Respiratory Emergencies

This course provides the paramedic with the knowledge that is required to assess and treat a wide variety of respiratory related illnesses in the pediatric and adult patient. Course topics include a review of anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology of foreign body airway obstruction, recognition of respiratory compromise, use of airway adjunctive equipment and procedures, current therapeutic modalities for bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, spontaneous pneumothorax, and hyperventilation syndromes. This section also provides expanded information for adult respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary thromboembolism, neoplasms of the lung, pneumonia, emphysema, pulmonary edema, and respiratory infections. This course provides instruction on topics in Division 2 (Airway), Section 1 (Airway Management and Ventilation) and Division 5 (Medical), Section 1 (Respiratory) of the USDOT/NHTSA Paramedic National Standard Curriculum.