EMT Definitions Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What does EMS Systems stand for?

Emergency Management Services

Emergency Medical Services Systems are a highly specialized chain of resources (correct)

Emergency Medical Services Systems

Emergency Medical Support

What is the role of a Medical Director in the EMS system?

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

What does NHTSA stand for?

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

What does NSC stand for?

National Standard Curriculum Signup and view all the answers

Who is the first on scene in an emergency situation?

Emergency Medical Responder Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum level of training for someone providing care on an ambulance?

Emergency Medical Technician Signup and view all the answers

What does an Advanced EMT do?

Administers certain medications, starts intravenous lines, interprets heart rhythms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a Paramedic in EMS?

Perform Advanced Life Support and administer a wide variety of medications. Signup and view all the answers

What do the elements of EMS include?

Regulation and Policy, Resource Management, HR and Training, Transportation, Facilities, Communications, Public Info and Education, Medical Direction, Trauma Systems, Evaluation. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'Protocols' in EMS?

Written guidelines or treatment plans for patient care set by MD. Signup and view all the answers

What are 'Standing Orders'?

Orders given by MD authorizing EMT to perform certain skills without medical direction contact. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between Off-line and On-Line Medical Direction?

Off-line is standing orders performed without speaking to MD; On-line are direct orders from physician to EMT. Signup and view all the answers

Who are Emergency Medical Dispatchers?

Specially trained dispatchers who provide medical instructions for emergency care. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'Stress' in the context of EMS?

An event that places extraordinary demands on a person's mental or emotional resources. Signup and view all the answers

What does CISM stand for?

Critical Incident Stress Management Signup and view all the answers

What are the 5 Stages of Death?

Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance. Signup and view all the answers

What are Standard Precautions?

Awareness that all patients are potentially infectious regardless of diagnosis. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Transmission Mechanism?

Airborne and contact transmission are examples of how infections spread. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the Immune System?

The system that protects the body from foreign substances and pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hypotension?

Abnormally low blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

EMS System Definitions

EMS Systems: A resource chain to reduce the impact of emergencies on society.
Medical Director: A physician responsible for patient care within the EMS system.

Key Organizations

NHTSA: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration identifies 10 essential components of EMS.
NSC: Stands for National Standard Curriculum for EMS training.

EMS Personnel

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR): First responder on scene, activates EMS, provides immediate life-saving care, and prepares for ambulance arrival.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): The entry-level training for ambulance care providers focused on Basic Life Support; trained in common injuries and illnesses.
Advanced EMT (AEMT): Trained in Advanced Life Support, capable of administering medications and performing advanced procedures, including IVs and airway management.
Paramedic: Highest EMS qualification, can perform advanced life support procedures and administer a wide range of medications.

Elements of EMS

Regulation and Policy: Identifies support for EMS agencies through legislation and implementation of rules.
Resource Management: Central coordination of all resources within the system.
HR and Training: Focuses on assessing human resource needs, training standards, and curriculum standardization.
Transportation: Plans and strategies for emergency transport, including air and mutual aid.
Facilities: Classification of healthcare facility capabilities.
Communications: Access to 911 and efficient EMS communication coordination.
Public Information and Education: Programs to improve public understanding and encourage prevention measures.
Medical Direction: Physician oversight essential for standards, protocols, and care evaluation.
Trauma Systems: Quality trauma care with designated centers and guidelines for triage and transfer.
Evaluation: Assesses service effectiveness, data collection, and improvements in health care services.

Patient Care Guidelines

Protocols: Established treatment plans for EMTs created by medical directors.
Standing Orders: Authorized procedures that EMTs can perform without direct physician communication.
On-Line and Off-Line Medical Direction: On-line involves direct orders from a physician; off-line includes standing orders.

Additional Roles in EMS

Emergency Medical Dispatcher: Trained to gather information from callers and provide instructions for emergency care.
Roles of EMTs: Include Safety Officer, Care Provider, Record Keeper, Patient Advocate, and Quality Improvement Officer.

Psychological Aspects of Emergency Care

Stress: The mental/emotional demands placed on individuals in emergencies.
CISM: A system designed to manage stress through education and resources, consisting of seven core components.
Defusing and Debriefing: Group discussions for immediate and post-incident stress management.

Biological Terms & Concepts

Antibody: Proteins that neutralize antigens, leading to an immune response.
Antigen: Substances that provoke antibody production, including toxins and bacteria.
Transmission Types: Airborne, contact, and other modes through which infectious diseases spread.

Vital Signs & Measurements

Bradycardia: Heart rate below 60 bpm; indicates slow heart activity.
Tachycardia: Heart rate above normal resting levels; signifies increased heart activity.
Respiration Rates: Vary by age; adults (12-20), children (15-30), infants (25-50) breaths per minute.
Tidal Volume: Normal lung air exchange volume of 400-600 ml.

Injury and Assessment Terms

DCAP-BTLS: Mnemonic for assessing trauma signs: Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, etc.
SAMPLE: A method for gathering patient history: Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last intake, Events leading to illness.
Referred Pain: Pain felt in an area separate from its origin.

Anatomical Terminology

Anatomical Position: Standard reference position in anatomy for body part relations.
Directional Terms: Includes superior (toward the head), inferior (toward the feet), proximal (nearer to the point of attachment), and distal (away from attachment).

Definitions of Conditions

Hypoxia: Insufficient oxygen levels in the body tissues.
Universal Precautions: Practices ensuring all patients are treated as potentially infectious.
Prophylaxis: Preventive treatment against diseases.
Hepatitis: Liver inflammation causing jaundice and weakness.

Traumatic and Critical Care

Multi-system Trauma: Injuries affecting multiple organ systems due to significant mechanisms of injury (MOI).
Paradoxical Movement: Abnormal chest movement occurring during breathing due to severe injury.
Crepitation: Sounds or sensations indicating broken bones.

These notes cover essential definitions and concepts relevant to Emergency Medical Services, providing clarity on roles, protocols, biological principles, and anatomical terms critical to understanding EMS operations and patient care.

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Test your knowledge of essential EMS terminology with these flashcards. Each card covers critical definitions related to emergency medical services, such as EMS systems and medical directors. Perfect for both students and professionals in the field.