Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of public health principles?
What is the primary focus of public health principles?
Which of the following is NOT an accomplishment of public health?
Which of the following is NOT an accomplishment of public health?
What are the components of negligence in EMS?
What are the components of negligence in EMS?
Under what circumstance can implied consent be applied in EMS?
Under what circumstance can implied consent be applied in EMS?
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What type of law deals with civil wrongs such as negligence in EMS?
What type of law deals with civil wrongs such as negligence in EMS?
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Which of the following actions can lead to legal consequences related to confidentiality in EMS?
Which of the following actions can lead to legal consequences related to confidentiality in EMS?
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Which of the following best describes the term 'abandonment' in the provider-patient relationship?
Which of the following best describes the term 'abandonment' in the provider-patient relationship?
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What is the primary intention of the Ryan White Act regarding EMS providers?
What is the primary intention of the Ryan White Act regarding EMS providers?
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What is the primary reason a paramedic should be familiar with legal issues encountered in the field?
What is the primary reason a paramedic should be familiar with legal issues encountered in the field?
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Which of the following best describes the legal duties of a paramedic?
Which of the following best describes the legal duties of a paramedic?
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Failure to adhere to established legal duties can result in which of the following?
Failure to adhere to established legal duties can result in which of the following?
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Which of these is an ethical responsibility of an EMS provider?
Which of these is an ethical responsibility of an EMS provider?
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Which statement best describes the ethical expectation of an EMS provider regarding their performance?
Which statement best describes the ethical expectation of an EMS provider regarding their performance?
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How should an EMS provider approach patient information?
How should an EMS provider approach patient information?
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How should an EMS provider generally interact with other emergency professionals?
How should an EMS provider generally interact with other emergency professionals?
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What primarily defines the scope of practice for paramedics?
What primarily defines the scope of practice for paramedics?
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What is a key consideration regarding moral issues for EMS practitioners?
What is a key consideration regarding moral issues for EMS practitioners?
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Which of the following best describes 'certification' in the context of EMS?
Which of the following best describes 'certification' in the context of EMS?
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What determines the specific rules governing the operation of emergency vehicles?
What determines the specific rules governing the operation of emergency vehicles?
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States have mandatory reporting requirements for certain situations. Which of these is NOT included in the listed common categories?
States have mandatory reporting requirements for certain situations. Which of these is NOT included in the listed common categories?
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During a declared disaster, what flexibility is often granted to government officials?
During a declared disaster, what flexibility is often granted to government officials?
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Which of the following describes the purpose of 'Good Samaritan laws'?
Which of the following describes the purpose of 'Good Samaritan laws'?
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What is the main focus of the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act concerning EMS providers?
What is the main focus of the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act concerning EMS providers?
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What is licensure primarily used for in relation to healthcare professions?
What is licensure primarily used for in relation to healthcare professions?
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What standard is a paramedic held to when providing patient care?
What standard is a paramedic held to when providing patient care?
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What does it mean for a paramedic to act in a 'reasonable and prudent manner'?
What does it mean for a paramedic to act in a 'reasonable and prudent manner'?
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What is an intentional tort?
What is an intentional tort?
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What is described as a 'deviation from accepted standards of care recognized by law'?
What is described as a 'deviation from accepted standards of care recognized by law'?
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According to the provided EMS liability claim data, what was the most common cause cited?
According to the provided EMS liability claim data, what was the most common cause cited?
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Which of the following best describes a paramedic's 'duty to act'?
Which of the following best describes a paramedic's 'duty to act'?
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What is part of a paramedic's 'duty to obey'?
What is part of a paramedic's 'duty to obey'?
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What does a paramedic's duty to operate an emergency vehicle 'reasonably and prudently' entail?
What does a paramedic's duty to operate an emergency vehicle 'reasonably and prudently' entail?
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Which of the following actions does NOT represent a breach of duty by a paramedic?
Which of the following actions does NOT represent a breach of duty by a paramedic?
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What legal concept is BEST described by a paramedic performing a procedure in a harmful way, despite the action being legal?
What legal concept is BEST described by a paramedic performing a procedure in a harmful way, despite the action being legal?
