Face to face assessment of patients by paramedics
Tutorial presented by Mike Jenkins, Consultant Paramedic, WAST.
The in-person assessment by a paramedic will review the patient for typical symptoms of COVID-19, including:
- New dry cough
- Fever/chills
- Impaired sense of taste/smell
- Lethargy
- Breathlessness
And take basic observations, including:
- Temperature
- Blood pressure
- Respiratory rate
- Pulse
- SpO2
Risk stratify your patient to help determine whether they require admission to hospital or management in the community with safety netting. In some areas a virtual ward may be established to offer additional home monitoring to detect early signs of deterioration. This decision should be considered in the context of the patient’s wishes as well as the wishes of the family.
Emerging evidence suggests that people may not present with breathlessness despite significant hypoxia. If uncertain, a low threshold for pulse oximetry is advised. Some patients, particularly those in the low risk category should commence with SpO2 monitoring without requiring an in person assessment.
Face to face assessment of patients by paramedics
Tutorial presented by Mike Jenkins, Consultant Paramedic, WAST.
The in-person assessment by a paramedic will review the patient for typical symptoms of COVID-19, including:
- New dry cough
- Fever/chills
- Impaired sense of taste/smell
- Lethargy
- Breathlessness
And take basic observations, including:
- Temperature
- Blood pressure
- Respiratory rate
- Pulse
- SpO2
Risk stratify your patient to help determine whether they require admission to hospital or management in the community with safety netting. In some areas a virtual ward may be established to offer additional home monitoring to detect early signs of deterioration. This decision should be considered in the context of the patient’s wishes as well as the wishes of the family.
Emerging evidence suggests that people may not present with breathlessness despite significant hypoxia. If uncertain, a low threshold for pulse oximetry is advised. Some patients, particularly those in the low risk category should commence with SpO2 monitoring without requiring an in person assessment.
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