Connecting the Dots: Thinking Critically Under Pressure

The effectiveness of an EMS clinician depends greatly on the ability to formulate a differential diagnosis and provide diagnostic evaluation and appropriate treatment in a timely manner. This is referred to as clinical judgment and comes easier to some than others. This session will explore the function of the differential diagnosis as a foundation for paramedicine evaluation and treatment. Using standard questioning techniques, pattern recognition and their significance will be highlighted. Factors that influence differential development will be discussed and case studies highlighting common EMS calls and the differential diagnosis development will be used.