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Which scenario MOST accurately represents the concept of 'res ipsa loquitur'?
Which scenario MOST accurately represents the concept of 'res ipsa loquitur'?
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A paramedic fails to give care to a patient that they are bound to, demonstrating which legal term?
A paramedic fails to give care to a patient that they are bound to, demonstrating which legal term?
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Under what type of negligence is proof of extensive fault not required due to the obviousness of the incident?
Under what type of negligence is proof of extensive fault not required due to the obviousness of the incident?
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What is the primary requirement a plaintiff must demonstrate to prove actual damages in a negligence claim against a paramedic?
What is the primary requirement a plaintiff must demonstrate to prove actual damages in a negligence claim against a paramedic?
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What does 'negligence per se' refer to in the context of legal liability of a paramedic?
What does 'negligence per se' refer to in the context of legal liability of a paramedic?
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Which of the following options describes the concept of 'duty to act' MOST accurately?
Which of the following options describes the concept of 'duty to act' MOST accurately?
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According to the content, which of the following is considered malpractice regarding airway management?
According to the content, which of the following is considered malpractice regarding airway management?
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Which scenario best demonstrates a situation where patient information may be released without explicit consent?
Which scenario best demonstrates a situation where patient information may be released without explicit consent?
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What is a key focus of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regarding EMS?
What is a key focus of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regarding EMS?
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What is the primary concern regarding medical restraint as it is described in this content?
What is the primary concern regarding medical restraint as it is described in this content?
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What is a specific concern related to restraining patients with excited delirium syndrome (ExDS)?
What is a specific concern related to restraining patients with excited delirium syndrome (ExDS)?
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Which action by an EMS provider would be a clear violation of patient confidentiality?
Which action by an EMS provider would be a clear violation of patient confidentiality?
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Which of the following constitutes defamation?
Which of the following constitutes defamation?
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What is necessary for an individual's medical information to be released by EMS?
What is necessary for an individual's medical information to be released by EMS?
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What is the primary difference between libel and slander?
What is the primary difference between libel and slander?
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An EMS agency's billing department is processing a bill for a patient. What is required for the patient's medical record to be released?
An EMS agency's billing department is processing a bill for a patient. What is required for the patient's medical record to be released?
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Which situation best describes an invasion of privacy?
Which situation best describes an invasion of privacy?
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What is the critical requirement for a patient to give valid consent for treatment?
What is the critical requirement for a patient to give valid consent for treatment?
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Which information should be included in the disclosure for informed consent?
Which information should be included in the disclosure for informed consent?
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According to the provided material, what is a potential risk of using social media for EMS personnel?
According to the provided material, what is a potential risk of using social media for EMS personnel?
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What is the significance of 'competency' in the context of patient consent?
What is the significance of 'competency' in the context of patient consent?
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What distinguishes a simple treatment explanation from an 'informed consent' disclosure?
What distinguishes a simple treatment explanation from an 'informed consent' disclosure?
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Which of the following is a key component in establishing a strong link between EMS and public health?
Which of the following is a key component in establishing a strong link between EMS and public health?
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What is the primary focus of epidemiology?
What is the primary focus of epidemiology?
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Which of these represents a secondary prevention strategy in public health?
Which of these represents a secondary prevention strategy in public health?
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Which of these actions falls under the category of 'police powers for public health agencies'?
Which of these actions falls under the category of 'police powers for public health agencies'?
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Which of the following is primarily focused on reducing the risk of injury?
Which of the following is primarily focused on reducing the risk of injury?
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What is the primary intent of public health laws related to illness and prevention?
What is the primary intent of public health laws related to illness and prevention?
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Among children in the United States, approximately what proportion of deaths are attributed to injuries?
Among children in the United States, approximately what proportion of deaths are attributed to injuries?
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What is the leading cause of death from unintentional injuries?
What is the leading cause of death from unintentional injuries?
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What would be considered a tertiary prevention measure within public health initiatives?
What would be considered a tertiary prevention measure within public health initiatives?
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Which of the following is an example of an accomplishment in public health?
