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Medical Emergencies

CPR, Toxicology, and Wilderness

Angela Wright, MD, Arthur Pliaconis, Whitney Barrett, MD, and Kathrine Lopez

In this course, you will develop the knowledge and skills to assess and stabilize certain types of patients for transport. By the end of this course, you will be able to: (1) Identify the signs and symptoms associated with a patient in shock, to describe the major categories of shock, to assess a patient with signs of shock and formulate a plan for treatment to stabilize the patient for transport, (2) Identify a patient in cardiac arrest and to describe the components of high performance CPR including placement of an AED, components of quality chest compressions, and options for oxygenation, (3) Identify a patient with under the influence of a drug of abuse or a toxicologic ingestion, assess a patient with a potential or known ingestion, and to formulate a plan for treatment and stabilization for transport including that of a violent patient, (4) Identify the symptoms associated with the most common environmental emergencies including hypothermia, hyperthermia, lightning strike and drowning, to assess patients with an environmental emergency and to describe initial treatment and stabilization for transportation and (5) Understanding your patient's story as well as to think critically about the complaint and symptoms associated with the gastrointestinal track, renal system, and the reproductive system.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Cardiac Arrest and Shock
In this module you will be learning about states of shock and the principles of resuscitation. Unlike our common use of the word shock referring to a mental state of feeling overwhelmed or alarmed, shock is a state of crisis within the body, involving one or more of the organ systems. If left uncorrected, shock can lead to death. The other topic, resuscitation, will cover the principles of treating and reversing shock, and most importantly, the treatment of cardiac arrest. We will discuss the latest scientific research and best practices of cardiac arrest resuscitation.
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Toxicology and Substance Abuse
In this module we are going to learn about poisonings, or toxicologic ingestions. There is a whole field of medicine dedicated to the study of how the thing we ingestion, usually accidentally or in an attempt of self-harm, impact our bodies. This field is called toxicology. A poison is any substance that impairs health or causes death. A toxin is a drug or substance that is poisonous to a human, and will cause an adverse event, maybe even death. An antidote is a substance that will neutralize the effect of the poison or toxin. With an understanding of the basic terminology, we can further explore the most common poisons you will encounter in the field, how they affect the body, and how we treat these patients.
Not All Who Wander Are Tox
In this module you will learn how environmental emergencies are caused when the body’s physiological functions are disrupted by the patient’s natural surroundings. Many of the body’s functions only function properly at a normal temperature, so a change in the body’s temperature can cause them to fail. Some examples of environmental emergencies include cold or hot temperature changes, illness and injuries caused by other animals, high altitude illnesses and injuries or illness related to water such as drowning.
Blood and Guts
In this module we will capture topics an EMT might come across that don’t fit into the sections so far. The important “other” things that can cause patients problems. The role of an EMT is as an advocate for your patient to provide the best care possible. Part of that is taking the time to understand your patient’s story as well as to think critically about the complaint especially if difficult to diagnose. Also, we will focus of problems in the abdomen involving the gastrointestinal track, renal system and reproductive system.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines the manifestations, assessment, and stabilization of shock, a multisystem condition requiring immediate intervention
Explores the principles, techniques, and guidelines of performing CPR and using AEDs in cardiac arrest emergencies
Provides a comprehensive understanding of toxicology and substance abuse, including mechanisms of poisoning, assessment, and patient management
Examines environmental emergencies such as hypothermia, hyperthermia, lightning strike, and drowning, focusing on assessment, initial treatment, and stabilization
Develops an understanding of gastrointestinal, renal, and reproductive system disorders, including their assessment and management
Taught by a team of experienced medical professionals, including physicians and nurses, who bring real-world expertise to the course

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Reviews summary

Medical emergencies: a must-have for emts and beyond

Learners say this course is engaging and informative across a wide array of medical emergencies, including CPR, toxicology, and wilderness medicine. Students report that the instructors were knowledgeable and effective. If you want to take your medical skills to the next level, learners say this course is a great stepping stone to prepare you. It is especially highly valued by those new to the field. Key features include lectures, readings, assignments, and quizzes to help test your learning.
Great for those new to emergency care or wanting to refresh their skills.
"> good course for beginners"
Instructors are knowledgeable and effective at teaching the material.
"> Good instruction from good instructors."
Covers a wide range of topics, including CPR, toxicology, and wilderness medicine.
"> A lot of necessary knowledge"
"> Interesting course with a wider knowledge of medical emergencies!"
Helps you develop practical skills that can be used in real-life emergencies.
"> less practical could be more effective if.."
"> I am grateful and thankful for the support and help you provide , in such times and this are the real heroes doing heroic acts."
Some learners struggled to complete the course due to lack of support.
"> Excellent Content, I learned so much. *****BE WARNED. After spending money for the full course, and completing all Modules, with 93+ average, and wanting to attend bootcamp, they only answered 2 out of around 12 emails, I lost confidence in them and found a different center to get practical training and exams. It seems like they are only happy to accept my monthly subscription fees but not very interested in me actually attending the bootcamp. (despite the $1,000 fee!) International Students beware!"
Some learners found the assessments to be challenging.
"> Please provide explanations for the answers after assessments are completed. Teachers were good."

