Stroke and the EMT

(2 hours: Basic, Intermediate and Paramedic levels)

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Purpose: To review with the morbidity and mortality and pathophysiology of stroke, the anatomy of the brain, the signs and symptoms of stroke, field management of stroke, and issues of CVA versus TIA.

1. Introduction (10 minutes)
   1. Welcome
   2. Review purpose of the class

2. Morbidity and mortality and pathophysiology of CVA's. (10 minutes)

3. Anatomy of the brain and physiology of stroke. (20 minutes)
   Hemorrhages, embolus, thrombus

4. Risk factors for stroke (10 minutes)

5. Signs and symptoms of CVA (15 minutes)

6. Field management of the stroke patient.(25 minutes)
   (Special attention will be given to aggressive and definitive airway rnanagement and stressing rapid transport in light of the increase of thrombolytics in the treatment of CVA)

7. EMT concern in "mini-strokes" - TIA's. (10 minutes)
   Informing the patients families of the seriousness of these "warning signs" of more serious conditions.

8. Questions and answers and wrap up (10 minutes)

9. Multiple choice quiz of Stroke (from July 1995 JEMS) (10 minutes)

   References:
   Western Massachusetts EMS Protocols (Region One)
   Caroline, Nancy, Emergency Care in the Streets 4th edition. Pp.573 - 576
   Grant, Harvey, Robert Murray, and 3. David Bergeron, Emergencv Care 6th edition pp.427 - 428
   Hafen, Brent, and Keith Karen, Prehospital Emergencv Care, 3rd edition pp.363 - 368
   "Treating Stroke: New Controversies in Emergency Care", JEMS July 1995, pp.38 - 49
   
   
   

Contact WMEMS:

168 Industrial Drive
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 586-6065
fax (413) 586-0947
E-mail: wmems@wmems.org

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