Healthy Habits and Infection Control for EMTs
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Questions and Answers

What are some healthy habits to maintain as an EMT?

Maintain solid relationships, exercise, sleep, eat right, limit alcohol and caffeine intake, keep up to date on vaccines/see physician regularly.

Organisms that cause infection are called?

pathogens

Equipment and procedures that protect you from the blood and body fluids of the patient are referred to as ________.

standard precautions

Standard precautions are also known as?

<p>body substance isolation (BSI) or infection control</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under the OSHA guidelines, employers and employees share responsibility for precautions against exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Vinyl or other nonlatex gloves should be used during suctioning, artificial ventilation, and CPR.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective way of preventing disease transmission?

<p>Washing hands</p> Signup and view all the answers

If tuberculosis is suspected, what is the standard approved response by NIOSH?

<p>High efficiency particulate air respirator (HEPA) or N-95</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hepatitis A is acquired primarily through _________.

<p>contact with food or water contaminated by stool</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hepatitis B is acquired through _________.

<p>blood contact</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the Hep B virus called?

<p>HBV</p> Signup and view all the answers

There is a cure for Hep B?

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

There is a vaccine for Hep C?

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Tuberculosis is an _______ disease.

<p>airborne</p> Signup and view all the answers

AIDS is _______.

<p>a set of conditions that result when the immune system has been attacked by HIV</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hep B and TB present a lesser threat than HIV/AIDS?

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Some emerging diseases include?

<p>SARS, Avian flu, influenza, H1N1</p> Signup and view all the answers

Some declining diseases include?

<p>chickenpox, epiglottitis</p> Signup and view all the answers

The main culprits in the transmission of deadly diseases are ______.

<p>blood and bodily fluids</p> Signup and view all the answers

OSHA mandates employers of EMS to take measures to protect employees. This includes 8 things....

<p>infection exposure control plan, adequate education and training, hepatitis B vaccination, PPE, methods of control, housekeeping, labeling, postexposure evaluation and follow-up</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Ryan White Care Act is _________.

<p>a procedure in which EMS personnel can seek to find out if they have been exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases while providing patient care.</p> Signup and view all the answers

If you are exposed to an airborne or bloodborne infection, the medical facility or you must notify your _____ within 48 hours.

<p>designated officer</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ is responsible for gathering facts surrounding possible emergency responder airborne or bloodborne infectious exposures.

<p>designated officer</p> Signup and view all the answers

The difference between infectious disease exposure procedures is that with an _______ disease you may not realize that the patient you have cared for was infected whereas for _______ diseases you will know if you have come into contact.

<p>airborne, bloodborne</p> Signup and view all the answers

You must submit a request for a determination to your DO if you have been in contact with blood or bodily fluids.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Ryan White CARE Act empowers hospitals to test patients for bloodborne diseases.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Those who are at greatest risk of contracting and transmitting TB are people who have _________.

<p>suppressed immune systems</p> Signup and view all the answers

You are required to wear an N-95 when you are _______, ________, and ________.

<p>caring for patients suspected of TB, transporting an individual from a TB infected setting, performing high-risk procedures such as endotracheal suctioning and intubation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three stages of stress in order?

<ol> <li>Fight/flight (alarm) 2. Resistance (coping) 3. Exhaustion (loss of ability to adapt)</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

During the fight or flight stage, your body takes actions to give your body more energy. The endocrine system produces _____, a hormone that influences metabolism and immune response. _____ is critical to your body's ability to adapt and cope with stress.

<p>cortisol</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three types of stress reactions?

<p>acute stress reaction, delayed stress reaction, and cumulative stress reaction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some traits of acute stress reactions?

<p>S/s develop quickly, related to catastrophes, overwhelms ability to cope, reflect process of adaptation, some signs may require immediate intervention (acute medical problems)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some traits of delayed stress reactions? (PTSD)

<p>S/s develop much later (days, months, years), can include things like nightmares, detachment, irritability, sleep difficulties, problems with concentration and relationships, flashbacks, requires intervention</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some traits of cumulative stress reactions? (burnout)

<p>S/s develop from sustained low-level stressors, develop over a period of years, earliest signs are subtle, at its worst can lead to withdrawal and suicide</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key to managing cumulative stress?

<p>seek balance in life</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some high potential causes of stress for EMS providers? (there are 5)

<p>MCI, calls involving children, severe injuries, abuse and neglect, death of a coworker</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of stress?

<p>eustress, distress</p> Signup and view all the answers

____ is a positive form of stress that helps people to work under pressure while _____ is a negative form of stress and its overwhelming.

<p>eustress, distress</p> Signup and view all the answers

S/s of stress include?

<p>irritability, inability to concentrate, lack of interest, change in sleep, guilt, change in appetite, isolation, anxiety.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are three lifestyle changes you can make to deal with stress?

<p>healthy diet, exercise, relax</p> Signup and view all the answers

CISM stands for? What is it?

<p>Critical incident stress management, a comprehensive system that includes education and resources to both prevent stress and to deal with stress appropriately when it does occur.</p> Signup and view all the answers

CISD stands for? What is it?

