En RouteThe paramedic is dispatched to a residence for a 65-…

En RouteThe paramedic is dispatched to a residence for a 65-year-old patient who fell off a ladder. Dispatch reports the distance was approximately 14 feet.  The time of the call is 1300. The response time is 10 minutes. The paramedic is partnered with an EMT, no additional resources are available at this time. The weather is clear, and the temperature is 77F (25C).  A local community hospital is 15 minutes away and a comprehensive medical facility is about 25 minutes away.  On Scene The patient (62kg) is found laying on the ground on their left side. There is an overturned ladder nearby. The wife reports the patient was cleaning out the gutter when she heard a crash. The patient was initially moaning but now she cannot wake him up. The patient has a history of hypertension and takes hydrochlorothiazide and atenolol. The patient is allergic to sulfa drugs. The initial exam is pertinent for pale, clammy skin. Blood and vomit are noted around the patient’s mouth. There is obvious deformity to the right leg with pooling of dark blood under his pants. The patient moans and draws his arms to his chest when the trapezius muscle is squeezed.  A weak carotid pulse is present. Respirations are 28 and shallow.

En RouteA paramedic is dispatched to a residence for a welfa…

En RouteA paramedic is dispatched to a residence for a welfare check on an 85-year-old patient. The time of the call is 0900 on a clear summer morning with a temperature of 84oF (29oC). The region is a medium-sized city with moderate traffic. Response time is approximately 6 minutes. A stand-alone ED is approximately 8 minutes away, a regional trauma center is 25 minutes away, and an ICU-capable medical center is 15 minutes away with normal traffic.The paramedic is partnered with an EMT in a standard-equipped ALS ambulance.The dispatch notes state the family has been unable to contact the patient who lives alone. They are en route and about 20 minutes away. A local fire engine and law enforcement agency is also responding.  On Scene Upon arrival at the scene, law enforcement officers state there was no answer when they knocked on the door, and that they are about to gain access to the residence by force. Once inside, the patient is found lying on his right side on the floor of the living room. The patient has a palpable radial pulse and is breathing 20 times a minute. The patient’s skin is cool and clammy. Rapid exam is pertinent for a small hematoma on his right temple. When the patient is rolled onto their back, the respirations become sonorous. The patient does not respond to verbal or painful stimuli. Vital signs are BP 142/80, P 77, RR 14, SpO2 96%. Lung sounds are clear bilaterally.The patient’s history is unknown but the following medications were found on the counter: Aspirin, Humulin kwikpen, hydrochlorothiazide, Percocet, simvastatin, and metoprolol.