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Biomedical subjects

Dan Hatlestad

Publications and source records attributed to Dan Hatlestad.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Patient ventilation and oxygenation. A new day is dawning.

Maintaining an airway and providing adequate ventilation and oxygenation to the patient can be challenging in the prehospital environment. Ventilation and oxygenation are a complex series of interactions between the patient, EMS providers and emergency airway equipment. Routine ventilation techniques carry significant risk of long-term complications. New ventilatory equipment is available to perform this function and provide verification of its effectiveness. This opportunity for improved patient care is available to all EMS providers and sets new standards for delivery of ventilation and oxygenation. The technical methods available to EMS personnel vary considerably and are reviewed in this article.

Costs and Cost Analysis↗
PubMed2003

Delayed poisoning emergencies.

The American Association of Poison Control Centers (PCCs) has a nationwide toll-free number for contacting regional poison centers. To be automatically connected to a local poison center, call 800/222-1222. EMS providers should follow local protocols to determine how to contact PCCs, either directly or through on-line medical control. Most experts agree that PCCs are a reliable and current source of information on the assessment and treatment of poisoning emergencies.

Acetaminophen↗
PubMed2003

Troubleshooting the ECG.

Improper ECG monitoring is dangerous to patient care. Artifact in ECG monitoring can be annoying, costly and produce delays in proper care. Understanding the technical sources of artifact and care in the application of monitoring electrodes can significantly reduce or even eliminate the problem. Critical to the success of ECG monitoring are the technical aspects of proper equipment selection, preventive maintenance, and timely and rapid application to the patient, all to deliver the highest quality patient care. Just as critical is the prehospital clinician's understanding of equipment capabilities and limitations. Take time to read and understand the operator's manual for the ECG monitor/defibrillator in use in your ambulance. The ECG offers invaluable diagnostic information to EMS clinicians. With recent technological advances, today's ECG monitors provide even greater ease and versatility, which results in enhanced patient monitoring. Many factors can affect the quality of the ECG trace and therefore must be controlled in order to gain the most accurate and meaningful reading. Electrode placement and selection, as well as site preparation, are key considerations when applying and monitoring a patient's ECG.

Education, Continuing↗
PubMed2003

Alternatives to Mac and Miller for managing the difficult airway.

EMS providers should be familiar with and well practiced in a variety of available intubation techniques, so that when an airway problem occurs, it can be managed. However, with the rapid advancements in airway management technology, many EMS providers have not had an opportunity to use the equipment in real-patient situations. Acquiring the equipment is often not the problem; learning to use it and retaining these skills may be the long-term issues. Participating in specialized airway courses and workshops is an excellent means of introducing the manual skills required to implement airway devices, but practice on manikins does not accurately simulate "real" patient situations and therefore is often not directly applicable. EMS organizations and educational facilities must provide learning opportunities to implement new airway technologies and skills.

Competency-Based Education↗
PubMed2002

EMS response to wildland fires.

Wildland fires are unpredictable and dangerous. Be prepared by responding to wildland fires with the appropriate level of training and wearing appropriate gear. Remain aware of the fire's behavior and weather, fuels and topography. Anticipate the fire's actions and how they will affect your health and safety. Establish preplanned escape routes and safety zones. Your safety and survival while providing care at or near the fire line may depend upon proper planning, training and equipment.

Colorado↗
PubMed2002

The benefits of electricity: transcutaneous pacing in EMS.

Transcutaneous temporary pacing offers a noninvasive, rapid and effective way to institute ventricular pacing, support the patient's hemodynamics and re-establish perfusion. Prehospital clinicians can easily and rapidly initiate external pacing in an emergency. The two most common reasons for using temporary pacing to maintain an optimal cardiac output are when the patient has a bradycardia with inadequate perfusion or is asystolic. The introduction of pediatric pacing electrodes makes pacing of infants and small children possible. Although the effectiveness of noninvasive pacing in children is variable and the need is infrequent, the technique can be lifesaving in certain conditions. The use of multifunction defibrillation-cardioversion-pacemaker electrodes allows the prehospital clinician to rapidly switch between therapies as required.

Atrioventricular Node↗
PubMed2002

Surgery: not just for hospital anymore. Part I: Responding to the surgical patient in distress.

The number of surgical and diagnostic procedures performed on an outpatient basis continues to grow in the U.S. These procedures are often performed in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) or physician's office. While outpatient surgery is typically safe, a wide variety of complications can occur. When an emergency occurs in these facilities, the patient requires emergency treatment and may need to be transferred to a hospital for additional care. This article examines the types of emergencies that occur and the associated patient care requirements, including the special needs of intraoperative and postoperative patients and their interactions with healthcare providers.

Ambulatory Surgical Procedures↗