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Key Benefits
Many EMT's are unaware of the symptoms.
- Recognizing Myasthenia Gravis for EMT's
- Many EMT's are unaware of the symptoms of MG and therefore do not treat it rapidly
enough or with the proper technique. Patients suffering from MG may suffer from, dyspnea,
shallow respiration, acute or diffuse weakness, tachycardia, hypertension, or anxiety, all
of which are signs of an impending crisis.
- In the middle of a crisis involving MG, patients will not be able to cough or swallow
(possibly leading to choking), will have a decreasing level of consciousness, cyanosis,
severe weakness, or inadequate ventilation. They also may have abdominal cramps,
bradycardia, fasciculations, increased nasal and bronchial secretions, profuse
diaphoresis, increased salivation, diarrhea, or miosis.
- To treat these patients, ETM's should have bag resuscitation available, use suction as
needed, avoid additional anxiety, position the patient for comfort while supporting the
head, ask only yes or no questions, and maintain verbal contact.
- If artifical resuscitation or positive pressure ventilation is needed, an EMT should
secure the airway and provide ventilation via an oral airway and provide ventilation via
an oral airway and bagging, an esophageal obturator airway, or an endotracheal intubation
tube, Oxygen is unnecessary.
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 Date this page was updated:
04/11/2008 18:24
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