Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with COPD
COPD is a commonly encountered disease in EMS. What are the most important signs and symptoms to pay attention to? How should an EMS provider treat these patients?
Objectives:
- Differentiate between emphysema and chronic bronchitis
- Choose the best medication and procedural interventions for COPD
- Identify the common causes of COPD
Sources:
McLendon K., Edemekong PF. "EMS, Field Identification Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)" [Updated 2019 Apr 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493230/