Public Health Overview Quiz

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

The main goal of public health is to identify and prevent injury and illness before they occur.

EMS has a strong connection to public health and plays a vital role in community health initiatives.

Strong medical oversight of both public health and EMS, education for both groups on each other's roles, building relationships among leaders, involving community stakeholders in planning, developing local disaster plans, and securing funding.

Research, epidemiology, surveillance, prevention, and other strategies have significantly enhanced the quality of life and lifespan of humankind.

Public health laws are designed to protect the public health and provide legal framework for public health initiatives.

These laws authorize public health officials to undertake actions to protect the health of the community.

These laws allow public health agencies to intervene when necessary to protect the public's health.

The branch of medicine that studies the occurrence and distribution of diseases in large populations, focusing on frequency, patterns, causes, and prevention.

Tool used by public health agencies to analyze legal issues related to public health practice and enforcement.

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

A very wide-spread epidemic, occurring across several countries or continents, affecting a large portion of the population.

A person or animal without outward signs of disease but carrying a specific infectious agent and capable of transmitting it.

The transfer of an infectious agent directly from a reservoir (source) to a susceptible host, without an intermediary.

The transfer of an infectious agent from a reservoir to a host through an inanimate intermediary, like food, water, or objects.

The transfer of an infectious agent from a reservoir to a host through a living intermediary, like a mosquito or tick.

The ongoing systematic collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of health data to inform public health decisions.

An investigation launched after a health concern is detected through surveillance, often to determine the cause, source, and spread of the concern.

A hazardous situation that poses a risk of injury to an individual.

The ongoing systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of injury data to inform injury prevention and control programs.

Moments shortly after an injury when the patient and observers are more receptive to learning about prevention strategies.

Prevention strategies that aim to stop an injury from ever occurring.

Prevention strategies that focus on limiting or preventing further disease progression after an injury or illness.

A public health approach that involves monitoring health events to quickly identify and respond to potential threats.

Methods used to study the relationships between health problems and their potential causes. Used for complex health problems like epidemics.

The ongoing assessment of the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of public health initiatives.

The collaborative efforts and communication between various agencies and organizations involved in public health.

The process of creating policies, rules, and regulations to improve public health.

The integration of EMS into public health efforts, recognizing its crucial role in community health.

Activities and interventions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing diseases.

The continuous collection and analysis of data to monitor disease patterns and trends.

The preparation and response to large-scale emergencies, including natural disasters and public health threats.

The process of preventing injuries and reducing their impact on individuals and communities.

The primary goal of public health is to identify and prevent injuries and illnesses in the community.

Providing health care screenings and vaccinations to individuals and communities.

Recognizing that some individuals and communities may face barriers to accessing healthcare.

Real-time surveillance systems used to analyze data and detect emerging health threats.

The unintentional damage to a person resulting from exposure to things like heat, cold, or physical force.

An injury that is intentionally inflicted by oneself or another person, such as suicide or homicide.

The number or proportion of cases of a disease or condition present in a population at a specific time.

The habitat where an infectious agent normally lives, grows, and multiplies, such as humans, animals, or the environment.

An animal or insect that carries an infectious agent from a reservoir to a susceptible host.

An inanimate object that carries an infectious agent from a reservoir to a susceptible host.

The transmission of an infectious agent from a reservoir to a susceptible host through droplets produced by coughing, sneezing, or talking.

The indirect transmission of an infectious agent where the agent undergoes changes within a vector before being transmitted to a new host.

The ability of an infectious agent to cause severe illness or death.

Immunizations are vital for protecting vulnerable groups, but some individuals hesitate due to concerns like fear of deportation or mistrust in healthcare systems.

EMS personnel can play a crucial role in community health by providing immunizations, especially to those who might not seek healthcare traditionally, such as undocumented immigrants.

Preventative measures, such as immunizations, are often more effective and cost-efficient than treating diseases after they occur.

The CDC and other organizations provide guidelines and recommendations for immunizations for children and individuals at high risks of contracting preventable diseases.

