EMT NOTES – Airway Management – Miscellaneous Notes
- epiglottis- leaf shaped, above larynx
- mediastinum contains esophagus
- ventilation-physical act of moving air in and out of lungs
- tidal volume-volume of air that moes into/out of lungs in one breath (about 500mL in healthy adult)
- dead space- volume of air in lungs that is not perfused (oxygen not absorbed by alveoli)
- minute volume-(tidal vol.-dead space)*respiratory rate
- shallow breathing decreases minute volume
- exhalation is passive and caused by an increase in intrathoracic pressure
- hypoxic drive-influencd by low blood oxygen levels
- external respiration-exchanging O2 and CO2 between alveoli and blood of capillaries (at level of lungs/alveoli)
- internal respiration-gas exchange in cells
- shallow breathing may also require assisted ventilation
- most significant suctioning complication is hypoxia due to prolonged suctioning
- if tidal vol. is low, give O2 with bag valve mask, NOT place patient in recovery position
- muscles can survive longer than organs without O2
- hypercarbia- excess CO2 in blood
- Avg. PSI in O2 tank=2,000
- NPA (Naso-Pharyngeal Airway) contraindication- facial/head trauma
- ensure reservoir bag is fully inflated before applying nonrebreather mask
- removing OPA (Oral-Pharyngeal Airway):
- if patient is gagging-remove airway, then roll on side
- if patient is vomiting- roll on side, then remove airway
- if there is only one person on scene, mouth to mask method is preferred to BVM (bag-valve mask)
- this is because it is difficult for one person to do the bag holding and keep the clamp tight
- if air is escaping when airing stoma-seal nose and mouth
- remove dentures if they become loose while giving air
- infant CPR/choking: back blows, THEN chest thrusts
- if pediatric patient removes non-rebreather, utilize blow-by O2 with paper cup
