On scene, you are treating a 62-year-old female patient with chest pain, diaphoresis, and nausea. She has a history of heart problems as well as diabetes, for which she takes medications. She is allergic to penicillin and iodine. She is alert, oriented, and calm, and there are no threats to the airway, breathing, or circulation. The patient took 81 mg of aspirin this morning, as she always does. Her vital signs are pulse, 100; respirations, 16 breaths/min; blood pressure, 118/90 mmHg; and SpO2, 97% on room air. In overseeing the care of this patient, which of these actions would demand immediate and corrective intervention?

Here are some cardiovascular emergencies that EMTs may encounter: Cardiac arrest: When the heart stops pumping blood, leading to loss of consciousness and normal breathing. This can be marked by sudden collapse, absence of pulse, and cessation of breathing. Defibrillation: An electrical shock that restores a normal heart rhythm in someone experiencing cardiac arrest. Bradycardia: A heart rate below 60 beats per minute. Symptomatic bradycardia can include dizziness, feeling faint upon standing, shortness of breath, and a low heart rate. Tachycardia: A heart rate above 100 beats per... Show more

Here are some cardiovascular emergencies that EMTs may encounter:
Cardiac arrest: When the heart stops pumping blood, leading to loss of consciousness and normal breathing. This can be marked by sudden collapse, absence of pulse, and cessation of breathing.
Defibrillation: An electrical shock that restores a normal heart rhythm in someone experiencing cardiac arrest.
Bradycardia: A heart rate below 60 beats per minute. Symptomatic bradycardia can include dizziness, feeling faint upon standing, shortness of breath, and a low heart rate.
Tachycardia: A heart rate above 100 beats per minute.
Chest pain: A symptom that can be an indicator of many underlying problems, whether mild or sharp, or simply an aching discomfort.
Dyspnea: Shortness of breath. It can be the primary manifestation of cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, neuromuscular disorders or obesity.
Hypertensive emergencies: An acute, severe elevation in blood pressure accompanied by end-organ compromise.

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