TRANSITION SERIESTRANSITION SERIES

Topics for the Advanced EMTTopics for the Advanced EMT

CHAPTERCHAPTER

Gynecologic EmergenciesGynecologic Emergencies

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PathophysiologyPathophysiology

• Pelvic inflammatory disease– Community-acquired infection– Affects uterus, fallopian tubes,

neighboring structures– Can cause pain, infertility, uterine

bleeding, discharge, foul smell– May have fever and chills

Illustration of the way in which pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) affects the reproductive organs.

Case StudyCase Study

• You are called for a 22-year-old female patient with severe abdominal pain. Upon your arrival, the patient is found lying in her bed in a fetal position. Her parents say she has felt bad for the last 3 days, and now it’s to a point where she can hardly move. The patient greets you when you walk in and verbally confirms the story given to you by her parents.

Case Study (cont’d)Case Study (cont’d)

• Scene Size-Up– Scene is safe.– Standard precautions taken.– Patient is 22 years old, female, 120 lbs.– Entry and egress from site is

unobstructed.– NOI appears to be abdominal pain.– No additional resources needed.

Case Study (cont’d)Case Study (cont’d)

• Care provided:– Patient placed on low-flow oxygen.– Placed in the most comfortable position

attainable on wheeled cot.– Transport initiated to ED.– IV established en route.

SummarySummary

• Obstetric emergencies should be considered in any patient of child-bearing years with abdominal pain.

• Pain will not always be related to pregnancy. There are also inflammatory and traumatic reasons for the pain and discharge.

Summary (cont’d)Summary (cont’d)

• History and physical findings will illustrate the nature of the emergency.