EMS Educator Exeter Hospital, Exeter, NH Lee, New Hampshire
Description: This program takes a new and innovative approach to the assessment and care of patients with special needs. It is inherently challenging to produce a training program that satisfactorily addresses this topic, given the breadth of this area and the vast number of "special needs" that exist. The program is divided into three parts:
Part One: General Approach to Special Needs This portion of the program discusses the general approach to any patient with special needs, and covers topics including: Communication, Right to Dignity, Assessment, Parents of Special Needs Kids as Experts, Altered Baseline, Behavioral Issues, Advanced Directives, Service Animals, etc.
Part Two: Individual Conditions This portion of the program reviews the most common individual conditions, including Autism, Down Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, and CHD
Part Three; Technology Issues This part of the program addresses the most common technology issues, such as trachs, G/J Tubes, pumps and vents.
The presentations are visually engaging, making use of videos and pictures where possible to tell the story. They would be appropriate for all levels of EMS provider.
Learning Objectives:
Deploy a comprehensive approach to the assessment and treatment of patients with special healthcare needs.
Utilize the most safe and effective techniques for the management of children with behavioral emergencies.
Understand the nature of the medical emergencies associated with the most common special healthcare needs.
Perform emergency assessment and care for special needs devices and equipment, including ventilators and tracheostomies.
Discuss that patients with special needs are entitled to dignity.
