Emergency Medical Services Overview ppt

EMS Overview

• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provides out-of-hospital care and can respond to disasters or mass gatherings.
• Activation of EMS typically occurs when someone dials 911, although not all regions in the U.S. have this service.

Staffing

• EMS personnel are categorized into different roles: Certified First Responder (CFR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and Paramedic (PM).
• Training levels include Basic, Intermediate/Advanced, and Critical Care.

Certified First Responder (CFR)

• Requires 40 hours of training focused on supportive care until transport arrives.
• Skills include oxygen administration, hemorrhage control, CPR, and AED certification.

EMT-Basic

• Involves 120 hours of training, emphasizing basic life support.
• Skills covered: hemorrhage control, non-invasive airway adjuncts, ventilation, splinting, and immobilization techniques.
• Certifies in CPR and AED.

EMT-Intermediate/Advanced

• Builds upon EMT-Basic training, requires additional coursework.
• Capabilities include starting IVs, limited IV fluid administration, and placing advanced airways (varies by state).
• Can administer limited medications like Naloxone and Dextrose.

EMT-Paramedic

• Involves over 2000 hours of training, with some programs offering associated degrees.
• Requires prior certification as an EMT-B.
• Focus areas include ECG, ACLS training, advanced airway placement, and critical interventions for cardiac events, strokes, and invasive procedures.

Critical Care

• Specialized for transferring critically ill or injured patients between facilities.
• Typically involves a team of EMT-P, Registered Nurse, and Respiratory Therapist operating specialized equipment.
• Transport options include rotary air, fixed wing, and ground.

Communication and Resource Management

• 911 calls are directed to Emergency Medical Dispatchers who assess needs and dispatch resources.
• Enhanced access through cell phones has increased the speed of response but can complicate logistics.
• Patient care guided by standing orders and protocols, with reliance on online medical control for additional guidance.

Transport Methods

Ground Transport

• Strengths: Readily available, can transport multiple non-critical patients.
• Weaknesses: Long transport times and dependence on local infrastructure.

Air Transport

• Strengths: Operates independently of ground infrastructure, offers high-level on-scene care.
• Weaknesses: Limited capacity, requires more personnel, and is weather-dependent.

Special Situations

• Planning and resource mobilization are crucial for mass gatherings and disaster medicine.
• Ideal scenarios include pre-established medical infrastructure, such as during the Boston Marathon with trauma centers and ER readiness.

Key Takeaways

• All EMS procedures revolve around timely pre-arrival instructions and efficient care.
• Multiple levels of care are vital: CFR, EMT-B, EMT-I/A, EMT-P, and Critical Care Paramedic.
• Effective communication and planning are paramount for successful EMS operations in emergencies.

This quiz covers the fundamentals of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), including staffing roles, training requirements, and certification levels such as Certified First Responder and EMT-Basic. Learn about the skills necessary for each role and the activation process for EMS in emergency situations.