ABSTRACT: Respiratory emergencies are frequently encountered by EMS responders. Developed in January of 2000, this class addresses general respiratory emergency assessment and treatment techniques; followed by an in-depth focus upon Asthma and Pulmonary Edema emergencies.

Charly's dynamic presentation begins by quickly reviewing the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system. Next, the pathophysiology of each Respiratory Emergency Subject is discussed, followed by assessment techniques and treatment modalities specific to that emergency. [Pediatric patient considerations are also offered, as appropriate.] When time permits, patient scenario situations (case studies), are presented for class participation.

• The treatment of each Respiratory Emergency subject is first addressed from a Basic EMT responder's scope of practice,
  
• Then the subject is addressed from an Intermediate responder's scope of practice,
  
• Lastly, the subject is addressed from a Paramedic or RN responder's scope of practice (ACLS).

Thus, this presentation is appropriate for all Prehospital care providers (or Emergency Department and Flight care providers).

Because of Charly's personal expertise in patient communication techniques (and her "divine-inspiration" to share them with others!), responders also will learn new and improved methods of interviewing respiratory emergency patients - improving their ability to identify and successfully treat various respiratory emergencies.

This presentation was originally developed as a "3-hour" CEU program, covering two respiratory emergency subjects. However, each subject's time frame can be altered to accommodate other time periods, as each subject can be extended to 2 hours (or even 3 hours), when more in-depth coverage and/or case scenario participation is requested.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After attending this presentation, participants will have:

1. refreshed their memory of respiratory anatomy and physiology.
2. reviewed Basic care approaches, assessment, and treatment of patients suffering Asthma and Pulmonary Edema emergencies.
3. reviewed Intermediate care approaches, assessment, and treatment of patients suffering Asthma and Pulmonary Edema emergencies.
4. reviewed Advanced care (Paramedic/RN/ACLS) approaches, assessment, and treatment of patients suffering Asthma and Pulmonary Edema emergencies.
5. become newly educated in improved methods of interviewing respiratory emergency patients - becoming better able to accurately identify (and more-successfully treat) respiratory emergencies.

1. Respiratory Anatomy & Physiology Review.

2. PULMONARY EDEMA pathophysiology.

3. Assessment of the patient with pulmonary edema.

4. Basic treatment approach.

5. Intermediate treatment approach.

6. Paramedic treatment approach.

7. ASTHMA pathophysiology.

8. Assessment of the patient with asthma.

9. Basic treatment approach - adult.

10. Intermediate treatment approach - adult.

11. Paramedic treatment approach - adult.

12. Pediatric Considerations.

13. Respiratory Emergencies Summary.

Email Charly at: c-d-miller@neb.rr.com
Those are hyphens/dashes between the "c" and "d" and "miller"