CAOX4 vs AxOx4 - EMTLife.com - The #1 Online Forum for EMS-Related Discussion

platypus · 06-09-2011, 09:16 PM

can someone please explain the difference between the two?? and the proper way to use them in paperwork..this is probably a really stupid question but i'm confused :/

thanks!

**abckidsmom** · 06-09-2011, 09:21 PM

Personal preference. It doesn't matter.

MrBrown · 06-09-2011, 09:32 PM

Keep things simple, use AVPU and GCS

Brown has no seen anywhere outside the US that uses A&O or C&O

Some used to write "C+O" here until specifically instructed not to, because it is not a concept used by medical or nursing staff nor it is a commonly used abbreviation within the Ambulance Service so somebody reading it may have no idea what it means.

Linuss · 06-09-2011, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by platypus

can someone please explain the difference between the two?? and the proper way to use them in paperwork..this is probably a really stupid question but i'm confused :/

thanks!

Conscious, Alert and Oriented x4

Alert and Oriented x4

Honestly, if they are alert and oriented, the conscious part is implied. Other than that, it's personal preference.

**Chimpie** · 06-09-2011, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by platypus

can someone please explain the ... proper way to use them in paperwork..

Ask your supervisor/FTO how they want you to complete the paperwork. Every department/agency/company may be different.

BEorP · 06-09-2011, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrBrown

Keep things simple, use AVPU and GCS

Brown has no seen anywhere outside the US that uses A&O or C&O

Some used to write "C+O" here until specifically instructed not to, because it is not a concept used by medical or nursing staff nor it is a commonly used abbreviation within the Ambulance Service so somebody reading it may have no idea what it means.

Definitely better to keep it to GCS primarily. A patient who is GCS 15 is oriented. If they are GCS 14 and it is because I've put their verbal component down to 4 then I will usually note that they are oriented to whichever of person, place, time, and event (if any).

**lightsandsirens5** · 06-09-2011, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEorP

Definitely better to keep it to GCS primarily. A patient who is GCS 15 is oriented. If they are GCS 14 and it is because I've put their verbal component down to 4 then I will usually note that they are oriented to whichever of person, place, time, and event (if any).

Good one. And I would add: If you write anything other than GCS=15, note what ones are lacking. For example, in my report I would write:

Neuro: GCS=10 (E=3, V=3, M=4).

**abckidsmom** · 06-09-2011, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lightsandsirens5

Good one. And I would add: If you write anything other than GCS=15, note what ones are lacking. For example, in my report I would write:

Neuro: GCS=10 (E=3, V=3, M=4).

Just a tip, if the patient is intubated, write GCS: 10T if he is alert and follows commands, and specify if his mental status is off from there.

**lightsandsirens5** · 06-10-2011, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abckidsmom

Just a tip, if the patient is intubated, write GCS: 10T if he is alert and follows commands, and specify if his mental status is off from there.

Wait, what? I are just a humble I-85.

Handsome Rob · 06-10-2011, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abckidsmom

Just a tip, if the patient is intubated, write GCS: 10T if he is alert and follows commands, and specify if his mental status is off from there.

Word. Excellent advice.

sent from my mobile command center. or phone. whatever.

06-09-2011, 09:21 PM	#2
abckidsmom Community Leader Dances with Patients Join Date: May 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 3,173 Training: EMT-Paramedic	Personal preference. It doesn't matter. __________________ Dana

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06-09-2011, 09:16 PM	#1
platypus Forum Probie Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: MA Posts: 15 Training: EMT-Basic	CAOX4 vs AxOx4 can someone please explain the difference between the two?? and the proper way to use them in paperwork..this is probably a really stupid question but i'm confused :/ thanks!

06-09-2011, 09:32 PM	#3
MrBrown Forum Deputy Chief Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 3,929	Keep things simple, use AVPU and GCS Brown has no seen anywhere outside the US that uses A&O or C&O Some used to write "C+O" here until specifically instructed not to, because it is not a concept used by medical or nursing staff nor it is a commonly used abbreviation within the Ambulance Service so somebody reading it may have no idea what it means.