Emergency Medical Services Overview

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Questions and Answers

What are evidence-based techniques?

Techniques or practices that are supported by scientific evidence of their safety and efficacy.

What is medical direction in an EMS system?

Oversight of the patient-care aspects of an EMS system by the Medical Director.

Who is a Medical Director?

A physician who assumes ultimate responsibility for the patient-care aspects of the EMS system.

What is the 911 system?

A system for telephone access to report emergencies, which alerts EMS, fire, or police as needed. Signup and view all the answers

What is off-line medical direction?

Standing orders issued by the Medical Director that allow EMTs to perform certain medical actions without immediate consultation. Signup and view all the answers

What is on-line medical direction?

Orders from an on-duty physician given directly to an EMT in the field by radio or telephone. Signup and view all the answers

What are patient outcomes?

The long-term survival of patients. Signup and view all the answers

What does peer reviewed mean?

Submitted to a professional journal and reviewed by several of the researcher's peers. Signup and view all the answers

What are protocols in an EMS system?

Lists of steps, such as assessments and interventions, to be taken in different situations. Signup and view all the answers

What is quality improvement?

A process of continuous self-review aimed at identifying and correcting aspects of the system that require improvement. Signup and view all the answers

What are standing orders?

A policy or protocol issued by a Medical Director that authorizes EMTs to perform particular skills in certain situations. Signup and view all the answers

What are the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Technical Assistance Program standards?

Regulations and Policy, Resource Management, Human Resources and Training, Transportation, Facilities, Communications, Public Information and Education, Medical Directions, Trauma Systems, Evaluation. Signup and view all the answers

What are the Levels of EMS Training?

EMR, EMT, AEMT, Paramedic. Signup and view all the answers

What are some Specialty Centers in hospitals that EMTs should know?

Trauma Centers, Burn Centers, Pediatric Centers, Cardiac Centers, Stroke Centers. Signup and view all the answers

What are the components of the EMS system?

Starts with the Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD), Patient calls 911, EMS sends Emergency Medical Responders (EMTs), Ambulance transports patient to the hospital. Signup and view all the answers

What important training should EMDs go through?

CPR, Artificial ventilation, Bleeding control, and more. Signup and view all the answers

What are the roles and responsibilities of EMTs?

Preparation, Safe response to the scene, Safe transportation to the hospital, Transferring the patient to hospital personnel. Signup and view all the answers

What are the specific areas of responsibility for an EMT?

Personal safety, Working with other public safety professionals, Patient care, Lifting and moving, Transport, Transfer of care, Patient advocacy. Signup and view all the answers

What are good physical traits that an EMT should have?

Physically fit, Good eyesight, Able to see color, Good listening and communication skills. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Evidence-Based Techniques

Techniques supported by scientific evidence for safety and efficacy.
Emphasis on practices over tradition and supposition.

Medical Direction

Oversight of EMS patient care by a Medical Director.
Can include off-line (standing orders) or on-line (real-time communication) direction.

Medical Director

Physician responsible for the patient-care aspects within the EMS system.

911 System

A system for reporting emergencies via telephone.
Dispatchers coordinate response, alerting necessary services such as EMS, fire, or police.

Off-Line Medical Direction

Standing orders from the Medical Director for EMTs to administer certain medications or procedures without immediate consultation.

On-Line Medical Direction

Direct orders communicated to EMTs in the field through radio or telephone by an on-duty physician.

Patient Outcomes

Focused on the long-term survival and health status of patients after receiving care.

Peer Reviewed

Research submitted to professional journals and evaluated by experts in the field for validity and reliability.

Protocols

Step-by-step procedures for assessments and interventions in various emergency situations.

Quality Improvement

Ongoing self-review process aimed at identifying and rectifying areas needing improvement within the EMS system.

Standing Orders

Policies issued by a Medical Director allowing EMTs to perform specific skills under defined conditions.

NHTSA Technical Assistance Program Standards

Cover regulations and policy, resource management, human resources and training, transportation, facilities, communications, public education, medical directions, trauma systems, and evaluation.

Levels of EMS Training

EMR (Emergency Medical Responder)
EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)
AEMT (Advanced Emergency Medical Technician)
Paramedic

Specialty Centers in Hospitals

Trauma Centers
Burn Centers
Pediatric Centers
Cardiac Centers
Stroke Centers

Components of the EMS System

Initiates with the Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) receiving a 911 call.
EMS sends responders to the site, transports patients to the hospital, and ensures continuity of care in the emergency department.

Important Training for EMDs

Training should include CPR, artificial ventilation, and bleeding control for effective emergency response.

Roles and Responsibilities of EMTs

Preparation for emergencies.
Ensure safe scene response and transportation.
Transition care to hospital personnel.

Specific Areas of Responsibility for EMTs

Personal safety and teamwork with public safety professionals.
Patient care, lifting and moving patients, transport, transfer of care, and advocacy.

Good Physical Traits for EMTs

Physical fitness, good eyesight, color vision, and strong listening and communication skills are essential.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), including evidence-based techniques, medical direction, and the 911 system. Learn about the roles of Medical Directors and the importance of patient outcomes in emergency care.