Pathophysiology: Paramedicàœ gives you the chance to understand the àwhyà“ of what we manage in the field. Andàœwhy?àœ is a very powerful question.àœ
The textbookàŒs layout is more like National Geographic than a scientific journal or textbookà›kudos to the authors for this choice of format. The multiple diagrams, pictures and sidebars on each page complement the text and help readers understand the subject with multiple sensory inputs.
The book begins with four pages dedicated to describing the diagrams, tips and àside-barà“ features found in each chapter. At first glance, these features seem to clutter the pages, so take the time to read the resource preview pages. After that, youàŒll find the layout allows you multiple ways to read the book: cover to cover, just the case reviews or just the tips.
Each chapter features a progressive case study that presents history and assessment information, along with questions that link to key chapter information. Answering these questions transforms the reader from a àsee-this, do-thatà“ medic to a àwhyà“ medic. Each case progresses through the chapter, with discussion of the questions at the end. This feature promotes critical thinking skills.
Chapter 1 could be titled àphysiologic homeostasis.à“ The authors do a great job of describing the bodyàŒs continual process of maintaining a àdynamic, steady stateà“ environment. Chapter 2 is the operations manual for cells and tissue.
These first two chapters are the foundation of this book; you really have to read and understand them for the rest of the book to fall in place. After that, you can pretty much pick any chapter and understand it. The authors also provide many options for reading and referencing the information and donàŒt force you to read all 181 pages to understand the material.
This text would easily fit into entry-levelàœEMS curriculumà›BLS and ALS. Understanding how the body works only enhances a provideràŒs ability to fix it when itàŒs broken. For continuing education, the case studies are appropriate for experienced providers. As a guy who cut his A & P teeth on the earliest editions of Anthony and Thibodeau, I recommend this book for all levels ofàœEMS.àœ
EditoràŒs Note: This book is the last EMS textbook authored by the lateàœEMS author and lecturer Mikel A. Rothenberg.
