Cardiovascular Review
These are lecture notes. Read the materials.
The circulatory system is responsible for the distribution of blood to all parts of the body.
The circulatory system has three main parts, the heart, the blood vessels and the blood.
The three major types of blood vessels include arteries, veins and capillaries.
The adequate circulation of blood and oxygen to the bodies cells and tissue is known as Perfusion.
A decrease in adequate circulation of blood and O2 to the body's cells and tissues is known as Hypo perfusion or shock.
Severe bleeding or hemorrhage is the major cause of shock.
Whenever bleeding is anticipated or discovered the use of body substance isolation precautions is essential to avoid exposure of the skin and mucous membranes.
Arterial bleeding is often rapid and profuse, spurting with each heartbeat.
In treating patients with external bleeding. assessment and care always begins with BSI and ABC's.
Application of a pressure dressing will control most external bleeding.
A pressure point is where a large artery lies close to the surface of the body directly over the bone.
The pressure points used to control bleeding in an extremity involves the brachial artery, and the femoral artery.
The use of a tourniquet is the last resort, limited to situations where other methods of controlling bleeding have failed.
Traumatic injuries resulting in a fractured skull may cause bleeding and or loss of cerebrospinal fluid from the ears and nose.
Blunt trauma is the leading cause of internal injury and bleeding.
Care of the patient sit internal bleeding centers around the prevention and treatment of shock. (Hypo perfusion)
Irreversible shock exists when the body has lost the battle to maintain perfusion to the organ systems.
The optimum limit of 1 hour from the time of injury to surgery takes place is known as the golden hour. (good luck in rural settings.)
When giving a report to the hospital by radio it is important for EMS to Paint a clear picture of the patient. Let the hospital know what you have going on.
Please note that each of these is a potential test question.
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