Paramedic Care Chapter 6 - Public Health

The study of how diseases spread and affect populations, including the frequency and patterns of health events.

The process of preventing a disease or injury from happening in the first place.

The process of detecting and treating a disease or injury early on to limit its impact.

The process of managing a disease or injury to prevent further complications.

Data collected to monitor and understand the occurrence of injuries.

Measures taken to prevent potential injuries.

Any type of harm or damage to the body, whether intentional or accidental.

A measure representing the number of years a person is expected to live in good health.

The science and practice of protecting and improving the health of a community, including the use of preventive medicine, health education, disease control, sanitation, and environmental hazard monitoring.

EMS providers should have a strong working relationship with public health entities to ensure effective collaboration and communication.

Public health initiatives aim to prevent illness and injury in the community.

A method to prevent disease outbreaks, health education, and control communicable diseases.

The act of providing individuals with information and resources to make healthy choices.

Preventing the spread of contagious diseases through measures such as vaccinations, isolation, and quarantine.

Implementing measures to ensure clean water, safe food, and proper waste disposal to prevent disease.

Monitoring for potential hazards in the environment that may threaten public health, such as pollution or chemical spills.

The indirect transmission of an infectious agent where the agent undergoes changes within an organism (vector) before reaching a new host.

A person or animal that carries an infectious agent without showing symptoms but can transmit it to others.

Exposure to a source of infection or the person who has been exposed.

Able to be transmitted from one person to another by contact or close proximity.

The direct transfer of an infectious agent from its source to a susceptible host through direct contact or droplets.

The direct transmission of an agent through relatively large droplets released by sneezing, coughing, or talking.

The occurrence of more cases of a disease than expected in a particular area or group of people over a specific period.

The occurrence of an epidemic over a very large geographical area, spanning multiple countries or continents.

Public health is a crucial aspect of EMS. EMS practitioners can actively promote health through education and awareness campaigns.

EMS personnel are ideally positioned to prevent injuries due to their widespread presence and community interaction.

Disease surveillance involves monitoring disease patterns to identify outbreaks and trends, enabling timely public health interventions.

EMS plays a crucial role in disaster management, including preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.

EMS organizations have a responsibility to protect their providers by implementing safety protocols and providing necessary training.

EMS organizations must ensure ongoing education and training for their providers to enhance their skills and knowledge.

EMS providers are expected to adhere to Standard Precautions, which are infection control measures to protect themselves and others.

EMS providers should prioritize scene safety by assessing risks and ensuring proper response measures before approaching potentially dangerous situations.

Injuries are the leading cause of death for children in the United States.

Alcohol is a major contributing factor to deaths caused by car accidents.

Falls are the leading causes of preventable injuries for seniors.

Back injuries and injuries to the eyes, hands, and fingers are common in the workplace.

Misuse of medication can lead to serious health consequences.

Managed care often leads to shorter hospital stays and early discharge.

Patients discharged from the hospital prematurely are often susceptible to health problems.

EMS professionals can contribute to community health through prevention and education.

The process of identifying and addressing factors that increase the risk of illness or injury in a community.

Collecting information on injuries to understand their frequency, causes, and patterns.

Actions taken to reduce the likelihood of injuries happening in the first place.

Teaching individuals and communities how to avoid risky behaviors and make healthy choices.

The ability of EMS services to go beyond just providing medical treatment and transportation.

Working together with other organizations to improve community health and prevent illness and injury.

Programs designed to prevent disease and improve overall health through actions such as vaccinations, health education, and screenings.

Ensure safety protocols are followed and precautions are taken to protect responders from hazards at a scene.