Emergency Medical Services Chapter 1

Study Notes

EMS System Overview

EMS systems include a team of healthcare professionals providing emergency care and transportation for the sick and injured.
Originated from funeral homes functioning as ambulances, evolving significantly since the 1960s.

EMT Training and Licensure Levels

EMR: Basic care prior to ambulance arrival; focuses on immediate interventions.
EMT: Trained in basic life support, automated external defibrillation, airway adjuncts, and medication assistance.
AEMT: Advanced life support training, including intravenous therapy and emergency medication administration.
Paramedic: Extensive training in advanced life support, endotracheal intubation, emergency pharmacology, and advanced assessment.

EMT Licensing Criteria

Requires a high school diploma, proof of immunization, valid driver’s license, and successful completion of BLS/CPR course.
Must complete state-approved EMT course and pass recognized written and practical exams.
Adherence to mental and physical criteria for performing EMT duties is essential.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in EMS.

Historical Development of EMS

The 1966 "White Paper" by the National Academy of Sciences highlighted inadequacies in pre-hospital care and is pivotal for EMS origin.
The first EMT National Standard Curriculum was developed in the early 1970s, leading to increased educational resources.
The 1980s saw an emphasis on cardiovascular education and training levels expansion in EMT and Paramedic Curricula.
In the 1990s, advocacy for a national training curriculum began, influencing layperson training in AED usage.
The establishment of NEMSES in the 2000s defined four levels of EMS licensure: EMR, EMT, AEMT, and Paramedic.

Skills by EMT Training Level

EMR: Immediate care skills, including CPR, AED usage, and emergency childbirth.
EMT: Adds advanced oxygen and ventilation, pulse oximetry, non-invasive BP monitoring, and certain medication administration.
AEMT: Incorporates advanced airway management, IV and IO access, blood glucose monitoring, and additional medication administration.
Paramedic: All previous skills, plus advanced management techniques, invasive procedures, and extensive pharmacological interventions.

Components of EMS

Public Access: Mechanisms for public interaction with EMS.
Clinical Care: Defined scope of practice and required equipment.
Medical Direction: Physician oversight ensuring quality patient care.
Integrated Health Services: Collaboration between pre-hospital and hospital staff for continuity of care.
Information Systems: Utilize technology to manage EMS data and communication.
Prevention: EMS role in injury and illness prevention.
Research: Shift towards evidence-based EMS practices.
Communications: Essential for system activation, responder dispatch, and medical direction.
Human Resources: Professionalization efforts within EMS occupations.
Legislation and Regulation: Compliance with local, state, and federal regulations governing EMS operations.

Description

Test your knowledge on the basics of EMS systems and the different levels of EMT training. This quiz covers key definitions and concepts that are essential for understanding emergency care and transportation. Ideal for students and professionals in the healthcare field.