<p>Critical incident stress debriefing, team of counselors that help EMS providers to diffuse after a major incident, now used less frequently</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the five stages of dealing with death?

<ol> <li>Denial 'not me', 2. Anger 'why me', 3. Bargaining, 4. Depression, 5. Acceptance</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What are the 5 steps to take to deal with the patient and family members confronted with death?

<ol> <li>Recognize patient needs, 2. Be tolerant of angry reactions from both patients and family members, 3. Listen empathetically, 4. Do not falsely reassure, 5. Offer as much realistic comfort as possible.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

In terms of safety, an EMT should not treat a patient until after the patient has undergone ______.

<p>decontamination</p> Signup and view all the answers

Your most important roles at the scene of a hazardous material incident are ______, ______, and ______.

<p>recognizing potential problems, taking initial actions for personal safety and safety of others, and notifying an appropriately trained hazmat team.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The first priority as an EMT is always to make sure the ______.

<p>scene is safe</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three words that sum up the actions required to respond to danger?

<p>plan, observe, and react</p> Signup and view all the answers

When you are planning on being safe, the four precautions you can take are:

<p>wear safe clothing, prepare equipment so it's not cumbersome, carry a portable radio whenever possible, decide on safety roles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Three things that involve reacting to danger are?

<p>flee, get rid of cumbersome equipment, conceal/conver.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The three R's are?

<p>retreat, radio, reevaluate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Healthy Habits for EMTs

  • Maintain solid relationships for emotional support
  • Engage in regular exercise to enhance fitness levels
  • Prioritize quality sleep for optimal performance
  • Follow a nutritious diet to sustain energy and health
  • Limit intake of alcohol and caffeine to prevent dependency
  • Keep vaccinations up to date and visit a physician regularly

Infection and Disease Transmission

  • Pathogens are organisms responsible for causing infections
  • Standard precautions protect against exposure to blood and body fluids
  • Known as body substance isolation (BSI) or infection control
  • Both employers and employees share responsibilities under OSHA guidelines for bloodborne pathogen precautions
  • Vinyl or non-latex gloves are critical during suctioning, artificial ventilation, and CPR

Disease Prevention and Response

  • Handwashing is the most effective method to prevent disease transmission
  • HEPA or N-95 respirators are required when tuberculosis is suspected
  • Hepatitis A is primarily contracted through contaminated food or water
  • Hepatitis B transmission occurs via blood contact and is known as HBV; there is no cure for Hepatitis B
  • There is no vaccine available for Hepatitis C
  • Tuberculosis is classified as an airborne disease

AIDS and Emerging Diseases

  • AIDS results from the immune system being compromised by HIV
  • Both Hepatitis B and TB pose significant health threats
  • Emerging diseases include SARS, Avian flu, influenza, and H1N1, while declining diseases include chickenpox and epiglottitis
  • Transmission of deadly diseases is mainly through blood and bodily fluids

OSHA Regulations and Exposure Procedures

  • OSHA mandates include developing an infection exposure control plan, providing education and training, ensuring Hep B vaccinations, and supplying the necessary PPE
  • The Ryan White Care Act allows EMS personnel to determine potential exposure to life-threatening diseases
  • Exposure to infections should be reported to the designated officer within 48 hours

Stress Management for EMS Providers

  • Stress comprises three stages: fight/flight (alarm), resistance (coping), and exhaustion (loss of adaptability)
  • Cortisol is a hormone produced during stress that influences metabolism and immune response
  • Three types of stress reactions: acute, delayed (PTSD), and cumulative stress reactions
  • Acute reactions appear quickly and may require immediate intervention
  • Delayed reactions occur later and can include symptoms like nightmares, irritability, and concentration difficulties
  • Cumulative stress develops over years from low-level stress and can lead to withdrawal and severe outcomes

Coping with Stress and Safety Measures

  • Manage cumulative stress through achieving a balance in life
  • High stressors for EMS providers include mass casualty incidents, severe injuries, and the loss of colleagues
  • Distinguish between eustress (positive stress) and distress (negative stress)
  • Recognize signs of stress: irritability, sleep changes, isolation, and anxiety
  • Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and relaxation techniques can alleviate stress

Critical Incident Management

  • CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) provides education and resources for stress prevention and management
  • CISD (Critical Incident Stress Debriefing) involves counselors assisting EMS providers after major incidents
  • The five stages of dealing with death: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance
  • Important steps for handling patients and families facing death include empathic listening and offering realistic comfort

Safety Protocols for EMTs

  • Do not treat a patient until they have undergone decontamination
  • Key roles at hazardous material incidents include recognizing problems, ensuring personal safety, and notifying qualified hazmat teams
  • Ensure the scene is safe before providing patient care
  • The three critical actions for responding to danger: plan, observe, and react
  • Safety precautions include wearing appropriate clothing, preparing equipment properly, using portable radios, and assigning safety roles
  • Reacting to danger involves fleeing, removing cumbersome equipment, and finding cover

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Description

This quiz covers essential healthy habits for EMTs, including maintaining relationships, exercise, sleep, and diet. It also delves into infection control practices, pathogen awareness, and disease prevention measures important for emergency medical personnel. Test your knowledge on these critical topics!

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