20 challenges of geriatric care

Responding to incidents involving geriatric patients presents multiple challenges and considerations for care. A variety of changes occur to the human anatomy, the physiological functions of the body and emotional state as an individual ages. Understanding these changes, their effect on medication administration and treatment options is important for the EMS provider. The elderly represent a rapidly growing segment of our prehospital patient population. More people will reach age 65 by 2020 than at any other time in the world's history. Many of these individuals will present to the EMS system in need of emergency care and may have multiple chronic conditions that will complicate your patient assessment and available treatment options. Knowing the relationship between aging and a patient's overall health provides the best basis for treating this precious population.