Evidence-Based Practice: Paramedic - Essay Example

In this instance, it shall consider the protocol head traumas and the application of prehospital intubation. Literature review The reviewed studies indicated strong support for prehospital intubation for serious head traumas. Most of the studies highlighted the importance of paramedics first having adequate training and expertise in prehospital intubation before being allowed to carry out the intervention in the actual setting. The studies also set forth that prehospital intubation can best be carried out for serious head traumas and for helicopter emergency services. These studies emphasize that the prehospital intubation can potentially yield better patient outcomes with reduced risk of hypoxia and subsequent brain damage. Conclusions The protocol on head injuries can be improved to make room for emergency prehospital intubation for serious head injuries to be transported via helicopter to the nearest hospital facility. This process can be applied in order to prevent hypoxia and brain damage. Recommendations This study recommends protocol change to include prehospital intubation for patients with serious head injuries to be transported via helicopters to the nearest hospital facility. In effect, trainings for paramedics for intubation must be carried out. Paramedics equipment and facilities must therefore include tools for prehospital intubation. ...
Based on the current protocols and standards of the practice, there are however gaps which make the plan of care for the patients lacking or insufficient in some way. This study aims to identify the current practice and areas which need review, drawing on literature sources to establish if or where changes should be made. In this instance, it shall consider the protocol on head injuries. This paper shall be discussing Protocol T4 discussing head injuries. A head injury may be caused by an isolated incident or may be a part of a greater injury (Ambulance Service of New South Wales, 2011). Secondary brain injury can be seen after hypoxia and hypotension; it is therefore important to secure a patent airway, adequate oxygenation, and prevention of hypotension. The Sydney Local Health District (n.d) describes head injuries as injuries to the brain, the skull, or the face. These injuries may vary in severity, but they are basically classified into primary and secondary brain injuries (Rushworth, 2008). Primary brain injuries are products of the initial insult, seen with the head acquiring trauma; the secondary brain injury is seen after the injury, usually with the patient having difficulty breathing due to hypoxia (Wang, et.al., 2004). The paramedics attending to these head trauma patients are cautioned to be very suspicious of any head injuries, especially if the patient loses consciousness or has had a history of losing consciousness following the head injury (Rahm, 2004). Some patients may suffer minor head injuries without experiencing any serious trauma from their brain injury. Nevertheless, those who are suspected of traumatic brain injury must be evaluated and transported immediately to ...Show more