Paramedic Rotations in NICU/PICU

[AnthonyM83]

I am a paramedic student getting ready for my clinical rotations in a NICU and PICU. We only get two days there, so I want to make the most of it.

Do you have any suggestions on things to read up on that would make my time there more enriching? Maybe some of the more common reasons for being in NICU/PICU?

I was thinking respiratory issues, preemie complications, congenital heart conditions. Going to review our paramedic textbook, but being only prehospital medicine, it doesn't go in-depth on most topics. Any directions for research would be helpful.

I want to be able to ask good questions, understand some of the cases I see, and hopefully remember what I learn better by having some background on it already.


Thanks for the help,


Anthony

[Robert F]

I would read up on neonatal cardiology and have a good understanding of a neonate's normal vitals as well as affects of common conditions and etiologies upon those vitals. Moreover, I would have a keen understanding of what you learned during the NRP part of your Paramedic curriculum. With regard to research, I suggest reading up on a few case studies in infant and neonatal critical care.

During my paramedic rotations, I focused on case studies and drug dosages. (It never hurts to have Epocrates Mobile on your side).

What textbook are you using? Mosby's Paramedic Textboook, Essentials of Paramedic Care, Emergency Care in the Streets, or Brady's?

[AnthonyM83]

Essentials of Paramedic Care for the class, though also using Mosby's as a reference.

Thanks for the advice.