Which of the following is an example of an accomplishment in public health?
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What is the principal cause of preventable injuries for individuals over the age of 75?
What is the principal cause of preventable injuries for individuals over the age of 75?
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Which of the following is a common workplace injury accounting for a substantial portion of disabling incidents?
Which of the following is a common workplace injury accounting for a substantial portion of disabling incidents?
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Which of these actions best represents the application of public health principles?
Which of these actions best represents the application of public health principles?
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Besides accidental misuse, what is another concern regarding medication in terms of prevention?
Besides accidental misuse, what is another concern regarding medication in terms of prevention?
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What do managed care organizations often mandate that poses a challenge for patient care?
What do managed care organizations often mandate that poses a challenge for patient care?
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What is a critical component for a strong collaboration between EMS and public health?
What is a critical component for a strong collaboration between EMS and public health?
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According to the provided content, what is the primary goal of public health?
According to the provided content, what is the primary goal of public health?
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Approximately what percentage of motor vehicle fatalities involve alcohol use?
Approximately what percentage of motor vehicle fatalities involve alcohol use?
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What is a particular risk for elderly patients who have some degree of dementia, besides the common risk of falls?
What is a particular risk for elderly patients who have some degree of dementia, besides the common risk of falls?
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What is a primary aspect of public health as it relates to preventing the spread of sickness?
What is a primary aspect of public health as it relates to preventing the spread of sickness?
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Which of these represents an environmental hazard that public health would seek to monitor?
Which of these represents an environmental hazard that public health would seek to monitor?
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How might a paramedic best contribute to public health outside of direct patient care?
How might a paramedic best contribute to public health outside of direct patient care?
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What is the significance of strong medical oversight for both EMS and public health?
What is the significance of strong medical oversight for both EMS and public health?
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What is the intended benefit of educating both emergency care and public health providers about their respective roles?
What is the intended benefit of educating both emergency care and public health providers about their respective roles?
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Which of the following is a key role for EMS in public health strategies?
Which of the following is a key role for EMS in public health strategies?
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What organizational commitment is essential for effective EMS involvement in public health?
What organizational commitment is essential for effective EMS involvement in public health?
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According to the content, what is a critical aspect of EMS provider commitment?
According to the content, what is a critical aspect of EMS provider commitment?
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What does the text emphasize as the first priority at any emergency scene?
What does the text emphasize as the first priority at any emergency scene?
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Which of the following best represents an EMS provider's role in health promotion?
Which of the following best represents an EMS provider's role in health promotion?
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What does the content suggest regarding the distribution of EMS practitioners?
What does the content suggest regarding the distribution of EMS practitioners?
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What is identified as a crucial aspect of EMS provider commitment to scene safety, according to the text?
What is identified as a crucial aspect of EMS provider commitment to scene safety, according to the text?
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What makes EMS personnel well-suited as advocates for injury prevention?
What makes EMS personnel well-suited as advocates for injury prevention?
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Which term describes a situation where an infectious agent undergoes changes within its vector before being transmitted?
Which term describes a situation where an infectious agent undergoes changes within its vector before being transmitted?
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What differentiates a 'carrier' from a 'host' in epidemiological terms?
What differentiates a 'carrier' from a 'host' in epidemiological terms?
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Which of the following is an example of direct transmission of an infectious agent?
Which of the following is an example of direct transmission of an infectious agent?
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What is the primary distinction between an 'epidemic' and a 'pandemic'?
What is the primary distinction between an 'epidemic' and a 'pandemic'?
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Which of the following best describes the role of a 'reservoir' in the transmission of infectious diseases?
Which of the following best describes the role of a 'reservoir' in the transmission of infectious diseases?
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In the context of epidemiology, what does 'virulence' refer to?
In the context of epidemiology, what does 'virulence' refer to?
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What major public health role involves the regular and systematic collection of information on diseases and health conditions?
What major public health role involves the regular and systematic collection of information on diseases and health conditions?
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Given the context of the provided terms in epidemiology, what would be considered a 'vehicle' of transmission?
Given the context of the provided terms in epidemiology, what would be considered a 'vehicle' of transmission?
