Abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints of patients who call 911. EMTs and paramedics commonly see and treat abdominal pain from numerous causes and are well educated in the etiology and symptoms associated with pain in the abdominal region.
Gastric and Bowel-Based Pain
Abdominal pain can come from numerous sources, the most common being pain originating in the stomach and intestines. From a simple upset stomach, heartburn and food poisoning to a stomach virus, pain in the abdomen can be severe and debilitating. Treatment by an EMT in the pre-hospital setting includes IV fluids if dehydration is suspected from diarrhea and a group of drugs called antiemetics which stop vomiting.
Organs
Organ pain is another common cause of abdominal pain and diarrhea. Kidney infections and stones, pancreatitis and gall stones can all cause a wide array of symptoms throughout the abdomen. Treatment in the pre-hospital setting by an EMT may include IV fluids and sometimes pain medication while in the ambulance.
Disease
Disease processes commonly cause pain and diarrhea. With almost all the vital organs located in the abdomen, many diseases--from inflammation to cancers--can create a myriad of symptoms in the abdomen. If the pain is new, meaning it has not been diagnosed by a physician, there is not much an EMT can do for the pain. If bleeding in the abdomen can not be ruled out, pain medication is often contraindicated.
Trauma
Trauma, or a physical force applied to the abdomen, can cause pain. Car accidents, falls, sports and fights can all cause damage to any structure in the abdomen. The most severe cases, such as stabbings and gun shots, are life threatening and require immediate care by a physician. In the pre-hospital setting an EMT will give IV fluids and control bleeding on the way to the hospital.
Treatment
Progressive ambulance systems have begun using portable ultrasounds to scan the belly prior to hospital admission, which allows more rapid treatment at the hospital. A check of bowel sounds and palpation to feel masses, pulsations or pain are the first lines of assessment by an EMT in the pre-hospital setting. The definitive treatment of abdominal pain and diarrhea in the pre-hospital setting by an EMT remains IV fluids for dehydration, antiemetic medication for vomiting and medications to control nausea.
