Presentation Description:

Within EMS, patient assessment practices for neurological emergencies frequently fall short of what is required to adequately identify abnormalities.  Come learn why many EMS providers are ill-equipped to assess and identify abnormal neurological conditions.  This session will equip EMS instructors to bridge the gap between teaching basic stroke scales and expanded neurological assessment.  More importantly, participants will be provided an opportunity to perform an expanded neurological assessment to illustrate how it can be practically taught to their students.

Type of Session:  Breakout session

Intended Audience:  Educators

Presentation Length:  60 – 90 minutes

NCCP Category:

– Stroke
– Neurological emergencies

Presentation Objectives:

  • Participants will be able to identify the elements required to teach an expanded neurological assessment.
  • Participants will be able to perform how an expanded neurological assessment will be taught to their students.
  • Participants will be able to contrast the difference between sensitivity and specificity as they relate to neurological assessment.

What makes me qualified to present this topic?

  • Lead Instructor for one of the largest accredited paramedic programs in the Rocky Mountain Region. Personally, teach this subject within the curriculum to over 70 paramedic candidates annually.
  • This assessment is not typically performed by the average EMS provider. It is unfortunate because this assessment SHOULD be performed at every level of EMS practice and is relatively easy to learn.
  • Authored an article on this topic that will be published in EMS World Magazine’s February 2020 issue.