PULSE Emergency Medical Update

PULSE Course Library

Search results include only current programs and are not an exhaustive list of content in our library, only that which is most relevant.

All PULSE Courses

PULSE: Burns: Assessment and Treatment

EDA: 464-0110

Introduction:

Burn management has consistently been one of the most controversial topics in all of emergency care. Every year, nearly 1 million people require treatment for burn injuries in the United States. Add to that an increased terrorism threat in the United States, and it can be assumed that there will also be an increase in the number of burn-related injuries. This course is designed to provide the emergency responder with the knowledge needed to effec... Read More

PULSE: Poisons and Toxins

EDA: 464-0210

Introduction:

Tylenol. Bleach. Alcohol. The things you use on a regular basis can quickly become more hazardous than helpful. It is important for pre-hospital care providers to know what is toxic, where those toxins come from, and how to respond to them. This course provides resources for determining the toxicity of a substance, and it analyzes the various routes of poison exposure. Unintentional poisoning, natural toxins, overdose, and alcohol abuse are di... Read More

PULSE: Chest and Abdominal Trauma

EDA: 464-0305

Introduction:

This edition of PULSE provides an extensive review of chest and abdominal anatomy and physiology. Students will learn how to assess and manage a variety of chest and abdominal injuries. The issues of fluid resuscitation and chest decompression techniques are also highlighted.Read More

PULSE: Technology In EMS

EDA: 464-0405

Introduction:

More technology is coming to the field of emergency medical services. Knowledge of these systems can help in the response to patients. Civilian vehicles contain computers and restraint systems that can make them safer and provide information to EMS personnel. Inside ambulances, innovations in communications and tracking technology are helping make calls run more efficiently. Some departments use computers in the ambulance and electronic patient c... Read More

PULSE: Spinal Injuries - An Unstable Situation

EDA: 464-0105

Introduction:

It is estimated that there will be more than 11,000 new spinal cord injuries this year alone. As a first responder, you may play an important role in not only these patients' survival, but also in their chances for any kind of recovery. Anatomy and physiology, proper assessment and treatment, mechanism of injury and immobilization techniques are all factors in the outcomes of these calls, so you should know them well. We'll cover these topics and... Read More

PULSE: Lessons From Beyond: Cadaver Lab

EDA: 464-0205

Introduction:

Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the human body enables EMS providers to better understand patient assessment, disease process, and patient management. Actually being able to see the anatomy aids that understanding. Although we may have learned facts or information, until we see disease processes at work in a cadaver we may not have a thorough understanding of the consequences. For example, we know that a high-fat, high-cho... Read More

PULSE: The National EMS Trauma Triage Decision Scheme

EDA: 464-0310

Introduction:

Every day, EMS providers make crucial decisions that impact the lives of their patients. One critical decision is where to transport patients, particularly those who have sustained traumatic injuries. Research indicates that patients with traumatic injuries have a 25 percent lower death risk when taken to a Level I trauma center versus a non-trauma center. The decision of where to transport these patients should not be taken lightly. Fortunately,... Read More

PULSE: MCI: I-35W Bridge Collapse

EDA: 464-0410

Introduction:

During a mass casualty incident, success does not just happen. It is achieved only through planning, training, and a dedicated public safety and healthcare team. Rescue and EMS crews in Minneapolis, Minnesota, have been widely praised for their response during the I-35 W bridge collapse in 2007. This is their story. As they share it, they hope to convey their successes, trials, and lessons learned from one of the most challenging mass casualty i... Read More

PULSE: Vital Signs and Assessment

EDA: 464-0610

Introduction:

An efficient, well-organized patient assessment is the foundation for a well-run call. The information you find during the assessment determines how you treat the patient's condition, manage scene resources, determine transport mode and destination, and document the entire event. This course provides even the seasoned provider with tips and pearls to a more efficient and effective assessment and provides guidance on how to avoid time-wasting trap... Read More

PULSE: Pregnancy Complications

EDA: 464-0510

Introduction:

For most women, pregnancy is a time of great joy and anticipation. But for a significant number of women, pregnancy presents an additional challenge when it is complicated by serious problems. This course examines some of the most common pregnancy complications EMS providers are likely to encounter in the field, including diabetes mellitus, pre-eclampsia, hypertension, trauma during pregnancy, and preterm labor.Read More

PULSE: The Body in Shock: The Struggle to Survive

EDA: 464-0710

Introduction:

This course defines shock and provides a brief summary of the methods of classification. The pathophysiology of shock is described, along with compensatory mechanisms. Factors affecting how quickly shock occurs and what may cause variation between patients are also listed. The stages of shock are more fully described in relation to signs, symptoms, and treatment. A brief summary of the types of shock with variation in treatment is also includedRead More

