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After this lecture the student should understand the significance and characteristics of the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system; cardiovascular emergencies; the pathophysiology of respiration and perfusion; signs and symptoms of the most common cardiac conditions; the indications, contraindications, and use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs); and the general care of a patient experiencing a cardiac emergency. 


 
Knowledge Domains: Identify the basic anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, the pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system as well as describe the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, assessment, and management of the following cardiac related emergencies: thromboembolism, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, a hypertensive emergency and a aortic aneurysm/dissection.


Explain patient assessment procedures for cardiovascular problems and the relationship between airway management and the patient with cardiac compromise. 


 
Give the indications and contraindications for the use of aspirin and nitroglycerin.


Recognize that many patients will have had cardiac surgery and may have implanted pacemakers or defibrillators.


 
Define cardiac arrest and understand the differences between the fully automated and the semiautomated defibrillator. Describe the different types of AEDs and the indications and contraindications for use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). The EMT should know the reasons for early defibrillation and explain the circumstances that may result in inappropriate shocks from an AED. Describe AED maintenance procedures, continuing education and review.


 
EMT should know and understand the the emergency medical care for the patient with cardiac arrest and describe the components of care following AED shocks.