EMT-B Chapter 2 - Workforce Safety and Wellness

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Examples include gloves, gowns, and face shields.
• Essential for protecting healthcare workers from exposure to infectious materials.

Stress Response and Management

• General adaptation syndrome encompasses alarm, reaction, and recovery phases.
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a delayed stress reaction.
• Stressors can be emotional, physical, or environmental, contributing to various physiological responses.
• Prolonged or excessive stress may lead to heart disease, hypertension, and other serious health issues.
• Strategies for managing stress include changing partners, reducing caffeine intake, and maintaining a balanced diet.

Infection Control and Exposure

• OSHA regulates workplace safety and enforces guidelines on infection prevention.
• Infection control involves procedures that reduce disease transmission in healthcare settings.
• Modes of transmission include direct contact, indirect contact, and various exposure risks.
• Standard precautions assume all patients may be infectious; protective measures should always be in place.

Grieving Process

• The five stages of grief include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
• Emotions during grief can manifest as anger, despair, and internalized feelings.
• Expressions of grief can vary significantly, especially in tragic scenarios involving children.

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)

• CISM provides support following critical incidents to address emotional responses and promote coping strategies.
• A designated officer often manages exposure and infection control issues within the department.

Personal Well-Being

• The health, safety, and well-being of EMTs are paramount for effective EMS operations.
• Continuous education on dealing with job-related stressors enhances resilience among emergency workers.
• Building supportive, nonadversarial relationships with coworkers fosters a safer work environment.

Hazards and Safety Protocols

• Awareness of scene hazards, such as fire and electricity, is critical for personal safety.
• Use a suitable bleach solution (1:10 dilution) for cleaning contaminated surfaces.
• Gowns should be worn when body fluids are likely to come into contact with clothing.

Regulations and Reporting

• The CDC conducts public health activities and provides guidance on exposure risks and management.
• Proper handwashing is vital for controlling disease transmission; wash for at least 20 seconds.

Signs of Anxiety and Signs of Stress

• Signs of anxiety may include diaphoresis and hyperventilation; comfort is not a sign of anxiety.
• Stress warning signs include isolation, insomnia, increased alcohol consumption, irritability, and hopelessness.

Emergency Responses

• Best practices during emergencies include maintaining safety and situational awareness at all times.
• In cases involving trauma (e.g., vehicle incidents), clear communication with family is crucial.

Additional Key Concepts

• Bloodborne pathogens pose significant risks and require compliance with strict safety guidelines.
• Emotional stress encountered in emergency situations emphasizes the importance of mental health resources and support.
• Preparedness includes recognizing the potential impact of traumatic calls on first responders' psychological well-being.

Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering essential concepts in workforce safety and wellness from EMT-B Chapter 2. Review important terms like PPE, OSHA, and general adaptation syndrome to enhance your understanding of emergency medical services.