The National EMS Trauma Triage Decision Scheme

EDA: 464-0310

Pregnancy Complications

EDA: 464-0510

PULSE: Poisons and Toxins

EDA: 464-0210

PULSE: Burns: Assessment and Treatment

EDA: 464-0110

Active Shooter

EDA: 464-1209

Introduction:

This course discusses the challenging aspects of dealing with an active shooter crisis. The course reviews aspects of incident command, profile of a typical gunman, types of weapons, and obstacles that may be encountered. It also reviews triage and treatment of patients with war-like trauma.Read More

Pediatric Emergencies

EDA: 464-1109

Introduction:

In rural and urban areas, approximately 10 percent of all ambulance calls are for children younger than 14 years old. Trauma is the most common emergency call for children between 5 and 14 years of age, and illness is the most common emergency call for children younger than 5. Treating a pediatric patient can be one of the most stressful situations an EMS provider faces on the job. Many rescuers make a special connection with children because the... Read More

PULSE: EMS Response to the H1N1 Flu

EDA: 464-1009

Introduction:

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that attacks the nose, throat, and lungs. The H1N1 flu differs from the regular, seasonal flu in that it is a completely new strain of influenza, the result of a multi-viral mutation. H1N1 is highly contagious, and it is spreading rapidly from person to person, claiming hundreds of lives worldwide, with thousands of confirmed cases in countries across multiple continents. In response, the World Healt... Read More

Stroke and TIA

EDA: 464-0909

Introduction:

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States after diseases of the heart and all forms of cancer. Your assessment skills, your ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke, and the appropriate transport decision can mean the difference between life and death. This course reviews the anatomy and pathophysiology of stroke, defines proper assessment and management, and identifies the elements needed for a successful strok... Read More

Spinal Cord Injuries

EDA: 464-0809

Introduction:

Today, as many as 400,000 Americans are living with the lingering effects of a spinal cord injury. That number increases by 11,000 annually. While EMS providers cannot prevent the injuries themselves, their actions in the fi eld could mean the difference between a full recovery and a lifetime of paralysis.Read More

PULSE: Women and AMI

EDA: 464-0709

Introduction:

This course reviews the fundamental anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of a heart attack. The course then discusses how heart attack is becoming a more prevalent disease among women. It covers special assessment concerns, such as considerations when placing 12-lead electrodes and cultural issues dealing with the assessment of women. Finally, the course discusses significant factors that contribute to the risk of myocardial infarction in wom... Read More

PULSE: Safe Kids

EDA: 464-0808

Introduction:

Safe Kids Worldwide is a global network of organizations whose mission is to prevent accidental childhood injury, a leading killer of children 14 and under. While there is no one device or solution that will effectively prevent all types of accidental childhood injuries, emergency medical technicians will realize the benefits of Safe Kids coalitions, which combine several factors to create programs that reduce injuries by educating adults and chi... Read More

PULSE: Depression and Altered Behavior

EDA: 464-0609

Introduction:

Behavioral emergencies often lack many of the clinical, objective signs and symptoms associated with other medical emergencies. This makes these emergencies extremely challenging and, oftentimes, dangerous for everyone involved. This course identifies depression and altered behavior and describes the appropriate size-up, assessment, and treatment for these patients. Proper patient takedown and restraint procedures are also discussed.Read More

PULSE: Infectious Diseases

EDA: 464-0708

Introduction:

This course provides EMTs with an update on some new and old infectious diseases, including MRSA, SARS, hepatitis, the avian flu, and HIV. Pathophysiology and occupational exposure are also addressed, as well as the importance of disinfecting equipment and the ambulance.Read More

PULSE: Patient Refusal

EDA: 464-0608

Introduction:

Most EMS litigation occurs not from what the EMS professional did, but rather, from what he or she did not do. In patient refusals, it is understood that the EMS professional is the expert in knowing whether a patient should be treated and transported, not a patient who may be in an altered state of consciousness and thus unable to make decisions. Refusals are high-risk situations medico-legally. Written documentation is the key to avoiding the m... Read More

PULSE: Diabetic Emergencies

EDA: 464-0508

Introduction:

This course discusses diabetes mellitus, including basic pathophysiology, acute complications, and long-term complications. Emergency treatment for common diabetic emergencies are addressed, including the conscious hypoglycemic, unconscious hypoglycemic, and unconscious hyperglycemic in diabetic ketoacidosis. Emerging therapies for the management of diabetes are also discussed. Read More

PULSE: Roadway and Highway Safety

EDA: 464-0408

Introduction:

