Ambulance Care Essentials

Description

This second edition of Ambulance Care Essentials offers a complete guide to the skills, knowledge and understanding required to work as a support worker or similar within the ambulance service. Covering fundamental elements of the role, the book combines theoretical aspects of communication, legal and ethical issues and safeguarding with more practical areas such as manual handling, medical emergencies and a range of clinical skills. It includes in-depth chapters on the primary areas of patient assessment as well as covering different patient populations across the lifecourse. Key features include: *Clearly illustrated, step-by-step instructions for range of practical skills and procedures including how to handle different types of trauma and cardiac arrest *Detailed anatomical diagrams to provide the reader with the necessary context to carry out the practical elements of their job more effectively *Evidence-based throughout and up-to-date with the latest guidance, policy and research *Specific chapters on each area of patient assessment and how to manage this effectively *Chapters dedicated to various patient populations such as obstetrics, paediatrics and older people *In-depth chapter on supporting senior clinicians and how best to assist the paramedic as a support worker This second edition has been brought up to-date with the latest national guidance. The book is appropriate for a Level 3 diploma course or similar that qualifies you to work as a support worker and covers learning objectives from a range of courses offered by ambulance services. It is an essential resource for anyone wanting to prepare themselves for a role within the ambulance service as well as those hoping to become a more effective member of an emergency ambulance crew. AMBULANCE CARE Essentials Half Title Page Copyright Title Page Contents List of Abbreviations Acknowledgements Foreword Chapter 1: Introduction 1 Textbook guide 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Textbook 1.3 Getting started 2 Anatomy of an emergency call 2.1 Introduction 2.2 The emergency operations centre 2.3 Arriving on scene 2.4 Principles of communication 2.5 Patient assessment 2.6 Patient history 2.7 The 12-lead ECG 2.8 Manual handling 2.9 Assist the paramedic 2.10 Hospital arrival 2.11 Clean up and prepare for the next call Chapter 2: The Ambulance Service 1 Organisational structure 1.1 Learning objectives 1.2 Introduction 2 Response to a 999 call 2.1 Learning objectives 2.2 Introduction 2.3 Call for help and triage 2.4 Ambulance service response 2.5 Onward care 3 Roles within the ambulance service 3.1 Learning objectives 3.2 Introduction 3.3 Clinical roles 3.4 Clinical leadership roles 3.5 Command and control roles 4 Working relationships Chapter 3: Communication 1 Principles of communication 1.1 Learning objectives 1.2 Introduction 1.3 Who will you be communicating with? 1.4 Basics of communication 1.5 Social context 1.6 Barriers to communication 1.7 Summary 2 Practical communication 2.1 Learning objectives 2.2 Record keeping 2.3 Handover 2.4 Pre-alert 3 Electronic communication devices 3.1 Learning objectives 3.2 Introduction 3.3 Radios 3.4 Mobile data terminals 3.5 Electronic patient records Chapter 4: Legal, Ethical and Professional Issues 1 Being a healthcare professional 1.1 Learning objectives 1.2 Introduction 1.3 Values-based healthcare 1.4 Duty of care 1.5 Scope of practice and standards 1.6 When things go wrong 1.7 Reflection 2 Provision of healthcare 2.1 Learning objectives 2.2 Introduction 2.3 Person-centred care 3 Consent and capacity 3.1 Learning objectives 3.2 