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Which of the following is a primary goal when implementing prevention strategies?
Which of the following is a primary goal when implementing prevention strategies?
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What is an important aspect of on-scene education during prevention strategy implementation?
What is an important aspect of on-scene education during prevention strategy implementation?
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Which of the following is a community resource that EMS personnel should be aware of for implementation of prevention strategies?
Which of the following is a community resource that EMS personnel should be aware of for implementation of prevention strategies?
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What is a necessary step for an EMS agency when conducting a community needs assessment?
What is a necessary step for an EMS agency when conducting a community needs assessment?
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Including prevention information on their agency's website allows EMS services to reach which audience primarily?
Including prevention information on their agency's website allows EMS services to reach which audience primarily?
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Beyond providing transport and treatment, what is a commonplace function of EMS services according to the text?
Beyond providing transport and treatment, what is a commonplace function of EMS services according to the text?
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What does the content suggest regarding EMS partnerships within the community?
What does the content suggest regarding EMS partnerships within the community?
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What is the key to the role of each EMS member in promoting wellness?
What is the key to the role of each EMS member in promoting wellness?
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Flashcards
Public Health
Public Health
The science and practice of protecting and improving community health through preventive medicine, education, and environmental safety.
Epidemiology
Epidemiology
The study of disease incidence and prevalence in populations.
Tort Law
Tort Law
The study of civil wrongs, like negligence or intentional harm.
Good Samaritan Laws
Good Samaritan Laws
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Consent in EMS
Consent in EMS
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Abandonment in EMS
Abandonment in EMS
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HIPAA
HIPAA
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Assault and Battery
Assault and Battery
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Liability in EMS
Liability in EMS
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Legal Duties of a Paramedic
Legal Duties of a Paramedic
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Continuing Education in EMS
Continuing Education in EMS
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Patient Confidentiality in EMS
Patient Confidentiality in EMS
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Moral Issues in EMS
Moral Issues in EMS
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Performance Review in EMS
Performance Review in EMS
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Respect for Patients in EMS
Respect for Patients in EMS
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Collaboration in EMS
Collaboration in EMS
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Scope of Practice
Scope of Practice
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Certification
Certification
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Licensure
Licensure
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Motor Vehicle Laws (EMS)
Motor Vehicle Laws (EMS)
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Reporting Requirements (EMS)
Reporting Requirements (EMS)
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Disaster/Homeland Security Laws
Disaster/Homeland Security Laws
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Immunity (EMS)
Immunity (EMS)
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Duty to act
Duty to act
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Negligence
Negligence
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Medical Liability
Medical Liability
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Intentional tort
Intentional tort
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Negligence claim
Negligence claim
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Standard of care
Standard of care
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Competency
Competency
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Legal compliance
Legal compliance
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Defamation
Defamation
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Libel
Libel
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Slander
Slander
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Invasion of Privacy
Invasion of Privacy
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Informed Consent
Informed Consent
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Competent Patient
Competent Patient
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Confidentiality in EMS
Confidentiality in EMS
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Breach of Duty
Breach of Duty
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Malfeasance
Malfeasance
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Misfeasance
Misfeasance
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Nonfeasance
Nonfeasance
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Res Ipsa Loquitur
Res Ipsa Loquitur
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Negligence per se
Negligence per se
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Actual Damages
Actual Damages
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Punitive Damages
Punitive Damages
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Causation
Causation
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Airway Issues in Paramedic Care
Airway Issues in Paramedic Care
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Misplaced ET Tube
Misplaced ET Tube
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Restraint Issues in Paramedic Care
Restraint Issues in Paramedic Care
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Excited Delirium Syndrome (ExDS)
Excited Delirium Syndrome (ExDS)
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Restraint or Positional Asphyxia
Restraint or Positional Asphyxia
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Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
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Confidentiality in Paramedic Care
Confidentiality in Paramedic Care
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Patient Confidentiality
Patient Confidentiality
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What is Public Health?
What is Public Health?
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What is Epidemiology?
What is Epidemiology?
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What is the connection between EMS and Public Health?
