeter is just one
tool used in assessment of the patient. The reading must be used in conjunction with other assessment
findings to make a determination of whether the patient is hypoxic or not.
In addition to indicating hypoxia, the pulse oximeter is a good tool for monitoring the effectiveness of
airway management and oxygen therapy and to detect if the patient is deteriorating or improving.


Indications:

When the patient’s oxygen status is a concern

When hypoxia is suspected
Limitations:
The pulse oximeter needs pulsatile arterial blood flow to determine an accurate reading. Any condition
that interferes with the blood flow in the area where the probe is attached may produce an erroneous
reading. The following conditions may produce no reading or inaccurate readings:



Shock or hypoperfusion states associated with blood loss or poor perfusion

Hypothermia or cold injury to the extremities

Excessive movement of the patient

During some types of seizures

Nail polish if the finger probe is used

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Anemia
Equipment:

Pulse Oximeter

Probes (pedi/adult)
Procedure:
1) If possible, apply the pulse oximeter prior to administration of oxygen. Do not delay
administration of oxygen in a suspected hypoxic patient.
2) Choose a site that is well perfused and least restricts a conscious patient’s movement.
3) Clean and dry site prior to sensor placement.
4) Apply appropriate sensor for patient.
5) Monitor and document the SpO2 as a sixth vital sign.
6) Continue to assess the respiratory status, include rate and tidal volume.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 47
► Blood Glucose Testing
Glucose testing is to be done on all patients presenting with an altered level of consciousness from either
medical or traumatic causes. Patients with known diabetes and suspected hypoglycemia (e.g.,
diaphoresis, weakness) should also be tested. Testing may be done from a digit blood sample or a
venous sample.


Indications
Any patient with an altered level of consciousness

Any patient with signs or symptoms suggestive of hypoglycemia
Equipment






Alcohol Swabs
Finger lancets (for digit samples)
Cotton Balls/sterile gauze pads
Glucose Testing device and strips
Procedure
1) If obtaining blood sample via finger stick:
a. Cleanse finger with alcohol swab.
b. Puncture finger tip with lancet.
c. Place drop of blood on glucose test strip per manufacturer's instructions.
d. Place gauze/cotton ball on puncture site with pressure to stop bleeding.
e. Use glucose testing device per manufacturer's instructions.
f. If blood sugar is less than or equal to 60mg/dl, give Dextrose as specified in field
treatment guidelines.
2) If obtaining blood sample via venipuncture (e.g., at IV start), follow steps c-f above.
Page 48
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
► External Cardiac Pacing
External cardiac pacing may be performed for the treatment of symptomatic bradycardia. This
procedure is required for transport providers and optionally available for first-responder paramedic
providers.

Indications
 Symptomatic bradycardia (heart rate less than 60 and one or more signs or symptoms below)
Signs and symptoms:
o Blood pressure less than 90 systolic;
o Shock—Signs of poor perfusion, evidenced by:
 decreased level of consciousness or decreased sensorium;
 prolonged capillary refill;
 cool extremities or cyanosis;
o Chest pain, diaphoresis;
o CHF or acute shortness of breath.

Contraindications
 Patients with asymptomatic bradycardia (pacing equipment should be immediately available)
 Asystole
 Brady-asystolic cardiac arrest
 Hypothermia (relative contraindication) – patient warming measures have precedence
 Children less than 14 years old (hypoxia/respiratory problems are most likely causes of
bradycardia in children and should be addressed.)

Equipment
 Cardiac monitor/defibrillator with pacing capability
 Pacing electrodes

Procedure
1) Patient assessment and treatment per Symptomatic Bradycardia treatment guideline.
2) Explain procedure to the patient.
3) Place pacing electrodes and attach pacing cable to pacing device per manufacturer's
recommendations.
4) Set pacing mode to demand mode, pacing rate to 80 BPM, and current at 10 mA.
5) As possible/if required, provide patient sedation/pain relief with midazolam or morphine sulfate
IV or IM. Patients with profound shock and markedly altered level of consciousness may not
require sedation/pain relief initially.
6) Activate pacing device and increase the current in 10 mA increments until capture is achieved
(pacemaker produces pulse with each paced QRS complex).
7) Assess patient for mechanical capture and clinical improvement (BP, pulses, skin signs, LOC).
8) Continue monitoring. Contact base for further orders if patient symptoms are not resolving
(consideration for dopamine, further alteration of pacer settings) or if further sedation /pain
control orders required.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 49
► 12-Lead Electrocardiography

Indications







Contraindications (relative)

Uncooperative patient

Any other condition in which delay to obtain ECG would compromise care of the patient (e.g.,
arrhythmia requiring immediate shock or pacing)
Equipment






Chest pain/Acute Coronary Syndrome
o Includes patients with atypical symptoms or anginal equivalents such as shortness of
breath, syncope, dizziness, weakness, diaphoresis, nausea/vomiting, or altered level of
consciousness. Elderly patients, females and diabetics are more likely to present
atypically.
Arrhythmias (both pre- and post-conversion) if patient stable or not in extremis
Suspected cardiogenic shock
Consider in pulmonary edema if patient not in extremis (may be presentation in ischemia)
Consider in cardiac arrest patients with return of spontaneous circulation
Monitor-defibrillator with 12-lead ECG capability
Electrodes for limb leads and chest leads
Clippers, scissors, or razor for chest hair removal
Gauze or commercially available skin prep for electrode placement
Sheet or blanket to cover patient as necessary while obtaining ECG
Procedure
1. Expose Chest. Remove excess hair. Prep skin.
2. Place electrodes on chest and limbs.
(See 12-lead placement)
3. Acquire ECG tracing as per manufacturer’s direction. ECG should be done prior to
administration of nitroglycerin (NTG).
4. If baseline artifact or other artifact is noted, repeat ECG as machine readout may be incorrect
5. Patient destination should be promptly determined per STEMI Triage and Destination Policy if
machine notes
 ***Acute MI*** (Zoll) or;
 ***Acute MI Suspected*** (Lifepak-12); or
 ***Meets ST-Elevation MI Criteria (Lifepak-15)
and no significant artifact is noted.
6. Perform V4R in patients who have inferior MI infarct pattern noted (ST-segment elevation in
leads II, III and aVF). Label ECG to note V4R (machine will not mark lead).
Page 50
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
7. Perform repeat ECG’s if any question about quality of ECG or if intial ECG does not show STelevation and syspected cardiac symptoms continue.
8. Leave electrodes in place unless defibrillation, cardioversion, or pacing is required
9. Deliver copy of ECG to hospital personnel caring for the patient upon arrival in the Emergency
Department.
10. A copy of 12-lead ECG shall be forwarded with the PCR to the appropriate personnel at the
provider agency.

12-Lead Placement
1. Limb leads should be placed on distal extremities if possible. May be moved to proximal if
needed.
2. Chest leads should be placed:
V1 – 4th intercostal space at the right sternal border
V2 – 4th intercostal space at the left sternal border
V3 – Directly between V2 and V4
V4 – 5th intercostal space at left
midclavicular line
V5 – Level of V4 at left anterior axillary
line
V6 – Level of V4 at left mid-axillary line
V4R – Place in 5th intercostal space at right
midclavicular line

V4R
Documentation
Required documentation includes:
1. The performance of the 12-lead ECG procedure(s);
2. Findings of the 12-lead ECG;
3. Confirmation of a STEMI Alert (if applicable);
4. Electronic attachment of ECG data to the PCR.

STEMI Alert
The STEMI Receiving Center should receive a STEMI Alert as soon as possible after an ECG indicates
STEMI (based on the listed messages noted above) and the machine interpretation is felt to be correct
(e.g., no significant artifact). The alert should follow SBAR format in accordance with the STEMI
Triage and Destination Policy.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 51
► LUCAS Chest Compression System
The LUCAS Chest Compression System is designed to perform external chest compressions on adult
patients. It is a safe and efficient tool that standardizes chest compressions in accordance with the latest
scientific guidelines.

Indications



Adult patients with medical cardiac arrest
Cases where manual chest compression would be used
Contraindications
Do NOT use LUCAS Chest Compression System in the following cases:






Adult patient too small: The pad within the suction cup does not touch patient’s chest when
it is lowered as far as possible.
Adult patient too large: The support legs of the LUCAS cannot be locked to the back plate
without compressing the patient.
Patient < 18 years old
Traumatic arrest
Pregnant patients
Equipment
 LUCAS Chest Compression System
 Air Tanks (2) with LUCAS regulator preattached

Procedure
1) Arrival at the patient:
a. Confirm cardiac arrest by determining level of consciousness, breathing and pulse.
b. If the patient has suffered a cardiac arrest, establish a team leader and commence
manual CPR.
If CPR already being done when you arrive, assess patient and take over CPR from
bystander(s).
2) CPR or Defibrillation
a. For unwitnessed arrests or witnessed arrests with 5 minutes or more time elapsed
without CPR before arrival of first responders, provide 2 minutes or 5 cycles of CPR.
b. For all other witnessed arrest, provide CPR until defibrillator available.
c. Prepare LUCAS device.
Minimize interruptions in CPR.
3) Connecting the Air:
a. Confirm that the ON/OFF knob is in the Adjust (1) position.
b. If not already connected, attach the air hose to the connector.
c. Attach the connector to a portable air cylinder.
Page 52
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
d. If using a pressure regulator, open the air valve.
4) When initial CPR or Defibrillation is complete - Assemble the LUCAS:
a. Take the back plate out of the bag
b. At the direction of the team leader - Interrupt CPR
c. Place the back plate under body below patient’s armpits – use two people to lift
patient – supporting head.
d. Resume manual CPR
e. Attach compressor – extend legs with claw locks open
Connecting to back plate – listen for click
f. Pull up once to ensure attachment
g. Position suction cup – the lower edge of the cup should be positioned immediately
above the end of the sternum – the suction cup should be centered over the sternum
h. Lower suction cup until the pressure pad inside the suction cup touches the patient’s
chest without compressing the chest.
Adjust as needed - It is critical that the pad is correctly positioned to prevent
unwarranted injuries.
Mark the chest at the edge of the suction cup using the permanent marker
5) Start Compressions using the LUCAS
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
When the position of the suction cup is correct
Turn the ON/OFF knob to Engage (3) (Active)
Check that the device is working as it should
Apply the stabilization strap
Secure the patient’s arms with the straps on the support legs.
Turn ON/OFF knob to Lock (2) to pause compressions for:
a. Ventilations when doing bag-mask ventilation
b. Analysis using an AED and
c. Rhythm check using a manual monitor defibrillator.
LUCAS may be used continuously with intubated patients.
NOTE:
LUCAS is only intended for temporary use.
LUCAS is only intended for use in the prehospital setting.
LUCAS will be attended by a trained first responder at all times and the first
responder will remain with the device until transfer of care to the emergency room
personnel can be done.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 53
Field Manual
(Treatment Guidelines)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Adult Treatment Guidelines
A1 – Adult Patient Care
A2 – Chest Pain / Suspected ACS
A3 – Cardiac Arrest – Initial Care and CPR
A4 – Ventricular Fibrillation / V. Tachycardia
A5 – PEA / Asystole
A6 – Symptomatic Bradycardia
A7 – Ventricular Tachycardia with Pulses
A8 – Supraventricular Tachycardia
A9 – Other Dysrhythmias
A10 – Shock
Pediatric Treatment Guidelines
P1 – Pediatric Patient Care
P2 – Cardiac Arrest – Initial Care and CPR
P3 – Neonatal Resuscitation
P4 – Ventricular Fibrillation / V. Tachycardia
P5 – PEA / Asystole
P6 – Symptomatic Bradycardia
P7 – Tachycardia
P8 – Shock
Procedures and Patient Care References
Spinal Immobilization
Vascular Access
12-Lead ECG and STEMI
Key Paramedic Procedures
Pediatric Assessment
Pediatric Vital Signs and GCS Scoring
ABC Maneuvers for Adults, Children and Infants
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
General Treatment Guidelines
(All Patients)
G1 – Allergy and Anaphylaxis
G2 – Altered Level of Consciousness
G3 – Behavioral Emergency
G4 – Burns
G5 – Childbirth
G6 – Dystonic Reaction
G7 – Envenomation
G8 – Heat Illness / Hyperthermia
G9 – Hypothermia
G10 – Pain Management
G11 – Poisoning / Overdose
G12 – Respiratory Depression or Apnea
G13 – Respiratory Distress
G14 – Seizure
G15 – Stroke
G16 – Trauma
Policy Summaries / Hospital References
Base Hospital and Receiving Facilities
Destination Determination
Destination - 5150 and Obstetric Patients
Trauma Triage Criteria
Trauma Base Call-In Criteria
Helicopter Transport Criteria
Rule of Nines (Burn Surface Area)
Burn Patient Destination
Burn Centers
Declining Medical Care or Transport (AMA)
Determination of Death
Restraints
Drug References
Adult Drug Reference
Dopamine Drip Chart
Pediatric Drug Reference
Pediatric Drug Dosage Charts
Page 57
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
This field manual is intended to provide Contra Costa EMS prehospital personnel with quick reference
to treatment guidelines and other critical reference materials for patient treatment.
The Contra Costa Prehospital Care Manual includes the contents of this field manual as well as
additional reference materials not in this manual. The entire Prehospital Care Manual can be accessed
at www.cccems.org. Updates and corrections to this manual may also be posted at this website.
Treatment Guidelines are divided into three main groupings: Adult, Pediatric, and General Guidelines.
The General Guidelines include treatment guidelines that pertain to both adult and pediatric treatments.
Treatment Guidelines A1 (Adult General Care) and P1 (Pediatric General Care) address basic concepts
of care that are pertinent to all patients. This information is not repeated in other treatment guidelines.
Policy summaries reflect critical information for field personnel. For full policies, please refer to
www.cccems.org.
Page 58
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
A1
ADULT
ADULT PATIENT CARE
These basic concepts should be addressed for all adult patients (age 15 and over)
Scene Safety
Body
Substance
Isolation
Use universal blood and body fluid precautions at all times



Assure open and adequate airway. Management of ABC’s is a priority.
Place patient in position of comfort unless condition mandates other position (e.g.
shock, coma)
Consider spinal immobilization if history or possibility of traumatic injury exists


Apply appropriate field treatment guideline(s)
Explain procedures to patient and family as appropriate


Contact base hospital if any questions arise concerning treatment or if additional
medication beyond dosages listed in treatment guidelines are considered
Use SBAR to communicate with base
Transport



Minimize scene time in critical trauma, STEMI, stroke, shock, and respiratory failure
Transport patient medications or current list of patient medications to the hospital
Give report to receiving facility using SBAR
Document
Document patient assessment and care per policy
Systematic
Assessment
Determine
Primary
Impression
Base Contact
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 59
A2
ADULT
OXYGEN
PRECAUTION
Nitroglycerin
CHEST PAIN
SUSPECTED ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME
Low flow
Caution: Do not administer or allow patient to take Nitroglycerin if patient has taken
erectile dysfunction meds Viagra or Levitra within 24 hrs or Cialis within 36 hrs. In
these situations, severe hypotension may occur as a result of NTG administration.
BLS Personnel: Allow patient to take own if BP greater than 90
CARDIAC MONITOR
12 – LEAD ECG
ASPIRIN
IV
NITROGLYCERIN
STEMI Alert if appropriate. Perform right-sided lead (V4R) if inferior MI noted.
Repeat ECGs are encouraged.
325 mg po to be chewed by patient – DO NOT administer if patient has allergies to
aspirin or salicylates or has apparent active gastrointestinal bleeding
TKO
0.4 mg sl if systolic BP above 90. May repeat every 5 minutes until pain subsides,
maximum 6 doses or BP less than 90 systolic.
Do not administer Nitroglycerin if Right Ventricular MI suspected
2-20 mg IV in 2-4 mg increments for pain relief if BP greater than 90 and NTG not
effective. Consider earlier administration to patients in severe distress from pain.
Consider
MORPHINE
SULFATE
Consider
FLUID BOLUS
Titrate to pain relief, systolic BP greater than 90, and adequate respiratory
effort.
If persistent pain, continue NITROGLYCERIN to maximum of 6 doses.
Do not administer Morphine Sulfate if Right Ventricular MI suspected
250 ml NS if BP less than 90, lungs clear and unresponsive to positioning.
May repeat X 1. Patients with Right Ventricular MI may require multiple fluid
boluses.
Key Treatment Considerations











Page 60
Classic symptoms: Substernal pain, discomfort or tightness with radiation to jaw, left shoulder
or arm, nausea, diaphoresis, dyspnea, anxiety
Diabetic, female or elderly patients frequently present atypically
Atypical symptoms can include syncope, weakness or sudden onset fatigue
Rapid identification of STEMI to speed intervention is the goal of 12-lead ECG
12-lead ECG should be acquired as soon as possible after arrival (ideally within 5 minutes)
12-lead ECG should be acquired before initial NTG administration
Minimize scene time in STEMI patients
If STEMI noted and ST elevation is noted in inferior distribution (leads II, III, and aVF), the possibility for
right ventricular MI (RVMI) exists
o Perform ECG with right-sided lead (V4R) mirrored in the same orientation as V4. RVMI should be
suspected if ST elevation of 1 mm or greater in V4R.
o Patients with RVMI may present with shock or poor perfusion in the presence of clear lungs and
may have JVD.
o Nitroglycerin and Morphine should not be administered in the setting of RVMI. Trendelenburg
positioning and fluid bolus is appropriate treatment for shock in this setting.
If STEMI noted and ST elevation is noted in anterior distribution (V1-V4), patient is at higher risk for
pump failure and CHF on presentation
Many STEMI’s evolve during prehospital period and are not noted during first ECG, so repeat 12-lead
ECGs are encouraged (avoid artifact by patient or vehicle movement)
IV placement prior to NTG recommended in patients who have not taken NTG previously
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
A3
ADULT
AIRWAY
VENTILATIONS
COMPRESSIONS
CARDIAC ARREST – INITIAL CARE AND CPR
Open airway and utilize BLS airway for initial management

If ResQPOD available, King Airway should be used as soon as possible but
should not interfere with compressions - keep interruption less than 10 seconds
Ventilations:

Give 2 breaths initially

Administer each breath over 1 second and observe for chest rise
CPR for 2 minutes or 5 cycles before rhythm analysis if:

Witnessed arrests with 5 minutes or more time elapsed without CPR

Unwitnessed arrests
CPR until defibrillator available for rhythm analysis for all other witnessed arrests
Compressions:

Depth - 1.5-2 inches in adults – allow full recoil of chest

Rate - 100/minute

Compression/ventilation ratio - 30:2

Rotate compressors every 2 minutes if manual compression used
Apply mechanical compression device (if available) after first 2-minute cycle of CPR
To minimize CPR interruptions:

Perform CPR during charging of defibrillator

Resume CPR immediately after shock (do not stop for pulse or rhythm check)
CARDIAC
MONITOR
IV / IO ACCESS
Determine cardiac rhythm and follow specific treatment guideline

