TRANSITION SERIESTRANSITION SERIES

Topics for the Advanced EMTTopics for the Advanced EMT

CHAPTERCHAPTER

Life Span DevelopmentLife Span Development

1010

IntroductionIntroduction

• Certain developmental benchmarks should be reached by individuals at common ages.

• It is easier to understand disturbances to a patient's psychological and/or physiological state if you first know what is normal for him.

Developmental Stage and AgeDevelopmental Stage and Age

• The Advanced EMT must be familiar with age brackets and the stages of development.

Stages of Development

Developmental Milestones for Infants

Developmental Milestones for Infants

Neonates and InfantsNeonates and Infants

• Neonates and Infants– Assessment considerations

Fontanels Ventilation assessment Maintain warmth Consistent crying Provide emotional control Smile to help reassure

Modify your approach to fit the patient’s stage of development.

Developmental Milestones of Toddlers

Developmental Milestones of Preschoolers

Toddlers and PreschoolersToddlers and Preschoolers

• Toddlers and Preschoolers– Assessment considerations

Speak softly Let them touch things Keep parent nearby Praise child Allow some control Use toy to calm child

A young toddler begins to exhibit improved motor skills and problem-solving abilities.

School-Age ChildrenSchool-Age Children

• School-Age Children– Developmental milestones

Continued physical growth Can easily communicate Understand pain, death Develop concept of self

School-age children participate in a wide variety of activities and use their experiences to develop skills to solve problems.

School-Age Children (cont’d)School-Age Children (cont’d)

• School-Age Children– Assessment considerations

Misconceptions about end points of care Speak using their terms and phrases Explain all procedures first Address child, but speak to parent also Provide child with choices if possible

AdolescentsAdolescents

• Adolescents– Developmental milestones

Growth in spurts Puberty occurs Value privacy Capable of decision making Engage in risky behavior Conflicts with family common Concerned with self image

Adolescents (cont’d)Adolescents (cont’d)

• Adolescents– Assessment considerations

Interview patient and parent, then assess just patient

Normal adult assessment format Remain unbiased and nonjudgmental

Adolescents’ sense of identity and self-esteem are influenced by their body image and peer relationships. (© Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock)

AdulthoodAdulthood

• Adulthood– Early

Peak physical condition

– Middle Some body deterioration

– Late Incidence of disease high

Adulthood (cont’d)Adulthood (cont’d)

• Adulthood– Assessment considerations

Speak in normal tone Allow more time to answer questions Do not assume there is mental or sensory

decline Show respect

Many older adults face new challenges, but the ability to learn and adjust continues throughout life.

Normal Vital Signs

SummarySummary

• Understanding life span development is necessary whenever someone is involved in health care.

• The Advanced EMT can better appreciate what is wrong with the patient if he knows what “right” is supposed to be.