Career center

Learners who complete Medical Emergencies: CPR, Toxicology, and Wilderness will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are emergency responders who provide basic medical care and transportation to patients. They often work alongside Paramedics, and they play an important role in the emergency medical services system. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful EMT, including how to assess and stabilize patients for transport, how to identify and treat cardiac arrest, and how to manage environmental emergencies.
Paramedic
A Paramedic is a highly trained medical professional who provides emergency medical care and transportation to patients. They are often the first responders to medical emergencies, and they play a vital role in saving lives. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Paramedic, including how to assess and stabilize patients for transport, how to identify and treat cardiac arrest, and how to manage environmental emergencies.
Critical Care Paramedic
Critical Care Paramedics are highly trained medical professionals who provide advanced medical care to critically ill and injured patients. They often work in intensive care units and emergency departments, and they play a vital role in saving lives. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Critical Care Paramedic, including how to assess and stabilize patients for transport, how to identify and treat cardiac arrest, and how to manage environmental emergencies.
Flight Paramedic
Flight Paramedics are highly trained medical professionals who provide emergency medical care and transportation to patients via helicopter or airplane. They often work in remote or rural areas, and they play a vital role in saving lives. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Flight Paramedic, including how to assess and stabilize patients for transport, how to identify and treat cardiac arrest, and how to manage environmental emergencies.
Neonatal Paramedic
Neonatal Paramedics are highly trained medical professionals who provide emergency medical care and transportation to newborn babies and infants. They often work in neonatal intensive care units and emergency departments, and they play a vital role in saving lives. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Neonatal Paramedic, including how to assess and stabilize patients for transport, how to identify and treat cardiac arrest, and how to manage environmental emergencies.
Wilderness EMT
Wilderness EMTs are emergency responders who provide medical care to patients in remote or wilderness areas. They often work with hikers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts, and they play a vital role in saving lives. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Wilderness EMT, including how to assess and stabilize patients for transport, how to identify and treat cardiac arrest, and how to manage environmental emergencies.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered Nurses (RNs) are licensed healthcare professionals who provide a wide range of medical care to patients. They often work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings, and they play a vital role in the healthcare system. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful RN, including how to assess and stabilize patients for transport, how to identify and treat cardiac arrest, and how to manage environmental emergencies.
Physician Assistant (PA)
Physician Assistants (PAs) are licensed healthcare professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of a physician. They often work in primary care settings, and they can provide a wide range of medical care to patients. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful PA, including how to assess and stabilize patients for transport, how to identify and treat cardiac arrest, and how to manage environmental emergencies.
Firefighter
Firefighters are emergency responders who protect people and property from fires and other emergencies. They often work in fire stations, and they play a vital role in the community. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Firefighter, including how to assess and stabilize patients for transport, how to identify and treat cardiac arrest, and how to manage environmental emergencies.
Police Officer
Police Officers are law enforcement officers who protect the public from crime. They often work in police stations, and they play a vital role in the community. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Police Officer, including how to assess and stabilize patients for transport, how to identify and treat cardiac arrest, and how to manage environmental emergencies.
Hazardous Materials Specialist
Hazardous Materials Specialists are professionals who respond to and clean up hazardous materials spills and releases. They often work for government agencies or private companies, and they play a vital role in protecting the public from harm. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Hazardous Materials Specialist, including how to assess and stabilize patients for transport, how to identify and treat cardiac arrest, and how to manage environmental emergencies.
Environmental Health Specialist
Environmental Health Specialists are professionals who work to protect the public from environmental hazards. They often work for government agencies or private companies, and they play a vital role in protecting the public from harm. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Environmental Health Specialist, including how to assess and stabilize patients for transport, how to identify and treat cardiac arrest, and how to manage environmental emergencies.
Safety Manager
Safety Managers are professionals who develop and implement safety programs for businesses and organizations. They often work for government agencies or private companies, and they play a vital role in protecting the public from harm. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Safety Manager, including how to assess and stabilize patients for transport, how to identify and treat cardiac arrest, and how to manage environmental emergencies.
Toxicologist
Toxicologists are scientists who study the effects of toxic substances on living organisms. They often work for government agencies or private companies, and they play a vital role in protecting the public from harm. This course can help you build a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Toxicologist, including how to assess and stabilize patients for transport, how to identify and treat cardiac arrest, and how to manage environmental emergencies.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists are scientists who study the causes and distribution of diseases in populations. They often work for government agencies or private companies, and they play a vital role in protecting the public from harm. This course may be useful in helping you build a foundation in the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful Epidemiologist, including how to assess and stabilize patients for transport, how to identify and treat cardiac arrest, and how to manage environmental emergencies.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Medical Emergencies: CPR, Toxicology, and Wilderness.
Considered the gold standard in emergency medicine textbooks, this resource offers a detailed and up-to-date overview of the field. It is particularly useful for healthcare professionals seeking a comprehensive reference guide or preparing for examinations.
This textbook serves as a comprehensive resource for emergency medicine, providing in-depth coverage of all aspects of the field. It valuable reference not only for healthcare professionals working in emergency settings but also for students preparing for exams or seeking a deeper understanding of the subject.
This comprehensive guide to wilderness medicine provides detailed information on the unique challenges and considerations in providing medical care in remote and austere environments.
This manual provides detailed instructions on how to perform CPR, first aid, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED). It valuable resource for anyone who wants to be prepared to save a life in an emergency.
This manual provides basic first aid instructions for a wide range of injuries and illnesses. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to be prepared to provide first aid in an emergency.

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