Preferred IV site - antecubital vein

If antecubital access not apparent or if unsuccessful, use IO access

IO access is preferable to external jugular

Hand veins and other smaller veins should be avoided in cardiac arrest
Advanced airway management is not essential early in resuscitation and should not
interfere with resuscitation in the first 2-3 CPR cycles (two minutes per cycle)


ADVANCED
AIRWAY





TREATMENT
ON SCENE


Exception: If ResQPOD used, early use of King Airway is appropriate
King Airway may be inserted more rapidly and causes less CPR interruption
than endotracheal intubation efforts
Placement of King Airway or endotracheal tube should not interrupt
compressions for more than 10 seconds
For endotracheal intubation, position and visualize airway prior to cessation of
compressions for tube passage
Ventilation rate with advanced airway – 8-10 breaths/minute
Provide initial and continuous confirmation of tube placement with end-tidal
carbon dioxide monitoring
Movement of a patient may interrupt CPR or prevent adequate depth and rate of
compressions, which may be detrimental to patient outcome
Provide resuscitative efforts on scene up to 30 minutes to maximize chances of
return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)
If resuscitation efforts do not attain ROSC, consider cessation of efforts per
policy
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 61
A4
ADULT
INITIAL CARE
DEFIBRILLATION
CPR
VENTILATION/AIRWAY
VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION
PULSELESS VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA
See Cardiac Arrest – Initial Care and CPR (A3)
200 joules (low energy 120 joules)
For 2 minutes or 5 cycles between rhythm check and shock

If ResQPOD available, utilize King Airway early

If no ResQPOD available, use BLS airway in first 2-3 cycles of CPR
o
Defer advanced airway unless BLS airway inadequate
TKO. Should not delay shock or interrupt CPR
300 joules (low energy 150 joules)
1:10,000 - 1 mg IV or IO every 3-5 minutes
For 2 minutes or 5 cycles between rhythm check and shock
360 joules (low energy 200 joules)
300 mg IV or IO
For 2 minutes or 5 cycles between rhythm check and shock
360 joules (low energy 200 joules) as indicated after every CPR cycle
Should not interfere with first 2-3 CPR cycles – minimize interruptions
IV or IO
DEFIBRILLATION
EPINEPHRINE
CPR
DEFIBRILLATION
AMIODARONE
CPR
DEFIBRILLATION
ADVANCED AIRWAY
Consider repeat
If rhythm persists, 150 mg IV or IO, 3-5 minutes after initial dose
AMIODARONE
TRANSPORT
If indicated
Consider SODIUM
1 mEq/kg IV or IO for suspected hyperkalemia, profound acidosis or prolonged
BICARBONATE
down time with return of circulation
If Return of Spontaneous Circulation, see Symptomatic Bradycardia (A6), Shock (A10) if treatment indicated
Key Treatment Considerations












Page 62
Uninterrupted CPR and timely defibrillations are the keys to successful resuscitation. Their performance
takes precedence over advanced airway management and administration of medications.
To minimize CPR interruptions, perform CPR during charging, and immediately resume CPR after shock
administered (no pulse or rhythm check)
Avoid hyperventilation. If intubated, give 8 to 10 ventilations per minute, administered over one second.
If advanced airway placed, perform CPR continuously without pauses for ventilation
If available, ResQPOD impedance threshold device may be used
Place King Airway to utilize ResQPOD early in CPR
If utilizing Endotracheal Tube, minimize CPR interruptions by positioning airway and laryngoscope, and
performing airway visualization prior to cessation of CPR for tube passage. Immediately resume CPR
after passage.
Confirm placement of advanced airway (King Airway or ET tube) with end-tidal carbon dioxide
measurement and continuously monitor
Prepare drugs before rhythm check and administer during CPR
Give drugs as soon as possible after rhythm check confirms VF/pulseless VT (before or after shock)
Follow each drug with 20 ml NS flush
Sodium bicarbonate should only be given for listed indications, and should not be given if ventilation
ineffective
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
A5
ADULT
PULSELESS ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY / ASYSTOLE
INITIAL CARE
See Cardiac Arrest – Initial Care and CPR (A3)
VENTILATION/AIRWAY


IV or IO
TKO
EPINEPHRINE
1:10,000 1 mg IV or IO every 3-5 minutes
If ResQPOD available, utilize King Airway early
If no ResQPOD available, use BLS airway in first 2-3 cycles of CPR
o
Defer advanced airway unless BLS airway inadequate
Asystole or PEA with rate less than 60: 1 mg IV or IO.
Repeat every 3-5 minutes to total dose of 3 mg
Consider treatable causes – treat if applicable:
Consider
500 ml NS IV or IO for hypovolemia
FLUID BOLUS
VENTILATION
Ensure adequate ventilation (8-10 breaths per minute) for hypoxia.
ATROPINE
Consider SODIUM
BICARBONATE
Consider CALCIUM
CHLORIDE
1 mEq/kg IV or IO for hydrogen ion (acidosis), tricyclic antidepressant or
aspirin overdose, or hyperkalemia
500 mg IV or IO – may repeat in 5-10 minutes for hyperkalemia or calcium
channel blocker overdose
WARMING MEASURES
For hypothermia
Consider NEEDLE
For tension pneumothorax
THORACOSTOMY
If Return of Spontaneous Circulation, see Symptomatic Bradycardia (A6), Shock (A10) if treatment indicated
Key Treatment Considerations

Uninterrupted CPR is the key to successful resuscitation. Its performance takes precedence over
advanced airway management and administration of medications.


Avoid hyperventilation. If intubated, give 8 to 10 ventilations per minute, administered over one second
If advanced airway placed, perform CPR continuously without pauses for ventilation



If available, ResQPOD impedance threshold device may be used
Place King Airway to utilize ResQPOD early in CPR
If utilizing Endotracheal Tube, minimize CPR interruptions by positioning airway and laryngoscope, and
performing airway visualization prior to cessation of CPR for tube passage. Immediately resume CPR
after passage.
Confirm placement of advanced airway (King Airway or ET tube) with end-tidal carbon dioxide
measurement and continuously monitor




Prepare drugs before rhythm check and administer during CPR
Follow each drug with 20 ml NS flush
Acidosis or hyperkalemia should be suspected in patients with renal failure or dialysis or if suspected
diabetic ketoacidosis
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 63
A6
ADULT
SYMPTOMATIC BRADYCARDIA -
Heart rate less than 60 with signs or symptoms of poor perfusion (e.g., acute altered mental status,
hypotension, other signs of shock)
OXYGEN
High flow. Be prepared to support ventilation as needed
CARDIAC MONITOR
12-LEAD ECG
Consider pre- and post-treatment if condition permits
TKO. If not promptly available, proceed to external cardiac pacing. Consider IO
IV
ACCESS if patient in extremis and unconscious or not responsive to painful stimuli.
TRANSCUTANEOUS Set rate at 80
PACING
Start at 10 mA, and increase in 10 mA increments until capture is achieved
If pacing urgently needed, sedate after pacing initiated.
Consider

MIDAZOLAM - initial dose 1 mg IV or IO, titrated in 1-2 mg increments
SEDATION
(maximum dose 5 mg), and/or

MORPHINE SULFATE 1-5 mg IV or IO in 1 mg increments for pain relief if BP
90 systolic or greater

0.5 mg IV or IO if availability of pacing delayed or pacing ineffective
Consider

Consider repeat 0.5 mg IV or IO every 3-5 minutes to maximum of 3 mg
ATROPINE
Use with caution in patients with suspected ongoing cardiac ischemia.
Atropine should not be used in wide-QRS second- and third-degree blocks.
TRANSPORT
Consider
250-500 ml NS if clear lung sounds and no respiratory distress
FLUID BOLUS
Consider DOPAMINE
Begin infusion at 5 mcg/kg/min if not responsive to pacing or atropine (see table)
Key Treatment Considerations






Page 64
Sinus bradycardia in the absence of key symptoms requires no specific treatment (monitor / observe)
Sedation prior to starting pacing is not required. Patients with urgent need should be paced first.
The objective of sedation in pacing is to decrease discomfort, not to decrease level of consciousness.
Patients who are in need of pacing are unstable and sedation should be done with great caution.
Monitor respiratory status closely and support ventilation as needed
Atropine is not effective for bradycardia in heart-transplant patients (no vagus nerve innervation in these
patients)
Patients with wide-QRS second- and third-degree blocks will not have a response to atropine because
these heart rates are not based on vagal tone. An increase in ventricular arrhythmias may occur.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
A7
ADULT
VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA WITH PULSES
Widened QRS Complex (greater than or equal to 0.12 sec) – generally regular rhythm
INITIAL THERAPY
OXYGEN
High flow. Be prepared to support ventilation as needed.
CARDIAC MONITOR
12-LEAD ECG
Consider pre- and post treatment if condition permits
IV
TKO
AMIODARONE
150 mg IV over 10 minutes (intermittent IV push or IV infusion of 15 mg/min)
Consider repeat
AMIODARONE
If rhythm persists and patient remains stable, 150 mg IV over 10 minutes
STABLE VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA
UNSTABLE VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA
Poor perfusion, moderate to severe chest pain, dyspnea, blood pressure less than 90 or CHF
Consider
Prepare for CARDIOVERSION: If awake and aware, sedate with
SEDATION
MIDAZOLAM - initial dose 1 mg IV, titrate in 1-2 mg increments (max. dose 5 mg)
SYNCHRONIZED
CARDIOVERSION
100 joules (low energy setting – 75 W/S)
200 joules (low energy setting – 120 W/S)
300 joules (low energy setting – 150 W/S)
360 joules (low energy setting – 200 W/S)
If VT recurs, use lowest energy level previously successful
Key Treatment Considerations


Document rhythm during treatment with continuous strip recording
Rhythm analysis should be based on recorded strip, not monitor screen

Be prepared for previously stable patient to become unstable



Give AMIODARONE via Infusion or slow IV push only
Caution with administration of AMIODARONE. May cause hypotension, especially if given rapidly.
AMIODARONE should not be used in unstable patients. Patients with pre-existing hypotension should
be considered unstable and should not receive AMIODARONE.

If sedation done for cardioversion, monitor respiratory status closely and support ventilations as needed
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 65
A8
ADULT
SUPRAVENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA
Heart rate greater than 150 beats per minute – regular rhythm usually with narrow QRS complex
INITIAL THERAPY
OXYGEN
High flow. Be prepared to support ventilation as needed.
CARDIAC MONITOR
12-LEAD ECG
IV
Consider pre- and post-treatment if condition permits
TKO
STABLE SUPRAVENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA (SVT)
May have mild chest discomfort
VALSALVA
Consider
ADENOSINE
6 mg rapid IV - followed by 20 ml normal saline flush
If not converted, 12 mg rapid IV 1-2 minutes after initial dose, followed by 20
ml normal saline flush. May repeat dose once.
UNSTABLE SVT
May need immediate synchronized cardioversion
Signs of poor perfusion, moderate to severe chest pain, dyspnea, blood pressure less than 90 or CHF
If rhythm not regular, SVT unlikely
If wide QRS complex, consider ventricular tachycardia
Consider
ADENOSINE
Consider
SEDATION
SYNCHRONIZED
CARDIOVERSION
6 mg rapid IV - followed by 20 ml normal saline flush.
If not converted, 12 mg rapid IV 1-2 minutes after initial dose, followed by 20
ml normal saline flush. May repeat dose once.
Prepare for CARDIOVERSION. If awake and aware, sedate with
MIDAZOLAM - initial dose 1 mg IV, titrate in 1-2 mg increments (max. dose 5 mg)
50 joules (low energy setting – 50 W/S)
100 joules (low energy setting – 75 W/S)
200 joules (low energy setting – 120 W/S)
300 joules (low energy setting – 150 W/S)
360 joules (low energy setting – 200 W/S)
Key Treatment Considerations
Page 66





Document rhythm during treatment with continuous strip recording
Rhythm analysis should be based on recorded strip, not monitor screen
Be prepared for previously stable patient to become unstable
Proceed to cardioversion if patient becomes unstable
Do not administer Adenosine if poison - or drug-induced tachycardia

If sedation done for cardioversion, monitor respiratory status closely and support ventilation as needed
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
A9
ADULT
OTHER CARDIAC DYSRHYTHMIAS
SINUS TACHYCARDIA – Heart rate 100-160, regular
ATRIAL FIBRILLATION – Heart rate highly variable, irregular
ATRIAL FLUTTER – Variable rate depending on block. Atrial rate 250-350, “saw-tooth” pattern
INITIAL THERAPY
OXYGEN
Low flow. High flow if unstable.
CARDIAC MONITOR
Consider
12-LEAD ECG
Consider IV
12-lead ECG pre- and post-treatment if patient symptomatic and condition permits
TKO
UNSTABLE ATRIAL FIBRILLATION OR ATRIAL FLUTTER
Ventricular rate greater than 150, and:
BP less than 80, or unconsciousness / obtundation, or severe chest pain or dyspnea
OXYGEN
High flow. Be prepared to support ventilation.
Consider
Prepare for CARDIOVERSION. If awake and aware, sedate with
SEDATION
MIDAZOLAM - initial dose 1 mg IV, titrate in 1-2 mg increments (max. dose 5 mg)
Atrial Flutter Only - Initial Level: 50 joules (low energy setting – 50 joules)
SYNCHRONIZED
CARDIOVERSION
Atrial Flutter and Atrial Fibrillation:
100 joules (low energy setting – 75 joules)
200 joules (low energy setting – 120 joules)
300 joules (low energy setting – 150 joules)
360 joules (low energy setting – 200 joules)
Key Treatment Considerations

Sinus tachycardia commonly present because of pain, fever, hypovolemia

Atrial fibrillation may be well-tolerated with moderately rapid rates (150-170) and often requires no
specific treatment other than observation (oxygen, monitoring and transport)

If sedation done for cardioversion, monitor respiratory status closely and support ventilation as needed

Computerized rhythm analysis on 12-lead ECG is frequently incorrect and requires review of the ECG to
verify rhythm

Computerized analysis for Acute MI (STEMI) may be incorrect with very fast rhythms. If ***Acute MI***
or ***Acute MI Suspected*** message encountered, the patient’s heart rate is important information to
relate to the STEMI center at time of activation.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 67
A10
ADULT
SHOCK
HYPOVOLEMIC OR SEPTIC SHOCK - Signs and symptoms of shock with dry lungs, flat neck veins

May have poor skin turgor, history of GI bleeding, vomiting or diarrhea

May be warm and flushed, febrile

May have history of high fever (sepsis)
SHOCK (NOT CARDIOGENIC)
OXYGEN
High flow. Be prepared to support ventilations as needed.
Keep patient warm
CARDIAC MONITOR
Treat dysrhythmias per specific treatment guideline
EARLY TRANSPORT
CODE 3
IV or IO
FLUID BOLUS
250-500 ml NS Recheck vitals every 250 ml to a maximum of 1 liter
BLOOD GLUCOSE
Check and treat if indicated
Consider DOPAMINE
Begin infusion at 5 mcg/kg/min if hypotension persists (see table)
Related guidelines: Altered level of consciousness (G2), Respiratory Depression or apnea (G12)
CARDIOGENIC SHOCK
Signs and symptoms of shock, history of CHF, chest pain, rales, shortness of breath, pedal edema
OXYGEN
High flow. Be prepared to support ventilations as needed.
Keep patient warm
CARDIAC MONITOR
Treat dysrhythmias per specific treatment guideline
EARLY TRANSPORT
CODE 3
IV or IO
TKO
BLOOD GLUCOSE
Check and treat if indicated
Consider DOPAMINE
Begin infusion at 5 mcg/kg/min if hypotension persists (see table)
12–LEAD ECG
Perform if time and condition permits
Related guideline: Altered Level of Consciousness (G2)
Page 68
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
G1
GENERAL
ALLERGY / ANAPHYLAXIS
 Serious reactions involve upper or lower respiratory tract - dyspnea, stridor, wheezing, anxiety,
tachycardia, tightness in chest
 Some reactions involve only skin (hives, itching)
 Marked, sudden swelling of head, face neck and airway represents a serious systemic reaction
(angioedema)
OXYGEN
High flow. Be prepared to support ventilations.
EPI-PEN
May assist with administration of patient’s auto-injector
CARDIAC MONITOR
Treat dysrhythmias per specific treatment guidelines
If upper or lower respiratory tract symptoms or hypotension:
EPINEPHRINE

Adult – 0.3-0.5 mg IM (use 0.3 mg in elderly, small patients or mild symptoms)
1:1000 IM
 Pediatric – 0.01 mg/kg IM – maximum dose 0.3 mg
ALBUTEROL
Adult and pediatric - 5 mg/6 ml saline via nebulizer – may repeat as needed
IV
TKO
If itching or hives, consider:

Adult - 50 mg slow IV or IM
Consider 25 mg if patient has taken po diphenhydramine
DIPHENHYDRAMINE
 Pediatric – 1 mg/kg IV or IM (maximum dose 50 mg)
Consider 0.5 mg/kg dose if patient has taken po diphenhydramine
MONITOR PATIENT
Carefully monitor vital signs, respiratory status, and response to treatments
If serious progression of symptoms after treatment with IM epinephrine:

Includes profound hypotension, absence of palpable pulses, unconsciousness, cyanosis, severe
respiratory distress or respiratory arrest. In pediatric patients, hypotension is late sign of shock.
Consider IO
If IV access not immediately available
FLUID BOLUS


Adult - wide open NS. Recheck vitals after every 250 ml
Pediatric - 20 ml/kg NS bolus, may repeat X 2
If patient not responsive to IM epinephrine treatment:
Consider
EPINEPHRINE
1:10,000 IV
Adult - titrate in 0.1 mg doses slow IV or IO to a maximum dose of 0.5 mg. Use
extreme caution with patients with cardiac history, angina, hypertension.

Pediatric - titrate in up to 0.1 mg doses slow IV or IO to a maximum of
0.01 mg/kg
Key Treatment Considerations

Use length-based tape for pediatric weight determination. See Pediatric Drug Chart for dose.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 69
G2
GENERAL
ALTERED LEVEL OF CONSCIOUSNESS
Glasgow Coma Scale less than 15 – uncertain etiology. Consider AEIOU/TIPPS
OXYGEN
High flow. Be prepared to support ventilations as needed.
SPINAL
IMMOBILIZATION
Consider need for spinal precautions
ORAL GLUCOSE
Consider if known diabetic, conscious, able to sit upright, able to self-administer

Adult - 30 g po
 Pediatric – 15-30 g po
CARDIAC MONITOR
BLOOD GLUCOSE
Check level
IV
TKO
If glucose 60 or less:

Adult – DEXTROSE 50% 25 g IV
 Pediatric – DEXTROSE 10% 0.5 g/kg IV (5 ml/kg)
If unable to establish IV:

Adult – 1 mg IM
 Pediatric - 24 kg or more – 1 mg IM
 Pediatric - Less than 24 kg – 0.5 mg IM
Recheck if symptoms not resolved
DEXTROSE
GLUCAGON
BLOOD GLUCOSE
DEXTROSE
Repeat initial IV dose if glucose remains 60 or less
Related guideline: Respiratory Depression or Apnea (G12)
Key Treatment Considerations

Naloxone should not be given as treatment for altered level of consciousness in the absence of
respiratory depression (respiratory depression = rate of less than 12 breaths per minute)

Patients with hypoglycemia as a result of oral diabetic medications are at higher risk of recurrent
hypoglycemia and transport is highly recommended in these patients

With prolonged hypoglycemia and in many elderly patients, increase in level of consciousness after
dextrose given may not be as rapid as in others. Recheck glucose before considering repeat treatment.