Fear of deportation and lack of access to healthcare are major barriers to immunization for undocumented immigrants, putting them at higher risk for preventable diseases.

The ongoing systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of injury data that helps in planning, implementing, and evaluating public health strategies.

A key part of injury surveillance programs where data is shared with relevant parties.

A brief opportunity after an injury when individuals are more receptive to learning about injury prevention.

Actions taken to prevent an injury from occurring in the first place.

Steps taken to manage an injury after it occurs, aiming to limit further damage or complications.

Actions taken to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life after an injury has occurred.

A major public health role that involves collecting, analyzing, and sharing health data to inform decision-making.

An investigation initiated to identify the cause and extent of a health problem.

Research methods used to analyze data and understand complex health problems.

An ongoing process to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of public health initiatives.

The process of connecting various agencies and organizations to work collaboratively on public health efforts.

Guidelines, rules, and regulations developed to improve the health and well-being of the population.

The role of EMS in promoting health and well-being within communities.

The use of EMS to track and monitor disease outbreaks and other health events.

The role of EMS in responding to and managing large-scale emergencies and disasters.

Injuries that occur in children, which are the most common cause of death among children in the United States.

Collisions involving cars, trucks, and other vehicles.

Health concerns and injuries specific to older adults.

Situations involving risk of injury that occur in places of work or during recreational activities.

Medications can be a source of injury if they are misused or taken incorrectly.

This term refers to the fact that collisions are not accidents, but rather events caused by specific factors.

Falls are the most frequent cause of preventable injury for people over 75 years old.

The most frequent cause of death for children under six years of age.

Injuries from a sudden increase in body temperature, often caused by hot liquids.

The back seat is the safest place for children 12 years old and under in a car.

Injuries that occur while riding a bicycle, including collisions with vehicles, falls, and head injuries.

Injuries related to a range of factors, including misuse of medications, drug interactions, and incorrect dosages.

Injuries that stem from physical activities like football, basketball, soccer, and baseball.

Back injuries are the most common type of workplace injury, accounting for 27.5% of all disabling injuries.

Injuries and deaths caused by firearms, particularly among children and adolescents.

The act of operating an emergency vehicle in a safe and efficient manner, adhering to traffic laws and utilizing warning devices appropriately.

A key aspect of emergency vehicle operation involving understanding the vehicle's capabilities and limitations in various conditions.

The ability to skillfully handle varying weather and road conditions while operating an emergency vehicle.

The ability to quickly and accurately assess and react to changing traffic conditions while operating an emergency vehicle.

A set of practices that combine proper use of warning devices and sound emergency driving techniques to ensure safe operation of EMS vehicles.

Always prioritizing the safety of patients, bystanders, and rescue personnel at the scene of an emergency.

Assessing the situation before arriving at a scene, focusing on the response and equipment required.

The practice of taking time out when needed to relieve stress and avoid burnout.

A structured approach to promoting physical and mental well-being among EMS personnel.

Utilizing proper lifting techniques to prevent injuries and strain while performing EMS duties.

A crucial element of EMS work that involves understanding and addressing the potential psychological effects of dealing with trauma and tragedy.

A resource available through many employers that offers professional counseling and support services for employees.

Low birth weight, a major health concern among infants.

EMS systems can play a crucial role in identifying and managing public health emergencies like epidemics or terrorist attacks because they are often the first responders on the scene.

By analyzing trends in EMS calls, public health officials can gain insights into emerging health issues or potential outbreaks within the community.

Programs like FirstWatch® use sophisticated technology to analyze real-time EMS data, identifying patterns and trends that can alert public health authorities to emerging health concerns.

EMS systems are vital in disaster response, shifting their focus from rescue to recovery efforts after initial emergency medical care.

EMS personnel can play a key role in educating the public about injury prevention strategies, leading to safer communities.

EMS providers often witness preventable injuries and illnesses, making them ideal advocates for promoting public health and safety awareness.

EMS practitioners are well-positioned to engage with communities through public health initiatives, promoting healthy behaviors and reducing illness and injury rates.

