33: Geriatric Emergencies

Cognitive Objectives (1 of 2)

1. Define the term “geriatric.”

2. Discuss appropriate ways to
communicate with geriatric patients.
3. Discuss the GEMS diamond.
4. State the leading causes of death of the
geriatric population.
5. Describe the physiologic changes of
aging.
 Cognitive Objectives (2 of 2)
6. Define the problem known as polypharmacy.
7. State the principles and use of advance directives
involving older patients.
8. Define elder abuse.
9. Discuss the causes of elder abuse.
10. Discuss why the extent of elder abuse is not well
known.
 Affective Objectives
11. Explain why the special needs of older people
and the changes that the aging process brings
about in physical structure, body composition, and
organ function provide a fundamental base for
maintenance of life support functions.

• There are no psychomotor objectives for this

chapter.
• All of the objectives in this chapter are
noncurriculum objectives.
 Geriatrics (1 of 2)
• Geriatric patients are individuals older
than 65 years of age.
• In 2000, the geriatric population was
almost 35 million.
• By 2020, the geriatric population is
projected to be greater than 54 million.
 Geriatrics (2 of 2)
• Older people are major users of EMS and health
care in general.
• Effective treatment will require an increased
understanding of geriatric care issues.
 Communications (1 of 2)
• Show the patient respect.
• Position yourself at eye level in front of the
patient.
• Speak slowly and distinctly.
• Give the patient time to answer.
• Be patient.
 Communications (2 of 2)

Older patients may need a little more time to process your

question.
The GEMS Diamond
• Geriatric patients:
Normal aging, atypical
presentation
• Environmental
assessment: Safety,
neglect
• Medical assessment:
Past history,
medications
• Social assessment:
Basic needs, social
network
 Leading Causes of Death
• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Stroke
• COPD and other respiratory illnesses
• Diabetes
• Trauma
 Common Stereotypes
• Common stereotypes
include mental
confusion, illness,
sedentary lifestyle, and
immobility
• Older people can stay
fit; most older people
lead very active lives.
 Physiologic Changes (1 of 3)
• Skin
– Susceptible to injury; longer healing
time
• Senses
– Dulling of the senses
• Respiratory system
– Decreased ability to exchange gases
 Physiologic Changes (2 of 3)
• Cardiovascular system
– Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
• Renal system
– Decline in kidney function
• Nervous system
– Memory impairment, decreased
psychomotor skills
 Physiologic Changes (3 of 3)
• Musculoskeletal system
– Decrease in muscle mass and strength
• Gastrointestinal system
– Decrease in ability of body to digest food
properly
 Polypharmacy
• Older people account for a large portion of overall
medication usage.
• Many medications can have interactions or counter
actions when taken together.
• Polypharmacy refers to the use of multiple
prescriptions by a single patient.
 Geriatrics and Trauma
• An older patient may have decreased ability to
localize even simple injuries.
• Assessment must include all past medical
conditions.
 Cardiovascular Emergencies
• Syncope
– Interruption of blood flow to the brain
– Many underlying causes
• Heart attack
– Classic symptoms often not present
 Acute Abdomen (1 of 3)
• Acute abdominal aneurysm
– Walls of the aorta weaken.
– Treat for shock and provide prompt
transport.
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
– Blood in emesis
– May cause shock
 Acute Abdomen (2 of 3)
• Bowel obstructions
– Vagus nerve is stimulated and produces
vasovagal syndrome.
– Vasovagal syndrome can cause dizziness
and fainting.
– Patient requires transport to rule out other
conditions.
 Acute Abdomen (3 of 3)
Older patients with
abdominal pain have higher
chances of hospitalization,
surgery, and death than
younger patients.
 Altered Mental Status
• Delirium
– Recent onset
– Usually associated with underlying
cause
• Dementia
– Develops slowly over a period of years
 Psychiatric Emergencies (1 of 2)
• Depression is common among older adults.
• Physical pain, psychological distress, and loss of
loved ones can lead to depression.
• Women are more likely to suffer depression.
 Psychiatric Emergencies (2 of 2)
• Older men have the highest suicide rate.
• Older patients use much more lethal means.
• EMT-Bs should consider all suicidal thoughts or
actions to be serious.
 Advance Directives
• Do not resuscitate (DNR) orders give you permission
not to attempt to resuscitate.
• DNR orders may only be valid in the health care
facility.
• You should know state and local protocols regarding
advance directives.
• When in doubt, initiate resuscitation.
 Elder Abuse (1 of 2)
• This problem is largely hidden
from society.
• Definitions of abuse and neglect
among older people vary.
• Victims are often hesitant to report
an incident.
• Signs of abuse are often
overlooked.
 Elder Abuse (2 of 2)
Nursing home residents
who receive no visitors
have a higher likelihood of
abuse and neglect.
Assessment of Elder Abuse (1 of 2)
• Repeated visits to the emergency room
• A history of being “accident prone”
• Soft-tissue injuries
• Vague explanation of injuries
• Psychosomatic complaints
Assessment of Elder Abuse (2 of 2)
• Chronic pain
• Self-destructive behavior
• Eating and sleeping disorders
• Depression or a lack of energy
• Substance and/or sexual abuse
 Signs of Physical Abuse
• Signs of abuse may be obvious or subtle.
• Obvious signs include bruises, bites, and
burns.
• Look for injuries to the ears.
• Consider injuries to the genitals or rectum with
no reported trauma as evidence of abuse.