EMS Systems and Response Time

Study Notes

In the United States, most First Response EMS are delivered by the fire department, with personnel cross-trained in EMS.
Other EMS models include public agencies, public-private partnerships, private for-profit agencies, and non-profit corporations.
Staffing varies between and within these EMS systems.

System status management can be used to maximize efficiency and reduce response time by analyzing demand and strategically deploying resources.
This system compiles data to determine demand within response areas, taking into account peak loads and increased demand during certain hours.
Strategic deployment helps minimize response times during peak demand, but can take a toll on personnel who have less downtime between calls.
System status management may involve posting ambulances at strategic locations, such as intersections, to maximize response times based on historical data.

When responding to a call, paramedics should consider factors such as distance, call volume, and special facilities that create increased emergency medical demands.
Personnel should prepare to assess and care for patients, review information from dispatch, and assign duties and tasks to the crew.
Securing equipment and vehicles is crucial to prevent objects from shifting and causing harm during transportation.
Upon arriving at the scene, paramedics should perform a scene size-up, report to dispatch, and evaluate the need for additional resources or specialized equipment.

Paramedics should take standard precautions when approaching patients, evaluate the need for additional units, and provide an estimation of the number of patients if necessary.
In multi-patient or mass casualty scenes, the first arriving unit should focus on triaging and delegating patients to other units.
Traffic control is essential to ensure an orderly traffic flow and prevent further accidents.

Excessive speed is unnecessary and dangerous during transportation, and personnel should ensure patient safety and security.
Patients should be secured with shoulder straps and body straps to prevent forward movement in case of sudden stops.
Deceleration or stopping straps over the shoulders can help slow the patient down in case of a quick stop.

After each call, paramedics should clean and disinfect the emergency vehicle, equipment, and supplies.
Cleaning involves removing visible contaminants, while disinfection involves killing pathogenic agents using potent disinfectants.
Sterilization, which involves removing all microbial contamination, may be necessary for certain equipment using heat or autoclaves.
Personnel should also restock supplies, inspect equipment, and decontaminate the vehicle after each call.

Most First Response EMS in the US are delivered by the fire department with cross-trained personnel in EMS.
Various EMS models exist, including public agencies, public-private partnerships, private for-profit agencies, and non-profit corporations.
Staffing varies between and within these EMS systems.

System status management analyzes demand and strategically deploys resources to maximize efficiency and reduce response time.
The system compiles data to determine demand within response areas, considering peak loads and increased demand during certain hours.
Strategic deployment minimizes response times during peak demand, but can reduce personnel downtime between calls.
Posting ambulances at strategic locations can maximize response times based on historical data.

Paramedics should consider distance, call volume, and special facilities when responding to a call.
They should prepare to assess and care for patients, review dispatch information, and assign duties to the crew.
Securing equipment and vehicles is crucial to prevent objects from shifting and causing harm during transportation.
A scene size-up, reporting to dispatch, and evaluating the need for additional resources are essential upon arrival.

Paramedics should take standard precautions when approaching patients and evaluate the need for additional units.
In multi-patient or mass casualty scenes, the first arriving unit should focus on triaging and delegating patients to other units.
Traffic control is essential to ensure an orderly traffic flow and prevent further accidents.

Excessive speed is unnecessary and dangerous during transportation.
Patients should be secured with shoulder straps and body straps to prevent forward movement in case of sudden stops.
Deceleration or stopping straps over the shoulders can help slow the patient down in case of a quick stop.

Paramedics should clean and disinfect the emergency vehicle, equipment, and supplies after each call.
Cleaning involves removing visible contaminants, while disinfection involves killing pathogenic agents using potent disinfectants.
Sterilization, which involves removing all microbial contamination, may be necessary for certain equipment using heat or autoclaves.
Personnel should restock supplies, inspect equipment, and decontaminate the vehicle after each call.