Cardiovascular Emergencies

UNIT TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

At the completion of this unit, the EMT student will be able to apply fundamental knowledge to provide
basic emergency care and transportation based on assessment findings for an acutely ill patient.

COGNITIVE OBJECTIVES
At the completion of this unit, the EMT student will:

1. Describe the anatomy of the cardiovascular system.

a. Heart
b. Vessels
c. Blood
2. Describe the cardiovascular physiology.
a. Cardiac cycle
b. Pulses
c. Blood pressure
d. Blood circulation through a double pump
e. Cardiac output
f. Perfusion
g. Oxygenation of tissues
3. Describe and explain compromises to the physiology of the heart.
a. Pump
b. Vessels
c. Blood
4. Identify assessment findings that may indicate a compromise to the cardiovascular system.
5. Identify and explain history of a patient experiencing a cardiovascular event.
a. Chief complaint
b. History of present illness
c. Past medical history
6. Describe the management of patients experiencing a cardiac event.
a. Use of monitoring devices
b. Airway/ventilation/oxygenation
c. Evaluation and appropriate management of cardiac compromise
d. Pharmacology interventions
i. Aspirin
ii. Nitroglycerin
iii. Oxygen
e. Transport
7. Explain findings and management of specific cardiovascular emergencies.
a. Coronary artery disease/Acute coronary syndromes
i. Angina
ii. Myocardial infarction
b. Heart failure
c. Hypertensive emergencies
d. Cardiogenic shock
e. Cardiac arrest
8. Explain the pathophysiology of sickle cell
9. Describe age-related variations in the assessment and management of cardiovascular
compromise.

Medicine 5.2
AFFECTIVE OBJECTIVES
1. Demonstrate and perform EMT professional characteristics such as integrity, empathy, effective
communication, respect, patient advocacy, and careful delivery of service.

PSYCHOMOTOR OBJECTIVES
1. Perform an assessment and the emergency medical care for a patient experiencing chest pain or
discomfort.
2. Apply and demonstrate the correct sequence for the automated external defibrillator to a
classroom patient.
3. Perform the steps in facilitating the use of the following medications for chest pain/discomfort
related complaints: a) Aspirin, b) Nitroglycerin, c) Oxygen.
4. Demonstrate the process of documentation for medication administration, application of the
automated external defibrillator.
5. Demonstrate and perform cardiac arrest management/automated external defibrillator.

Medicine 5.2