You quickly assess the patient, no catastrophic haemorrhage or airway issues. You place oxygen on the patient to help with the cyanosis. You assess the patients’ breathing and note moderate bilateral crackles. A family member explains that the patient suffers from COPD and has been going downhill over the past few days. In the Paramedic management flow of COPD, what medication is administered first

You administer the nebuliser and try to coach the patient through his breathing. As he does, this you continue with your primary survey and observations. Oxygen saturations return at 85%. What common reduced oxygen saturation range can COPD patients have

A few minutes have passed and the patients’ condition is the same. The nebuliser has finished and you top up with Ipratropium Bromide. What time limit should you apply to nebulisation for a COPD patient

The patient continues to remain in a poorly state with his respirations increasing. Control informs you a back up vehicle is 10 minutes away. What further medication can you look to administer to help the patient

You advise the patient that you are going to have to give him some medication through a needle to help with is condition. With this the patient becomes very agitated and starts saying ‘no’ in between breaths. The family member advises that the patient will not let anyone one come near him with a needle. You try to explain the importance to the patient but they flatly refuse any needle involvement. What further medication could you consider where available and not contraindicated

What is the oral dosage in the Paramedic context for Prednisolone in a COPD patient

The patient manages to swallow the tablets, and following nebulisation his oxygen levels are maintaining around 89% with Oxygen. Further observations are; HR 120, BP 98/64, Temp 37.8°C, 12 lead ECG Tachycardic and regular, respirations around 30 a minute. You continue talking to the patient and family member when the patient suddenly slumps on his chair. His level of consciousness reduces, and he is now groaning. You quickly reassess the primary survey and note his respirations are around 40 with oxygens levels dropping to 82% on Oxygen. What management do you need to do

You support the patients breathing with BVM ventilations and oxygen levels start increasing. Your back up crew arrives and you give a handover of the situation. One goes back to the EA to get extrication equipment while the other stays to assist you. They cannulate the patient and discuss giving further Hydrocortisone. Can Hydrocortisone be given when you have already administered Prednisolone