Introduction 3.3 Consent 3.4 Mental capacity 3.5 Summary 4 Confidentiality and information governance 4.1 Learning objectives 4.2 Introduction 4.3 Maintaining confidentiality 4.4 Key points 5 Equality and diversity 5.1 Learning objectives 5.2 Introduction 5.3 Discrimination Chapter 5: Safeguarding 1 Safeguarding adults and children 1.1 Learning objectives 1.2 Introduction 1.3 Learning from previous cases 1.4 Vulnerability 1.5 Forms of abuse 1.6 Domestic violence and abuse 1.7 Managing abuse or disclosures of abuse 1.8 Safeguarding referrals 1.9 Summary 2 Counter-terrorism and anti-radicalisation 2.1 Learning objectives 2.2 Introduction 2.3 PREVENT 2.4 Your role Chapter 6: Health and Safety 1 Health and safety policies and legislation 1.1 Learning objectives 1.2 Introduction 1.3 Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1.4 Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1.5 Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1.6 Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1.7 Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1.8 Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1.9 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1.10 Regulatory bodies 1.11 Why health and safety matters 1.12 Communicating health and safety 2 Risk assessment 2.1 Learning objectives 2.2 Introduction 2.3 Risk assessment 3 Infection prevention and control 3.1 Learning objectives 3.2 Introduction 3.3 Regulations and legislation 3.4 Microorganisms 3.5 Infection and precautions 3.6 Personal hygiene 3.7 Hand hygiene 3.8 Personal protective equipment 3.9 Managing healthcare waste 3.10 Decontamination process 3.11 Handling linen and laundry 3.12 Sharps injury 3.13 Splash contamination 3.14 Legionella awareness 3.15 Occupational health 3.16 Reporting incidents 4 Fire safety 4.1 Learning objectives 4.2 Introduction 4.3 Fire prevention 4.4 What to do in case of fire 5 Stress 5.1 Learning objectives 5.2 Introduction 5.3 Signs of stress 5.4 Managing stress Chapter 7: Manual Handling 1 Principles of manual handling 1.1 Learning objectives 1.2 Introduction 1.3 Consequences of poor manual handling 1.4 Risk assessment 1.5 Biomechanics 1.6 General principles 1.7 Handling aids 1.8 Procedure 1.9 Team handling 1.10 Bariatric patients 1.11 Further help and support 2 Moving and handling equipment and techniques 2.1 Learning objectives 2.2 Introduction 2.3 Patients on the floor 2.4 Seated patients 2.5 Patients in bed 2.6 Carry chair 2.7 Ambulance trolley Chapter 8: Scene Assessment 1 Scene assessment and safety 1.1 Learning objectives 1.2 Introduction 1.3 Safety 1.4 Cause 1.5 Environment 1.6 Number of patients 1.7 Extra resources 2 Major incidents 2.1 Learning objectives 2.2 Introduction 2.3 Interoperability and JESIP 2.4 Classification of incidents 2.5 Role of the ambulance service 2.6 Incident command and control 2.7 First crew on scene 2.8 Subsequent crews on scene 2.9 Triage 3 Hazardous materials 3.1 Learning objectives 3.2 Introduction 3.3 Labelling hazardous substances 3.4 Transporting hazardous substances 3.5 Danger labels 3.6 Ambulance crew actions at scene Chapter 9: Patient Assessment 1 Patient assessment process 1.1 Learning objectives 1.2 Introduction 1.3 Primary survey 1.4 History-taking 1.5 Secondary survey 1.6 Reassessment Chapter 10: Airway 1 Airway anatomy 1.1 Learning objective 1.2 Introduction 1.3 Nose 1.4 Mouth 1.5 Pharynx 1.6 Lower airway 1.7 Trachea 1.8 Bronchi 1.9 Lungs 2 Managing the airway 2.1 Learning objectives 2.2 Introduction 2.3 Manual airway manoeuvres 2.4 Suction 2.5 Airway adjuncts 3 Tracheostomies 3.1 Learning objectives 3.2 Introduction 3.3 Tracheostomy tubes 3.4 