EMS Mnemonics (memory device)

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n7lxi said:
I found the mnemonics helped when I was in paramedic school. However, now before I intubate someone, I'm looking for the clues that may predict a difficult intubation without having to rely on reciting LEMONS or BONES. The same with a history. New EMTs always try to gather a SAMPLE, while experienced providers have a focused Q and A to get the information they need.
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Mnemonics should only be used when you can't remember what you need to do or ask. Unfortunately many emt classes hammer the mnemonics into the students' heads.
 
JMorin95 said:
Mnemonics should only be used when you can't remember what you need to do or ask.
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All i'm saying is its harder for me to remember some obnoxious 12 word sentence that realistically makes no sense than to just remember what the 12 words are and their function.
 
What's BONES?
 
Another silly mnemonic to predict difficult BVM ventilation.
Beard, obese, no teeth, elderly, snores.
BONES.

When we complete an intubation packet here, we're required to fill out a LEMONS/BONES assessment on the patient. That's the only reason I remember it.
 
This brings back a lot of memories. Many I have seen before and many I have not. I seldom use mnemonics, I prefer to just remember why I want to do something and how to do it. Then I do a dry run in my head as I prep my equipment.

Here is one I didn't see here. It sometimes jumps up when you least want it to.

CRAFT

Can't
Remenber
A
Friggin
Thing

:rolleyes:
 
I teach safety as they do at the local sheriff dept acadedmy: "Take 5 and stay alive". I write the number "5" on the top of the whiteboard and the rest of the day under it, so it is "above all". When I state it and repeat it I hold up my hand and waggle my fingers, and I say "This looks silly, and it is, but it will stick in your head". Throughout the class when approriate I raise and waggle my fingers, cock my head and say "What??!".

ARC doesn't use "Check-Call-Care" on the current video but I still teach it.

"Chain of Survival" seems to stick ok, they pass the test. I also write it large on the board: BIG word "EARLY", and in bullets next to it "recognition, call 911, CPR, AED, ALS" (although they don't use "ALS anymore, but it works anyway).
Oh, and "FAST" for CVA's at layperson level, although when I try to elicit those at the CPR-Pro class they almost always need it recapped. I re-enact and demostrate too, because they need all three barrels.
 
Aprz said:
Lead placements: White to the right, smoke over fire (, clouds over grass).Since I start school in 2 days, I'm unsure of the availability of 5 lead in the prehospital setting, but if you're got it or see it in a hospital based setting, I learned this as a nursing student many years ago: Smoke over fire, snow over grass, and chocolate lies closest to the heart. :)
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Backblast said:
Since I start school in 2 days, I'm unsure of the availability of 5 lead in the prehospital setting, but if you're got it or see it in a hospital based setting, I learned this as a nursing student many years ago: Smoke over fire, snow over grass, and chocolate lies closest to the heart. :)
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I like that one, lol.
 
I think my first year or so as an EMT, I relied heavily on mnemonics to get me through patient assessment. The problem is, usually it'll get you answers to questions, but unless your assessment skills are strong, the answers are meaningless. If you have an unresponsive patient, but not what else to check for, it can make a huge difference between a diabetic and a stroke.
 
For traffic collisions - SPEED

Size of vehicle
Passenger compartment protrusion
Estimated speed
Extrication
Damage to vehicle
 
CALEMT said:
Size of vehicle
Passenger compartment protrusion
Estimated speed
Extrication
Damage to vehicle
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That's a good one! Never heard that one.

Not to nitpick but I think you're looking for intrusion rather than protrusion.
 
Here's one...
AEIOU TIPS:censored:– to assess causes of an altered level of consciousness mneumonic:Alcohol, Epilepsy, Insulin – high or low BSL, Overdose, Uraemia – (this has to do with poor renal function), Trauma, Infection,Psychosis,Stroke
 
Robb said:
That's a good one! Never heard that one.

Not to nitpick but I think you're looking for intrusion rather than protrusion.
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Whoops! dont know why I hit the p instead if the i :P... You can also use it for penetrating injuries and motorcycle T/C's.

Penetrating:
Size of object
Proximity of object
Entrence wound
Exit wound
Depth of wound

Motorcycle T/C
Surface pt was found on
Position pt was found
Extra objects struck
Equipment worn
Distance of fall/skid
 
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MONA-(Heart Attack treatment)
Morphine
O2
Nitroglycerin
Aspirin


BCAP BTLS (when checking the mouth- BOLO)

Broken Teeth
Odors
Lacerations
Obstructions
 
Don't forget NOAH.

N- number of times this patient has previously called 911.

O- other complaints that develop once you call BS on their primary 911 complaint.

A-allergies to all of the pain medication you carry, "except for the one that starts with a D. I think it's Dilauah?"

H-how much stuff they have packed and ready to go. Suitcase, slippers, two packs of cigarettes, cell phone and winter coat.
 
DEmedic said:
Don't forget NOAH.

N- number of times this patient has previously called 911.

O- other complaints that develop once you call BS on their primary 911 complaint.

A-allergies to all of the pain medication you carry, "except for the one that starts with a D. I think it's Dilauah?"

H-how much stuff they have packed and ready to go. Suitcase, slippers, two packs of cigarettes, cell phone and winter coat.
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Haha that's pretty awesome!
 
LCES arrangment and plan if something should compromise your safety.
Lookout
Communicate
Escape route
Safety zone

I dig the wildland mnemonic, used to be LACES including "awareness" I guess it found a new home in the 10&18.
 
PENMAN for scene size up anyone?

PPE/ Environmental hazards/ Number of patients/ MOI or NOI/ Additional resources needed/ Need for extraction or c-spine precautions.

Don't forget the ABC's of EMS; Ambulate Before Carry (or Auto Bus Cab)

For quick med sum up HAM- History Allergies Meds

Of course the obvious ones. SAMPLE, OPQRST, CUPS
 
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