In patients with starvation, poor oral intake, or alcohol intoxication/alcoholism, glucagon may not be
effective because of poor glycogen stores in liver
Glucagon may take 10-20 minutes or longer to increase glucose level (peak effects in 45-60 minutes).
Recheck glucose before considering additional treatment.
Consider transport earlier in patients with poor vascular access who are not responding to glucagon or
have reasons listed above for possible impaired response to glucagon


Page 70

Most patients with hypoglycemia have diabetes. Other causes of hypoglycemia include renal failure,
starvation, alcohol intoxication, sepsis, rare metabolic disorders, aspirin overdoses and sulfa drugs.
Hypoglycemia may also occur rarely following gastric surgery for weight loss.

Use length-based tape for pediatric weight determination. See Pediatric Drug Chart for dose.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
G3
GENERAL
BEHAVIORAL EMERGENCY
 A behavioral emergency is defined as combative or irrational behavior not caused by medical
illnesses such as hypoxia, shock, hypoglycemia, head trauma, drug withdrawal, intoxicated states
or other conditions
 Combative or irrational behavior may be caused by psychiatric or other behavioral disorder
 History of event and past history are important in patient evaluation
 Past history of psychiatric condition does not eliminate need to assess for other illnesses
SCENE SAFETY
 Many patients merit a weapons search by law enforcement
 Physical restraints may be needed if patient exhibits behavior that presents a
danger to him/herself or others
ASSESS PATIENT
 Assess for evidence of hypoxia, hypoglycemia, trauma
 Consider other medical causes for behavioral symptoms
VITAL SIGNS
Obtain vital signs as possible
Consider OXYGEN
Provide as possible if there is question of hypoxia or other medical condition
CARDIAC MONITOR
Place as possible / safe
Consider
BLOOD GLUCOSE
Obtain as possible / safe
Consider
CHEMICAL
RESTRAINT
BASE ORDER REQUIRED
Despite verbal de-escalation and physical restraint, if adult patient (15 years or
older) remains extremely combative and struggling against restraints, consider:
 MIDAZOLAM 5 mg IM. Lower doses should be considered in elderly or small
patients (under 50 kg)
 MIDAZOLAM 1-5 IV mg in 1 mg increments if IV established and patent
MONITOR PATIENT
Monitor closely for respiratory compromise. Assess and document mental status,
vital signs, and extremity exams (if restrained) at least every 15 minutes.
Related guidelines: Altered Level of Consciousness (G2), Trauma (G16)
Key Treatment Considerations



Calming measures may be effective and may preclude need for restraint in some circumstances
Utilize a single person to establish rapport. Separate patient from crowd and seek quiet environment if
possible, but maintain contact with other personnel and ability to exit rapidly.
Avoid violating patient’s personal space, making direct eye contact or sudden movements. Frequent
reassurance and calm demeanor of personnel are important.


Enlist assistance of law enforcement if restraint needed. Never transport patient in prone position.
Assure adequate resources available to manage patient’s needs. Restraint may require up to five
persons to safely control patient.

Patients with past history of violent behavior are more likely to exhibit recurrent violent behavior

In pediatric patients, consider child’s developmental level when providing care


Sedation with Midazolam intended for adult patients only (age 15 and over)
Not all patients will respond to Midazolam. Repeat dosage is not recommended.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 71
G4
GENERAL
BURNS
 Damage to the skin caused by contact with caustic material, electricity, or fire
 Second or third degree burns involving 20% of the body surface area, or those associated with
respiratory involvement are considered major burns
Move patient to safe area
Stop the burning process
OXYGEN
Protect the burned area
 Remove contact with agent, unless adhered to skin
 Brush off chemical powders
 Flush with water to stop burning process or to decontaminate
High flow. Be prepared to support ventilation as needed.
Do not break blisters, cover with clean dressings or sheets. Remove
restrictive clothing/jewelry if possible.
Assess for associated injuries
Consider IV or IO
TKO
Consider
MORPHINE SULFATE IV
For pain relief in the absence of hypotension (systolic BP less than 90),
significant other trauma, altered level of consciousness:

Adult – 2-20 mg IV or IO, titrated in 2 - 4 mg increments
 Pediatric – 0.05-0.1 mg/kg IV – See Pediatric Drug Chart
Consider
MORPHINE SULFATE IM
If IV or IO access not available:

Adult – 5-20 mg IM
 Pediatric – 0.1 mg/kg IM – See Pediatric drug chart
Key Treatment Considerations
Page 72

Airway burns may lead to rapid compromise of airway (soot around nares, mouth, visible burns or
edematous mucosa in mouth are clues)

Transport to closest receiving facility for advanced airway management if time permits

Do not apply wet dressings, liquids or gels on burns. Cooling may lead to hypothermia.

Refer to Rule of Nines to determine burn surface area (in Policy and Hospital Reference section)

Use length-based tape for pediatric weight determination. See Pediatric Drug Chart for dose.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
G5
GENERAL
CHILDBIRTH – ROUTINE OR COMPLICATED
IMMINENT DELIVERY - Regular contractions, bloody show, low back pain, feels like bearing down,
crowning
Prepare for Delivery Reassure mother, instruct during delivery
Consider IV
Deliver Infant
Clamp/Cut Cord
Warming Measures
TKO if time allows



As head is delivered, apply gentle pressure to prevent rapid delivery of the infant
Gently suction baby's mouth, then nose, keeping the head dependent
If cord is wrapped around neck and can't be slipped over the infant's head,
double-clamp and cut between clamps
Immediately double-clamp cord 6-8 inches from baby and cut between clamps (if not
done before delivery)
Dry baby and keep warm, placing baby on mother's abdomen or breast
Placenta Delivery
If placenta delivers, save it and bring to the hospital with mother and child.
DO NOT PULL ON UMBILICAL CORD TO DELIVER PLACENTA.
Post-Delivery
Observation
Observe mother and infant frequently for complications. To decrease post-partum
hemorrhage, perform firm fundal massage, put baby to mother's breast.
Transport
Prepare mother and infant for transport. Neonatal care or resuscitation as indicated.
COMPLICATED DELIVERY
BREECH DELIVERY – Presentation of buttocks or feet

Allow delivery to proceed passively until the baby's waist appears

Rotate baby to face down position (DO NOT PULL)
Delivery

If the head does not readily deliver in 4-6 minutes, insert a gloved hand into the
vagina to create an air passage for the infant
Transport
Early transport if available – notify receiving hospital as soon as possible
PROLAPSED CORD - Cord presents first and is compressed, compromising infant circulation

Insert gloved hand into vagina and gently push presenting part off of the cord
Manage Cord

Do not attempt to reposition the cord

Cover cord with saline soaked gauze
Position Patient
Place mother in trendelenburg position with hips elevated
Transport
Early transport if available – notify receiving hospital as soon as possible
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 73
G6
GENERAL
DYSTONIC REACTIONS
 History of ingestion of phenothiazine or related compounds, primarily anti-psychotic and antiemetic medications (for nausea/vomiting). Symptoms include restlessness, muscle spasms of the
neck, jaw, and back, oculogyric crisis.
OXYGEN
High flow. Be prepared to support ventilations as needed.
IV
TKO
DIPHENHYDRAMINE


Adult - 25-50 mg IV or 50 mg IM if unable to establish IV access
Pediatric – 1 mg/kg IV or 1 mg/kg IM if unable to establish IV access
Key Treatment Considerations
Common drugs implicated in dystonic reactions include many anti-emetics and anti-psychotic medications

Prochlorperazine (Compazine)

Haloperidol (Haldol)

Metoclopromide (Reglan)

Phenergan (Promethazine)

Fluphenazine (Prolixin)

Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)

Many other antipsychotic and anti-depressant drugs
Rarely benzodiazepine drugs have been implicated as a cause of dystonic reaction

Page 74
Use length-based tape for pediatric weight determination. See Pediatric Drug Chart for dose.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
G7
ENVENOMATIONS
Snake Bites, Insect Stings
GENERAL
SNAKE BITES
 If the snake is positively identified as non-poisonous, treat with basic wound care
INSECT STINGS
 Symptoms of stings usually occur at the site of injury and have no specific treatment
 Allergic reactions can be severe, and may cause anaphylactic shock
Keep patient calm
Address constricting
items
Remove rings, bracelets or other constricting items from affected extremity
WOUND
MANAGEMENT
Snake bite: Splint extremity and keep at level of heart
Insect Stings: Flick stinger off – do not squeeze stinger. Apply cold pack.
OXYGEN
High flow If signs of shock or allergic reaction
Be prepared to support ventilations
Monitor vital signs
Consider
CARDIAC MONITOR
Consider if patient potentially unstable
Consider IV
TKO
Related Guidelines: Shock (A10, P8), Allergy / Anaphylaxis (G1)
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 75
G8
GENERAL
HEAT ILLNESS / HYPERTHERMIA
HEAT EXHAUSTION
 Presentation: Flu-like symptoms, cramps, normal mental status
HEAT STROKE
 Presentation: Altered level of consciousness, absence of sweating, tachycardia, and hypotension
Low flow for heat exhaustion
OXYGEN
High flow if altered level of consciousness / suspected heat stroke

Move patient to cool environment

Promote cooling by fanning
COOLING MEASURES

Remove clothing and splash / sponge with water

Place cold packs on neck, in axillary and inguinal areas
IV
TKO. Perform if heat stroke or marked symptoms with heat exhaustion.
Consider
FLUID BOLUS
If hypotensive or suspected heat stroke:

Adult – 500 ml NS bolus May repeat X 1
 Pediatric – 20 ml/kg NS bolus. May repeat X 1
Consider
Check level if altered level of consciousness, treat as indicated
BLOOD GLUCOSE
Consider
For adult patients only if hypotension persists despite fluid boluses
DOPAMINE
Begin at 5 mcg/kg/min (see table)
Related guidelines: Altered Level of Consciousness (G2), Seizure (G14)
Key Treatment Considerations




Page 76
Seizures may occur with heat stroke – treat as per treatment guideline for seizure
Increasing symptoms merit more aggressive cooling measures. With mild symptoms of heat
exhaustion, movement to cooler environment and fanning may suffice.
Conditions that may lead to or worsen hyperthermia include:
o
Psychiatric Disorders
o
Heart Disease
o
Diabetes
o
Alcohol
o
Medications
o
Fever
o
Fatigue
o
Obesity
o
Pre-existent dehydration
o
Extremes of age (Elderly and pediatric)
Use length-based tape for pediatric weight determination. See Pediatric Drug Chart for dose.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
G9
GENERAL
HYPOTHERMIA
MODERATE HYPOTHERMIA
 Conscious and shivering but lethargic, skin pale and cold
SEVERE HYPOTHERMIA
 Stuporous or comatose, dilated pupils, hypotensive to pulseless, slowed to absent respirations
 Severe hypothermia patients may appear dead. When in doubt, begin resuscitation
Low flow. High flow if decreased level of consciousness (warm humidified
OXYGEN
oxygen if available). Be prepared to support ventilations.
SPINAL
For patients with possible trauma or submersion
PRECAUTIONS
Gently move to sheltered area (warm environment)
WARMING MEASURES Minimize physical exertion or movement of the patient
Cut away wet clothing and cover patient with warm, dry sheets or blankets
CARDIAC MONITOR
Consider
Do not delay transport if patient unconscious
EARLY TRANSPORT
IV
TKO
BLOOD GLUCOSE
Check and treat if indicated
Consider
If respiratory rate less than 12 and narcotic overdose suspected
NALOXONE
Consider
Only if unable to ventilate using BVM
ADVANCED AIRWAY
Related guidelines: Altered Level of Consciousness (G2), Respiratory Depression or Apnea (G12)
Key Treatment Considerations

Avoidance of excess stimuli important in severe hypothermia as the heart is sensitive and interventions
may induce arrhythmias. Needed interventions should be done as gently as possible.
o
Check for pulselessness for 30-45 seconds to avoid unnecessary chest compressions
o
Defer ACLS medications until patient warmed
o
If Ventricular Fibrillation or Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia present, shock X 1 and defer
further shocks

Patients with prolonged hypoglycemia often become hypothermic – blood glucose check essential

Patients with narcotic overdose may develop hypothermia
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 77
G10
GENERAL
PAIN MANAGEMENT (NON-TRAUMATIC)
 All patients expressing verbal or behavioral indicators of pain shall have an appropriate
assessment and management of pain
 Morphine should be given in sufficient amount to manage pain but not necessarily to eliminate it
Consider
Low flow
OXYGEN
IV
TKO
ASSESS PAIN
 Assess and document the intensity of the pain using the visual analog scale
 Reassess and document the intensity of the pain after any intervention that
could affect pain intensity
PAIN RELIEF
MEASURES
Psychologic measures and BLS measures, including cold packs, repositioning,
splinting, elevation, and/or traction splints, are important considerations for
patients with pain
Consider
MORPHINE SULFATE IV
See contraindications and cautions below:
For pain relief:

Adult – 2-20 mg IV, titrated in 2-5 mg increments to pain relief
 Pediatric – 0.05-0.1 mg/kg IV – See Pediatric Drug Chart
Consider
MORPHINE SULFATE IM
If no IV access:

Adult - 5-10 mg IM
 Pediatric – 0.1 mg/kg IM – See Pediatric Drug Chart
Contraindications and Cautions for Morphine Sulfate





Contraindications for Morphine:
Closed head injury

Hypotension
o
Adults - Systolic BP less than 90
Altered level of consciousness
o
Pediatric - Hypotension or impaired perfusion (e.g.
Headache
capillary refill > 2 seconds)
Respiratory failure or worsening

Infants 1mo-1yr systolic BP < 60 mmHg
respiratory status

Toddler 1-4 yrs systolic BP < 75 mmHg
Childbirth or suspected active labor

School age 5-13 yrs systolic BP < 85 mmHg

Adolescent >13 yrs systolic BP < 90 mmHg

Cautions for Morphine:
Use with caution in patients with suspected drug or alcohol ingestion or with suspected hypovolemia

Have Naloxone available to reverse respiratory depression should it occur

Preferred route of administration for Morphine Sulfate is IV

Use length-based tape for pediatric weight determination. See Pediatric Drug Chart for dose.
Key Treatment Considerations
Page 78
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
G11
GENERAL
POISONING - OVERDOSE
 If possible, determine substance, amount ingested, time of ingestion. Bring in container or label.
 Be careful not to contaminate yourself and others
DECONTAMINATION
Remove contaminated clothing, brush off powders, wash off liquids.
Irrigate eyes if affected.
OXYGEN
Low flow. Be prepared to support ventilations.
CARDIAC MONITOR
Consider IV
TKO if unstable patient or suspected serious ingestion
Related guidelines: Respiratory Depression or Apnea (G12), Altered Level of Consciousness (G2),
Seizures (G14), Shock (A10, P8)
TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANT OVERDOSE
 Frequently associated with respiratory depression, usually tachycardia. Widened QRS complexes
and associated ventricular arrhythmias are generally signs of a life-threatening ingestion.
SODIUM BICARBONATE
For adults only: For life-threatening hemodynamically significant
dysrhythmias, 1 mEq/kg slow IV or IO
ORGANOPHOSPHATE POISONING

Hypersalivation, sweating, bronchospasm, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, muscle weakness,
small/pinpoint pupils, muscle twitching, and/or seizures may occur
ATROPINE
For adults only: 1-2 mg IV

Repeat every 3-5 minutes as necessary until relief of symptoms

Large doses of Atropine may be required
HYDROFLUORIC ACID EXPOSURE
CALCIUM CHLORIDE
For adults only: For tetany or cardiac arrest, 500mg IV (5 ml of 10% solution)
Consider
MORPHINE SULFATE IV
For adults only: In the absence of hypotension, significant other trauma or
altered level of consciousness:
2-20 mg IV titrated in 2-5 mg increments to pain relief
Consider
MORPHINE SULFATE IM
For adults only: If no IV access,
5-10 mg IM
Key Treatment Considerations

Few overdoses have specific antidotes. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment.

Contact Base Hospital if any questions concerning treatment of overdose in pediatric patients

Contact Base Hospital for other suspected overdoses that may have specific treatment (e.g. Calcium
Channel Blocker overdose)

Poison Control Center can offer information but cannot provide medical direction to EMS
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 79
G12
RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION OR APNEA
GENERAL

Absence of spontaneous ventilations or respiratory rate less than 12 without cardiac arrest
BVM VENTILATION
Assist ventilation or provide ventilation if no spontaneous respirations
OXYGEN
High flow
CARDIAC MONITOR
NALOXONE
INTRANASAL or IM
Consider IV
NALOXONE IV
Repeat NALOXONE
Titration of
Diluted NALOXONE
IV
ADVANCED
AIRWAY

Adult not in shock: 2 mg IN (intranasal) if narcotic overdose suspected

Adult not in shock but unsuitable for IN (copious secretions): 1-2 mg IM
 Pediatric – 0.1 mg/kg IM – maximum dose 2 mg
TKO if intravenous treatment indicated
If patient in shock, if IN or IM routes ineffective (within 3 minutes), or if IV access
already available for another reason:

Adult – 1-2 mg IV
 Pediatric – 0.1 mg/kg IV – maximum dose 2 mg
IV or IM if no response and narcotic overdose suspected – maximum dose 10 mg
Consider for patients with chronic narcotic use for terminal disease or chronic pain:
Dilute 1:10 with normal saline and administer in 0.1 mg (1 ml) increments – titrate to
increased respiratory rate
Consider when indicated - only if naloxone ineffective and BVM ventilation not
adequate
Related guidelines: Altered Level of Consciousness (G2), Respiratory Distress (G13)
Key Treatment Considerations
SAFETY WARNING!
Naloxone will cause acute withdrawal symptoms
in patients who are habituated users of narcotics
(whether prescribed or from abuse)

Page 80

Use of diluted Naloxone IV and titration with small increments may help
decrease adverse effects of naloxone in patients who have chronic narcotic
usage for terminal disease or pain relief

Naloxone treatment should only be given to patients with respiratory
depression (rate less than 12)

Patients who are maintaining adequate respirations with decreased level of
consciousness do not generally require Naloxone for management


Naloxone can cause cardiovascular side effects (chest pain, pulmonary edema) or seizures in a small
number of patients (1-2%)
Older patients are at higher risk for cardiovascular complications
Be prepared for patient agitation or combativeness after naloxone reversal of narcotic overdose

Use length-based tape for pediatric weight determination. See Pediatric Drug Chart for dose.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
G13
GENERAL


RESPIRATORY DISTRESS
Wheezing may be noted in asthma, COPD exacerbation, or pulmonary edema
Rales may be present in pneumonia, pulmonary edema, and many other conditions
INITIAL THERAPY
OXYGEN
CARDIAC MONITOR
Consider CPAP
Consider IV
Low flow – increase as indicated. Be prepared to support ventilation.
ALBUTEROL
Adult and Pediatric – 5 mg in 6 ml NS via nebulizer. Repeat as needed.
If respiratory rate greater than 25, accessory muscle use, pulse ox less than 94%
TKO. Do not delay transport for vascular access if in extremis.
ASTHMA
Consider
EPINEPHRINE 1:1000
SC (subcutaneously)
EPINEPHRINE 1:1000
IM
For use in asthma only: Use only if respiratory status deteriorating despite
repeat treatment with Albuterol and transport time more than 10 minutes.
Do not use in patients with history of coronary artery disease or hypertension.