Management of the tracheostomy patient 3.5 Management of the laryngectomy patient 4 Choking in adults 4.1 Learning objectives 4.2 Introduction 4.3 Recognition 4.4 Management 5 Choking in the paediatric patient 5.1 Learning objective 5.2 Introduction 5.3 The paediatric airway 5.4 Recognition 5.5 Management Chapter 11: Breathing 1 Respiratory system physiology 1.1 Learning objective 1.2 Introduction 1.3 Respiration 1.4 The lungs 1.5 Mechanics of breathing 1.6 Gas exchange 1.7 Control of breathing 2 Using medical gases safely 2.1 Learning objectives 2.2 Introduction 2.3 Medical gas cylinder storage 2.4 Anatomy of a medical gas cylinder 2.5 Safety first 2.6 Preparing a new cylinder for use 2.7 Oxygen delivery devices 2.8 Assisted ventilation 2.9 Mechanical ventilation 2.10 Oxygen administration 2.11 After use 2.12 Entonox 3 Assessment of breathing 3.1 Learning objectives 3.2 Respiratory rate 3.3 Oxygen saturations 3.4 Peak flow 3.5 Capnography 3.6 Auscultation 4 Common respiratory conditions 4.1 Learning objectives 4.2 Asthma 4.3 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 4.4 Pneumonia 4.5 Pulmonary embolism Chapter 12: Circulation 1 Cardiovascular system anatomy and physiology 1.1 Learning objectives 1.2 Introduction 1.3 Heart 1.4 Blood 1.5 Blood vessels 1.6 Cardiac cycle 1.7 Electrocardiograms 2 Assessment of circulation 2.1 Learning objectives 2.2 Introduction 2.3 Pulse 2.4 Capillary refill time 2.5 Blood pressure 2.6 Recording an ECG 3 Common cardiovascular conditions 3.1 Learning objectives 3.2 Introduction 3.3 Coronary artery disease 3.4 Stable angina 3.5 Acute coronary syndromes 3.6 Heart failure 3.7 Shock Chapter 13: Disability 1 Nervous system anatomy and physiology 1.1 Learning objectives 1.2 Introduction 1.3 Anatomy and physiology 1.4 Brain 1.5 Spinal cord 1.6 Somatic nervous system 1.7 Autonomic nervous system 2 Assessment of disability 2.1 Learning objectives 2.2 Introduction 2.3 Glasgow Coma Scale 2.4 Pupillary response 2.5 Face, arm, speech test 3 Disorders of the nervous system 3.1 Learning objectives 3.2 Introduction 3.3 Convulsions 3.4 Stroke 3.5 Meningococcal disease 3.6 Paralysis 3.7 Coma Chapter 14: Exposure 1 Extremes of temperature 1.1 Learning objectives 1.2 Introduction 1.3 Hypothermia 1.4 Heat-related illness 2 Drowning 2.1 Learning objectives 2.2 Introduction 2.3 Pathophysiology 2.4 Management Chapter 15: Medical Emergencies 1 Anaphylaxis 1.1 Learning objectives 1.2 Introduction 1.3 Signs and symptoms 1.4 Management 2 Sepsis 2.1 Learning objectives 2.2 Introduction 2.3 Risk factors for sepsis 2.4 Recognition 2.5 Management 3 Diabetes 3.1 Learning objectives 3.2 Introduction 3.3 Causes/risk of diabetes 3.4 Diabetic emergencies 3.5 Hypoglycaemia 3.6 Severe hyperglycaemia 3.7 Blood sugar measurement Chapter 16: Trauma 1 Major trauma services 1.1 Learning objectives 1.2 Introduction 1.3 Trauma networks 1.4 Major trauma triage tool 2 Mechanism of injury 2.1 Learning objectives 2.2 Introduction 2.3 Kinetics 2.4 Energy 2.5 Mechanisms that cause injury 3 Integumentary system anatomy and physiology 3.1 Learning objective 3.2 Introduction 3.3 Epidermis 3.4 Dermis 3.5 Hypodermis 3.6 Physiology 4 Wounds and bleeding 4.1 Learning objectives 4.2 Introduction 4.3 Bleeding 4.4 Wounds 5 Assessment and management of the trauma patient 5.1 Learning objectives 5.2 Introduction 5.3 Scene assessment 5.4 Primary survey 5.5 Secondary survey 5.6 Head injuries 5.7 Maxillofacial injuries 5.8 Spinal injuries 5.9 Thoracic injuries 5.10 Abdominal injuries 5.11 Pelvic injuries 5.12 Suspension trauma 5.13 Musculoskeletal injuries 6 Skeletal immobilisation 6.1 Learning objective 6.2 