PHECC Advanced Paramedic case studies
PHECC Advanced Paramedic · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Advanced Paramedic qualification sits at the top of Ireland's pre-hospital emergency care practitioner levels regulated by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC), the body that states it "independently co-ordinat[es], develop[s], review[s], regulat[es], and govern[s] standards of excellence for the safe provision of quality pre-hospital emergency care." PHECC notes that it "conduct[s] examinations and award[s] national qualifications in pre-hospital emergency care," and maintains a statutory register of practitioners who meet its standards. This page is an independent study resource for candidates preparing for the Advanced Paramedic examination; it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by PHECC. The PHECC Advanced Paramedic case studies are 5 cases and about 3,624 words.
1The Collapsed Marathon Runner with an Ambiguous Airway
You are dispatched at 11:40 to a 42-year-old male who collapsed at the 32 km mark of a marathon on a warm, humid day (24 °C, 78% humidity). Bystanders report he was running, then staggered and fell, and has been unresponsive for approximately six minutes.
755 words, about 4 min2Chest Pain in a Patient Who Wants to Stay Home
You attend a 58-year-old woman with a 90-minute history of central chest pressure radiating to the left arm, associated with nausea and sweating. She is pale and clammy; BP 148/92, pulse 96 regular, SpO2 95% on room air, respiratory rate 20.
732 words, about 4 min3The Nursing Home Transfer with a Do-Not-Attempt-Resuscitation Form
You are called to a nursing home to transfer a 79-year-old man with advanced Parkinson's disease and recurrent aspiration pneumonia. He is drowsy but rousable, with a respiratory rate of 28, SpO2 88% on room air, and coarse crackles at both bases.
700 words, about 4 min4Paediatric Wheeze with a Deteriorating Trend
You are called to a 4-year-old girl with a two-day history of cough and wheeze, now worsening. She is sitting forward on her mother's lap, alert but anxious, with a respiratory rate of 44, SpO2 91% on room air, and marked intercostal and subcostal recession.
725 words, about 4 min5The Repeat Caller with Requested Pain Relief
You are called to a 34-year-old man at a hostel with a three-day history of lower back pain after 'lifting something'. He is ambulant, comfortable at rest, with normal observations (BP 126/78, pulse 72, SpO2 99%, RR 14, afebrile).
712 words, about 4 min