EMT Response to Biological and Nuclear Threats

Study Notes

Advanced EMTs play a crucial role in syndromic surveillance during biologic events, tracking patient presentations, EMS call volume, and over-the-counter medication use.
The Strategic National Stockpile is a key point of distribution for mass medication delivery, including antibiotics, chemical antidotes, antitoxins, and vaccinations.
Ionizing radiation is energy emitted from unstable radioactive materials, which can be found in hospitals, universities, industrial sites, and nuclear power plants.
Radiologic dispersal devices, including dirty bombs, disperse radioactive material and can cause injuries from both radiation and explosives.
Nuclear energy is generated by splitting radioactive atoms, producing immense heat and radiation, used in medicine, weapons, and power plants.
Radiation exposure effects vary greatly depending on the amount and route of exposure, and can be introduced through all routes of entry.
Common signs of radiation poisoning include symptoms listed in table 4211.
Exposure to a radiation source does not make a patient contaminated or radioactive, but patients with radioactive sources on their body must be decontaminated by a Hazmat responder.
Incendiary and explosive devices come in various shapes and sizes, requiring identification and evacuation to prevent secondary device detonation.
Blast injuries can be categorized into five types: primary, secondary, tertiary, coronary, and other injuries caused by the blast.
Primary blast injuries are caused by direct pressure wave effects, affecting hollow organs, while secondary blast injuries are caused by flying debris.
Tertiary blast injuries result from whole-body displacement and impact with environmental objects, and coronary blast injuries are caused by other mechanisms.
The ear is the most sensitive to blast injuries, and primary blast injuries can cause contusions, hemorrhages, and blast lung.
Blast lung is the most common cause of death in people who survive the initial explosion, characterized by a clinical triad of apnea, bradycardia, and hypotension.
Solid organs can be injured by secondary missiles or hurled bodies, and neurologic injuries and head trauma are common causes of death.
Subdural and subarachnoid hematomas, permanent or transient neurologic deficits, and intracerebral bleeding can occur due to concussions and air embolism.
Instant but transient unresponsiveness with or without retrograde amnesia is common, along with bradycardia and hypotension.
Extremity injuries, including traumatic amputation, are common in blast injuries.

Description

This quiz covers the role of EMTs in responding to biological and nuclear threats, including syndromic surveillance, radiation exposure, and blast injuries. It also covers the effects of radiation poisoning, types of blast injuries, and common injuries resulting from explosions. Test your knowledge on how to respond to these critical situations.