TL;DR
Endocrine Emergencies: Acute hormone imbalance: DKA, HHS, hypoglycemia, thyroid storm, myxedema coma, adrenal crisis.
Endocrine Emergencies
Definition
Acute hormone imbalance: DKA, HHS, hypoglycemia, thyroid storm, myxedema coma, adrenal crisis.
Workplace Applications
In daily practice, endocrine emergencies is applied consistently according to facility protocols and current evidence-based guidelines. Competency is maintained through annual skills validation, continuing education, and quality improvement participation.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting endocrine emergencies in the field:
- King airway: If supraglottic blind-insertion airway device fails, verify connections, check battery, try alternate equipment. Available sizes: Size 3 (4-5 ft), Size 4 (5-6 ft), Size 5 (over 6 ft)
- AED: If automated external defibrillator for vf/pvt fails, verify connections, check battery, try alternate equipment. Available sizes: Adult pads (over 8yo or 25kg), Pediatric pads (under 8yo or 25kg)
- Waveform capnograph: If measures end-tidal co2 continuously with waveform display fails, verify connections, check battery, try alternate equipment. Available sizes: Mainstream (inline), Sidestream (sampling)
Assessment Techniques
Assessment techniques for endocrine emergencies:
- SAMPLE
- Components: Signs/symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last intake, Events. Scoring: Mnemonic for patient history gathering
- APGAR
- Components: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration. Scoring: 0-10 at 1 and 5 minutes, under 7 needs intervention
- Cincinnati Stroke Scale
- Components: Facial droop, Arm drift, Speech abnormality. Scoring: Any 1 positive = 72% probability of stroke
Key Values & Ranges
Key values and ranges relevant to endocrine emergencies in prehospital care:
| Parameter | Adult | Pediatric |
|---|---|---|
| ETCO2 | 35-45 mmHg | 35-45 mmHg |
| blood pressure | 90/60-120/80 mmHg | 70+(2*age) systolic minimum |
| SpO2 | 95-100% | 95-100% |
| heart rate | 60-100 bpm | 80-150 bpm (infant), 70-120 bpm (child) |
Practical Example
Field Scenario: A 65-year-old male presents with crushing substernal chest pain radiating to the left arm, diaphoresis, and nausea. 12-lead shows ST elevation in leads II, III, aVF (inferior MI).
This scenario tests your ability to apply knowledge of endocrine emergencies under time pressure with incomplete information, exactly the type of decision-making the certification exam assesses.
Patient Communication
Communication about endocrine emergencies in the prehospital setting includes: explaining procedures to the patient in simple terms, obtaining informed consent when possible (implied consent for unresponsive patients), providing a calm and reassuring presence, and delivering a structured handoff report (SBAR: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) to the receiving facility.
Why It Matters
Endocrine emergency recognition and management tested on Paramedic exam.
Related Terms
Practice This Topic
Ready to practice for the NREMT PARAMEDIC?
Adaptive practice powered by Item Response Theory targets your weak areas. Start with 3 free sessions.
Start free practice →