Adult - 0.3 mg SC
 Pediatric - 0.01 mg/kg SC - max dose 0.3 mg
Never give Epinephrine 1:1000 intravenously!
If respiratory arrest from asthma or bronchospasm:

Adult - 0.3 mg IM
 Pediatric - 0.01 mg/kg IM - max dose 0.3 mg
COPD EXACERBATION
ALBUTEROL
5 mg in 6 ml NS via nebulizer. Repeat as needed.
SUSPECTED PULMONARY EDEMA (ADULTS ONLY)
0.4 mg sublingual if systolic BP between 90 and 149
0.8 mg sublingual if systolic BP 150 or greater
Repeat every 5 minutes until symptoms improve
NITROGLYCERIN
Maximum dose 4.8 mg (12 - 0.4 mg doses)
Discontinue if hypotension develops
Caution: Do not administer if patient has taken erectile dysfunction medications
Viagra or Levitra within prior 24 hours or Cialis within 36 hours
Consider
2-5 mg IV in 1-2 mg increments for relief of anxiety. Do not administer if BP less
MORPHINE SULFATE
than 90, if patient has altered mental status or decreased respiratory effort.
Related guidelines – Chest pain / Suspected ACS (A2), Shock (A10)
Key Treatment Considerations








CPAP is not a ventilation device. Patients with inadequate respiratory rate or inadequate depth of
respiration will need assistance with BVM.
Patients with potential respiratory failure should be transported emergently.
Patients requiring advanced airway management in these situations are best handled in the hospital
setting and CPAP may be a valuable “bridge” in care to potentially delay need for emergent intubation.
IV access should not delay transport.
For suspected pulmonary edema, re-evaluate blood pressure between each dose of nitroglycerin. If
blood pressure initially over 150, then between 150 and 90 after treatment, lower dosage to 0.4 mg.
If cardiac ischemia suspected in addition to pulmonary edema, treat as per chest pain protocol (Aspirin,
12-lead ECG if possible).
Consider cardiac etiology for diabetic patients with respiratory distress
Use length-based tape for pediatric weight determination. See Pediatric Drug Chart for dose.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 81
G14
GENERAL
SEIZURE / STATUS EPILEPTICUS
 Tonic, clonic movements followed by a period of unconsciousness (post-ictal period)
 A continuous or recurrent seizure is defined as seizure activity greater than 10 minutes or
recurrent seizures without patient regaining consciousness
OXYGEN
High flow. Be prepared to support ventilations.
Protect patient
Do not forcibly restrain but protect from injuring self
CARDIAC MONITOR
Consider IV
TKO
BLOOD GLUCOSE
Check and treat if indicated
For continuous or recurrent seizures:
Consider

Adult – initial dose 1 mg IV - titrate in 1-2 mg increments – max. dose 5 mg
MIDAZOLAM IV
 Pediatric – titrate in up to 1 mg IV increments – up to 0.1 mg/kg
If IV access unavailable:
Consider

Adult – 0.2 mg/kg IM - maximum dose 10 mg
MIDAZOLAM IM
 Pediatric – 0.2 mg/kg IM - maximum dose 10 mg
MONITOR PATIENT
Carefully observe vital signs, respiratory status – support ventilations as needed
Related guidelines: Altered Level of Consciousness (G2), Respiratory Depression or Apnea (G12)
SAFETY WARNING:

Use caution when treating with Midazolam in pediatric patients
previously treated by family or caretaker with rectal diazepam (Valium,
Diastat) as a higher incidence of respiratory depression may occur.

Wait five (5) minutes after last rectal dose to determine effect and need
for treatment. Consider using reduced dosage of Midazolam.
Key Treatment Considerations
Page 82


Most seizures are self-limiting and do not require prehospital medication
Seizures may appear frightening to observers. Provide reassurance to parents/family.

Consider spinal immobilization if history of fall or trauma


Febrile seizures in children are generally self-limiting
For febrile patients, remove or loosen clothing, remove blankets to address cooling measures

Use length-based tape for pediatric weight determination. See Pediatric Drug Chart for dose.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
G15
GENERAL
STROKE
 Sudden onset of weakness, paralysis, confusion, speech disturbances, visual field deficit, may be
associated with headache
 Determination of time of onset of symptoms is the most crucial historical information needed
 If patient awoke with symptoms, time patient last seen normal is the time that should be noted
OXYGEN
High flow. Be prepared to support ventilations as needed.
CARDIAC MONITOR
STROKE SCALE
Note findings of stroke scale and time of onset of symptoms
TRANSPORT
Minimize scene time
BLOOD GLUCOSE
Check and treat if indicated
IV
TKO. Perform enroute
Consider
250-500 ml if hypotensive or poor perfusion – reassess
FLUID BOLUS
CONTACT RECEIVING
Report time of symptom onset (time last seen normal), ETA, physical exam and
HOSPITAL
findings of Cincinnati Stroke Scale using SBAR format
Related guidelines: Altered Level of Consciousness (G2), Respiratory Depression or Apnea (G12),
Seizure (G14)
CINCINNATI STROKE SCALE
If any one of the three tests are abnormal and is a new finding,
the Stroke Scale is abnormal and may indicate an acute stroke
Finding
Facial Droop
Patient Activity
Ask patient to smile and
show teeth or grimace
Interpretation
Normal: Symmetrical smile or face
Abnormal: Asymmetry (one side droops or does not move)
Normal: Both arms move symmetrically or do not move
Arm
Weakness
Speech
Abnormality
Ask patient to close both
eyes and extend both
arms out straight for 10
seconds
Have the patient say the
words, “The sky is blue in
Cincinnati”
Abnormal: One arm drifts down or arms move
asymmetrically
Testing with patient holding palms upward is most sensitive
way to check. Patients with arm weakness will tend to pronate
(turn from palms up to sideways or palms down).
Normal: The correct words are used and no slurring of words
is noted
Abnormal: If the patient slurs words, uses the wrong words,
or is unable to speak (aphasia)
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 83
G16
GENERAL
TRAUMA
SPINAL
IMMOBILIZATION
OXYGEN
EARLY TRANSPORT
WOUND / GENERAL
CARE
Consider NEEDLE
THORACOSTOMY
IV
Consider
FLUID BOLUS
BLOOD GLUCOSE
CARDIAC MONITOR
As indicated
High flow. Be prepared to support ventilations.
Limit scene time to less than 10 minutes when possible. Load and go if high risk.
Place splints, cold packs, dressings and pressure on bleeding sites as needed.
Keep patient warm – minimize exposure after assessment
Evaluate for and treat tension pneumothorax if indicated
TKO. If patient critical, DO NOT DELAY ON-SCENE FOR IV OR IO ACCESS.
Start two (2) large bore IV’s en route when possible. If stable, single IV acceptable.
If markedly hypotensive (absent peripheral pulses or BP less than 90),

Adult – 250-500 ml NS, recheck vitals. Titrate to presence of peripheral pulses
 Pediatric – 20 ml/kg NS. If continued poor perfusion, may repeat X 2
Test if GCS less than 15. See Altered Level of Consciousness (G2).
See indications and precautions below:
 Adult – 2-20 mg IV in 2-5 mg increments. Titrate to pain relief and systolic BP
greater than 100. See precautions below.
 Pediatric – 0.05-0.1 mg/kg IV – See Pediatric Drug chart
When IV access not available (non-critical patients only):

Adult – 5-10 mg IM
 Pediatric – 0.1 mg/kg IM – See Pediatric Drug chart
MORPHINE
SULFATE IV
MORPHINE
SULFATE IM
INDICATIONS AND
PRECAUTIONS FOR
MORPHINE USE
Morphine may be used for relief of extremity pain in the absence of head or torso
trauma, hypotension (age-specific), poor perfusion or ALOC. Use with caution in
patients with drug or alcohol intoxication.
Related guidelines: Altered Level of Consciousness (G2), Respiratory Depression or Apnea (G12)
Key Treatment Considerations


ALS procedures in the field (IV and advanced airway) do not improve outcome in critical patients.
o IV starts should be done en route on these patients
o Advanced airway should only be done if patient is unable to be ventilated via BLS maneuvers
Repeated IV attempts in non-critical pediatric patients should be avoided

Use length-based tape for pediatric weight determination. See Pediatric Drug Chart for dose.
CRUSH INJURY SYNDROME (ADULTS ONLY)
 Caused by muscle crush injury and cell death. Most patients have an extensive area of
involvement such as a large muscle mass in a lower extremity and/or pelvis.
 May develop after one hour in severe crush, but usually requires at least 4 hours of compression
 Hypovolemia and hyperkalemia may occur, particularly in extended entrapments
 Hyperkalemia should be suspected if ECG monitor reveals peaked ‘T’ waves, absent ‘P’ waves or
widened QRS complexes
FLUID BOLUS
20 ml/kg NS prior to release of compression
IF ECG CHANGES
SUGGEST
HYPERKALEMIA:
Page 84
ALBUTEROL - 5 mg in 6 ml NS continuously via nebulizer
CALCIUM CHLORIDE - 1 gm slow IV over 60 seconds. Note: Flush tubing after
administration of calcium chloride to avoid precipitation with sodium bicarbonate.
SODIUM BICARBONATE - 1 mEq/kg IV. Additionally, consider 1 mEq/kg added to
IV 1L NS - use second IV line as other medications may not be compatible
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
P1
PEDIATRIC
PEDIATRIC PATIENT CARE
Pediatric patient is defined as age 14 or less. Neonate is 0-1 month
These basic treatment concepts should be considered in all pediatric patients
Scene Safety
Body Substance
Isolation
Systematic
Assessment
Determine
Primary
Impression
Base Contact
Transport
Document
Use universal blood and body fluid precautions at all times










Management and support of ABC’s are a priority
Identify pre-arrest states
Assure open and adequate airway
Place in position of comfort unless condition mandates other position
Consider spinal immobilization if history or possibility of traumatic injury exists
Assess environment to consider possibility of intentional injury or maltreatment
Apply appropriate field treatment guidelines
Explain procedures to family and patient as appropriate
Provide appropriate family support on scene
Contact base hospital if any questions arise concerning treatment or if additional
medication beyond dosages listed in treatment guidelines is considered
 Use SBAR to communicate with base
 Minimize scene time in pre-arrest patient, critical trauma, shock or respiratory failure
 Transport patient medications or current list of patient medications to the hospital
 Give report to receiving facility using SBAR
Document patient assessment and care per policy
Key Treatment Considerations – Apparent Life-Threatening Event (ALTE)
An Apparent Life-Threatening Event (ALTE) Is an event that is frightening to the observer (may think the
infant has died) and involves some combination of apnea, color change, marked change in muscle tone,
choking, or gagging. It usually occurs in infants less than 12 months of age, though any child with symptoms
described under 2 years of age may be considered an ALTE.
Most patients have a normal physical exam when assessed by responding personnel. Approximately half of
the cases have no known cause, but the remainder of cases have a significant underlying cause such as
infection, seizures, tumors, respiratory or airway problems, child abuse, or SIDS.
Because of the high incidence of problems and the normal assessment usually seen, there is potential for
significant problems if the child's symptoms are not seriously addressed.
OBTAIN
DETAILED
HISTORY
Obtain history of event, including duration and severity, whether patient awake or asleep
at time of episode, and what resuscitative measures were done by the parent or
caretaker.
Obtain past medical history, including history of chronic diseases, seizure activity,
current or recent infections, gastroesophageal reflux, recent trauma, medication history.
Obtain history with regard to mixing of formula if applicable.
ASSESSMENT
Perform comprehensive exam, including general appearance, skin color, interaction with
environment, or evidence of trauma
TREATMENT
Treat identifiable cause if appropriate
TRANSPORT
If treatment/transport is refused by parent or guardian, contact base hospital to consult
prior to leaving patient. Document refusal of care.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 85
P2
PEDIATRIC
AIRWAY
VENTILATIONS
CARDIAC ARREST – INITIAL CARE AND CPR
Open airway and utilize BLS airway for initial management
Ventilations:

Give 2 breaths initially

Administer each breath over 1 second and observe for chest rise
Check pulse - If no pulse or if heart rate less than 60 with poor perfusion, begin CPR
CPR

For 2 minutes or 5 cycles before rhythm analysis if unwitnessed arrest

Until monitor/defibrillator available for rhythm analysis if witnessed arrest
COMPRESSIONS
CARDIAC MONITOR
IV / IO ACCESS
Compressions:

Depth – one-third to one-half depth of chest – allow full recoil of chest

Rate - 100/minute

Compression/ventilation ratio - 30:2 for one rescuer, 15:2 for two rescuers

Rotate compressors every 2 minutes
To minimize CPR interruptions:

Perform CPR during charging of defibrillator

Resume CPR immediately after shock (do not stop for pulse or rhythm check)
Determine cardiac rhythm and follow specific treatment guideline
If IV access not apparent or unsuccessful, use IO access

Use length-based tape to determine weight if not known
o
If child is obese and length-based tape used to determine weight, use
next highest color to determine appropriate equipment and drug dosing

See Pediatric Drug Chart for medication dose and defibrillation energy levels
MEDICATIONS AND
DEFIBRILLATION
Page 86
BLOOD GLUCOSE
Treat if indicated. Glucose may be rapidly depleted in pediatric arrest.
PREVENT
HYPOTHERMIA
Move to warm environment and avoid unnecessary exposure

Pediatric arrest victims are at risk for hypothermia due to their increased body
surface area, exposure and rapid administration of IV/IO fluids
TRANSPORT
Consider rapid transport to definitive care
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
P3
PEDIATRIC
NEONATAL CARE AND RESUSCITATION
WARM PATIENT
Provide warmth – move to warm environment immediately
CLEAR AIRWAY
If needed, position airway or suction. Rapidly suction secretions from mouth or nares.
DRY AND
STIMULATE
Dry child thoroughly, stimulate, reposition if needed, place hat on infant

EVALUATE
RESPIRATIONS,
HEART RATE
AND COLOR
REASSESS /
BEGIN CPR
IF INDICATED
If breathing, heart rate above 100 and pink, observational care only

If breathing, heart rate above 100 and central cyanosis – OXYGEN 100% by mask
– reassess in 30 seconds
o
If cyanosis resolves (skin pink) – observational care only
o
If persistent central cyanosis after oxygen, initiate bag mask ventilation at rate
of 40-60/minute

If apneic, gasping, or heart rate below 100 – initiate bag mask ventilation at a rate
of 40-60/minute with OXYGEN 100% – reassess in 30 seconds
o
If heart rate increases to above 100 and patient ventilating adequately,
discontinue bag mask ventilation and continue close observation
o
If heart rate persists below 100 continue bag mask ventilation
If heart rate less than 60 despite ventilation with oxygen for 30 seconds, begin CPR
(3:1 ratio – 90 compressions and 30 ventilations/minute). Reassess in 30 seconds.
If heart rate remains less than 60 despite adequate ventilation and chest compressions:
IV/IO
TKO. 100-500 ml NS bag (use care to avoid inadvertent fluid administration). Do not
delay transport for IV or IO access.
EPINEPHRINE
1:10,000, 0.01 mg/kg IV or IO. Repeat every 3-5 minutes if heart rate remains below 60.
Consider FLUID
BOLUS
10 ml/kg NS IV or IO. May repeat once if needed.
Consider
NALOXONE
0.1 mg/kg IV or IO if depressed respiratory status despite efforts. Avoid use if long term
use of opioids during pregnancy known or suspected.
Key Treatment Considerations

For uncomplicated deliveries, treatment priorities are to warm, dry, and stimulate the infant

Anticipate complex resuscitation if not term gestation, amniotic fluid not clear, if newborn is not breathing
or crying or if newborn does not have good muscle tone

Use length-based tape for pediatric weight determination. See Pediatric Drug Chart for dose.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 87
P4
PEDIATRIC
VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION
PULSELESS VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA
INITIAL CARE
See Cardiac Arrest - Initial Care and CPR (P3)
DEFIBRILLATION
2 joules/kg

AED can be used if patient over 1 year and pediatric electrodes available (age
1-8) or if adult electrodes can be applied without touching each other

Use infant paddles and manual defibrillator up to 1 year of age or 10 kg
CPR
For 2 minutes or 5 cycles between rhythm check and shock
BVM VENTILATION
Defer advanced airway (for patients 40 kg and over) unless BLS airway inadequate
IV or IO
TKO. Should not delay defibrillation or interrupt CPR
DEFIBRILLATION
EPINEPHRINE
CPR
DEFIBRILLATION
4 joules/kg
1:10,000 - 0.01 mg/kg IV or IO every 3-5 minutes - See Pediatric Drug Chart
For 2 minutes or 5 cycles between rhythm check and shock
4 joules/kg
AMIODARONE
5 mg/kg IV or IO (see Pediatric Drug Chart for dosage)
CPR
For 2 minutes or 5 cycles between rhythm check and shock
TRANSPORT
If Return of Spontaneous Circulation – see guidelines for Shock (P8) if treatment indicated
Key Treatment Considerations


Page 88
Uninterrupted CPR and timely defibrillations are the keys to successful resuscitation. Their performance
takes precedence over advanced airway management and administration of medications.
To minimize CPR interruptions, perform CPR during charging, and immediately resume CPR after shock
administered (no pulse or rhythm check)

Avoid hyperventilation with BLS airway management, which may cause gastric distention and limit chest
expansion. Provide breaths over one second, with movement of chest wall as guide for volume needed.

If advanced airway placed (40 kg and over), perform CPR continuously without pauses for ventilation



Prepare drugs before rhythm check and administer during CPR
Give drugs as soon as possible after rhythm check confirms VF/pulseless VT (before or after shock)
Follow each drug with 5-10 ml NS flush (minimum). Increase accordingly for patient size (20 ml in
adolescents).

Use length-based tape for pediatric weight determination. See Pediatric Drug Chart for medication dose
and defibrillation energy levels.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
P5
PEDIATRIC
PULSELESS ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY / ASYSTOLE
INITIAL CARE
See Cardiac Arrest – Initial Care and CPR (P3)
BVM VENTILATION
Defer advanced airway (for patients 40 kg and over) unless BLS airway inadequate
IV or IO
TKO
EPINEPHRINE
1:10,000 - 0.01 mg/kg IV or IO every 3-5 minutes
Consider treatable causes – treat if applicable:
Consider
20 ml/kg NS – may repeat X 2 for hypovolemia
FLUID BOLUS
VENTILATION
WARMING
MEASURES
Consider NEEDLE
THORACOSTOMY
Ensure adequate ventilation (8-10 breaths per minute) for hypoxia
For hypothermia
For tension pneumothorax
To determine treatment for other identified potentially treatable causes - Hydrogen
Ion (Acidosis), Hyperkalemia, Toxins
Safety Warning: Unlike adult resuscitation, atropine is not used
in treatment of asystole or PEA in the pediatric patient
If Return of Spontaneous Circulation – see guidelines for Shock (P8) if treatment indicated
BASE CONTACT
Key Treatment Considerations

Uninterrupted CPR is key to successful resuscitation. This takes precedence over advanced airway
management and administration of medications.

