Questions and Answers
What does EMS Systems stand for?
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?
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Who is the first on scene in an emergency situation?
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What is the minimum level of training for someone providing care on an ambulance?
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What does an Advanced EMT do?
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What is the role of a Paramedic in EMS?
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What do the elements of EMS include?
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What is meant by 'Protocols' in EMS?
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What are 'Standing Orders'?
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What is the difference between Off-line and On-Line Medical Direction?
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Who are Emergency Medical Dispatchers?
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What is meant by 'Stress' in the context of EMS?
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What does CISM stand for?
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What are the 5 Stages of Death?
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What are Standard Precautions?
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What is a Transmission Mechanism?
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What defines the Immune System?
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What is Hypotension?
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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.