Introduction 6.3 First-aid techniques 6.4 Spinal immobilisation 6.5 Splints 7 Burns 7.1 Learning objectives 7.2 Introduction 7.3 Assessment of burns 7.4 Thermal burns 7.5 Chemical burns including acid attacks 7.6 Radiation burns 7.7 Electrical injuries 7.8 The impact of burns Chapter 17: Assisting the Paramedic 1 Assisting the paramedic: Airway 1.1 Learning objectives 1.2 Introduction 1.3 Nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) 1.4 Supraglottic airway devices 1.5 Tracheal intubation 2 Assisting the paramedic: Drug administration 2.1 Learning objectives 2.2 Introduction 2.3 Routes of administration 2.4 Drug administration 2.5 Drawing medication from an ampoule 2.6 Intravenous cannulation 2.7 Preparing an intravenous infusion 2.8 Intraosseous cannulation 2.9 Administering oral medication 2.10 Administering nebulised drugs Chapter 18: Obstetrics 1 Complications in pregnancy 1.1 Learning objectives 1.2 Introduction 1.3 Normal pregnancy 1.4 Ectopic pregnancy 1.5 Antepartum haemorrhage 1.6 Miscarriage 1.7 Pre-eclampsia 2 Normal childbirth 2.1 Learning objectives 2.2 Stages of labour 2.3 Equipment for childbirth 2.4 Assisting in labour andchildbirth 2.5 APGAR 3 Childbirth complications 3.1 Learning objectives 3.2 Cord prolapse 3.3 Shoulder dystocia 3.4 Breech presentation 3.5 Post-partum haemorrhage 3.6 Multiple births 3.7 Preterm labour 4 Newborn life support 4.1 Learning objectives 4.2 Introduction 4.3 Management 4.4 The preterm infant Chapter 19: Children and Infants 1 Why paediatric patients are different 1.1 Learning objective 1.2 Introduction 1.3 Anatomy and physiology 1.4 Cognitive development 2 Initial assessment and management of the paediatric patient 2.1 Learning objectives 2.2 Introduction 2.3 Developmental approach to the paediatric patient 2.4 Primary survey Chapter 20: Learning Disabilities 1 Supporting the care of people with learning disabilities 1.1 Learning objectives 1.2 Introduction 1.3 Learning disabilities legislation and rights 1.4 Causes of learning disabilities 1.5 Categories of learning disabilities 2 Disabilities, healthcare and discrimination 2.1 Learning objectives 2.2 Inequality in healthcare 2.3 Tackling inequality 2.4 Communication 2.5 Learning difficulties and vulnerability 2.6 Further support Chapter 21: Older People 1 Ageing 1.1 Learning objective 1.2 Introduction 1.3 Anatomy and physiology of ageing 2 Caring for older patients 2.1 Learning objectives 2.2 Age-related conditions 2.3 Patients with co-morbidities 2.4 Attitudes to ageing 3 Dementia 3.1 Learning objectives 3.2 Introduction 3.3 Dementia 3.4 Communication 3.5 Challenging behaviour 4 Frailty 4.1 Learning objectives 4.2 Introduction 4.3 Recognising frailty 4.4 Living with frailty 4.5 Supporting patients with frailty Chapter 22: Cardiac Arrest 1 Adult basic life support 1.1 Learning objectives 1.2 Introduction 1.3 Chain of survival 1.4 Adult BLS 2 Paediatric basic life support 2.1 Learning objectives 2.2 Introduction 2.3 Infant BLS 2.4 Child BLS 3 Defibrillation 3.1 Learning objectives 3.2 Introduction 3.3 Shockable rhythms 3.4 Non-shockable rhythms 3.5 Defibrillators 4 Cardiac arrest in special circumstances 4.1 Learning objectives 4.2 Introduction 4.3 Cardiac arrest in pregnancy 4.4 Cardiac arrest in hypothermic patients 4.5 Cardiac arrest in drowned patients 5 Post-resuscitation care 5.1 Learning objectives 5.2 Introduction 5.3 Management 6 Cardiac arrest decisions 6.1 Learning objectives 6.2 When to start and stop resuscitation 6.3 End of life decisions 6.4 Recognition of life extinct (ROLE) 6.5 Sudden unexpected death in infants, children and adolescents References Glossary Index