Patient

Howdy everyone,

Duty is coming up this Friday. Last week I had a syncope (fainting) patient. Blood sugar was 121 (normal). No history of hypertension. Blood pressure confirmed this...in fact he was hypotensive with a BP of 94/68 (if that). Pulse rate was slightly elevated at 94 and a decreased SPO2 at 89% on the pulse ox. Respirations were 12 and normal. No further information available. No medical history at all actually except for arthritis (and he's 84 years old!!!). Astounding. I placed him on a NRB (non-rebreather mask) at 10 liters per minute (lpm) and kept him on the monitor. The transport was uneventful and the SPO2 rapidly rose to 95% and pulse decreased to 82. Currently the reason for the syncope is unknown as we have not received any feedback from the ER. It could've been a cardiac related problem which he was probably monitored for a recurring event. Blood labs would've been interesting to see too. I'll try to find out from the ER. By the way, the patient reported no numbness or chest pain/discomfort. Anyone else have any possible ideas? Cardiac origin seems to be the most likely.

In other news, a stroke magnet is available for free as well as information to educate the general public. I would recommend that you sign up for one here and stay informed. Time = brain. WebMD also has some basic guidelines for detecting a stroke which can be found here. We actually use some of the same tests in order to help us make the diagnosis (or prehospital provider diagnosis). Read up, it might come in handy some day.

Stay safe everyone,
Bravomedic out.