Manual of Clinical Paramedic Procedures

Pete Gregory is a Paramedic and Senior Lecturer in Paramedic Practice at Coventry University.  He represents Coventry University at the Higher Education Ambulance Development Group and is research active with Coventry University’s Applied Research Group in Prehospital, Emergency and Cardiovascular Care. Ian Mursell is Lecturer-Practitioner in Paramedic Practice with Coventry University and an Emergency Care Practitioner Clinical Facilitator with West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

• Introduction Foreword1. Airway managementDefinition of airway managementConcept of a stepwise approachBasic anatomy of the airwayBasic airway management manoeuvresBasic airway adjunctsAdvanced airway adjuncts and cricothyroidotomyKey pointsReferences and Further reading2. Assisted ventilationDefinition of assisted ventilationIndications for assisted ventilationThe literature and complications associated with assistedventilationEquipment and procedures for assisted ventilationKey pointsReferences and Further reading3. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and basic life supportDefinitionsThe chain of survivalAdult basic life supportBasic life support in pregnancyMechanical chest compression devicesThe recovery positionPaediatric basic life supportNewborn life supportForeign body airway obstruction (choking)Key pointReferences and Further reading4. DefibrillationDefinition of defibrillationThe literature behind defibrillationProcedure for defibrillationDefinition of transcutaneous cardiac pacing (TCP)Terminology used in transcutaneous cardiac pacingIndications for use of transcutaneous pacingThe literature behind transcutaneous cardiac pacingEquipmentKey pointsReferences and Further reading5. Cardiovascular observations and examinationtechniquesThe assessment of pulsesCapillary refill time measurementBlood pressure measurementThe electrocardiogramCardiac auscultationTemperature measurementKey pointsReferences and Further reading6. Respiratory observations and examination techniquesIndications for respiratory assessmentRespiratory rateRespiratory depth assessmentChest and respiratory inspectionChest complianceRespiratory pattern/rhythm assessmentOxygen saturations/pulse oximetryPeak flow measurementChest percussionTactile vocal fremitusChest auscultationVocal resonanceKey pointsReferences and Further reading7. Neurological observations and examination techniquesDefinitionsLevel of consciousness assessmentPupillary assessmentAssessing motor functionAssessment of reflexesAssessment of movement and powerAssessment of co-ordinationAssessment of abnormal movementsSensory function assessmentFASTVital signsBlood glucose testingKey pointsReferences and Further reading8. History taking and communicationDefinitionsKey communication skillsCommunication modelsThe practitioner–patient relationshipA standardised history frameworkQuestioning techniquesConsentKey pointsReferences and Further reading9. Documentation and record keepingDefinitionsWhy keep healthcare records?What constitutes good medical records?Models of record keepingAbbreviationsKey documents in record keeping and documentationThe Caldicott GuardianElectronic patient recordsKey pointsReferences and Further reading10. Drug administrationDefinitionsLegislation related to paramedic administrationof drugsDrug formulationsDrug documentationStorage of drugsRoutes of administrationKey pointsReferences and Further reading11. Medical gasesDefinition and indications for the use of EntonoxAdvantages of EntonoxContraindications to the use of EntonoxEquipmentPrinciples of administration of EntonoxProcedure for administering EntonoxTroubleshootingDefinition of oxygen therapyIndications for useCautions and contraindications to the use of oxygenEquipmentProcedure for administering oxygenUse of cylinders and cylinder safetyKey pointsReferences and Further reading12. Infection controlDefinitionsIndications for infection controlHand hygienePersonal protective equipmentKey pointsReferences and Further reading13. Vascular access devicesDefinition of a vascular access deviceAnatomy of veinsPeripheral cannulasIndications for peripheral cannulationSelection of device for peripheral cannulationSelection of veinTechniques of venodilatationComplications of peripheral venous cannulationProcedure for peripheral venous cannulationIntraosseous infusionAnatomy of bonesIndications for intraosseous accessContraindications to intraosseous accessEquipment for intraosseous accessComplications of intraosseous accessLocation sites for intraosseous accessProcedures for intraosseous accessKey pointsReferences and Further reading14. Needle thoracocentesisDefinitionsThe literature surrounding needle thoracocentesisEquipment requiredIndications for useContraindications of usePotential problems of useProceduresKey pointsReferences and Further reading15. Pain assessment and managementDefinitionsAcute pain v chronic painAssessing painAssessing pain in cognitively impaired patientsOverview of pain management techniquesKey pointsReferences and Further reading16. Fracture and soft tissue injury managementDefinitions: What are fractures, sprains, strains anddislocations?General principles of musculoskeletal injury managementPrinciples of splintingSlings and support bandagesBox splintsVacuum splintsNeighbour strappingTraction splintsSAM splintsPelvic fracturesKey pointsReferences and Further reading17. Spinal managementRelevant gross anatomyEvidence on how to immobilise the spineHazards and complications associated with spinalimmobilisationIndications for spinal immobilisationEquipment and proceduresKey pointsReferences and Further reading18. Assessment and management of wounds and burnsDefinitionsClassification of woundsWound healingPrinciples of wound managementThe use of tourniquets and haemostatic dressingsBurns assessmentBurn management principlesKey pointsReferences and Further reading19. Moving and handling proceduresDefinitionsWhy is moving and handling important?Key legislationManual handling and no lift policiesRisk assessment in moving and handlingBiomechanical principlesPrinciples of manual handlingAdditional principlesLifting aidsKey pointsReferences and Further readingIndex

"Throughout its 19 chapters and 378 pages, there are excellent drawings and photographs which suggest the authors promote the old adage of a picture says a thousand words. Manual of Clinical Paramedic Procedures is an all encompassing procedure book promoting good." (Journal of Emergency Primary Health Care (JEPHC), August 2010)"The content is both contemporary and reflective of evidence based practice. Written by paramedics for paramedics. A rarity indeed. A must read for all in the profession." (Journal of Paramedic Practice, July 2010)