Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Ambulance Operations

Study Notes

• Professional Ambulance Services were initiated by American hospitals in the late 1860s, and modern ambulances are equipped with standard medical supplies and state-of-the-art technology. • The emphasis on technology places advanced EMTs in greater danger while driving to calls, and they must be cautious while driving with due regard and sometimes going through red lights and intersections. • Modern ambulances are designed according to strict government regulations based on the National Fire Protection Association's standard for automotive ambulances. • The features of modern ambulances include a driver's compartment, patient compartment, equipment and supplies for emergency medical care, two-way radio communications, and design and construction that ensures maximum safety and comfort. • The Star of Life is a universal sign for medical help, representing all that EMS providers do. • The phases of an emergency ambulance call include dispatch and preparation, arrival at the scene, transport to the facility, and post-run. • The preparation phase involves making sure the ambulance is good to run calls, including evaluating equipment, fuel level, lights, and sirens, and ensuring that batteries are fresh and equipment is functional. • Medical supplies on an ambulance may include CPR equipment, basic wound care supplies, splinting supplies, OB kits, AEDs, medication, jump bags, and PPE. • The dispatch phase involves access to a center available 24 hours a day, staffed by trained personnel who gather and record the nature of the call, caller's name, location, and other pertinent information. • The role of the dispatcher is to provide information to the responding unit, including the nature of the call, location, and number of patients, and to ensure that the unit is responding to the call and confirming the nature and location of the call. • The en route phase involves driving with due regard, informing dispatch of the unit's response, and staging the ambulance away from the scene if it's not safe. • Upon arrival at the scene, the EMTs perform a size-up and report to dispatch, estimating the number of patients and reporting the need for additional units and resources. • Safety guidelines at the scene include looking for safety hazards, determining the MOI or NOI of patients, evaluating the need for immobilization of the spine, and taking standard precautions. • Patients should be safely transported in the shortest practical time, providing life-saving care before moving the patient to the ambulance and continuing that care while en route. • The transport phase involves getting the patient to the transfer point, securing them on the stretcher with at least three straps, and informing dispatch of the number of patients and the name of the receiving facility. • The post-run phase involves completing reports, performing routine ambulance inspections, and complying with work restriction guidelines. • Defensive ambulance driving techniques include driving with diligence and caution, tolerance of other motorists, making sure to follow all rules, and being aware of the ambulance's size and response to different conditions. • Lights and sirens are a request for other drivers to yield to the right of way, but do not guarantee that they will, and EMTs should be aware of their surroundings and use controlled acceleration and braking. • Air medical operations or air ambulances are used to evacuate medical and trauma patients, offering a reduced transport time to receive definitive treatment. • Fixed-wing aircraft are used for longer distances (>100-150 miles), while rotary-wing aircraft (helicopters) are used for shorter distances. • Medical evacuations are usually performed by helicopters, but are limited by terrain and weather conditions, and are costly.

Description

This quiz covers the basics of emergency medical services, including the history of ambulance services, features of modern ambulances, and the phases of an emergency ambulance call. It also delves into the roles of dispatchers and EMTs, safety guidelines, and defensive driving techniques. Additionally, the quiz touches on air medical operations and medical evacuations.