Oncological Emergencies

[kris02]

Hi,
I am currently completing my final year as a paramedic student in Australia and I am researching oncological emergencies, in particular the (paramedic/emt) management of oncological emergencies in the prehospital setting. I understand that this is not a well researched area but if you had any information regarding this topic or could point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated

Kind regards
Kristie Knight

 

[Ridryder911]

Welcome.. There are few oncological emrgencies other than immune suppresed illnesses and the occasional hematolgy events such low platelets and low hematocrit. Most chemo patients will know their H & H as well & if their platelet count is high or low. The patient may have a developed a very high tolerance to narcotics as well & may be on verys strong meds, be sure to see if they are on associated enti-emetics. Some of the chemo devices are now implantable & are time released.

One thing many miss is dehydration. Since chemo produces a "drying up" , most patients are dehydrated and unless they have failure or other contributing factors rehydration is a common tretment. As well as skin break down

Again, usually these will be associated with other factors, such as pnuemonia, anemia, weakness etc.

I had became very familar with oncology problems not just as a RN but my wife had chemo for a year, 2 yrs ago & will probably start again in a week or so.. in which I dread for her. She is a Flight Nurse & as she decribed it .. "they poison you ...just not enough to kill you".

I finally got approval for my service to "acess" ports, since chemo tx is so toxic and "burns" most veins, some oncologist prefer to place a port in. I highly recomend that Paramedics be taught & use them. It is so much simpler and easier on the patient & medic. All a medic has to do is place a huber needle in.. you can't miss. (needs a class before attempting)

There are many other associated problems such as cardiac, renal, pulmonary oral sluthing off of gums etc, from the toxic S/E of the chemo tx.

Good luck in your research.
R/R 911
RN,CCRN,CEN, CCEMT/P & al the other vowels & still broke !

 

[TTLWHKR]

There really isn't much we can do except keep them warm, hydrated and oxygenated. Very rarely would I be able to get command for any large doses of MS. I've given up to 8mg of Morphine in the past to a CA patient, on top of the capsules she had already taken. I couldn't do much after that, because we only carry 8mg.. For obvious reason, we can't be a rolling drug store or we'd be getting knocked off left and right.

I agree with a central line already being in place.

 

[kris02]

Thanks

Thanks guys,
You have been a big help. hope that your wife gets well soon R/R 911
regards Kris