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210 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back
ACP
Alberta College of Paramedics
CMA
Canadian Medical Association
WHMIS
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
TDG
Transportation of Dangerous Goods
APPA
Alberta Prehospital Professionals Association
APPA's Purpose is to...
Ensure a minimum competency of care for all EMS practitioners at their respective levels.
- authorizing educational institutions to teach EMS programs
- conducting competency testing province wide
PAC
Paramedics Association of Canada
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) job overview (7)
- 140 hours training
- Basic airway management and adjuncts
- Basic medical, obstetrical and trauma management
- Basic Splinting and spinal injury management
- Automatic external defibrillation
- Oxygen administration and ventilation
- Basic Pharmacology including 5 different medications
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) job overview (10)
- 500 hours training
- intermediate airway management and adjuncts
- inter. medical, obstetrical and trauma management
- inter. splinting and spinal injury management
- automatic external defibrillation
- oxygen administration and ventilation
- inter. pharmacology including 10 different medications
- IV administration
- ECG familiarization
- includes a communications, hospital & ambulance practicum
Emergency Medical Technologist - Paramedic (EMT-P) job overview (9)
- 3000 hours training
- advanced airway management and adjuncts
- adv. medical, obstetrical and trauma management
- adv. splinting and spinal injury management
- defibrillation, cardioversion, pacing and more
- Oxygen administration and ventilation
- adv. pharmacology including over 40 different medications
- includes multiple hospital, obstetrical, airway and ambulance practicums
- ability to perform some surgical procedures such as cricothyroidotomy, suturing, and more
NOCP
National Occupational Competency Profile
What are the four levels of care according to the CMA? (4)
EMR - Emergency Medical Responder
PCP - Primary Care Paramedic
ACP - Advanced Care Paramedic
CCP - Critical Care Paramedic
All ambulances of Alberta are designated as one of three different types (3)
EMRs
BLS
ALS
BLS
Basic Life Support
ALS
Advanced Life Support
BLS ambulances are staffed by… (3)
- two registered EMT's
- one EMT and one EMR
- one paramedic and one EMR
ALS ambulances are staffed by… (2)
- two registered paramedics
- one EMT and one paramedic
What are the three types of EMS services in Alberta? (3)
- Municipal EMS
- Rural EMS
- Industrial / oilfield
Municipal / Regional services are operated by some for of… (1)
municipality

ex: City of Calgary EMS
Foothills Regional EMS
Municipal EMS services typically have ….
a large number of ambulances covering a relatively small geographical area, and they are usually well stocked
Private / Rural Ambulance services are operated by …
one person or company

ex: Caroline Ambulance Service
Guarding Ambulance
Mountain view EMS
Private / Rural EMS services typically have ….
a small number of ambulances that cover a large geographical area, equipment is generally slightly older and in good condition due to low call volume
Industrial / oilfield are …
Not always true ambulance services, ambulances must be provincially registered
MTC
Mobile Treatment Center
MTC's are limited because…
they are not allowed to transport patients on public roadways
What are 10 things modern EMS services require to operate? (10)
- regulations & policies
- resources management
- human resources & training
- transportation
- facilities
- communications
- public information & education
- medical control
- trauma systems
- evaluation
EMD
Emergency medical dispatcher
Medical Director
- establishes appropriate care for most illnesses & injuries encountered
- acts as medical expertise and protocol advisor
- maintaining quality control
- staff meet appropriate medical care standards
Online control
when the EMS practitioner speaks directly with the doctor at the receiving hospital via telephone or radio
Offline control
consists of protocols / standing orders
Specialty professional associations
Involved in determining the best possible care for a specific patient, and in research and quality improvements to advance emergency medicine
What may a medical director, under no circumstances authorize an EMS practitioner to do? (1)
to break the law or go beyond their level of training and competence
What other responsibilities do an EMS practitioner have regarding transportation of a patient?
- ambulances are fully stocked
- equipment is in good working condition
- has sufficient fuel and other fluids
- be familiar with roads in specific service area
What are three types of specialty centers?
