Paramedic Recert EMS Care | 23-MCIT-F3-4115 | Adult Special Healthcare Needs starts with the introduction to the topic.

This chapter covers the different types of special health care needs of adults, the responsibilities of EMS personal, necessary equipment and challenges in addressing these needs.

The lessons covered

• Lesson 1: What is special healthcare needs for adults.
• Lesson 2: Considerations in EMS.
• Lesson 3: New advancement in EMS.
• Lesson 4: Common equipment EMS may encounter.
• Lesson 5: Cognitive impairments.
• Lesson 6: Common cognitive impairments.
• Lesson 7: Downs syndrome (Downs).
• Lesson 8: Cerebral Palsy (CP).
• Lesson 9: Assessing Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Excerpt from Paramedic Recert EMS Care | 23-MCIT-F3-4115 | Adult Special Healthcare Needs

Patients with unique medical requirements can now receive advanced treatments outside of hospitals. These treatments, previously only available in acute healthcare settings, are common in long-term care facilities and patient homes. These therapies are typically used by elderly patients who are frail or have chronic illnesses. When dealing with medical technology and adaptive devices during emergency medical responses or patient transfers between facilities, these devices can either make patient care more accessible, more complex, or have no effect. If they malfunction, it may be necessary to troubleshoot these devices or integrate this technology into standard prehospital care.

A tracheostomy tube, or a trach tube, is a long-term replacement for an endotracheal tube. It is used for patients who need long-term ventilator support, frequent tracheal suctioning, or airway protection due to various medical conditions. Tracheostomy tubes have three main parts and some additional features. The larger tube, called the outer cannula, goes from the front of the neck, below the thyroid cartilage, into the trachea. It has a flange that helps keep the tracheostomy tube stable on the patient’s neck and can be secured with ties or a strap. The outer cannula may or may not have a cuff, similar to the cuff on an endotracheal tube. If there is a cuff, you will see a short piece of tubing with a cuff port (pilot balloon) and a Luer valve. In adults, tracheostomy tube cuffs are necessary for bag masks or ventilator assistance.