Name
“Who’s your PAPPA?” Rapid recognition of high acuity emergencies presenting with chest pain for BLS providers.
Date & Time
Saturday, February 7, 2026, 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Speakers
Description
Initial dispatches for potential cardiac emergencies often lack clarity—terms like “chest pain,” “cardiac history,” or “difficulty breathing” can encompass a wide spectrum of patient conditions, from stable to life-threatening. Upon arrival, EMS providers must rapidly differentiate between a serious but stable patient and one in critical distress requiring immediate intervention, ALS resources, and rapid transport to an appropriate facility.
This ability hinges on pattern recognition, a skill often developed through experience—something rural and volunteer responders may have fewer opportunities to cultivate due to lower call volume. This session offers practical assessment tools, focused history techniques, and clinical cues to help bridge that experience gap.
Location Name
Meeting Suites 1 & 2
Full Address
Resch Expo
840 Armed Forces Dr
Ashwaubenon, WI 54304
United States
840 Armed Forces Dr
Ashwaubenon, WI 54304
United States
Session Type
Lecture
CAPCE Topic Area
Acute Coronary Symptoms
CAPCE Category
Cardiology
Number of CE Credits
1
Learning Objectives
At the end of this session, the participants will be able to:
1. Identify the hallmark presentations and basic pathophysiology of Pulmonary Embolism, Acute Coronary Syndrome, Pneumothorax, Pericarditis, and Aortic Aneurysm.
2. Differentiate these conditions using focused patient history, targeted examination techniques, and recognition of red-flag signs and symptoms.
3. Evaluate other possible conditions with overlapping presentations (e.g., CHF, stable angina, panic disorder) and apply strategies to effectively rule them in or out.
4. Recognize atypical presentations, including anginal equivalents and variations seen in special populations, to avoid missed or delayed diagnoses.
1. Identify the hallmark presentations and basic pathophysiology of Pulmonary Embolism, Acute Coronary Syndrome, Pneumothorax, Pericarditis, and Aortic Aneurysm.
2. Differentiate these conditions using focused patient history, targeted examination techniques, and recognition of red-flag signs and symptoms.
3. Evaluate other possible conditions with overlapping presentations (e.g., CHF, stable angina, panic disorder) and apply strategies to effectively rule them in or out.
4. Recognize atypical presentations, including anginal equivalents and variations seen in special populations, to avoid missed or delayed diagnoses.