He denies chest discomfort, palpitations, or shortness of breath.

Let’s talk about this heart rhythm a little bit, and when we do, let’s go back to the basics.

She had been suffering with dizzy bouts and collapses for a couple of weeks.

Thanks for all the comments! I’m not allowed to blog while I’m on duty (the policy has nothing to do with me personally) so if it seems like I’m not responding, I’m probably just at work. The paramedic who submitted this case has requested the follow-up information from his supervisor, but unfortunately she’s out-of-town for […]

I came across an outstanding webcast the other day. It’s hosted by JEMS.com and sponsored by Physio-Control. It’s called Connecting Care Teams and Collecting Data: How it helps both you and your patient – The Houston Experience (no longer available). It’s dated February 18, 2010 so I’m not sure how I missed it the first time […]

Here’s a case study from a faithful reader who wishes to remain anonymous. EMS is dispatched to a 47 year old female complaining of chest pain. On arrival paramedics find the patient seated on the floor. She appears acutely ill. Her skin is cool, pale, and diaphoretic. The patient confirms that she is experiencing severe, […]

The conclusion to this case study has been combined with Part I. Endurance athlete presents to EMS with syncope. Is the 12-lead ECG abnormal?

EMS is called to evaluate an unconscious 37 year old male. En route to the scene dispatch advises paramedics that the patient is now conscious and may have experienced a syncopal episode and seizure-like activity. The spouse believes that the patient may be having a stroke. On arrival the patient is found lying in bed. […]

The conclusion has been moved to the main case study. http://www.ems12lead.com/2010/09/11/78-year-old-male-cc-chest-pain/

EMS is called to the residence of a 78 year old male. It’s the middle of the night. The patient’s spouse meets you at the front door and brings you back to the bedroom. The patient is sitting on the edge of his bed. He is highly anxious and complaining of chest discomfort and palpitations. […]