If advanced airway placed in patients 40 kg and over, perform CPR continuously without pauses for
ventilation

Avoid hyperventilation. If intubated, give 8 to 10 ventilations per minute, administered over one second.


Prepare drugs before rhythm check and administer during CPR
Follow each drug with 5-10 ml NS flush (minimum). Increase accordingly for patient size (20 ml in
adolescents).

Use length-based tape for pediatric weight determination. See Pediatric Drug Chart for dose.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 89
P6
PEDIATRIC
SYMPTOMATIC BRADYCARDIA
 90% of pediatric bradycardias are related to respiratory depression and respond to support of
ventilation
 Only unstable, severe bradycardia causing cardiorespiratory compromise will require further
treatment
 Signs of severe cardiorespiratory compromise are poor perfusion, delayed capillary refill,
hypotension, respiratory difficulty, altered level of consciousness
OXYGEN
High flow. Be prepared to support ventilation.
IV or IO
Consider CPR
EPINEPHRINE
TKO. Use IO only if patient unstable and requires medication. Use 100-500 ml NS bag.
If heart rate remains less than 60 with poor perfusion despite oxygenation and ventilation,
perform CPR.
1:10,000 - 0.01 mg/kg IV or IO. Repeat every 3-5 minutes.
SAFETY WARNING:
Atropine should be considered only
after adequate oxygenation/ventilation has been assured
0.02 mg/kg IV, IO (0.1 mg minimum dose)
Consider
ATROPINE
Child (1-8 years): Maximum single dose 0.5 mg. Maximum total dose 1 mg
Adolescent (9-14 years): Maximum single dose 1 mg. Maximum total dose 2 mg.
If continued heart rate less than 60, repeat 0.02 mg/kg IV or IO
Key Treatment Considerations

Page 90
Use length-based tape for pediatric weight determination. See Pediatric Drug Chart for dose.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
P7
PEDIATRIC
TACHYCARDIA
Sinus tachycardia is by far the most common pediatric rhythm disturbance
UNSTABLE SINUS TACHYCARDIA (narrow QRS less than 0.08)
 ‘P’ waves present/normal, variable R-R interval with constant P-R interval
 Unstable sinus tachycardia is usually associated with shock and may be pre-arrest
UNSTABLE SUPRAVENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA (SVT) (narrow QRS less than 0.08)
 ‘P’ waves absent/abnormal, heart rate not variable
 History generally vague, non-specific and/or history of abrupt heart rate changes
 Infants’ rate usually greater than 220 bpm, Children (ages 1 – 8) rate usually greater than 180 bpm
UNSTABLE – POSSIBLE VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA - Wide QRS (greater than 0.08 sec)
 In some cases, wide QRS can represent supraventricular rhythm
INITIAL THERAPY – ALL TACHYCARDIA RHYTHMS
OXYGEN
CHECK PULSE
AND PERFUSION
CARDIAC MONITOR
IV or IO
FLUID BOLUS
Low flow. If increased work of breathing – high flow. Be prepared to support
ventilation.
Determine stability:
 Stable - Normal perfusion: Palpable pulses, normal LOC, normal capillary
refill, and normal BP for age
 Unstable - Poor perfusion: ALOC, abnormal pulses, delayed cap. refill,
difficult/unable to palpate BP. If unstable, transport early and treat as below.
Run strip to evaluate QRS Duration
TKO. Use 100-500 ml bag NS
20 ml/kg NS if hypovolemia suspected. May repeat X 1.
UNSTABLE SUPRAVENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA (narrow QRS less than 0.08)
VAGAL MANEUVERS
BASE CONTACT
Consider if will not result in treatment delays. ICE PACK to face of infant/child.
 For all treatments listed below:
ADENOSINE
0.1 mg/kg rapid IV push followed by 10-20 ml NS flush (maximum dose 6 mg)
If not converted, 0.2 mg/kg rapid IV push followed by 10-20 ml NS flush
(maximum dose 12 mg)
SYNCHRONIZED
CARDIOVERSION
If unable to obtain IV access, prepare for Synchronized Cardioversion. Do NOT
delay cardioversion to obtain IV or IO access or sedation.
Consider SEDATION
Consider MIDAZOLAM 0.1 mg/kg IV or IO, titrated in 1 mg maximum increments
(maximum dose 5 mg)
SYNCHRONIZED
CARDIOVERSION
0.5-1 joule/kg. If not effective, repeat at 2 joules/kg.
UNSTABLE – POSSIBLE VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA ( Wide QRS greater than 0.08 sec)
BASE CONTACT
SYNCHRONIZED
CARDIOVERION
Consider
SEDATION
SYNCHRONIZED
CARDIOVERSION


 For all treatments listed below:
Prepare for CARDIOVERSION while attempting IV/IO access, but do not unduly
delay care for IV access or medications
If IV/IO access has been obtained, consider MIDAZOLAM 0.1 mg/kg IV or IO,
titrated in 1 mg maximum increments (maximum dose 5 mg)
0.5-1 joule/kg. If not effective, repeat at 2 joules/kg.
Early transport appropriate in unstable patients
Use length-based tape for pediatric weight determination. See Pediatric Drug Chart for dose.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 91
P8
PEDIATRIC
SHOCK

Altered level of consciousness; cool, clammy, mottled skin; capillary refill greater than 2
seconds; tachycardia; blood pressure less than 70 systolic

Listless infant or child with poor skin turgor, dry mucous membranes, history of fever may
indicate sepsis, meningitis
OXYGEN
High flow. Be prepared to support ventilations as needed.
Keep patient warm
CARDIAC MONITOR
EARLY TRANSPORT
CODE 3
IV or IO
FLUID BOLUS
20 ml/kg NS – may repeat X 2
BLOOD GLUCOSE
Check and treat if indicated
PREVENT
HYPOTHERMIA
Move to warm environment. Avoid unnecessary exposure.
Related guidelines: Altered level of consciousness (G2), Tachycardia (P7)
Key Treatment Considerations
Successful pediatric resuscitation relies on early identification of the pre-arrest state

Normal blood pressure, delayed capillary refill, diminished peripheral pulses and tachycardia indicates
compensated shock in children

Hypotension and delayed capillary refill > 4 seconds indicates impending circulatory failure

Systolic blood pressure in children may not drop until the patient is 25-30% volume depleted. This may
occur through dehydration, blood loss or an increase in vascular capacity (e.g. anaphylaxis).


Decompensated shock (Hypotension with > 5 seconds capillary refill) may present as PEA in children
Sinus tachycardia is the most common cardiac rhythm encountered

Supraventricular tachycardia should be suspected if heart rate greater than 180 in children (ages 1-8) or
greater than 220 in infants
Hypoglycemia may be found in pediatric shock, especially in infants
Pediatric shock victims are at risk for hypothermia due to their increased body surface area, exposure and
rapid administration of IV/IO fluids

Page 92
Use length-based tape for pediatric weight determination. See Pediatric Drug Chart for dose.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
INDICATIONS FOR SPINAL IMMOBILIZATION

Presence of neurologic complaint or deficit – paralysis, weakness, numbness,
tingling, priapism or neurogenic shock, loss of consciousness

Anatomic deformity of spine

Altered level of consciousness (GCS < 15)
Blunt Injury

Presence of spinal pain or tenderness
(Regardless of

Anatomic deformity of spine
mechanism)

Presence of neurologic complaint or deficit – paralysis, weakness, numbness,
tingling, priapism or neurogenic shock

Presence of alcohol or drugs or acute stress reaction / anxiety
Blunt Injury

Distracting injury (e.g. long bone fracture, large laceration, crush or degloving
(When mechanism of
injury, large burns)
injury is concerning)

Inability to communicate (e.g. speech or hearing impaired, language gap,
small children, developmental or psychiatric conditions)
Concerning mechanisms of injury include but are not limited to:

Violent impact to head, neck, torso, or pelvis (e.g. assault, entrapment in structural collapse)

Sudden acceleration, deceleration or lateral bending forces to neck or torso (e.g., moderate- to highspeed MVC, pedestrian struck, explosion)

Falls (especially in elderly patients)

Ejection from motorized or other transportation device (e.g. scooter, skateboard, bicycle, motor vehicle,
motorcycle, recreational vehicle, or horse)

Victims of shallow-water diving incident
Penetrating Injury
(Trauma to head,
neck or torso)
*** USE CLINICAL JUDGMENT – IF IN DOUBT, IMMOBILIZE ***
VASCULAR ACCESS
Saline Lock
Upper
Extremity IV
Indicated for vascular access in upper extremity when medication alone is being
administered or a potential need for medication is anticipated
Indicated when fluids and / or medications are needed, and patient not in shock or arrest

Antecubital IV
Intraosseous
Access (IO)
External
Jugular IV
Indicated in arrest, shock or when adenosine (rapid IV bolus) is required
o
In arrest, use intraosseous access if rapid peripheral access cannot be obtained
within 30-60 seconds

Appropriate if other peripheral sites not available and medication or fluids indicated
Indicated in cardiac arrest, profound shock, or unstable dysrhythmia when peripheral IV
access cannot be accomplished or a suitable vein cannot be rapidly found

Should be done only when medication or fluid bolus is being administered, not for
prophylactic vascular access

Not indicated when other routes for medications available (IM, IN)

Not indicated in alert or stable patients

IO infusion is PAINFUL! In non-arrest patients, use lidocaine for pain control PRIOR
to giving fluid or medication
Indicated only when unstable patient requires vascular access for emergent intravenous
medication or fluids, no peripheral site is available, and patient not appropriate for IO
access (e.g., when patient is alert)

Use intraosseous access in arrest situations (IO does not disrupt CPR, higher
success rate)

Use alternative routes for medications when possible rather than EJ
o
Patients requiring treatment of hypoglycemia should receive IM glucagon –
monitoring for 10-15 minutes is appropriate before EJ considered
o
Use intranasal or IM route for naloxone in respiratory depression
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 93
12-LEAD ACQUISITION AND LEAD PLACEMENT
Limb Lead Placement:
Place limb leads on distal extremities if possible
Confirm correct lead placement for each limb
May be moved to proximal if needed (if motion artifact)
Chest Lead Placement:
To begin placement of chest leads, locate sternal angle
(2nd ribs are adjacent) then count down to 4th interspace
(below 4th rib)
Sternal
angle
V1 – 4th intercostal space at the right sternal border
V2 – 4th intercostal space at the left sternal border
V4 – 5th intercostal space at left midclavicular line
Note: Place V4 lead first to aid in correct placement of V3
V3 – Directly between V2 and V4
V5 – Level of V4 at left anterior axillary line
V6 – Level of V4 at left mid-axillary line
V4R
V4R – (to detect Right Ventricular Infarct) – mirrors V4 on
right side of chest – move V4 lead across

Do V4R if Inferior MI noted (elevation in II, III, avF)

Label ECG for V4R
Note: Careful skin preparation prior to lead placement
(rub with gauze or abrasive, clean skin oils with alcohol)
is critical to obtaining a high-quality ECG
LOCALIZING SITE OF INFARCT
Page 94

Localization of an infarct pattern adds to the accuracy of ECG interpretation

A STEMI will have 1 mm or more ST-segment elevation in two or more contiguous leads (which means
findings noted in the same anatomical location of the infarct)
o Contiguous leads for inferior infarction include II, III, and aVF
o Contiguous leads for anterior infarction include V1-V4 (V1-V2 elevation also called septal infarction)
o Contiguous leads for lateral myocardial infarction include Leads I, aVL, V5, and V6
o Lateral MI findings may be in addition to anterior or inferior MI patterns (anterolateral or inferolateral)

In patients with an inferior infarct pattern (Leads II, III, aVF), a separate ECG with V4R should be
obtained

A 1 mm ST-segment elevation in V4R when inferior infarction noted indicates right ventricular infarct
I – LATERAL
aVR
V1 – SEPTAL
or ANTERIOR
V4 – ANTERIOR
II - INFERIOR
aVL – LATERAL
V2 – SEPTAL
or ANTERIOR
V5 – LATERAL
III – INFERIOR
aVF - INFERIOR
V3 – ANTERIOR
V6 – LATERAL
(V4R – RVMI)
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
STEMI RECOGNITION AND DESTINATION

STEMI
Recognition





Patients who have ECGs of acceptable quality with the following messages are
candidates for transport to STEMI Receiving Centers:
o
***Acute MI*** (Zoll)
o
***Acute MI Suspected*** (LIFEPAK 12)
o
***Meets ST-Elevation MI Criteria*** (LIFEPAK15)
The 12-lead ECG should be inspected prior to initiation of a STEMI Alert – a steady
baseline in all 12-leads and a tracing free of artifact is critical for accurate interpretation
Causes of artifact include patient motion or tremor, poor lead contact, or electrical
interference
Good skin preparation is essential for optimal lead contact and clear 12-lead tracings
If artifact is noted the ECG should be repeated
Paced rhythms may cause false readings – the pacemaker spike is not always detected
by the computer algorithm. Inform facility if patient has a pacemaker during report.
STEMI
Report
If a STEMI is noted on 12-lead ECG, the receiving STEMI facility should be notified as soon
as possible following completion of the ECG
Destination
Policy
Patients with an identified STEMI shall be transported to a STEMI Receiving Center (SRC)
 Patients shall be transported to the closest SRC unless they request another facility
 A SRC that is not the closest facility is an acceptable destination if estimated additional
transport time does not exceed 15 minutes
 Patients with cardiac arrest who have a STEMI identified by 12-lead ECG before or after
arrest shall be transported to the closest SRC
 Patients with unmanageable airway en route shall be transported to the closest available
emergency department
STEMI REPORT

A patient with a computer interpretation of ***Acute MI*** (Zoll) or ***Acute MI Suspected*** (LP-12) or
***Meets ST Elevation MI Criteria*** (LP-15) is a candidate for transport to a STEMI Receiving Center
 Verify that 12-lead tracing has good tracings and baseline in all 12-leads and does not have significant
baseline artifact or other deficit before initiating a STEMI Alert
 Identify the call as a “STEMI Alert”
 Estimated time of arrival (ETA) in minutes
 Patient age and gender
SITUATION
 Report ECG computer interpretation has a STEMI message (as listed above)
 Report if subsequent ECG findings are variable or if ECG quality not optimal
(e.g., if no ***Acute MI*** findings noted in tracings without significant artifact)
BACKGROUND



Presenting chief complaint and symptoms
Pertinent past cardiac history
History of pacemaker (important – paced rhythms may give false ECG interpretations)
ASSESSMENT




General assessment
Pertinent vitals (especially heart rate and BP) and physical exam
Cardiac rhythm
Pain level
RX – RECAP


Prehospital treatments given
Patient response to prehospital treatments
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 95
KEY PARAMEDIC PROCEDURES
Skill
External
Cardiac
Pacing
Continuous
Positive
Airway
Pressure
(CPAP)
Indication
Contraindication
Symptomatic bradycardia



Cardiac arrest
Hypothermia
Pediatric Patients
Pt. has 2 of more findings:




Unconscious or unable to
follow commands

Respiratory arrest / apnea

Pneumothorax

Vomiting

Major head, facial or chest
trauma
Cardiac arrest from blunt
chest trauma
Any condition other than
cardiac arrest
RR >25
Pulse ox <94%
Use of accessory
muscles
and patient is awake, able
to maintain airway & follow
commands

ResQPOD
Cardiac Arrest
Waveform
Capnography
(ETCO2)
All intubated patients
(King or Endotracheal
Tube)


King Airway

Endotracheal
Intubation
Page 96



None



Presence of gag reflex
Caustic ingestion
Known esophageal
disease (e.g. cancer,
varices, stricture)
Laryngectomy with stoma
(place ET tube in stoma)
Height less than 4 feet
Cardiac arrest
Inability to ventilate
non-arrest patient
(with BLS airway
maneuvers) in a
setting in which
endotracheal
intubation is not
successful or unable
to be done
Patient with
decreased sensorium
(GCS less than or
equal to 8) and
apneic (adults)
Patient with
decreased sensorium
(GCS less than or
equal to 8) and
ventilation unable to
be maintained with
BLS airway







