1. Chapter 17: Geriatric Emergencies

2. Knowledge and Attitude Objectives
Describe some of the physiological changes that occur with aging.
Explain how to ensure more effective communication with elderly patients who have hearing or sight impairment.
Describe why geriatric patients are at high risk for broken bones.
(1 of 3)

3. Knowledge and Attitude Objectives
Explain the types of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases that are prevalent among elderly patients.
Describe how to approach the assessment and treatment of chronically ill patients.
Explain your responsibility in dealing with patients who show signs of depression or dementia.
(2 of 3)

4. Knowledge and Attitude Objectives
Describe the purpose of hospice care.
Explain the purpose of advance directives and living wills.
Describe the signs and symptoms of elder abuse.
(3 of 3)

5. Geriatric Patients
Defined as a patient who is more than 65 years of age
Geriatric population is fastest growing segment of U.S. population.
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6. Hearing-Impaired or Deaf Patients
An invisible disability
Communication
Speak clearly and maintain eye contact.
Do not shout.
Offer paper and pencil or use sign language.

7. Visually Impaired or Blind Patients
Look for signs during scene size-up.
Tell patient what is happening.
Provide psychological support.
Keep glasses with patient if possible.

8. Musculoskeletal and Mobility Issues
Muscles and bones lose strength as people age.
Osteoporosis
Common in postmenopausal women
Together with decreased balance, these conditions result in more falls among older people.

9. Slowed Movements Movements may be slowed in older patients.
Lend a helping hand.
Do not rush elderly patients.
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10. Fractures Fractures of the wrist, spine, and hip are common.
Geriatric patients may not realize the seriousness of their injury.
Every elderly patient who complains of pain after a fall must be x-rayed.

11. Cardiovascular Diseases
Conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels
Heart attack, angina, congestive heart failure
Strokes and abdominal aortic aneurysms
Geriatric patients may not have the classic signs and symptoms.

12. Respiratory Diseases Major types: Chronic (COPD) Acute (pneumonia)
Care:
Carefully examine patient.
Secure an accurate medical history.

13. Cancer Patients call EMS when complications arise. Provide support.
Transport to a medical facility for stabilization.

14. Medications
Many older people take a large number of medications daily.
Medications may interact or cause side effects.
Determine what medications are being taken and transport them with patient.

15. Chronic-Care Patients
More patients are treated at home.
Complex medical devices include:
Ventilators
Oxygen-enrichment devices
Pacemakers and implanted defibrillators
Feeding tubes
Catheters
(1 of 2)

16. Chronic-Care Patients
Patients often take a wide variety of medications.
Remember the basics of care.
Assess problem/ask patient or caregiver about the problem.
(2 of 2)

17. Depression Most common psychiatric condition in older adults
More common in women than in men
Contributing factors:
Living alone
Loss of loved ones
Loss of independence
Declining health

18. Suicide Older men have a high rate of suicide in the United States.
If you suspect a patient is suicidal, arrange for transport.
Be alert for your safety.

19. Dementia
Progressive and usually irreversible decline in mental function
Marked by impairment in memory
May result in decreases in reasoning, judgment, comprehension, and ability to communicate
Senile dementia is abnormal decline.

20. Alzheimer’s Disease Most common form of dementia
A chronic degenerative disorder that attacks the brain
Results in impaired memory, behavior, and thinking
Patients may experience mood swings and paranoia.

21. Caring for Patients With Dementia
Speak clearly and communicate what you are doing.
Rely on family members or caregivers to provide medical history.
Use a kind and caring approach.

22. Hospice Care
A health care program that provides physical, spiritual, social, and economic care for patients who have terminal illnesses
Provides pain relief and other supportive care
EMS is usually called when the patient experiences unexpected problems.

23. Advance Directives
Patients who have a terminal illness may have an advance directive.
Also called living wills or do not resuscitate orders (DNRs)
Know the regulations concerning these documents in your state.

24. Elder Abuse May be physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or neglect
Signs and symptoms:
Bruises
Burns
Malnourished appearance
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