Prehospital Monitoring

1. Prehospital Monitoring
Prehospital monitoring refers
to the process of assessing
and tracking a patient's vital
signs and other health
indicators before they reach a
hospital setting. This typically
occurs in ambulances,
helicopters, or other
emergency medical services
vehicles during transport to a
healthcare facility.
Prehospital Monitoring 1

2. Vital Signs:
1. Heart rate: Monitored with a
pulse oximeter or ECG to assess
heart function and rhythm.
2. Blood pressure: Measured
periodically to assess
circulation and potential fluid
imbalances.
3. Respiratory rate and oxygen
saturation: Measured with a
pulse oximeter to assess lung
function and oxygen delivery to
tissues.
4. Temperature: Can indicate
infection or other underlying
issues. Prehospital Monitoring 2

3. Additional Monitoring:
1. Blood glucose: Particularly
important for diabetic patients
or those experiencing altered
mental status.
2. End-tidal carbon dioxide
(EtCO2): Can provide insights
into cardiac output and
resuscitation effectiveness.
3. Pain assessment: Helps guide
pain management
interventions.
4. Neurological
assessment: Evaluates level of
consciousness, pupil size, and
other neurological functions.
Prehospital Monitoring 3

4. Benefits of Prehospital
Monitoring:
1. Early identification of critical
changes: Allows for prompt
intervention and potentially
improves patient outcomes.
2. Better preparation for arrival
at the hospital: Provides
valuable information to
emergency room staff for
immediate management.
3. Improved
communication: Enables real-
time updates on patient status
between paramedics and
hospital personnel.
Prehospital Monitoring 4