What is the connection between EMS and Public Health?
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What is the role of EMS in Public Health?
What is the role of EMS in Public Health?
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What is Health Promotion?
What is Health Promotion?
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What is Illness and Injury Prevention?
What is Illness and Injury Prevention?
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What are Public Health Emergencies?
What are Public Health Emergencies?
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What are Public Health Interventions?
What are Public Health Interventions?
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Primary Prevention
Primary Prevention
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Secondary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
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Tertiary Prevention
Tertiary Prevention
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Injury Surveillance Program
Injury Surveillance Program
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Public Health Laws
Public Health Laws
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EMS and Public Health Collaboration
EMS and Public Health Collaboration
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Accomplishments in Public Health
Accomplishments in Public Health
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Scene Hazard Recognition
Scene Hazard Recognition
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EMS Documentation
EMS Documentation
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On-Scene Education
On-Scene Education
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Community Resource Awareness
Community Resource Awareness
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Community Needs Assessment
Community Needs Assessment
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Beyond Treatment and Transport
Beyond Treatment and Transport
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Community Partnerships
Community Partnerships
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EMS's Role in Public Health
EMS's Role in Public Health
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Injury prevention by EMS
Injury prevention by EMS
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Organizational support for public health EMS
Organizational support for public health EMS
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EMS practitioner commitment to public health
EMS practitioner commitment to public health
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Scene safety for public health
Scene safety for public health
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Public education by EMS
Public education by EMS
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Disease surveillance by EMS
Disease surveillance by EMS
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Disaster management by EMS
Disaster management by EMS
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What is a leading cause of death for children in the US?
What is a leading cause of death for children in the US?
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Why are motor vehicle collisions a major public health concern?
Why are motor vehicle collisions a major public health concern?
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What is a major safety concern for geriatric patients?
What is a major safety concern for geriatric patients?
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What are some common hazards in work and recreational environments?
What are some common hazards in work and recreational environments?
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Why is medication safety crucial?
Why is medication safety crucial?
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What is a potential drawback of early hospital discharges?
What is a potential drawback of early hospital discharges?
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How can EMS professionals contribute to the public's health?
How can EMS professionals contribute to the public's health?
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What is the role of EMS in injury prevention?
What is the role of EMS in injury prevention?
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Epidemic
Epidemic
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Carrier
Carrier
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Reservoir
Reservoir
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Vector
Vector
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Vehicle
Vehicle
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Virulence
Virulence
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Pandemic
Pandemic
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Prevalence
Prevalence
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Study Notes
Public Health Principles
- Definition: The science and practice of protecting and improving community health through preventive medicine, education, and environmental safety.
- Accomplishments: Vaccinations, motor vehicle safety, workplace safety, control of infectious diseases, and tobacco use reduction. Major accomplishments include home safety, disease surveillance/testing, decline in cardiovascular diseases, food education, prenatal and well-baby clinics, family planning, fluoridation of drinking water, and decreased tobacco use.
- Epidemiology: The study of disease incidence and prevalence in populations, including key terms like epidemic, pandemic, carrier, host, vector, and virulence.
- EMS and Public Health: Collaboration with public health sectors for disaster planning, community education, and funding.
- Community Prevention Programs: Initiatives addressing infant and child safety, geriatric falls, work-related injuries, and medication misuse, including strategies like scene education, defensive driving, elder-care clinics, childhood and flu immunizations, prenatal and well-baby clinics, elder-care clinics, defensive driving classes, workplace safety courses, and health clinics.
Medical-Legal and Ethical Aspects
- Legal Foundations: Types of law include constitutional, common (case law), statutory, and regulatory. Tort law covers civil wrongs like negligence or intentional harm.
- Negligence Components: Duty to act, breach of duty, actual damages, and proximate cause are crucial elements.
- Defenses Against Negligence: Good Samaritan laws and governmental immunity are possible defenses.
Consent in EMS
- Types: Informed consent involves full disclosure of treatment risks and benefits. Expressed consent is verbal or written. Implied consent occurs when a patient is incapacitated. Withdrawal or refusal of care needs full patient knowledge.
