Emergency Medical Responder (Jones & Bartlett) - Chapter 12

• Phases of situational crisis include anger, grief and acceptance.
• Emotional shock is not actually a phase of situational crisis.
• A teenage girl at the scene of a motor vehicle crash says, "If I hadn't asked her to take me to the mall, this wouldn't have happened", she is likely experiencing remorse.
• When talking to a patient, it is important to establish eye contact, bring yourself to the patient's level, and talk with a calm, steady voice.
• You should not tell a patient that everything will be alright just to make them feel better.
• Only one responder should attempt to talk to a potentially violent person.
• The correct order of the phases of the domestic abuse cycle are: tension, explosive, make up.

Behavioral Emergencies

• They may be caused by situational stress or physical trauma.
• They describe situations where people behave abnormally and unacceptably.
• They call for appropriate communication, especially body language.
• Behavioral emergencies are caused by situational stresses.
• A person experiencing a situational crisis may go through the emotional phases of denial or anger.
• A person experiencing high anxiety is likely to exhibit frustration and anger, rapid breathing and rapid speech and a loud or screaming voice but not a calm demeanor.
• Emotional shock may cause a strong, fast pulse, vomiting and nausea, and increased activity.
• Emotional shock will not cause the patient to have warm, dry skin.

Showing Understanding

• Rephrasing a patient's own statement to show understanding is called restatement.
• Focusing the patient's attention on the immediate situation or crisis is called redirection.
• The ability to participate in another person's feelings or ideas is called empathy.
• A person's posture is not an accurate means of assessing violence potential.
• Loud, obscene, or bizarre speech is indicative of emotional instability.
• Law enforcement assistance may be needed when all interventions fail when dealing with a potentially violent patient.

Applying Restraints

• The size, strength, and sex of the patient and type of abnormal behavior exhibited should all be considered before applying force.
• Approval from medical control is not typically considered before applying force.
• Management of a suicide crisis includes supporting the patient's ABCs as needed.
• Management of a suicide crisis does not include making judgmental statements, ignoring threats or assuming the patient really wants to die.
• Signs and symptoms of extreme stress include lack of interest in sleep, lack of interest in food, and hyperactivity
• Decreased alcohol consumption is not an indication of extreme stress.

Dealing with Death

• Dealing with your own feelings is necessary when comforting others.
• When dealing with death, do not make false statements about the situation, do whatever you can to meet the patient's medical needs, and Consider the psychological needs of the patient and family.
• Because sexual assault creates an emotional crisis, the psychological aspects of treatment are important.

Armed Patients

• If you are confronted by an armed person, do not immediately attempt to defend yourself
• It is not your role to handle dealing with armed patients, unless you are a law enforcement officer.
• One should never attempt to proceed into an area where there may be an armed person.
• While waiting for law enforcement, stay in your vehicle in a safe location.