Pediatric patients under 40
kg
Suspected hypoglycemia
or narcotic overdose
Maxillo-facial trauma with
unrecognizable facial
landmarks
Seizures
Patients with an active gag
reflex
Comment
Careful titration of
midazolam or morphine if
required for relief of
discomfort
Increased pulse oximetry
is not necessarily
indicative of patient
improvement – follow
respiratory rate and level
of distress
Optional equipment
Use King Airway early to
facilitate use
Essential for ongoing
verification of ET tube
placement. Use as guide
to ventilation rate in
perfusing patients.
Ideal advanced airway
device in cardiac arrest –
less CPR interruption
Patients with perfusing
pulses (e.g. trauma or
respiratory insufficiency)
should be managed with
BLS airways unless
unable to successfully
ventilate
Patients with perfusing
pulses (e.g. trauma or
respiratory insufficiency)
should be managed with
BLS airways unless
unable to successfully
ventilate
No more than 2
interruptions of ventilation
lasting up to 30 seconds
during laryngoscopy or
intubation attempts
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
PEDIATRIC ASSESSMENT
PEDIATRIC ASSESSMENT TRIANGLE - GENERAL VISUAL ASSESSMENT
Appearance
Work of
Breathing
Circulation
Assessment
Assess TICLS: Tone, Interactiveness,
Consolability, Look/Gaze, Speech/Cry
Abnormal
Any Abnormal
Increased or decreased effort or abnormal
sounds
Abnormal skin color or external bleeding
Assess effort
Assess for skin color
PREHOSPITAL PRIMARY ASSESSMENT
Assessment
Assess patency
Assess respiratory rate and effort,
air movement, airway and breath
sounds, pulse oximetry
Signs of Life-Threatening Condition
Complete or severe airway obstruction
Circulation
Assess heart rate, pulses, capillary
refill, skin color and temperature,
blood pressure
Tachycardia, bradycardia, absence of detectable
pulses, poor blood flow (increased capillary refill,
pallor, mottling, or cyanosis), hypotension
Disability
Assess AVPU response, pupil size
and reaction to light, blood glucose
Decreased response or abnormal motor response
(posturing) to pain, unresponsiveness
Exposure
Assess skin for rash or trauma
Hypothermia, rash (petichiae/purpura) consistent with
septic shock, significant bleeding, abdominal distention
Airway
Breathing
Apnea, slow respiratory rate, very fast respiratory rate
or significant work of breathing
BEGIN INTERVENTIONS IMMEDIATELY AND TRANSPORT PROMPTLY IF LIFE-THREATENING
CONDITIONS ARE IDENTIFIED IN GENERAL VISUAL ASSESSMENT OR PRIMARY ASSESSMENT
VITAL SIGNS / GLASGOW COMA SCALE IN CHILDREN
Age
Term Neonate
Infant (<1 yr)
Toddler (1-3 yr)
Preschooler (4-5 yr)
School Age (6-12yr)
Adolescent (13-18 yr)
Pediatric GCS
Motor Response
Verbal
Response
Eye Response
Normal RR
Normal HR
30-60
30-60
24-40
22-34
18-30
12-20
100-205
100-190
90-150
80-140
70-120
60-100
Infant
Spontaneous movements
Withdraws to touch
Withdraws to pain
Flexion
Extension
No response
Coos and babbles
Irritable cry
Cries to pain
Moans to pain
No response
Opens spontaneously
Opens to speech
Opens to pain
No response
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Hypotension by systolic blood pressure
Neonate: Less than 60 mmHg or weak pulses
Infant: Less than 70 mmHg or weak pulses
1-10 yrs: Less than 70 mmHg + (age in yrs x 2)
Over 10: Less than 90 mmHg
Score
6
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
4
3
2
1
Child
Obeys commands
Localizes
Withdraws
Flexion
Extension
No response
Oriented
Confused
Inappropriate
Incomprehensible
No response
Opens spontaneously
Opens to speech
Opens to pain
No response
Score
6
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
4
3
2
1
Page 97
ABC MANEUVERS FOR ADULTS, CHILDREN AND INFANTS
INTERVENTION
BREATHING
AIRWAY
INITIAL BREATHS
RESCUE BREATHING
- NO COMPRESSIONS
WITH CPR AND
ADVANCED AIRWAY
FOREIGN BODY
OBSTRUCTION
COMPRESSIONS
PULSE CHECK
(10 seconds or less)
LANDMARKS
Page 98
METHOD
DEPTH
INFANT
Under 1 year
Head tilt – chin lift. If trauma suspected, use jaw thrust.
2 effective breaths (make chest rise) - 1 second per breath
10 – 12 breaths/ minute
12-20 breaths / minute
1 breath every 5-6 seconds
1 breath every 3-5 seconds
8-10 breaths/minute
1 breath every 6-8 seconds
Up to 5 back slaps
Abdominal thrusts
and 5 chest thrusts
Perform laryngoscopy and use Magill forceps if BLS efforts unsuccessful
Carotid
Brachial or femoral
Lower half of the sternum between the nipples
Heel of one hand,
other hand on top
1.5 to 2 inches
RATE
COMPRESSION /
VENTILATION RATIO
CHILD
1 year adolescent
ADULT
Just below nipple line
2 or 3 fingers, or
Heel of one hand,
2 thumbs encircling
or same as adult
(with two rescuers)
One-third to one-half depth of chest
100 per minute
30:2
30:2 (one rescuer) 2 minutes = 5 cycles
15:2 (two rescuers) 2 minutes = 8-10 cycles
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Contra Costa County Base Hospital
Hospital
John Muir Medical Center –
Walnut Creek Campus
1601 Ygnacio Valley Road
Walnut Creek CA 94598
Base Phone
ED Phone
Taped:
(925) 939-5804
Receiving Facility
Notification:
(925) 947-3379
XCC EMS 2
Alert Code
14524
ED: 939-5800
Contra Costa County Hospitals (Receiving Facilities)
Hospital
Services
ED Phone
XCC EMS 2
Alert Code
Contra Costa Regional Medical Center
2500 Alhambra Avenue
Martinez CA 94553
Basic ED
OB/Neonatal
(925) 370-5971
14574
Doctor’s Medical Center – San Pablo
2000 Vale Road
San Pablo CA 94806
Basic ED
STEMI Center
(510) 234-6010
13613
Basic ED
STEMI Center
(925) 689-0553
14214
Basic ED
OB/Neonatal
Trauma Center
STEMI Center
Receiving Facility
Notification:
(925) 947-3379 ED:
(925) 939-5800
14524
John Muir Medical Center –
Concord Campus
2540 East Street
Concord CA 94520
John Muir Medical Center
– Walnut Creek Campus
1601 Ygnacio Valley Road
Walnut Creek CA 94598
Kaiser Medical Center – Antioch
5001 Deer Valley Road
Antioch CA 94531
Basic ED
OB/Neonatal
(925) 813-6880
(switchboard)
14564
Kaiser Medical Center – Richmond
901 Nevin Avenue
Richmond CA 94504
Basic ED
(510) 307-1758
13653
Kaiser Medical Center –
Walnut Creek
1425 South Main Street
Walnut Creek CA 94596
Basic ED
OB/Neonatal
STEMI Center
(925) 939-1788
14284
San Ramon Regional Medical Center
6001 Norris Canyon Road
San Ramon CA 94583
Basic ED
OB/Neonatal
STEMI Center
(925) 275-8338
13623
Sutter/Delta Medical Center
3901 Lone Tree Way
Antioch CA 94509
Basic ED
OB/Neonatal
STEMI Center
(925) 779-7273
14294
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 99
DESTINATION DETERMINATION – BASIC PROCEDURE


Field personnel shall assess a patient to determine if the patient is unstable or stable
Patient stability must be considered along with a number of additional factors in making
destination and transport code decisions
FACTORS TO
CONSIDER
UNSTABLE
PATIENTS








Patient or family’s choice of receiving hospital and ETA to that facility
Recommendations from a physician familiar with the patient’s current condition
Patient’s regular source of hospitalization or health care
Ability of field personnel to provide field stabilization or emergency intervention
ETA to the closest basic emergency department
Traffic conditions
Hospitals with special resources
Hospital diversion status

Usually transported to the closest appropriate acute care hospital emergency
department or specialized care centers if indicated
If the patient or family requests, or if other factors exist which indicate that another
facility be considered, field personnel are to contact the base hospital and present
their findings, including ETAs to both facilities. Base personnel will assess the
benefits of each destination and may direct field personnel to a facility other than the
closest.


STABLE
PATIENTS

Stable patients are transported to appropriate acute care hospitals within reasonable
transport times based on patient’s/family preference
If a patient does not express a preference, the hospital where the patient normally
receives health care or the closest ED is to be considered
DESTINATION – 5150 and OBSTETRIC PATIENTS
A patient placed on a 5150 hold in the field shall be assessed for the presence of a medical
emergency. Based upon the history and physical examination of the patient, field personnel
shall determine whether the patient is stable or unstable.
Patients on
5150 Holds
Obstetric
Patients
Stable patients on 5150 holds shall be transported to Contra Costa Regional Medical Center
Unstable patients on 5150 holds shall be transported to the closest acute care hospital:
 A patient with a current history of overdose of medications is to be considered unstable
 A patient with history of ingestion of alcohol / illicit street drugs is considered unstable if:
o Significant alteration in mental status (e.g., decreased LOC or extremely agitated); or
o Significantly abnormal vital signs; or
o Any other history or physical findings that suggest instability (e.g. chest pain,
shortness of breath, hypotension, diaphoresis
A patient is considered “Obstetric” if pregnancy is estimated to be of 20 weeks duration or
more. Obstetric patients should be transported to hospitals with in-patient OB services in the
following circumstances:

Patients in labor

Patients whose chief complaint appears to be related to the pregnancy, or who
potentially have complications related to the pregnancy

Injured patients who do not meet trauma criteria or guidelines
Obstetric patients with impending delivery or unstable conditions where imminent treatment
appears necessary to preserve the mother’s life should be transported to the nearest basic
emergency department
Stable obstetric patients should be transported to the emergency department of choice if their
complaints are clearly unrelated to pregnancy
Page 100
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
TRAUMA TRIAGE CRITERIA
Unmanageable airway or
arrest not meeting field
Closest receiving facility
determination of death
The following meet high-risk criteria and merit direct transport to the trauma center:
Physiologic Criteria


BP < 90 in adults
GCS 13 or below if not pre-existing
Anatomic Criteria






Penetrating injury to head, neck, torso, groin, pelvis or buttocks
Fracture of femur
Fracture of long bone(s) resulting from penetrating trauma
Traumatic Paralysis
Amputation above wrist or ankle
Major burns associated with trauma
Motor vehicle crash with:
Note: In the absence of
o
Extrication > 20 minutes
significant symptoms or
o
Fatalities in the same vehicle
physical findings with
o
Ejection
these mechanisms,
Unrestrained motor vehicle crash with:
call base hospital for
o
Head on mechanism > 40 mph
destination determination
o
Extrication required
Fall 15 feet or greater
Motorcycle crash with:
o
Abdominal or chest tenderness
o
Observed loss of consciousness
Unrestrained motor vehicle crash with abdominal tenderness

Mechanism Criteria

Combined Criteria


(combined mechanism
and physical findings)

TRAUMA – BASE CALL-IN CRITERIA (IF NOT HIGH-RISK CRITERIA)

Base Hospital
Destination Decision
Required Prior to
Transport





Precaution with
Elderly Patients
Additional
Considerations:
Evidence of high-energy dissipation or rapid deceleration which may include:
o
vehicle rollover with unrestrained occupant
o
intrusion of passenger space by 1 foot or greater
o
impact of 40 mph or greater (restrained)
o
persons requiring disentanglement from a vehicle
Adult hit by vehicle traveling faster than 15 mph
Child (under 15) or elderly patient (65 years and over) struck by a vehicle
Persons ejected from a moving object (motorcycle, horse, etc.)
Significant blunt force to the head, neck, thorax (chest/back), abdomen or
pelvis
Penetrating injury to extremities (above knee or elbow) without apparent
fracture

Patients 65 years of age and older may sustain significant injuries with
less forceful mechanisms, and may merit call-in for less significant
mechanisms (e.g. ground level fall with new alteration of mental status)

Base contact should be made if a patient meets call-in criteria and it is
believed trauma center services may be needed, even in the event that the
trauma has occurred several hours prior to EMS response
If no significant symptoms or physical findings noted despite above
mechanism(s), call-in not required and patient may be transported to hospital
of choice or to closest facility

Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 101
HELICOPTER TRANSPORT CRITERIA
USE HELICOPTER ONLY WHEN BOTH TIME AND CLINICAL CRITERIA MET

Time
Criteria



Clinical
Criteria



Use and
Cancellation
Helicopter transport generally should be used only when it provides a time advantage.
Helicopter field care and transport time (which includes on-scene time, flight time, and
transport from helipad to the emergency department) is optimally 20-25 minutes in most
cases
Also consider: Time to ground transport to a rendezvous site, or a time delay in helicopter
arrival
Exception: Patients with potential need for advanced airway intervention (GCS 8 or less,
trauma to neck or airway, rapidly decreasing mental status) may be appropriate even when
time criteria not met
Trauma patients who meet high-risk criteria according to EMS trauma triage policy, except for:
o
Stable patients with isolated extremity trauma
o
Patients with mechanism but no significant physical exam findings
Trauma patients who do not meet high-risk criteria but by evaluation of mechanism and
physical exam findings, appear to have potential significant injuries that merit rapid transport
Patients with specialized needs available only at a remote facility such as burn victims/critical
pediatric
Critically ill or injured patients whose conditions may be aggravated or endangered by ground
transport (e.g. limited access via ground ambulance or unsafe roadway)
The decision to use or cancel a helicopter rests with the Incident Commander (IC). If criteria not
met, helicopter should be cancelled. Considerations for IC:

Patient need

Estimated ground transport time versus air response and transport

Proximity of a helispot or need for a helicopter/ambulance rendezvous site

ETA of the helicopter
RESTRAINTS
Restraint
Types
Restraint
Issues








Law
Enforcement
Role




Transport
Issues
Page 102

Leather or soft restraints may be used during transport
Handcuffs may only be used during transport if law enforcement accompanies the patient
in the ambulance. Patients may not be handcuffed to the gurney.
Chemical restraint requires a base hospital order
Patients shall be placed in Fowler’s or Semi-Fowler’s position
Patients shall not be restrained in hogtied or prone position
Method of restraint should allow for monitoring of vital signs and respiratory effort and
should not restrict the patient or rescuer’s ability to protect the airway should vomiting
occur
Restrained extremities should be monitored for circulation, motor and sensory function
every 15 minutes
Law enforcement agencies are responsible for capture and/or restraint of assaultive or
potentially assaultive patients
Law enforcement agencies retain responsibility for safe transport of patients under arrest
or on 5150 holds
Patients under arrest or 5150 hold should undergo a weapons search by law enforcement
personnel
Patients under arrest must be accompanied by law enforcement personnel
If an unrestrained patient becomes assaultive during transport, ambulance personnel
shall request law enforcement assistance, and make reasonable efforts to calm and
reassure the patient
If the crew believes their personal safety is at risk, they should not inhibit a patient's
attempt to leave the ambulance. Every effort should be made to release the patient into a
safe environment. Ambulance personnel are to remain on scene until law enforcement
arrives to take control of the situation.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
RULE OF NINES – BURN SURFACE AREA
BURN PATIENT DESTINATION

General Destination
Principles


Patient Selection for
Initial Transport to
Burn Center
Procedure for Burn
Center Destination
Burned patients with unmanageable airways should be transported to the
closest basic ED
Patients with minor burns and moderate burns can be cared for at any acute
care hospital
Adult and pediatric patients with burns and significant trauma should be
transported to the closest appropriate trauma center
The following patients may be appropriate for initial transport to a Burn Center:

Partial thickness (2nd degree) greater than 20% TBSA

Full thickness (3rd degree) greater than 10%

Significant burns to face, hands, feet, genitalia, perineum, or circumferential
burns of the torso or extremities

Chemical or high voltage electrical burns

Smoke inhalation with external burns


Contact Burn Center prior to transport to confirm bed availability
Consult base hospital if any questions regarding destination decision
BURN CENTERS
Hospital
Services
Phone
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
751 S. Bascom Avenue
San Jose CA
Adult and Pediatric Burn Center
408-885-6666
UC Davis Medical Center
Regional Burn Center
2315 Stockton Blvd.
Sacramento CA
Adult and Pediatric Burn Center
916-734-3636
St. Francis Burn Center
900 Hyde Street
San Francisco CA
Adult and Pediatric Burn Center
(No Helipad available)
415-353-6255
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 103
DECLINING MEDICAL CARE OR TRANSPORT (AMA)
All qualified persons are permitted to make decisions affecting care, including the ability to decline care
Patient
Competency
Qualified
Person
Base Contact
Requirements
Any person encountered by EMS personnel who demonstrates any known or suspected illness or
injury OR is involved in an event with significant mechanism that could cause illness or injury OR who
requests care or evaluation
The ability to understand and to demonstrate an understanding of the nature of the illness/injury and
the consequence of declining medical care
A competent person making decision for him/herself or another qualified by:

An adult patient defined as a person who is at least 18 years old;

A minor (under 18 years old) who qualifies based on one of the following conditions:
o
A legally married minor;
o
A minor on active duty with the armed forces;
o
A minor seeking prevention / treatment of pregnancy or treatment related to sexual assault;
o
A minor, 12 years of age or older, seeking treatment of contact with an infectious,
contagious or communicable disease or sexually transmitted disease;
o
A self-sufficient minor at least 15 years of age, living apart from parents and managing
his/her own financial affairs;
o
An emancipated minor (must show proof); OR

The parent of a minor child or a legal representative of the patient (of any age). Spouses or
relatives cannot consent to or decline care for the patient unless they are legally designated
representatives.

When, in the field personnel’s opinion, patient’s decision to decline care poses a threat to his/her
well being

If the patient’s competency status is unclear (neither competent nor clearly incompetent) and
treatment or transport is felt to be appropriate

Any other situation in which, in the field personnel’s opinion, that base contact would be
beneficial in resolving treatment or transport issues
DETERMINATION OF DEATH
Obvious
Death
Medical
Arrest
Traumatic
Arrest
Page 104
Pulseless, non-breathing patients with any of the following:

Decapitation, Total incineration, Decomposition

Total destruction of the heart, lungs, or brain, or separation of these organs from the body

Rigor mortis or post-mortem lividity without evidence of hypothermia, drug ingestion, or
poisoning. In patients with rigor mortis or post-mortem lividity:
o
Attempt to open airway, assess for breathing for at least 30 seconds; assess pulse
for 15 seconds
o
Rigor, if present, should be noted in jaw and/or upper extremities
o
If any doubt exists, place cardiac monitor to document asystole in two leads for one
minute

Mass casualty situations
Definition:
Cardiac arrest with total absence of observers or witness information; or cardiac arrest in which
witness information states arrest occurred greater than 15 minutes prior to arrival of prehospital
personnel and no resuscitative measures have been done
Procedure:

BLS personnel – Follow Public Safety defibrillation guideline

ALS personnel - Do not initiate CPR; Assess for presence of apnea, pulselessness (no
heart tones/no carotid or femoral pulses), document asystole in two leads for one minute
Definition: Blunt or penetrating traumatic arrest
Procedure:

