EMS1 - Jun 13, 2016 - By Bob Sullivan
"Understand how respiratory monitoring devices can be used to guide treatment during and after seizures.
Seizures are one of the most common conditions encountered by EMS providers and one where critical interventions can significantly affect patient outcomes. Timely seizure management is a benchmark proposed by a group of metropolitan medical directors and is currently being studied as a performance measure by the EMS Compass initiative.
Oxygenation and ventilation can be compromised during prolonged the seizures, as well as during the postictal phase after seizures. Here are three things you should know about seizures and respiratory compromise..."
- Seizures can cause upper airway obstruction and respiratory depression
- Waveform capnography can help guide airway management during and after seizures
- Definitive airway management for seizures is stopping the seizure