The following references and resources were used to inform and support the material in this guide. They are reflected throughout the learning strategies, note-taking methods, spaced repetition principles, and directive logic found across VitalNotes.

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Books & Foundational Works

Ahrens, S. (2017). How to Take Smart Notes: One Simple Technique to Boost Writing, Learning and Thinking. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
→ Introduces the Zettelkasten method used throughout the blog’s note-making system.

Cirillo, F. (2006). The Pomodoro Technique. Retrieved from https://francescocirillo.com/pages/pomodoro-technique
→ Time management strategy based on focused 25-minute work intervals.

Ohno, T. (1988). Toyota Production System: Beyond Large-Scale Production. Productivity Press.
→ Original source for the “Five Whys” method of root-cause analysis.

Ebbinghaus, H. (1885). Memory: A Contribution to Experimental Psychology. (H. A. Ruger & C. E. Bussenius, Trans.). Teachers College, Columbia University (1913 edition).
→ Origin of the forgetting curve and spaced review principles.

Educational & Clinical Research

Croskerry, P. (2009). A universal model of diagnostic reasoning. Academic Medicine, 84(8), 1022–1028. https://doi.org/10.1097/ACM.0b013e3181ace703
→ Foundational reference on clinical reasoning and cognitive error in diagnostic processes.

Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K. A., Marsh, E. J., Nathan, M. J., & Willingham, D. T. (2013). Improving students’ learning with effective learning techniques: Promising directions from cognitive and educational psychology. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 14(1), 4–58. https://doi.org/10.1177/1529100612453266
→ Evidence base for spaced repetition, retrieval practice, and self-testing.

Paramedic Standards & Clinical Guidelines

Ontario Base Hospital Group. (2025). Advanced Life Support Patient Care Standards (ALS PCS, v5.4).
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. (2023). Basic Life Support Patient Care Standards (BLS PCS, v3.4).
→ Official provincial guidelines referenced in directive walkthroughs and decision-making examples.

Paramedic Association of Canada. (2011). National Occupational Competency Profile (NOCP).
→ National framework for expected paramedic competencies across Canada.

Tools & Platform Documentation

OpenAI. (2023–2024). Use of ChatGPT for educational and clinical simulation.
→ Based on current ChatGPT documentation and educational applications.

Anki Manual. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://docs.ankiweb.net
→ User guide for spaced repetition and flashcard-based memory retention.

Obsidian Help Docs. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://help.obsidian.md
→ Reference for setting up link-based thinking systems and implementing the Zettelkasten method.

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I. Learning Foundations

Build a strong system for thinking, studying, and remembering in high-pressure fields.

• Introduction: What This Guide Is and How to Use It
  Overview of how to use VitalNotes as a toolset, not just a blog. Lays the groundwork for applying what you learn.
• Learning How To Learn: Build Your Second Brain
  Introduces the philosophy of externalizing your thinking and memory into a “second brain” using tools like Obsidian, Anki, and ChatGPT.
• Anki for Clinical Recall
  How to use Anki’s spaced repetition model to remember critical information like drugs, directives, and differentials.
• Smart Notes with Obsidian
  Learn to use Obsidian for linked thinking, case comparisons, and long-term concept retention with smart note strategies.
• Using ChatGPT as a Study Tool
  Prompts and strategies for using ChatGPT to simulate cases, quiz yourself, or clarify confusing concepts on demand.
• The Pomodoro Technique for Paramedic Learning
  Learn how to stay focused and avoid burnout using short, structured study blocks.

II. Practical Application

Move from theory to field-ready practice. These tools help bridge simulation, lab, and real calls.

• Scenario Days – Make Learning Stick
  How to get more from scenario practice using repetition, debriefs, and learning loops. Turn repetition into retention.
• Mastering Directive Decision-Making
  A breakdown of how to use directives in real-time, with pattern recognition, logic triggers, and threshold thinking.
• Reflecting Without Journaling
  Not everyone journals—this guide offers quick, low-resistance alternatives to build metacognition through regular reflection.
• Lab Integration Guide
  Use lab sessions to build decision-making habits, not just check off skills. Includes scenario prep, debriefing, and error capture.

III. Clinical Reasoning

Develop clarity under pressure. These pages train your diagnostic eye, pattern sense, and mental workflow.

• Building a Clinical Mindset
  Helps shift from passive protocol use to active clinical judgment. Includes strategies to slow your thinking and challenge assumptions.
• Fast Pattern Recognition Builders
  Drills and exercises to sharpen clinical intuition by contrasting similar presentations and exploring symptom variation.
• Common Errors and How to Learn From Them
  Lists the most frequent mistakes in labs and scenarios—then shows how to learn from each and correct your thinking path.
• The Five Whys: A Simple Method for Better Clinical Thinking
  Teaches the “Five Whys” method for exploring errors, confusing presentations, or misunderstood treatments in depth.

IV. Resources

Your support tools: guides, summaries, templates, and setup walkthroughs.

• Summary
  Recap of the big ideas behind VitalNotes: learn reflectively, study actively, and build a system that supports decision-making under pressure.
• Helpful Resources
  Downloadables and quick-reference tools: directive cue sheets, Anki decks, debrief templates, and scenario aids.
• Anki Setup & Use Guide
  Step-by-step instructions for downloading, customizing, and optimizing Anki for long-term retention.
• Obsidian Setup & Use Guide
  How to build a clinical note vault in Obsidian: folder structures, templates, and linking strategies.
• Sources and References
  A list of research and literature that supports the methods taught in the blog, with commentary on their application to clinical learning.