BLS personnel – Follow Public Safety defibrillation guideline

ALS personnel - Do not initiate CPR; Assess for presence of apnea, pulselessness (no
heart tones/no carotid or femoral pulses), document asystole or wide-complex pulseless
electrical activity (PEA) at rate of 40 or less
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
ADULT DRUG REFERENCE
Drug
Indication
Adult Dosage
1st Dose – 6 mg rapid IV
ADENOSINE
Paroxysmal SVT
2nd & 3rd Doses – 12 mg
rapid IV push
Follow each dose with
rapid bolus of 20 ml NS
Bronchospasm
5 mg in 6 ml NS
nebulized
Crush Injury –
Hyperkalemia
5 mg in 6 ml NS
nebulized continuously
Ventricular
Fibrillation or
Pulseless VT
300 mg IV or IO bolus,
repeat 150 mg bolus if
rhythm persists
Stable Ventricular
Tachycardia
150 mg IV infusion or
slow IV push over 10
minutes (15 mg/minute)
Chest Pain –
Suspected ACS
4 – 81 mg tabs – chewed
ALBUTEROL
AMIODARONE
ASPIRIN
Asystole
ATROPINE
PEA rate under 60
1 mg IV or IO every 3-5
minutes up to max. 3 mg
Symptomatic
Bradycardia
0.5 mg IV or IO every 3-5
minutes up to max. 3 mg
Organophosphate
poisoning
1-2 mg IV or IO – repeat
every 3-5 min. as needed
to decrease symptoms
Hyperkalemia –
Arrest
CALCIUM
CHLORIDE
DEXTROSE 50%
Hyperkalemia –
Crush Injury
Hydrofluoric Acid
Toxicity
Hypoglycemia
500 mg IV or IO slowly
May repeat in 5-10
minutes
1 gm IV or IO slowly over
60 seconds
Precautions / Comments
May cause transient heart block or
asystole. Side effects include chest
pressure/pain, palpitations,
hypotension, dyspnea, or feeling of
impending doom. Use caution
when patient is taking
carmbamazepine, dipyramidole, or
methylxanthines. Do not administer
if drugs or poisons are suspected
cause of tachycardia.
Repeat as need for bronchospasm.
Use with caution in patients taking
MAO inhibitors (antidepressants
Nardil and Parnate).
In patient with pulses, may cause
hypotension. Do not administer if
patient hypotensive. When creating
infusion, careful mixing needed to
avoid foaming of medication (do not
use filter needle).
Do not administer if patient has a
history of allergy to aspirin or
salicylates
Atropine can dilate pupils,
aggravate glaucoma, cause urinary
retention, confusion, and
dysrhythmias, including V-tach and
Vfib. Doses less than 0.5 mg can
cause paradoxical bradycardia.
Increases myocardial oxygen
consumption.
Remove clothing of victim of
organophosphate poisonings, and
flush skin to remove traces of
poison.
Use cautiously or not at all in
patients on digitalis. Avoid
extravasation
500 mg IV or IO slowly
Rapid administration can cause
dysrhythmias or arrest
25 g IV – repeat if
needed
Recheck glucose after
administration
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 105
ADULT DRUG REFERENCE
Drug
DIPHENHYDRAMINE
Indication
Allergy – Hives /
Itching
Adult Dosage
25-50 mg IV or IM
Dystonic Reaction
Shock
Starting dose (see chart)
5 mcg/kg/min IV or IO
DOPAMINE
Symptomatic
Bradycardia
Cardiac Arrest
EPINEPHRINE
1:10,000
Anaphylactic Shock
Maximum dose
20 mcg/kg/min IV or IO
1 mg IV or IO every 3-5
minutes
0.1 mg increments IV or
IO up to 0.5 mg IV total
dose
Precautions / Comments
For allergy, consider lower dose
if patient has already taken po
dose in past two hours for
symptoms
Alpha & beta sympathomimetic.
May cause serious dysrhythmias
and exacerbate angina. Avoid
extravasation. Avoid exposure to
light.
Alpha & beta sympathomimetic.
May cause serious dysrhythmias
and exacerbate angina.
Use only if IM treatment
ineffective
Allergy/
Anaphylactic Shock
0.3-0.5 mg IM
Use lower dose in
smaller, older patients
Asthma
0.3 mg subcutaneously
0.3 mg IM if respiratory
arrest from asthma or
bronchospasm
GLUCAGON
Hypoglycemia
1 mg IM
Effect may be delayed 5–20
minutes - if patient responds,
give po sugar
LIDOCAINE
IO Pain
20-40 mg IO
Not needed in arrest situations
EPINEPHRINE 1:1000
Seizure
MIDAZOLAM
Sedation for pacing
or cardioversion
Behavioral
Emergency
Pain Control
MORPHINE
Trauma, Burn or
Non-Traumatic
Pain
Sedation – Pacing
Pulmonary Edema
Page 106
Titrate 1-5 mg IV in 1-2
mg increments
0.2 mg/kg IM
(max. dose 10 mg IM)
Titrate 1-5 mg IV in 1-2
mg increments
5 mg IM
1-5 mg IV in 1 mg
increments if IV available
2-20 mg IV
(2-5 mg increments)
5-20 mg IM
(max single dose 10 mg)
1-5 mg IV in 1 mg
increments
2-5 mg IV in 1-2 mg
increments
Never administer
intravenously!
Do not use in asthma patients
with a history of hypertension or
coronary artery disease. May
cause serious dysrhythmias and
exacerbate angina.
With IV dosing, begin with
1 mg dose. IV increments
should not exceed 2 mg
Observe respiratory status
Use with caution in patients
over age 60
Base order required for
behavioral emergency indication
Can cause hypotension and
respiratory depression. Recheck
VS between each dose.
Hypotension more common in
patients with low cardiac output
or volume depletion. Nausea is a
frequent side effect. Respiratory
depression reversible with
naloxone.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
ADULT DRUG REFERENCE
Drug
NALOXONE
NITROGLYCERIN
SODIUM
BICARBONATE
Indication
(Respiratory rate
less than 12)
For careful titration in
chronic pain or terminal
patients, dilute 1:10 and
give 0.1 mg increments
Precautions / Comments
Intranasal administration preferred
unless patient in shock or has
copious secretion/blood in nares.
IM route if copious secretions or
blood. Use IV route in shock.
Shorter duration of action than that
of most narcotics. May not reverse
vascular effects of narcotics.
Abrupt withdrawal symptoms and
combative behavior may occur.
Chest Pain –
Suspected ACS
0.4 mg sl or spray
up to 6 doses
0.4 mg sl or spray
if systolic BP 90-149
Can cause hypotension and
headache. Do not give if BP less
than 90 systolic. Do not give if
right ventricular MI detected.
0.8 mg sl or spray
if systolic BP 150 or over
Max.dose 4.8 mg
Do not give if Viagra or Levitra
taken within 24 hours or if Cialis
taken within 36 hours
Cardiac arrest
1 mEq/kg IV or IO
Tricyclic
Antidepressant
Overdose
For crush injury, consider
additional 1 mEq/kg added
to 1L NS using second IV
line
Assure adequate ventilation. Can
precipitate or inactivate other
drugs. In cardiac arrest, indicated
for treatment of suspected
hyperkalemia (history of renal
failure or diabetes).
Respiratory
Depression or
Apnea
Pulmonary
Edema
Crush injury
Adult Dosage
2 mg intranasally (IN)
1-2 mg IV or IM
Higher doses may
sometimes be necessary
DOPAMINE DRIP RATES
Dopamine concentration = 1600 mcg/ml solution = 400 mg in 250 ml D5W or NS
Drops per minute based on microdrip tubing (60 gtt/ml)
Patient Weight
5
10
15
20
(kg)
mcg / kg / min
mcg / kg / min
mcg / kg / min
mcg / kg / min
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95
100
105
110
8
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
15
17
19
21
23
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
38
39
41
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
23
25
28
31
34
37
39
42
45
48
51
53
56
59
62
30
34
38
41
45
49
53
56
60
64
68
71
75
79
83
Page 107
PEDIATRIC DRUG REFERENCE
Drug
ADENOSINE
Indication
Paroxysmal
SVT
Pediatric Dosage
Precautions / Comments
1st Dose – 0.1 mg/kg rapid IV
(max. 6 mg)
Base Order Required:
May cause transient heart block or
asystole. Side effects include
chest pressure/pain, palpitations,
hypotension, dyspnea, or feeling of
impending doom. Do not
administer if drugs or poisons are
suspected cause of tachycardia.
2nd Dose – 0.2 mg/kg rapid
IV (max 12 mg)
Follow each dose with rapid
10-20 ml NS bolus
ALBUTEROL
Bronchospasm
5 mg in 6 ml NS nebulized
AMIODARONE
Ventricular
Fibrillation or
Pulseless VT
5 mg/kg IV or IO bolus
Maximum dose 300 mg
0.02 mg/kg IV or IO
Minimum dose 0.1 mg
ATROPINE
Child (1-8 years):
Single dose max 0.5 mg
Total dose 1 mg
Bradycardia in pediatric patients
primarily related to respiratory
issue – assure adequate
ventilation first
Adolescent (9-14 years):
Single Dose max 1 mg
Total Dose 2 mg
Atropine is not used in asystole in
pediatric patients
DEXTROSE 10%
Hypoglycemia
0.5 g/kg IV (5 ml/kg)
Maximum 250 ml
Recheck glucose after
administration
DIPHENHYDRAMINE
Allergy - Hives /
Itching
1 mg/kg IV or IM
Maximum dose 50 mg
Consider lower dose (0.5 mg/kg) if
patient has already taken po dose
in the past two hours for symptoms
Cardiac Arrest
0.01 mg/kg IV or IO
every 3-5 minutes
Max dose 1 mg
Anaphylactic
Shock
Titrate in up to 0.1 mg
increments slow IV or IO
to a max. of 0.01 mg/kg
Allergy/
Anaphylactic
Shock
0.01 mg/kg IM
Max single dose 0.3 mg
Never administer intravenously!
Asthma
0.01 mg/kg
subcutaneously
Maximum dose 0.3 mg
If respiratory arrest from asthma or
bronchospasm, administer IM
Hypoglycemia
Weight less than 24 kg:
0.5 mg IM
Weight 24 kg or more:
1 mg IM
Effect may be delayed 5–20
minutes - if patient responds, give
po sugar
EPINEPHRINE
1:10,000
EPINEPHRINE 1:1000
GLUCAGON
Page 108
Symptomatic
Bradycardia
Repeat as needed
In anaphylactic shock, IM
epinephrine 1:1000 should be
administered first and epinephrine
1:10,000 IV should only be used if
IM is ineffective
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
PEDIATRIC DRUG REFERENCE
Drug
LIDOCAINE
Indication
IO Pain
Seizure
MIDAZOLAM
Sedation for
Cardioversion
MORPHINE
NALOXONE
Pain Control –
Trauma, Burn or
Non-Traumatic
Pain
Respiratory
Depression or
Apnea
Pediatric Dosage
0.5 mg/kg IO
Maximum dose 20 mg
Titrate in up to 1 mg
increments IV up to
0.1 mg/kg
0.2 mg/kg IM
Maximum dose 10 mg IM
0.1 mg/kg IV or IO titrated in
1 mg increments
Maximum dose 5 mg
See pain management drug
chart for dosage. Use IV
increments of up to 2 mg.
0.1 mg/kg IM
0.1 mg/kg IM or IV
Maximum dose 2 mg
May repeat as needed
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Precautions / Comments
Not needed in arrest situations
Observe respiratory status
carefully
Sedation and cardioversion only
with base hospital order
Can cause hypotension and
respiratory depression.
Hypotension is more common in
patients with volume depletion.
Nausea is a frequent side effect.
Recheck VS between each dose.
Respiratory depression reversible
with naloxone.
Use IM route initially unless shock
present. Shorter duration of action
than that of most narcotics. May
not reverse vascular effects of
narcotics.
Page 109
LENGTH-BASED TAPE COLOR – GRAY
Weight Range: 3-5 kg (6-11 lbs)
Defibrillation Doses: 8 J (1st) / 16 J (2nd)
ADMINISTER
MEDICATION
CONCENTRATION
DOSE
0.13 ml IV
Adenosine – 1st dose
3 mg / ml
0.4 mg
0.27 ml IV
Adenosine – 2nd dose
3 mg / ml
0.8 mg
1 ml IV
Atropine
0.1 mg / ml
0.1 mg
20 ml IV
Dextrose 10%
0.1 gm / ml
2g
0.08 ml IV or IM
Diphenhydramine
50 mg / ml
4 mg
0.04 ml SC or IM
Epinephrine 1:1000
1 mg / ml
0.04 mg
0.4 ml IV
Epinephrine 1:10,000
0.1 mg / ml
0.04 mg
0.5 ml IM
Glucagon
1 mg / ml
0.5 mg
0.16 ml IM
Midazolam IM
5 mg / ml
0.8 mg
0.08 ml IV
Midazolam IV
5 mg / ml
0.4 mg
0.4 ml IM or IV
Naloxone
1 mg/ml
0.4 mg
80 ml IV
Normal Saline Bolus
Some volumes rounded for ease of administration. To assure accuracy,
be sure the designated concentration of medication is used.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 111
LENGTH-BASED TAPE COLOR – PINK
Weight Range: 6-7 kg (13-15 lbs)
Defibrillation Doses: 13 J (1st) / 26 J (2nd)
ADMINISTER
MEDICATION
CONCENTRATION
DOSE
0.22 ml IV
Adenosine – 1st dose
3 mg / ml
0.65 mg
0.43 ml IV
Adenosine – 2nd dose
3 mg / ml
1.3 mg
0.64 ml IV
Amiodarone
50 mg / ml
32 mg
1.3 ml IV
Atropine
0.1 mg / ml
0.13 mg
33 ml IV
Dextrose 10%
0.1 gm / ml
3.25 g
0.13 ml IM or IV
Diphenhydramine
50 mg / ml
6.5 mg
0.06 ml SC or IM
Epinephrine 1:1000
1 mg / ml
0.065 mg
0.65 ml IV
Epinephrine 1:10,000
0.1 mg / ml
0.065 mg
0.5 ml IM
Glucagon
1 mg / ml
0.5 mg
0.16 ml IO
Lidocaine 2%
(IO pain)
100 mg / 5 ml
3.3 mg
0.25 ml IM
Midazolam IM
5 mg / ml
1.25 mg
0.1 ml IV – initial
0.13 ml - max
Midazolam IV
5 mg / ml
0.65 mg
(max.)
0.65 ml IM or IV
Naloxone
1 mg/ml
0.65 mg
130 ml IV
Normal Saline Bolus
Some volumes rounded for ease of administration. To assure accuracy,
be sure the designated concentration of medication is used.
Page 112
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
LENGTH-BASED TAPE COLOR – RED
Weight Range: 8-9 kg (17-19 lbs)
Defibrillation Doses: 17 J (1st) / 34 J (2nd)
ADMINISTER
MEDICATION
CONCENTRATION
DOSE
0.28 ml IV
Adenosine – 1st dose
3 mg / ml
0.85 mg
0.56 ml IV
Adenosine – 2nd dose
3 mg / ml
1.7 mg
0.84 ml IV
Amiodarone
50 mg / ml
42 mg
1.7 ml IV
Atropine
0.1 mg / ml
0.17 mg
43 ml IV
Dextrose 10%
0.1 gm / ml
4.25 g
0.16 ml IM or IV
Diphenhydramine
50 mg / ml
8.5 mg
0.08 ml SC or IM
Epinephrine 1:1000
1 mg / ml
0.085 mg
0.85 ml IV
Epinephrine 1:10,000
0.1 mg / ml
0.085 mg
0.5 ml IM
Glucagon
1 mg / ml
0.5 mg
0.21 ml IO
Lidocaine 2%
(IO pain)
100 mg / 5 ml
4.25 mg
0.34 ml IM
Midazolam IM
5 mg / ml
1.7 mg
0.1 ml IV – initial
0.17 ml - max
Midazolam IV
5 mg / ml
0.85 mg
(max.)
0.85 ml IM or IV
Naloxone
1 mg/ml
0.85 mg
170 ml IV
Normal Saline Bolus
Some volumes rounded for ease of administration. To assure accuracy,
be sure the designated concentration of medication is used.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 113
LENGTH-BASED TAPE COLOR – PURPLE
Weight Range: 10-11 kg (22-25 lbs)
Defibrillation Doses: 20 J (1st) / 40 J (2nd)
ADMINISTER
MEDICATION
CONCENTRATION
DOSE
0.33 ml IV
Adenosine – 1st dose
3 mg / ml
1 mg
0.7 ml IV
Adenosine – 2nd dose
3 mg / ml
2.1 mg
1 ml IV
Amiodarone
50 mg / ml
52 mg
2.1 ml IV
Atropine
0.1 mg / ml
0.21 mg
53 ml IV
Dextrose 10%
0.1 gm / ml
5.25 g
0.2 ml IM or IV
Diphenhydramine
50 mg / ml
10 mg
0.1 ml SC or IM
Epinephrine 1:1000
1 mg / ml
0.1 mg
1 ml IV
Epinephrine 1:10,000
0.1 mg / ml
0.1 mg
0.5 ml IM
Glucagon
1 mg / ml
0.5 mg
0.26 ml IO
Lidocaine 2%
(IO pain)
100 mg / 5 ml
5.25 mg
0.4 ml IM
Midazolam IM
5 mg / ml
2 mg
0.1 ml IV – initial
0.2 ml IV - max
Midazolam IV
5 mg / ml
1 mg
(max.)
1 ml IM or IV
Naloxone
1 mg/ml
1 mg
210 ml IV
Normal Saline Bolus
Standard
Some volumes rounded for ease of administration. To assure accuracy,
be sure the designated concentration of medication is used.
Page 114
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
LENGTH-BASED TAPE COLOR – YELLOW
Weight Range: 12-14 kg (27-32 lbs)
Defibrillation Doses: 26 J (1st) / 52 J (2nd)
ADMINISTER
MEDICATION
CONCENTRATION
DOSE
0.43 ml IV
Adenosine – 1st dose
3 mg / ml
1.3 mg
0.9 ml IV
Adenosine – 2nd dose
3 mg / ml
2.6 mg
1.3 ml IV
Amiodarone
50 mg / ml
65 mg
2.6 ml IV
Atropine
0.1 mg / ml
0.26 mg
65 ml IV
Dextrose 10%
0.1 gm / ml
6.5 g
0.3 ml IM or IV
Diphenhydramine
50 mg / ml
13 mg
0.13 ml SC or IM
Epinephrine 1:1000
1 mg / ml
0.13 mg
1.3 ml IV
Epinephrine 1:10,000
0.1 mg / ml
0.13 mg
0.5 ml IM
Glucagon
1 mg / ml
0.5 mg
0.33 ml IO
Lidocaine 2%
(IO pain)
100 mg / 5 ml
6.5 mg
0.5 ml IM
Midazolam IM
5 mg / ml
2.6 mg
0.2 ml IV - initial
0.26 ml IV – max
Midazolam IV
5 mg / ml
1.3 mg
(max.)
1.3 ml IM or IV
Naloxone
1 mg/ml
1.3 mg
260 ml IV
Normal Saline Bolus
Some volumes rounded for ease of administration. To assure accuracy,
be sure the designated concentration of medication is used.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 115
LENGTH-BASED TAPE COLOR – WHITE
Weight Range: 15-18 kg (34-41 lbs)
Defibrillation Doses: 33 J (1st) / 66 J (2nd)
ADMINISTER
MEDICATION
CONCENTRATION
DOSE
0.6 ml IV
Adenosine – 1st dose
3 mg / ml
1.7 mg
1.1 ml IV
Adenosine – 2nd dose
3 mg / ml
3.3 mg
1.6 ml IV
Amiodarone
50 mg / ml
80 mg
3.3 ml IV
Atropine
0.1 mg / ml
0.33 mg
83 ml IV
Dextrose 10%
0.1 gm / ml
8.25 g
0.34 ml IM or IV
Diphenhydramine
50 mg / ml
17 mg
0.17 ml SC or IM
Epinephrine 1:1000
1 mg / ml
0.17 mg
1.7 ml IV
Epinephrine 1:10,000
0.1 mg / ml
0.17 mg
0.5 ml IM
Glucagon
1 mg / ml
0.5 mg
0.43 ml IO
Lidocaine 2%
(IO pain)
100 mg / 5 ml
8.5 mg
0.7 ml IM
Midazolam IM
5 mg / ml
3.4 mg
0.2 ml IV - initial
0.34 ml IV – max
Midazolam IV
5 mg / ml
1.7 mg
(max.)
1.6 ml IM or IV
Naloxone
1 mg/ml
1.6 mg
325 ml IV
Normal Saline Bolus
Some volumes rounded for ease of administration. To assure accuracy,
be sure the designated concentration of medication is used.
Page 116
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
LENGTH-BASED TAPE COLOR – BLUE
Weight Range: 19-22 kg (42-49 lbs)
Defibrillation Doses: 40 J (1st) / 80 J (2nd)
ADMINISTER
MEDICATION
CONCENTRATION
DOSE
0.7 ml IV
Adenosine – 1st dose
3 mg / ml
2.1 mg
1.4 ml IV
Adenosine – 2nd dose
3 mg / ml
4.2 mg
2.1 ml IV
Amiodarone
50 mg / ml
105 mg
4.2 ml IV
Atropine
0.1 mg / ml
0.42 mg
105 ml IV
Dextrose 10%
0.1 gm / ml
10.5 g
0.4 ml IM or IV
Diphenhydramine
50 mg / ml
21 mg
0.21 ml SC or IM
Epinephrine 1:1000
1 mg / ml
0.21 mg
2.1 ml IV
Epinephrine 1:10,000
0.1 mg / ml
0.21 mg
1 ml IM
Glucagon
1 mg / ml
1 mg
0.5 ml IO
Lidocaine 2%
(IO pain)
100 mg / 5 ml
10.5 mg
0.8 ml IM
Midazolam IM
5 mg / ml
4 mg
0.2 ml IV - initial
0.4 ml IV – max
Midazolam IV - Titrate
5 mg / ml
2 mg
(max.)
2 ml IM or IV
Naloxone
1 mg/ml
2 mg
420 ml IV
Normal Saline Bolus
Standard
in 0.2 ml (1 mg)
increments
Some volumes rounded for ease of administration. To assure accuracy,
be sure the designated concentration of medication is used.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 117
