Respiratory Emergencies Module

Introduction:

Welcome to the Emergency Medicine Core Training Respiratory Emergencies module. In this module we will review the function of the respiratory system, the pathophysiology of common respiratory system disorders and the work-up and management of disorders related to this system. Shortness of breath is a common chief complaint – one you will see daily. This is one of those complaints that you won’t always have the luxury of being able to take a moment to read about before you act. You must know how to manage a wide array of dyspneic patients in an emergent fashion, in order to achieve the best outcomes.

In order to be adept at diagnosing and treating respiratory disorders, you must have a strong working knowledge of this system. That being the case, we will start, as in all of the systems based EMCT modules, with a discussion of basic anatomy and physiology before delving into pathophysiology and treatment, and ultimately into the work-up, diagnosis, and management of the various respiratory disorders.