EMS professionals are trusted by communities and can effectively educate on health topics, serving as role models for healthy habits.

EMS organizational commitment is crucial for developing and implementing effective prevention programs.

Protecting EMS providers through policies promoting scene, response, and transport safety is crucial for ensuring their well-being and optimizing their ability to serve communities.

EMS played a critical role in identifying, monitoring, and responding to the SARS outbreak in Toronto and other major disease outbreaks, highlighting its integral role in epidemic management.

EMS played a key role in the outbreak of Ebola in the U.S., demonstrating its critical role in identifying and managing emerging infectious diseases.

EMS was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, playing a crucial role in testing and disease surveillance, particularly in densely populated areas.

EMS plays a critical role in public health by providing early warning, monitoring, and addressing disease outbreaks, injury patterns, and public health emergencies.

EMS practitioners are often the first to encounter health issues, making them valuable resources for identifying emerging trends and addressing health disparities within communities.

Protective measures that are used to prevent healthcare workers from being exposed to potentially infectious materials, such as blood, body fluids, and secretions. This includes practices like wearing gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection as appropriate.

Specific equipment used to protect healthcare workers from exposure to hazardous substances, such as bloodborne pathogens, airborne pathogens, or environmental hazards. Examples include gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection.

Training and education provided to EMS practitioners on how to prevent injuries and illnesses. This includes information on risk factors, prevention strategies, and best practices.

The collection, analysis, and reporting of data on illnesses and injuries to identify trends, evaluate prevention programs, and inform public health decisions.

The support provided by an EMS agency or external partners to fund prevention programs and initiatives.

A commitment from EMS practitioners to prioritize their own safety and well-being, including practices like wearing PPE, following lifting techniques, and managing stress.

Programs designed to improve the health and well-being of EMS employees, including components like exercise, nutrition, stress management, and access to counseling.

The responsibility of EMS employers to provide a safe working environment for their employees, including addressing workplace hazards, promoting wellness, and implementing safety policies.

The use of safe driving practices by EMS personnel, including following traffic laws, avoiding distractions, and being aware of surroundings.

A structured approach to managing stress, including identifying triggers, developing coping mechanisms, and seeking professional help when needed.

The availability of professional counseling services for EMS personnel to address mental health concerns, stress, and traumatic experiences.

The process of identifying, analyzing, and implementing strategies to reduce injury risk in specific situations or environments.

The process of providing education and resources to individuals or the public in order to promote healthy behaviors and reduce injury risk.

Managed care organizations, like HMOs and insurance companies, often mandate short hospital stays and early discharges, leading to patients being sent home sooner with incomplete treatment.

EMS practitioners must recognize the higher incidence of EMS calls in areas with poverty or large elderly populations, making it a crucial part of their jobs.

Strategies for preventing illnesses or injuries to EMS personnel and patients, involving scene safety assessments, documentation, on-scene education, familiarization with community resources, and community needs assessment.

Protecting EMS personnel and crew members from harm is the top priority, followed by the patient and then bystanders. It’s essential to maintain a secure working area, call for backup if necessary, and ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Assess the scene for potential risks and dangers to EMS personnel, patients, and bystanders. Identify possibilities of structural risks, hazardous materials, and other threats before entering the scene.

Documenting patient care findings after every call to prevent injury, benefit research, and inform future prevention programs. Include scene conditions, risks overcome, and any protective devices used.

Taking advantage of teachable moments to reduce future emergency responses. Explain how to prevent similar emergencies and educate on the use of protective devices.

Identify and assist patients with psychosocial needs by referring them to appropriate outside agencies such as prenatal clinics, social services, or mental health resources.

Be aware of childcare centers, encourage parental consent for treatment and transport, follow local protocols, and report suspected abuse to child protective agencies.

Determine your community’s specific prevention needs through a formal assessment. Areas to consider: immunizations, clinics, driving classes, safety courses, and online prevention information.

The population's ethnic, cultural, and religious makeup can affect the needs and approaches that are most appropriate for prevention strategies.

Taking medications only as prescribed, storing them according to label directions, and completing the full prescription duration.