Why Use Obsidian?

Obsidian is a note-taking application designed around the principle of linking ideas together. It doesn’t use folders the way traditional notebooks or apps do—instead, you create connections between notes using links. This mirrors how your brain actually stores and retrieves information: through relationships and associations.

In paramedicine, where fast thinking and accurate recall are critical, having a personal system for understanding and linking knowledge is a major advantage. Obsidian helps you create that system.

You do not need to be a tech expert. If you can type and use square brackets [[like this]], you can use Obsidian effectively.

Core Features to Know

1. Plain Text Markdown Notes

Each note is just text. This means they are fast, lightweight, and won’t break. You don’t need to learn special formatting—just write.

2. Backlinking and Linking

You can connect notes by simply typing [[Note Title]]. This lets you build a network of knowledge, rather than isolated pieces. For example:

• [[Anaphylaxis Treatment]] links to [[Epinephrine Dosing]] and [[ALS PCS – Allergic Reaction Directive]]
• [[Shortness of Breath]] connects to [[Asthma]], [[COPD]], [[Pulmonary Embolism]], and [[CHF]]

3. Graph View (Optional)

Obsidian includes a visual map of how your notes connect. You don’t need to use this to be effective, but it can be helpful later on to see how your knowledge clusters.

How to Use Obsidian Effectively as a Student

Obsidian supports—and supercharges—the Zettelkasten workflow:

Step 1: Capture Fleeting Notes

Open a new note, title it with the date or class topic, and jot down anything interesting or confusing during lecture or lab.

Example:

Title: 2025-09-20 CHF Lab Takeaways
- Crackles heard—why not give fluid?
- Patient had low BP but lungs sounded wet
- Instructor mentioned BNP levels and preload

Step 2: Convert to Literature Notes

After class, create notes based on sources: lecture slides, readings, or the ALS PCS.

Example:

Title: CHF Pathophysiology
- Left-sided heart failure leads to pulmonary congestion
- Pulmonary capillary hydrostatic pressure increases
- Alveoli fill with fluid → crackles, orthopnea, PND

Step 3: Create Permanent Notes

Write atomic, precise, linkable insights.

Example:

Title: Crackles in CHF
In CHF, crackles are a result of left-sided ventricular failure. As blood backs up into the lungs, increased hydrostatic pressure causes pulmonary edema and fluid enters the alveoli.

Linked to: [[CHF Overview]], [[Pulmonary Edema]], [[Preload in Cardiac Failure]]

Repeat this with other symptoms, treatments, or medications you encounter. You now have a personalized, integrated knowledge system.

Real-World Example

You just finished a scenario on a 75-year-old patient with sudden shortness of breath and crackles. Here’s what you do:

1. Capture Fleeting Note: “75M, SOB, crackles, low SpO2, refused fluids—CHF?”
2. Review Protocol: ALS PCS says to avoid fluid bolus in suspected CHF.
3. Create Literature Note: CHF can mimic respiratory distress—important to distinguish from pneumonia.
4. Write Permanent Note: “CHF often misinterpreted as respiratory-only. Key indicators: crackles + orthopnea + JVD + Hx of HTN or MI.”
5. Link Notes: Connect this to CHF, crackles, ALS PCS directives, and PE differential.

Daily Use Tips

• Open Obsidian for 5–10 minutes daily.
• After each lab or lecture, write at least 1 permanent note.
• Review and link older notes weekly.
• Don’t try to be perfect. Just be consistent.

Final Thoughts

Obsidian isn’t just a place to store notes. It’s a place to build understanding. It helps you:

• Think in systems
• See connections others miss
• Create your own clinical reference library