In this edition of PULSE, the focus is on operating an emergency vehicle safely. Unfortunately, â€œrunning hotâ€ (lights and sirens) is inherently dangerous, and too few operators of emergency vehicles are actually expert drivers. The vehicle is the one piece of equipment that is used the most often and trained on the least. Join us as we discuss safety issues related to the emergency vehicleâ€“the impact of driver attitude, vehicle dynamics, po... Read More

PULSE: Airway Management

EDA: 464-0308

Introduction:

This program deals with airway management issues common to EMS providers. It includes anatomy and physiology of the lungs to include the exchange of gases at the alveolar level and basic techniques of ventilation (BVM and associated airway adjuncts) and assessment of effectiveness of ventilatory efforts. DOT Category: Airway Management.Read More

PULSE: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

EDA: 464-0208

Introduction:

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning causes 500 unintentional deaths each year in the United States and approximately 2,000 intentional deaths due to suicide. Responder safety is an extremely important concept when responding to CO poisoning calls. If the EMT also gets CO poisoning, treatment for the patient is delayed and scene safety is compromised. This course discusses what CO poisoning is, what causes it, how it presents in patients, and how to di... Read More

PULSE: EMS and HIPAA

EDA: 464-0108

Introduction:

Every healthcare provider must comply with HIPAA, including emergency medical technicians. Many EMTs are unsure of what does and does not violate HIPAA. This is complicated by the fact that most calls are conducted in public or semi-public environments, which can make it more difficult to protect a patient's healthcare information than in a hospital. This course answers many questions about HIPAA that EMTs have, including such issues as how to co... Read More

PULSE: Acute Respiratory Distress

EDA: 464-1107

Introduction:

Acute respiratory distress is one of the more challenging patient care scenarios that the basic EMT (BLS Technician) encounters. Why? Because of two primary reasons. First, aggressive BLS care is what will save the severely compromised patient; the kind of care provided by pretty much every EMT anywhere. Second, after providing solid live-saving aggressive therapy to compensate for inadequate tidal volume or other problems, the BLS technician can... Read More

PULSE: Therapeutic Communication

EDA: 464-1007

Introduction:

Communication is critical to your ability to be an effective EMT. Although it is not as tangible a skill as bandaging a wound or measuring a blood pressure, it is a critical part of every call. A direct, honest, clear, and respectful approach is the foundation that promotes understanding when dealing with patients, bystanders, and other EMS providers. However, communication with people who are in crisis is difficult. This course provides the basi... Read More

PULSE: Traumatic Brain Injury

EDA: 464-0907

Introduction:

The majority of brain injuries result from auto accidents, sports injuries, falls, and physical assaults. Since emergency personnel are first responders to people with head injuries, EMS personnel need to be able to properly recognize and assess the signs of a traumatic brain injury. Early recognition and treatment of an extreme brain injury could reduce immediate trauma and future complications. In order to adequately understand traumatic head i... Read More

PULSE: Transport of the Bariatric Patient

EDA: 464-0807

Introduction:

With the growing epidemic of obesity in the public, EMS providers and rescue personnel are being challenged to understand how to care for grossly overweight patients as well as how to transport them safely, without endangering themselves and the patients in the process. Read More

PULSE: Hidden Hemhorragic Shock and Trauma

EDA: 464-0707

Introduction:

This course discusses the causes, signs, and symptoms of hidden hemorrhagic shock. Pre-hospital BLS treatment of hidden hemorrhagic shock for the basic EMS provider is also discussed.Read More

PULSE: Geriatric Patient Down

EDA: 464-0607

Introduction:

Approximately 25 percent of Americans will be 65 years of age or older by the year 2030 and will represent 70 percent of all ambulance transports. The geriatric patient is at a high risk of falling, which makes this one of the most common calls EMTs will face, especially in locations with a large geriatric population. This course discusses why older adults are at increased risk of falls, common MOIs, and emergency treatment modalities for older a... Read More

PULSE: High-Risk Obstetrics

EDA: 464-0507

Introduction:

There are few calls that EMTs respond to that are as memorable and satisfying as delivering a healthy baby. First responders often do this in a less than ideal environment: in the middle of the night at the mother's home, in the back of a cramped ambulance, or on a city bus. Fortunately for EMTs, most of the time all goes well despite the pre-hospital conditions. However, when things go badly with the mother or baby, the actions that we take can ... Read More

PULSE: Surviving the EMS Profession

EDA: 464-0407

Introduction:

The EMS field is a very demanding vocation. EMS providers are often called upon to aid people in a critical medical emergency. This in turn exposes the EMS provider to repeated exposure to medical emergencies that most of the population will never see or be exposed to in a lifetime. In addition, the EMS provider is exposed to administrative and operational stress. This course will provide the EMS provider, administrators, municipal leaders, and E... Read More

PULSE: Child Abuse Identification

EDA: 464-0307

Introduction:

