Assessment Skills for Paramedics

Synopsis

Now in its third edition, this highly acclaimed resource is the ideal guide for student and practicing paramedics looking to refresh and consolidate their assessment skills. Assessment Skills for Paramedics has been thoroughly revised with fresh, up-to-date knowledge and national guidance. Divided into body systems and presented in a clear, accessible format the book takes the reader through the considerations and actions required for each type of emergency presentation.

New to this edition:

Histories, assessments and scenarios across multiple chapters.

Content covering the well-being of the paramedic.

Chapters including the review of systems (RoS) approach.

A systematic format of primary and secondary survey in each chapter that relates to current practice.

Reflects updates to Ambulance Clinical Guidelines, and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Guidelines, and The Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee guidelines.

Packed full of practical, contemporary advice for all paramedics featuring:

An approach that mirrors current UK and international practice.

Consideration of the social, ethical and legal factors that might impact on care.

Specific chapters in the specialist fields of paediatric assessment and neonatal assessment and care.

Written by experienced paramedics, specialist health care professionals and doctors, this book will enable readers to enhance their practical knowledge and to make accurate, timely and thorough assessment of patients across the lifespan.

"From those developing as students in the pre-registration period to those in the post-registration phase of their career this book is valuable asset to all."

Mark Willis, Programme Lead - BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science and Out of Hospital Care, University of Sunderland, UK

"This timely, thoughtful, well-conceived and systematic text is the perfect companion to paramedic practise."

Andy Newton, Immediate Past Chair College of Paramedics, UK

"The writing is concise and to the point whilst at the same time covering all that is needed for safe and competent practice. I would recommend this text for student paramedics and experienced practitioners alike."

Dr Simon Butler, Senior Lecturer, Course Leader for DipHE Paramedic Studies, Anglia Ruskin University, UK

Amanda Blaber is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Sport and Health Sciences University of Brighton, for the BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science course and an Honorary Fellow of the College of Paramedics

Graham Harris is a Paramedic Consultant Educationalist. He is a Fellow of the College of Paramedics and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award and formerly the National Education Lead for the College of Paramedics.

Summary

Chapter 1: The ABCs of Trauma Assessment

This chapter covers the primary survey, which involves assessing the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation. It emphasizes the importance of using a systematic approach to ensure that no critical injuries are missed.

Real Example: A paramedic responds to a motor vehicle accident and finds a patient unconscious and unresponsive. The paramedic first assesses the patient's airway, ensuring it is clear and open. They then check for breathing, finding that the patient is breathing spontaneously. Finally, the paramedic palpates the patient's carotid artery, confirming that the patient has a pulse. Based on these findings, the paramedic initiates life-saving interventions, such as suctioning the airway and administering oxygen.

Chapter 2: Head and Neck Assessment

This chapter discusses the assessment of the head and neck, including the skull, scalp, face, eyes, ears, and nose. It covers techniques for detecting soft tissue injuries, fractures, and neurologic deficits.

Real Example: A paramedic assesses a patient who was hit in the head with a baseball bat. The paramedic examines the patient's scalp and finds a deep laceration. They also observe that the patient has anisocoria (unequal pupil size), which suggests a possible intracranial injury. The paramedic immobilizes the patient's head and neck and transports them to the hospital for further evaluation.

Chapter 3: Musculoskeletal Assessment

This chapter focuses on assessing the musculoskeletal system, including bones, muscles, joints, and ligaments. It includes techniques for detecting fractures, dislocations, sprains, and strains.

Real Example: A paramedic responds to a skateboarding accident and finds a patient with a suspected wrist fracture. The paramedic palpates the patient's wrist and finds swelling and tenderness. They also observe deformity and limited range of motion. Based on these findings, the paramedic immobilizes the patient's wrist and transports them to the hospital for x-rays.

Chapter 4: Abdominal and Genitourinary Assessment

This chapter covers the assessment of the abdomen and genitourinary organs. It includes techniques for detecting abdominal pain, tenderness, masses, and urinary tract injuries.

Real Example: A paramedic assesses a patient who is experiencing severe abdominal pain. The paramedic auscultates the patient's abdomen and finds diminished bowel sounds. They also palpate the patient's abdomen and discover tenderness in the right lower quadrant. Based on these findings, the paramedic suspects appendicitis and transports the patient to the hospital for further evaluation.

Chapter 5: Neurological Assessment

This chapter focuses on assessing the neurological system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. It covers techniques for detecting altered level of consciousness, focal neurological deficits, and cerebrovascular accidents.

Real Example: A paramedic responds to a patient who has collapsed and is not responding. The paramedic assesses the patient's Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score and finds that the patient is obtunded. They also perform a pupillary exam and find that the patient has dilated, fixed pupils. Based on these findings, the paramedic suspects a traumatic brain injury and transports the patient to the hospital for emergency care.