COVID 19 and Case Review

Course overview

Objectives Describe the COVID 19 virus and what makes it unique List the routes of transmission for COVID 19 and best practices to limit its spread Explain techniques used to manage patients with severe COVID 19 Content In their second podcast, Dan and Steve discuss what their individual departments have done in response to COVID 19. Current statistics regarding the novel coronavirus are reviewed. Dan walks through what a call at his agency looks like in the midst of the COVID 19 pandemic. Steve touches on how COVID 19 has changed how departments respond to calls, as well as the mindset of medical providers on scene, exposure protocols, and PPE requirements. Steve discusses a call where proper PPE prevented him from having a life threatening exposure. Dan outlines a breathing problem call at a care facility and the process of intubating a patient in respiratory failure. Dan details his decision to withhold intubation on a rapidly declining patient, and what backup airway he prefers to use in lieu of an ET tube. Steve and Dan talk about quarantine procedures for their agencies following exposure to COVID 19. Learning Points 865000 total cases of COVID 19 in the United States 48000 total deaths from COVID 19 in the United States Pay attention to PPE requirements and look for changes to protocol at a national level Situational awareness is paramount when responding to calls during a pandemic Failure to oxygenate or failure to ventilate indicates the need for aggressive airway management Always have a plan when placing an advanced airway as well as a backup airway if ET tube placement fails The iGel adheres to the glottic opening and creates a seal Two person BVM ventilation creates the best mask seal Limit aerosolizing procedures if at all possible