- Confidentiality: Governed by HIPAA; breaches can lead to legal consequences, like defamation or invasion of privacy.
Provider-Patient Relationship
- Abandonment: Abandonment occurs when care is terminated without ensuring continued care.
- Assault and Battery: Providing treatment without consent constitutes assault and battery.
Focus Areas for Prevention and EMS Practice
- Communicable Diseases: Universal precautions and The Ryan White Act protect EMS providers from infectious diseases.
- Patient Safety and Autonomy: Prioritizing "do no harm," and respecting patient's right to refuse care.
- Community Education: Programs like defensive driving and car seat installation can prevent harm. Community needs assessment is crucial.
- Documentation: Complete, accurate, and objective reports are crucial for legal protection and improving patient care, particularly in electronic records.
Important Laws and Regulations
- HIPAA: Ensures patient confidentiality.
- Ryan White Care Act: Allows providers to test for communicable diseases after exposure.
- Disaster Laws: Allows for flexibility in government adaptation during emergencies.
- DNR Orders: Valid, signed orders from the patient and physician for do-not-resuscitate situations must be followed.
Crime and Accident Scenes
- Crime Scene Procedures: If you believe a crime occurred on scene, immediately contact law enforcement if not already involved. Protect yourself and the safety of other EMS personnel. Once the scene is deemed safe, initiate patient contact and medical care; do not move or touch anything unless necessary for patient care.
- Evidence Preservation: Protect potential evidence at the scene. Document your actions and notify investigating officers if items must be removed.
Duty to Report
- Reporting Abuse/Neglect: When abuse or neglect is suspected, balance the need to protect patient confidentiality with the need to notify proper authorities. Act with the patient's best interest in mind. Many states require EMS personnel to report suspected abuse to appropriate authorities; do not confront abusers, but report accurately.
- Reporting Restrictions: Proving abuse or neglect is unnecessary; accurate reporting is crucial.
Documentation
- Legal Considerations: From a legal standpoint, well-written documentation is crucial for protection against malpractice claims; complete, accurate, and objective are necessary.
- Report Characteristics: Reports should be completed promptly after patient contact, thorough, objective, accurate, and maintain patient confidentiality. Complete, accurate, and objective records are crucial.
- Record Retention: Medical records should be maintained for the duration of time that's prescribed by state law.
Employment Laws
- Complex Nature: Employment laws can be complex and address employee-employer relationships. Volunteer agencies are often under the jurisdiction of several laws; consult an attorney if a problem arises.
- Specific Laws: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities. Title VII Federal law prohibits workplace harassment and discrimination, as well as amendments to Title VII, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972, Age Discrimination and Employment Act of 1967, and Age Discrimination Act of 1975. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 allows employees to take up to 12 weeks of leave in a 12-month period for specific family events. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 mandates minimum wage, overtime pay, record keeping, and child labor standards. Occupational Safety and Health Act ensures employers provide a healthy and safe environment. The Ryan White Care Act funds programs to improve health care availability for victims of AIDS and their families.
Resuscitation Issues
- Obligation to Resuscitate: Paramedics are obligated to begin resuscitative efforts when a patient is unresponsive, pulseless, or apneic.
- Exceptions to Resuscitation: Resuscitation is not indicated in cases of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders, obvious death (e.g., decomposition), extreme lividity, or scenes too hazardous to enter.
- Advance Directives: Documents like living wills, durable powers of attorney for healthcare, DNR orders, POLST, and organ donor cards must be honored.
- Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST): Designed for terminally ill patients, patients and physician should consult on wishes and incorporate wishes into orders.
- Potential Organ Donation: EMS systems play a vital role in organ procurement and transplant process; consult on-line medical direction when a potential donor is identified.
- Death in Field: Death in the field must be appropriately handled and thoroughly documented and adheres to state and local protocols.
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Explore the core concepts of public health principles including preventive medicine, community safety initiatives, and epidemiology. Additionally, understand the medical-legal and ethical aspects that influence healthcare practices. This quiz assesses your knowledge of the collaboration between public health and emergency services along with legal foundations in healthcare.