Date Archives: 17-Apr-2013

Question: I have a question regarding the order of cardiac ischemia SR medication in the protocol. I have been informed by a source that 0.4mg nitro should be the first SR medication given in a suspected cardiac ischemic event, followed by x2 80 mg ASA. I respectfully disagree with him due to the fact that although nitro is significantly more fast acting, its effects only last 3-5 minutes, hence the spray every 5 minutes stated in the protocol, and although the ASA is slower in its absorption rate, is effects will benefit the Pt. more (in my opinion) than the nitro. The short and sweet version, am I correct in saying that ASA should be administer first before the initial nitro dose is given, if the protocol for both is met.

Question: I'm wondering if IN Midazolam should be administered by full dose or until effect if effect is reached prior to the administration of the full dose? Does the answer change if given IV?

For example, patient is in seizure so I administer 5mg Midazolam IN and seizure stops. Am I to continue and administer the remaining 5mg to a total dose of 10mg as per the directive, or do I stop?

Question: I understand there is no current contraindication for giving gravol to an actively vomiting patient with a suspected head injury, or to pregnant patients. Would I be wrong to withhold the drug from either patient?

Question: In the last year I have been presented with two different special occurrences regarding vital sign absent patients.

The first one involved a patient who was VSA on our arrival. We were presented with a legal living will as well as a note provided by a Doctor stating "DNR". Unfortunately there was no ministry DNR validity form. We completed a full medical TOR as the patient met the requirements and after I was informed by co-workers that I could have called for a medical TOR after the first no shock indicated. They stated this was covered under special occurrence. I have looked and found no evidence of this existing although this could be very handy. Does such protocol or language exist?

The second incident involved a patient that we witnessed from a reasonable distance to be VSA. Due to safety reasons we could not access the patient for approximately 45 minutes. The patient did not meet obviously dead and didn't have a DNR. We performed a medical TOR. Again informed that this falls under special occurrence and we could have called for medical tor after the first no shock indicated.

I'd really like to know if this is an option. It would come in handy for similar instances.

Question: When a patient presents with Subcutaneous Emphysema? Can we give A.S.A.? Patient has taken it before and there are no other contraindications. SubQ is sometimes caused by perforations in the digestive and/or respiratory system, so I'm thinking ASA would be contraindicated - just looking for your thoughts or if there is a precaution.

Question: I was just wondering if we have a patient with a valid DNR are we still allowed to Bolus if they fit our protocol or is this considered an advanced life saving technique?

Question: A CHF patient who has a BP of over 140mmHg systolic who is getting 0.8mg of NTG for SOB, patient's BP drops below 140mmHg so NTG dosage is changed to 0.4mg, patient's systolic BP rebounds above 140mmHg. Does patient go back to getting 0.8mg of NTG or is it like the "once you are out, you are out" mentality that they stay at 0.4mg NTG?

General answers to this question from other paramedics I have asked usually say that the patient will continue to get 0.4mg of NTG regardless of systoloic BP, if it has dropped below 140mmHg at any time during the call. Thank you in advance for your time and help.

Question: Could you clarify the Bronchoconstriction directive (epi for asthma exacerbation)? You have to be bagging the patient to give the epi. Our old directives said "any patient with severe SOB from suspected asthma exacerbation AND requires ventilatory support via BVM and OR severe agitation, confusion and cyanosis" but our new directive just says BVM required with history of asthma. I just want to be really clear, now we MUST be bagging them?