I put my thumb through a bandsaw (ironically while working on a wooden replica of the Star of Life) so I've got an excuse. Somewhat. Not really. I'm just lazy.
I really love Megacodes. I think they're fascinating. I love having an algorithm that I follow and that's that.
For example (aren't you excited? I'm back to sharing knowledge!).
Pulseless V-tach/V-fib
- First...well...make sure you have that rhythm
- Witnessed: Defibrillate immediately at 200J (biphasic) or 360J (monophasic)
- Unwitnessed: 2min of CPR followed by defibrillation.
- 2min CPR while pushing EPI
- Shock
- 2min CPR while pushing either EPI or VASOPRESSIN
- Shock
- 2min CPR while pushing Amiodarone
- Shock
- 2min CPR while checking for underlying causes
- Continue until a regular rhythm resumes. However always finish a full 2min cycle of CPR even if there's a normal rhythm so the heart has extra friction to keep going normally.
There. I've shared.
I've also covered fun stuff like psychiatric emergencies (don't let them get between you and the exit), childbirth (they will be slippery, dropping a newborn is really bad PR), abdominal emergencies, diabetic emergencies (D50 for hypo, lots of fluids for hyper).
Only 16 more classes until the end. Wow. I can't believe that.
Interesting information for Colorado EMTs: You can send in a name-based record check for all of your previous residencies and they will issue a 90-day provisional license while awaiting your CBI/FBI fingerprints! This awesome allowance was enacted January 2010, I found out about it at the EMS Symposium in my area.
That's it. All I have for now. I'm exhausted. Pain medication is nice.
