EMT Chapter 1: EMS Systems Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Define emergency medical services (EMS) systems.

Emergency medical services system consists of a team of health care professionals and are responsible for emergency care and transportation of the sick and injured.

Name the four levels of EMT training and licensure.

EMR, EMT, AEMT, and paramedic

Describe EMT licensure criteria; include how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to employment as an EMT.

Licensure criteria include high school diploma/equivalent, proof of immunization against certain diseases, background check/drug screening, valid driver's license, CPR/BLS course, EMT course, passed state/national exams.

Name the 14 components of the EMS system.

Public access, communication systems, clinical care, human resources, medical direction, legislation/regulation, integration of health services, evaluation, information systems, system finance, education systems, prevention/public education, EMS research. Signup and view all the answers

Define mobile integrated healthcare and community paramedicine.

Mobile Integrated Healthcare is a new method of delivering health care that utilizes the prehospital spectrum. Community Paramedicine involves paramedics receiving advanced training to provide services within a community. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the purpose of the EMS continuous quality improvement (CQI) process.

The purpose of CQI is to review and discuss any areas of patient care that appear to need to be changed or improved. Signup and view all the answers

Characterize the EMS system's role in disease and injury prevention and public education in the community.

Primary prevention focuses on strategies to prevent events; secondary prevention focuses on ways to decrease the effects of events. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the roles and responsibilities of the EMT.

Keep vehicles and equipment ready, ensure safety, be familiar with emergency vehicle operation, on-scene leadership, scene evaluation, gain patient access, perform a patient assessment, give emergency medical care. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the attributes an EMT is expected to possess.

Knowledgeable attitude/behavior, professional dress, treat patients with respect. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the impact of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) on patient privacy.

Patients' information may not be disclosed to the public to ensure privacy. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the history of EMS starting from 1966.

1966: Accidental Death and Disability: The Neglected Disease of Modern Society established EMS; Early 1970's: DOT published the first EMT training curriculum; 1971: AAOS published 'The Orange Book'; 1980's: Advanced levels of EMTs; 1990's: NHTSA's EMS Agenda for the Future. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems

EMS systems are composed of a team of healthcare professionals specializing in emergency care and transportation for sick and injured individuals.

Levels of EMT Training and Licensure

Four distinct levels: Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), and Paramedic.

EMT Licensure Criteria

Required qualifications for EMT licensure include a high school diploma, proof of immunization, clearance from background checks, a valid driver's license, successful completion of CPR/BLS training, EMT course completion, and passing state/national exams.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that individuals with disabilities can compete fairly for EMT positions, altering eligibility criteria as necessary.

Components of the EMS System

Public Access: Utilization of 911 systems for emergency contact and the role of dispatchers in providing medical instruction.
Communication Systems: Activation of relevant emergency system components by dispatchers.
Clinical Care: Outlines equipment used and the scope of EMT practice.
Human Resources: Focus on personnel delivering emergency care.
Medical Direction:
- Offline: Indirect via standing orders and training.
- Online: Direct communication with physicians via phone/radio.
Legislation/Regulation: Ensures compliance with state laws affecting training and operations.
Integration of Health Services: Coordination of prehospital and hospital care.
Evaluation: Responsibility for quality control and continuous quality improvement (CQI).
Information Systems: Efficient documentation of care provided.
System Finance: EMTs assist in obtaining patient insurance information and consent for billing.
Education Systems: Training must meet national standards.
Prevention/Public Education: Focus on primary and secondary prevention strategies.
EMS Research: Aids in shaping the future of emergency medical services.

Mobile Integrated Healthcare and Community Paramedicine

Mobile Integrated Healthcare: Innovative delivery method using the prehospital spectrum.
Community Paramedicine: Advanced training for paramedics to offer services tailored to community needs.

Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Purpose

The CQI process aims to identify and address areas of patient care that require enhancement through systematic reviews.

EMS Role in Prevention and Public Education

Primary Prevention: Strategies aimed at preventing incidents (e.g., vaccination against polio).
Secondary Prevention: Initiatives to reduce impacts of events once they occur (e.g., wearing helmets and seat belts).

Roles and Responsibilities of EMT

Maintain readiness of vehicles and equipment.
Ensure on-scene safety and evaluate circumstances.
Provide leadership at emergency scenes.
Conduct patient assessments and render emergency medical care while awaiting additional resources.

Expected Attributes of an EMT

Knowledgeable and professional demeanor.
Professional appearance and respectful treatment of patients.

Impact of HIPAA on Patient Privacy

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) prohibits public disclosure of patient information, thereby safeguarding privacy rights.

History of EMS

1966: Landmark report "Accidental Death and Disability: The Neglected Disease of Modern Society" led to the establishment of EMS.
Early 1970s: The Department of Transportation introduced the first EMT training curriculum.
1971: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons published "The Orange Book."
1980s: Development of advanced EMT levels.
1990s: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released the EMS Agenda for the Future.

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Description

Test your knowledge with flashcards on EMT Chapter 1 about EMS systems. This quiz covers essential definitions, levels of EMT training, and licensure criteria. Perfect for anyone studying emergency medical services.