The identification of child abuse is everyone's responsibility, but first responders have special legal responsibilities when it comes to identifying and reported suspected abuse. This course equips first responders with information to be able to identify the behavioral and physical signs and symptoms of an abusive situation. It provides information on the EMT's responsibilities as a mandated reporter, and it provides clear guidelines on how to p... Read More

PULSE: Pediatric RAD/Asthma

EDA: 464-0207

Introduction:

The prevalence of asthma and associated morbidity has been on the rise for the past 20-30 years. Children are affected disproportionately, and up to 12 percent of children in the United States are affected. This course discusses emergency treatment approaches and differential diagnosis of pediatric asthma.Read More

PULSE: Acute Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema

EDA: 464-0107

Introduction:

This activity explores the symptoms and emergency treatment for acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema, a common but potentially deadly pulmonary condition. In this course, you will see what happens to a patient experiencing ACPE starting with the 9-1-1 call through emergency treatment and stabilization.Read More

PULSE: Respiratory Management of the Morbidly

EDA: 464-1206

Introduction:

With the rising epidemic of obesity in this country, emergency medical technicians must be aware of the respiratory challenges presented by the morbidly obese pulmonary complications, especially when trauma is involved. First responders must be aware of other challenges such as medication dosing, patient positioning and patient transport. Join us for an informative discussion on the emergency care considerations for this growing population. Read More

PULSE: Bloodborne Pathogens

EDA: 464-1106

Introduction:

Frequent contact with dangerous bloodborne pathogens is a regular part of an EMT's job. Do you know what the most commonâ€”and deadlyâ€”bloodborne pathogens are? Do you know how to protect yourself against occupational exposure? And do you know what to do if you are accidentally exposed to a bloodborne pathogen? Join us for the answers to these questions and more in this course, which discusses the different types of bloodborne pathogens and how... Read More

PULSE: Extremity Injuries

EDA: 464-1006

Introduction:

Regardless of cause or mechanism of injury, with a few exceptions, extremity injuries are treated similarly. Scene size-up, patient evaluation, treatment decision, immobilization and pain control are all part of the basic and advanced EMS practicum. There are decisions to be made, however, in situations where â€œlife over limbâ€ cases present. Also, in patients with compartmental syndrome, severe crush injuries, amputations, neurovascular compro... Read More

PULSE: Altered Mental Status

EDA: 464-0906

Introduction:

Altered mental status (AMS) is one of the most challenging dispatches EMS can receive. It is essential for providers to systematically narrow their field diagnosis with the clinical assessment information available to them. To effectively manage altered mental status in the field the following key components should be addressed: â€¢ Systematic, thorough field assessment utilizing all available assessment tools â€¢ Elimination of unlikely causes â... Read More

PULSE: Pediatric ARDS

EDA: 464-0806

Introduction:

Responding to a call involving a pediatric case of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) or Acute Lung Injury (ALI) can be challenging for the EMT professional. In order to provide the best emergency care possible, it is important for first responders to understand the epidemiology and pathophysiology of pediatric ARDS as well as the clinical presentation and initial management of the condition in children.Read More

PULSE: Neonatal Resuscitation

EDA: 464-0706

Introduction:

EMS personnel infrequently encounter true pediatric emergencies. Even rarer is the incidence of childbirth associated with something gone horribly wrong. But things do go wrong, and as healthcare professionals, we must be ready. This course will orient the EMS provider with problems that may be encountered with the neonate and how to systematically approach resuscitation from all levels.Read More

PULSE: Patient Assessment

EDA: 464-0606

Introduction:

The modern EMS provider responds to many challenging incidents that require critical thinking skills. The ability to conduct a comprehensive patient assessment is a key part of applying those thinking skills. It is vitally important that the caregiver conduct a thorough patient assessment on each and every call. This will help ensure the patient receives a high quality and seamless level of care from the pre-hospital environment all the way to de... Read More

PULSE: Recreational Drugs: Toxicology

EDA: 464-0506

Introduction:

Despite ongoing efforts, recreational drug use is growingâ€”and changingâ€”with the population. Recreational drug use is anything but child's play, and EMS personnel must be prepared to manage prehospital care of patients affected by recreational drugs. This learning activity explores the most common recreational drugs and their affects as well as how you can care for drug users. This activity also looks at the statistics and evaluates the trends... Read More

PULSE: The Variable Presentation of Diabetes

EDA: 464-0406

Introduction:

Expanding waistlines and diminished physical activity are responsible for more problems than a trip to the mall for bigger jeans. Seven percent of the American population now has diabetes, and that number is expected to increase to almost nine percent by 2025. Because of this trend, first responders need to have a firm understanding of the disease. Join us as we discuss the symptoms, risk factors, and emergency treatment options available when re... Read More

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