Caitlin Chats us through hyperventilation syndrome, classically referred to as “panic attack” and how we can spot it and treat the syndrome  

Top 3 tips: 

• Keep an open mind – Hyperventilation Syndrome (HVS) is a diagnosis of exclusion! 

• Use your diagnostic tools & clinical judgement - Don’t guess what findings might be! 

• Be cautious when diagnosing HVS in older patients or when you’re uncertain in HVS being the sole diagnosis + safety net the patient when considering non-conveyance! 

Biography: 

Caitlin Wilson is a paramedic for North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust and conducted a research study on Hyperventilation Syndrome (HVS) as part of her MSc Clinical Research Methods in 2015/16. Caitlin went on to publish findings from her research and was involved in updating the JRCALC guidelines for HVS. Currently, Caitlin is undertaking a PhD in prehospital feedback at the University of Leeds funded by the NIHR Yorkshire and Humber Patient Safety Translational Research Centre. 

Links and resources: 

Wilson, C., Harley, C., & Steels, S. (2020). How accurate is the prehospital diagnosis of hyperventilation syndrome?. Journal of Paramedic Practice, 12(11). doi:10.12968/jpar.2020.12.11.445 

Wilson, C. (2018). Hyperventilation syndrome: diagnosis and reassurance. Journal of Paramedic Practice, 10(9), 370-375. doi:10.12968/jpar.2018.10.9.370 

Wilson, C., Harley, C., & Steels, S. (2018). Systematic review and meta-analysis of pre-hospital diagnostic accuracy studies. Emergency Medicine Journal, 35(12), 757-764. doi:10.1136/emermed-2018-207588