Using the Stethoscope
Using a steth is pretty straight forward. Some
Stethoscopes are better that others of course and usually the ones
provided by the UK Services are adequate for the job. Use your
stethoscope as much as you can when you first start out as a Paramedic
as this will benefit you. Pretty soon you will become proficient in it's
use.
Tip!
"Stethoscope
Ring Sign" or Dermatographia in Respiratory Distress:
An early and reversible sign of systemic distress in Asthmatics
and others who are SOB is the skin changes you see when
auscultating the chest. As you lift the stethoscope a visible ring or
impress is left. This sign corresponds to the present degree of
circulatory efficiency in the skin. Considered with other observations and
findings it gives a real-time indicator of improvement or adverse
change.
Tip!
Secure Loose Stethoscope Eartips
Those plastic ear tips that come loose on their threads can be
secured with a couple of wraps of PTFE tape used by plumbers (cheap; at
the DIY stores).
Tip!
Contamination
Contamination of the equipment by patient aspiration, blood etc can make
the equipment difficult to use and cause infection control problems.
Non-Patient contamination can take place. Animal faeces, urine, mould,
chemicals etc. You name it! To
avoid this as much as you can by placing your stethoscope on a plastic
bag laid out on the floor beside you. Use the ones supplied in your
vehicle for contaminated waste etc. They are sterile if still wrapped in
a bundle. Tip!
Hard of hearing
Sick of shouting? A handy tip for those hard of hearing patients. Clean
the ear tips with a small alcohol swab. Allow them to dry. Put the ear
pieces in the patients ears and gently speak into the diaphragm. You may
be amazed at the now quiet conversation en route. |