LENGTH-BASED TAPE COLOR – ORANGE
Weight Range: 24-28 kg (54-64 lbs)
Defibrillation Doses: 53 J (1st) / 106 J (2nd)
ADMINISTER
MEDICATION
CONCENTRATION
DOSE
0.9 ml IV
Adenosine – 1st dose
3 mg / ml
2.7 mg
1.8 ml IV
Adenosine – 2nd dose
3 mg / ml
5.4 mg
2.6 ml IV
Amiodarone
50 mg / ml
130 mg
5 ml IV
Atropine
0.1 mg / ml
0.5 mg
135 ml IV
Dextrose 10%
0.1 gm / ml
13.5 g
0.5 ml IM or IV
Diphenhydramine
50 mg / ml
27 mg
0.27 ml SC or IM
Epinephrine 1:1000
1 mg / ml
0.27 mg
2.7 ml IV
Epinephrine 1:10,000
0.1 mg / ml
0.27 mg
1 ml IM
Glucagon
1 mg / ml
1 mg
0.7 ml IO
Lidocaine 2%
(IO pain)
100 mg / 5 ml
13.5 mg
1 ml IM
Midazolam IM
5 mg / ml
5.4 mg
0.2 ml IV - initial
0.5 ml IV – max
Midazolam IV - Titrate
5 mg / ml
2.7 mg
(max.)
2 ml IM or IV
Naloxone
1 mg/ml
2 mg
500 ml IV
Normal Saline Bolus
in 0.2 ml (1 mg)
increments
Some volumes rounded for ease of administration. To assure accuracy,
be sure the designated concentration of medication is used.
Page 118
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
LENGTH-BASED TAPE COLOR – GREEN
Weight Range: 30-36 kg (65-80 lbs)
Defibrillation Doses: 66 J (1st) / 132 J (2nd)
ADMINISTER
MEDICATION
CONCENTRATION
DOSE
1.1 ml IV
Adenosine – 1st dose
3 mg / ml
3.3 mg
2.2 ml IV
Adenosine – 2nd dose
3 mg / ml
6.6 mg
3.3 ml IV
Amiodarone
50 mg / ml
165 mg
5 ml IV
Atropine
0.1 mg / ml
0.5 mg
165 ml IV
Dextrose 10%
0.1 gm / ml
16.5 g
0.7 ml IM or IV
Diphenhydramine
50 mg / ml
33 mg
0.3 ml SC or IM
Epinephrine 1:1000
1 mg / ml
0.3 mg
3.3 ml IV
Epinephrine 1:10,000
0.1 mg / ml
0.33 mg
1 ml IM
Glucagon
1 mg / ml
1 mg
0.8 ml IO
Lidocaine 2%
(IO pain)
100 mg / 5 ml
16.5 mg
1.3 ml IM
Midazolam IM
5 mg / ml
6.6 mg
0.2 ml IV - initial
0.7 ml IV – max
Midazolam IV - Titrate
5 mg / ml
3.3 mg
(max.)
2 ml IM or IV
Naloxone
1 mg / ml
2 mg
500 ml IV
Normal Saline Bolus
in 0.2 ml (1 mg)
increments
Some volumes rounded for ease of administration. To assure accuracy,
be sure the designated concentration of medication is used.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 119
For Pediatric Patients Beyond Length-Based Tape
PEDIATRIC DOSAGE – 40 kg (90 lbs)
ADMINISTER
MEDICATION
CONCENTRATION
DOSE
1.3 ml IV
Adenosine – 1st dose
3 mg / ml
4 mg
2.7 ml IV
Adenosine – 2nd dose
3 mg / ml
8 mg
4 ml IV
Amiodarone
50 mg / ml
200 mg
5 ml IV
Atropine
0.1 mg / ml
0.5 mg
200 ml IV
Dextrose 10%
0.1 gm / ml
20 g
0.8 ml IM or IV
Diphenhydramine
50 mg / ml
40 mg
0.3 ml SC or IM
Epinephrine 1:1000
1 mg / ml
0.3 mg
4 ml IV
Epinephrine 1:10,000
0.1 mg / ml
0.4 mg
1 ml IM
Glucagon
1 mg / ml
1 mg
1 ml IO
Lidocaine 2%
(IO pain)
100 mg / 5 ml
20 mg
1.6 ml IM
Midazolam IM
5 mg / ml
8 mg
0.2 ml IV - initial
0.8 ml IV – max
Midazolam IV - Titrate
5 mg / ml
4 mg
(max.)
2 ml IM or IV
Naloxone
1 mg / ml
2 mg
500 ml IV
Normal Saline Bolus
in 0.2 ml (1 mg)
increments
Some volumes rounded for ease of administration. To assure accuracy,
be sure the designated concentration of medication is used.
Page 120
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
For Pediatric Patients Beyond Length-Based Tape
PEDIATRIC DOSAGE – 45 kg (101 lbs.)
ADMINISTER
MEDICATION
CONCENTRATION
DOSE
1.5 ml IV
Adenosine – 1st dose
3 mg / ml
4.5 mg
3 ml IV
Adenosine – 2nd dose
3 mg / ml
9 mg
4.5 ml IV
Amiodarone
50 mg / ml
225 mg
5 ml IV
Atropine
0.1 mg / ml
0.5 mg
225 ml IV
Dextrose 10%
0.1 gm / ml
22.5 g
0.9 ml IM or IV
Diphenhydramine
50 mg / ml
45 mg
0.3 ml SC or IM
Epinephrine 1:1000
1 mg / ml
0.3 mg
4.5 ml IV
Epinephrine 1:10,000
0.1 mg / ml
0.45 mg
1 ml IM
Glucagon
1 mg / ml
1 mg
1 ml IO
Lidocaine 2%
(IO pain)
100 mg / 5 ml
20 mg
1.8 ml IM
Midazolam IM
5 mg / ml
9 mg
0.2 ml IV - initial
0.9 ml IV – max
Midazolam IV - Titrate
5 mg / ml
4.5 mg
(max.)
2 ml IM or IV
Naloxone
1 mg / ml
2 mg
500 ml IV
Normal Saline Bolus
in 0.2 ml (1 mg)
increments
Some volumes rounded for ease of administration. To assure accuracy,
be sure the designated concentration of medication is used.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 121
Pain Evaluation and Treatment
IM MORPHINE 10 mg/ml concentration
COLOR / WEIGHT
IM DOSE (0.1 mg/kg)
GRAY (3-5 kg)
Not Given
PINK (6-7 kg)
0.06 ml IM
(0.6 mg)
RED (8-9 kg)
0.08 ml IM
(0.8 mg)
PURPLE (10-11 kg)
0.1 ml IM
YELLOW (12-14 kg)
0.13 ml IM
(1.3 mg)
WHITE (15-18 kg)
0.17 ml IM
(1.7 mg)
BLUE (19-22 kg)
0.2 ml IM
ORANGE (24-28 kg)
0.25 ml IM
(2.5 mg)
GREEN (30-36 kg)
0.35 ml IM
(3.5 mg)
40 kg
0.4 ml IM
45 kg
0.45 ml IM
(1 mg)
(2 mg)
(4 mg)
(4.5 mg)
To assure accuracy, be sure the designated
concentration is used.
Page 122
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Pain Evaluation and Treatment
IV MORPHINE 10 mg/ml concentration
0.05 – 0.1 mg/kg is used in children up to 18 kg. Titrate up to 10 mg as needed
in patients > 18 kg.
COLOR / WEIGHT
FIRST DOSE IV
MAXIMUM TOTAL IV
DOSE *
GRAY (3-5 kg)
Not Given
Not Given
PINK (6-7 kg)
0.03 ml IV
(0.3 mg)
0.06 ml IV
(0.6 mg)
RED (8-9 kg)
0.04 ml IV
(0.4 mg)
0.08 ml IV
(0.8 mg)
PURPLE (10-11 kg)
0.05 ml IV
(0.5 mg)
0.1 ml IV
YELLOW (12-14 kg)
0.07 ml IV
(0.7 mg)
0.13 ml IV
(1.3 mg)
WHITE (15-18 kg)
0.08 ml IV
(0.8 mg)
0.17 ml IV
(1.7 mg)
BLUE (19-22 kg)
0.1 ml IV
(1 mg)
1 ml
(10 mg)
ORANGE (24-28 kg)
0.1-0.2 ml IV (1-2 mg)
1 ml
(10 mg)
GREEN (30-36 kg)
0.1-0.2 ml IV (1-2 mg)
1 ml
(10 mg)
40 kg
0.1-0.2 ml IV (1-2 mg)
1 ml
(10 mg)
45 kg
0.1-0.2 ml IV (1-2 mg)
1 ml
(10 mg)
(1 mg)
* Base contact required for higher doses than maximum listed.
Careful titration should be done with repeat dosages.
To assure accuracy, be sure the designated concentration is used.
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 123
Appendix A
Patient Reporting (Handoff) Guidelines
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Page 125
INDEX
INDEX
5
5150 hold ............................................... 100, 102
A
abdominal pain .................................................. 9
activated charcoal ............................................ 25
acute pulmonary edema ................................... 39
adenosine ............................................. 25, 41, 93
adolescent ........................................................ 98
airway obstruction ....................................... 5, 97
albuterol............................... 69, 81, 84, 105, 108
allergies ..................................................... 18, 60
aloc ........................................................ 3, 84, 91
als procedures ......................................... ii, iii, 30
ALS procedures ............................................... 17
ALT-E ............................................................... 8
altered level of consciousness 18, 21, 40, 48, 49,
50, 70, 72, 76, 79, 90
ambulance ........................................... 1, 12, 102
anaphylactic shock .................................. 75, 108
anaphylaxis ...................................................... 92
angina ...................................................... 69, 106
apnea ....................................... 8, 68, 85, 96, 104
assessment .... 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 21,
36, 47, 49, 59, 78, 84, 85, 95
asystole .................................... 89, 104, 105, 108
atropine .............. 26, 63, 64, 79, 89, 90, 105, 108
B
base hospital 1, 2, 8, 13, 27, 30, 59, 85, 100, 102,
103, 109
benzodiazepine ................................................ 74
bleeding ......... 5, 8, 11, 12, 46, 48, 60, 68, 84, 97
blood pressure .... 6, 7, 10, 17, 20, 39, 65, 66, 81,
92, 97
bougie .......................................................... ii, 33
bradycardia ...................... 49, 64, 90, 96, 97, 105
bronchospasm .................... 79, 81, 105, 106, 108
burn center ....................................................... 13
burns .............. 7, 13, 19, 21, 39, 72, 93, 101, 103
C
calcium chloride ................ 4, 26, 63, 79, 84, 105
capillary refill .................... 49, 78, 90, 91, 92, 97
carbon dioxide ......................... 12, 31, 61, 62, 63
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
carbon monoxide ..............................................13
cardiac arrest ...7, 8, 9, 28, 31, 32, 34, 38, 39, 41,
49, 50, 52, 61, 79, 80, 93, 95, 96, 104, 107
cardiogenic shock.............................................50
cardiopulmonary arrest ......................................8
cervical collar .........................................9, 10, 22
cervical spine .........................................9, 10, 35
chemical burns .................................................13
chest pain ...................65, 66, 67, 68, 80, 81, 100
chief complaint...................................18, 95, 100
child abuse ...................................................8, 85
childbirth ............................................................9
choking .........................................................8, 85
circulatory failure .........................................8, 92
clammy .........................................................7, 92
co2 ................................10, 27, 30, 34, 35, 37, 38
CO2 ............................................................30, 37
communications .................................................1
congestive heart failure (CHF).........................39
cool .......................................7, 13, 43, 49, 76, 92
copd ......................................................32, 39, 81
critical trauma ......................................41, 59, 85
cyanosis ..........................................49, 69, 87, 97
D
decorticate posturing ........................................10
defibrillation ...17, 19, 20, 25, 28, 51, 86, 88, 104
determination of death ...................................101
dextrose 50% ............................................70, 105
diabetes ....................................5, 18, 48, 70, 107
documentation ........................................8, 18, 51
dopamine ..................26, 49, 64, 68, 76, 106, 107
dusky ..................................................................7
dysrhythmia..........................................41, 42, 93
E
edema .............................4, 39, 41, 50, 68, 80, 81
EMT-I ..................................................17, 18, 25
endotracheal intubation .....25, 27, 30, 34, 37, 39,
61, 96
extubation .........................................................30
eyes ........................................................3, 79, 83
F
foreign body obstruction ..................................27
Page 131
G
N
glucagon .................. 26, 41, 44, 70, 93, 106, 108
naloxone 26, 41, 44, 46, 70, 78, 80, 93, 106, 109,
111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119,
120, 121
needle thoracostomy ........................................25
H
heart rate ... 6, 7, 8, 12, 39, 49, 64, 67, 86, 87, 90,
91, 92, 95, 97
heat stroke ....................................................... 76
helicopter ................................................... 1, 102
heparin locks ............................................. 18, 25
history... 2, 3, 4, 8, 18, 38, 41, 59, 68, 69, 71, 81,
82, 85, 91, 92, 95, 100, 105, 106, 107
hyperresonance ................................................ 40
hyperventilation................. 28, 32, 62, 63, 88, 89
hypotension .... 11, 60, 64, 65, 68, 69, 72, 76, 79,
81, 84, 90, 97, 100, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109
hypothermia... 11, 13, 63, 72, 77, 86, 89, 92, 104
hypovolemic shock........................................ 5, 9
hypoxia .................................... 47, 49, 63, 71, 89
I
ice .................................................................... 11
immobilization ... 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17, 21, 22, 30,
33, 59, 82, 85
implantable defibrillators ................................ 19
infant ......................... 7, 8, 73, 85, 87, 88, 91, 92
inhalation ........................................... 13, 25, 103
J
John Muir Medical Center .............................. 99
jugular vein distension .................................... 40
L
laryngoscope ........................... 25, 30, 33, 62, 63
level of consciousness 17, 18, 19, 21, 40, 48, 49,
50, 52, 64, 68, 70, 72, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 90,
92, 93
lidocaine ........................ 26, 41, 43, 93, 106, 109
M
magill forceps .................................................. 27
mechanism of injury...................... 10, 11, 21, 93
medical director ................................... 17, 25, 26
medications 2, 12, 17, 18, 25, 26, 41, 45, 59, 62,
63, 70, 74, 77, 81, 84, 85, 88, 89, 91, 93, 100
midazolam 26, 41, 49, 64, 65, 66, 67, 71, 82, 91,
96, 106, 109
moist .................................................................. 7
morphine sulfate .... 26, 49, 60, 64, 72, 78, 79, 81
mottled ........................................................ 7, 92
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O
oral glucose ................................................17, 18
organophosphate poisoning .................................. 105
oropharyngeal airway ......................................17
overdose ...............30, 46, 63, 77, 79, 80, 96, 100
oxygen ...4, 10, 12, 13, 17, 30, 34, 35, 36, 37, 47,
67, 77, 87, 105
P
pacemakers .......................................................19
pale ............................................................... 7, 77
past medical history ............................... 2, 18, 85
pediatric patients .....7, 28, 42, 43, 69, 71, 79, 82,
84, 85, 103, 108
peripheral vascular resistance ............................7
pneumothorax .......................... 39, 40, 63, 84, 89
pre-existing vascular access .............................25
pregnancy .........................................87, 100, 104
prolapsed cord ....................................................5
pulmonary edema ................. 4, 39, 41, 50, 80, 81
pulse oximetry......................................47, 96, 97
R
radio channels ....................................................1
report ............................2, 3, 5, 19, 51, 59, 85, 95
respiratory arrest .................. 42, 69, 81, 106, 108
respiratory distress ......................... 39, 64, 69, 81
resqpod .............................................................38
restraints ...................................................71, 102
S
saline lock ..................................................25, 45
San Ramon Regional Medical Center ..............99
seizure .............................................. 8, 76, 82, 85
sepsis ........................................ 12, 43, 68, 70, 92
sexual assault .............................................9, 104
shock .....3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 19, 20, 21, 41, 42, 44,
46, 49, 50, 59, 60, 61, 62, 64, 68, 69, 71, 75,
77, 80, 85, 86, 88, 91, 92, 93, 97, 107, 108,
109
sinus tachycardia ..........................................4, 91
skin signs..........................................................49
spinal immobilization ...9, 10, 11, 21, 22, 33, 59,
82, 85
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
Spinal immobilization ............................... 10, 21
stable ....... 2, 3, 4, 13, 41, 50, 65, 66, 84, 93, 100
stridor .............................................................. 69
stroke ....................................... 11, 41, 59, 76, 83
suctioning ........................................................ 36
synchronized cardioversion ....................... 25, 66
triage ........................................................17, 102
T
V
tachycardia ..... 4, 66, 67, 69, 76, 79, 91, 92, 105,
108
tension pneumothorax ................... 40, 63, 84, 89
tracheal shift .................................................... 40
tracheostomy ............................. ii, 18, 36, 37, 39
traction....................................................... 36, 78
trauma . 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 17, 21, 28, 30, 34,
38, 39, 41, 42, 59, 71, 72, 77, 79, 82, 84, 85,
96, 97, 98, 100, 101, 102, 103
trauma center ........................... 2, 3, 21, 101, 103
trauma destination ......................................... 1, 2
trauma destination decision ............................... 1
vaginal bleeding .................................................8
ventricular fibrillation ........................................4
vital signs .......7, 18, 31, 69, 71, 75, 82, 100, 102
Contra Costa County Prehospital Care Manual – January 2010
U
unmanageable airways ...............................5, 103
unstable .....2, 3, 4, 41, 42, 64, 65, 66, 67, 75, 79,
90, 91, 93, 100
W
wheezing ..........................................................69
X
XCC EMS 1 .......................................................1
XCC EMS 2 .................................................1, 99
XCC EMS 3 .......................................................1
XCC EMS 4 .......................................................1
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