Pilot Recertification Program Core 2: Pre-Course Study Recommendations This core session is designed to reinforce concepts that you should already be familiar with as well as new, "expanded scope" methodologies. 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 - Endocrine Emergencies

• Resources:
  • http://wps.prenhall.com/chet_bledsoe_essentials_1/0,6522,512049-,00.html
• Describe the morbidity and mortality of endocrinologic emergencies
• Identify the risk factors associated with such emergencies
• Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the endocrine system
• Define "ductless" and "ducted" glands
• Discuss the assessment, transport and management of endocrinologic emergencies
• Discuss the relationship between osmotic diuresis and diabetes mellitus
• Distinguish between different types of diabetes mellitus
• Discuss the management of diabetic emergencies (HHNK, hypoglycemia, etc.)
• Discuss the difference between normal and diabetic glucose metabolism

Section Two - Allergies and Anaphylaxis

• Resources:
  • http://wps.prenhall.com/chet_bledsoe_essentials_1/0,6522,512064-,00.html
• Describe the pathophysiology of anaphylaxis
• Describe the physiology of the immune system and its response to pathogens
• Define "pathogen"
• Discuss the common routes of substance entry into the body
• Describe the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions

Section Three - Behavioral Emergencies

• Resources:
  • http://wps.prenhall.com/chet_bledsoe_essentials_1/0,6522,512258-,00.html
• Distinguish between normal and abnormal behavior
• Discuss the pathophysiology of behavioral and psychiatric disorders
• List the measures to take when faced with a dangerous situation
• Discuss restraints and the restraining of patients
• Discuss techniques for gathering information from the uncooperative patient
• Differentiate between various types of behavioral and psychiatric disorders

Section Four - Environmental Emergencies

• Resources:
  • http://wps.prenhall.com/chet_bledsoe_essentials_1/0,6522,512182-,00.html
• Identify risk factors
• Describe temperature monitoring
• Differentiate between hypothermia, hyperthermia, and their varying degrees of severity
• Discuss management of the hypo- or hyperthermic patient
• Discuss dehydration
• Differentiate between different types of drowning and their treatments
• Discuss diving emergencies
• Discuss the different considerations in implementing ACLS, BTLS, and PALS protocols when treating environmental emergencies

Section Five - Toxicological Emergencies and Substance Abuse

• Resources:
  • http://wps.prenhall.com/chet_bledsoe_essentials_1/0,6522,512132-,00.html
• Discuss the physiology of organs related to toxicological emergencies
• Discuss the pathophysiology, management, and treatment of different types of poisonous exposure
• Discuss commonly abused drugs and treatments for overdose
• Discuss routes of entry for poisons
• Discuss alcohol and drug withdrawal (delirium tremens)