Pilot Recertification Program Core 1: Pre-Course Study Recommendations This core session is designed to reinforce concepts that you should already be familiar with, such as communication techniques and patient assessment. In the time that the session encompasses, we will briefly cover the topics, please review and be prepared to discuss the following concepts before coming to class.

 

 

 

 

 

Section One - Therapeutic Communications¹

• Resources:
  • http://wps.prenhall.com/chet_bledsoe_essentials_1/0,6522,511573-,00.html
  • Define "communication"
  • Identify factors that effect the interview
  • Define "open-ended" and "closed-ended questions"
  • Identify the role of body language in communicating with a patient
  • Address different styles of interviewing (hostile patients vs. child, for example)
  • Discuss how cultural backgrounds effect your ability to interview a patient
  • Discuss concerns and techniques for using an interpreter

   

Section Two - Life-Span Development

• Resources:
  • http://wps.prenhall.com/chet_bledsoe_essentials_1/0,6522,511405-,00.html
  • Identify the average vital signs and physical differences between the following stages of development:
    • Infant, Toddler, Preschooler, School-aged, Adolescent, Early adult, Middle-aged adult, Late-aged adult
  • Also be able to identify the age ranges and psycho-social characteristics of each

   

Section Three - Physical Exam Techniques

• Resources:
  • http://wps.prenhall.com/chet_bledsoe_essentials_1/0,6522,511601-.00.html
  • Describe the following terms:
    • Palpation, Auscultation, Inspection, Percussion
  • Describe the specific methods of examining each region of the body
  • Describe the evaluation of respiratory status
  • Distinguish between normal and abnormal breath sounds and heart sounds; and present and absent bowel sounds
  • Describe the methods used for evaluation of the cardiovascular system
  • Discuss the differences between adult and pediatric assessment
  • Describe the methods and guidelines for documenting your findings

   

Section Four - The Musculoskeletal System

• Review the basic anatomy and physiology of the musculoskeletal system
• Define the role of the musculoskeletal system
• Understand the roles of ligaments, tendons, muscles, and bones
• Define the sections of the skeleton
• Discuss the pathophysiology fo the system

Section Five - Patient Assessment in the Field

• Resources:
  • http://wps.prenhall.com/chet_bledsoe_essentials_1/0,6522,511663-,00.html
  • NYS DOH Evaluation forms for Stations 1 (medical assessment) and 2 (trauma assessment)
    • Recognize hazards and hazardous scenes
    • Discuss methods for making scenes safe
    • Discuss mechanism of injury
    • Discuss scene size-up and its elements
    • Organize response on scene
    • Discuss methods for managing injuries by system and severity
    • Define life threatening emergencies
    • Discuss the elements of patient assessment
    • Differentiate between the Detailed Physical Exam and the Rapid Trauma Survey

     

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  ¹Bryan E. Bledsoe, Essentials of Paramedic Care, New Jersey: Prentice Hall Publishing, 2003