- Trauma
- burn centre
- children's hospital
Interfacility Transports
transportation of patients from hospital to hospital, or other care centres (or home)
Practitioners must keep in mine, when dealing with inter facility transportation ...
only accept patients with equipment you are able to operate under their scope of practice
When dealing with hospitals, EMS need to have a good understanding…. (3)
- how receiving hospital operates
- what procedures and protocols are used
- how to interact with appropriate staff
Other public safety Agencies include… (10)
- fire department
- specialized rescue
- HazMat Teams
- Law enforcement
- utilities / public works
- crisis intervention
- community response agencies
- military
- Emergency management Alberta
- Industrial / industry
The quality of care that you provide depends on … (2)
- your ability and the quality of your training
- the effort you put into learning and applying the knowledge
What 6 items are paramount to appropriate patient care? (6)
- personal safety
- patient assessment & treatment
- safe lifting and moving of patient
- transport and transfer care
- record keeping and data collection
- patient advocacy and confidentiality
EMS practitioners consider possible hazards when… (2)
- driving to the scene
- entering the scene/ house / worksite
A main part of patient assessment is communicating to your patient. What things would you communicate? (2)
- what procedures you intend to perform
- what options they may have regarding those treatments
What is a major concern for personal injury for an EMS practitioner?
inappropriate lifting of patients
Transportation and transfer of care entails … (3)
- provide safe and appropriate transport
- give necessary radio report to medical control or receiving hospital
- providing additional assessments (vitals or treatments en route)
Every EMS call generates?
paperwork
PCR
Patient Care Report
PCR's are used for… (5)
- continuing quality improvement
- auditing
- legal defense
- statistics
- billing
What rights are EMS practitioner safeguarding?
- the right to the best possible care, regardless of appearance or history
- the right to privacy
Ethics
the discipline relating to right and wrong, moral duty and obligation, moral principles and values and moral character
Morals
refers to social standards or customs; dealing with what is right or wrong in a particular sense.
Unethical
refers to conduct that fails to conform to these moral principles, values or standards
Professional accountability refers to a standard established by an EMS practitioners level of training and regional practices. Responsibilities include… (4)
- high quality patient care
- continuing education
- skill proficiency
- licensure / certification
What is not a reliable determinant for ethical decision making? (1)
emotions
Code of Ethics
defines standards of conduct for practitioners of ACP
What are the three components of the Code of Ethics? (3)
- ethical behaviour for a registered practitioner
- responsibilities of the ethical practitioner to his/her patient
- responsibilities of the ethical practitioner to the paramedic profession
What are 6 ethical behaviours for a registered practitioner?
- providing most effective, efficient, safe and quality care
- treating all patients with respect
- promoting well being of all patients
- actively engaging in life long learning (maintain and improve competencies)
- protecting and maintaining patient confidentiality
- recognizing limitations of one's competencies and competencies of others
What are 3 responsibilities of an ethical practitioner to his/her patients?
- providing patient care at level of his/her competencies, seeking consultation otherwise
- providing high quality patient care, physical and emotional support
- once accepting responsibilities, continuing to provide care until it is no longer required
What are 3 responsibilities ethical practitioners have towards the Paramedic profession?
- ensuring one's conduct reflects positively on the integrity of the profession
- understanding importance of personal safety (no obligation to place oneself in harms way)
- maintaining familiarity with current applicable legislations and practices, work to the fullest extent
Professionalism
- implies existence of a specialized body of knowledge or expertise
- practitioners generally self regulate
- maintains standards
- includes initial and continuing educational requirements
Health Care Professional: criteria (9)
- conforms to standards of profession
- provides quality patient care
- instills pride in profession
- strives for high standards
- earns respect of others
- meets profession's expectations while on & off duty
- EMS personnel occupy positions of public trust
- Unprofessional conduct hurts profession
- commitment to excellence is a daily activity
Why is appearance so important? (3)
- establishes credibility
- instills confidence
- highly visible role model
Paramedics represent.. (4)
- self
- EMS agency
- provincial / regional / city EMS office
- peers
Attributes of professionalism (11)
- integrity
- empathy
- self-motivation
- appearance and personal hygiene
- self-confidence
- time management
- teamwork and diplomacy
- respect
- patient advocacy
- careful delivery of service
- communications
Integrity
steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code
How does integrity relate to EMS profession? (1)
mean being honest in all actions, staying within protocols and scope of practice
Empathy
identification with and understanding of another's situation, feelings, and motives
What must EMS practitioners always show to patients, families and other health care professionals? (1)
empathy
Self - motivation
the push for merit and self direction
Self motivation can mean … in an EMS profession? (6)
- taking the lead to finish tasks
- improve behaviour
- follow through without supervision
- showing enthusiasm for learning
- being committed to CQI
- accepting constructive feedback
CQI
continuous quality improvement
It takes less than …. for your patient to decide whether they can trust you enough to provide care to them.
7 seconds
Who must you appear the most trustworthy to?
conservative geriatric patients
EMS professionals must ….. and ……. on themselves in difficult situations.
trust and rely
Time management
refers to organizing and prioritizing task to make the best use of time (being punctual, completing tasks/assignments on time)
EMS practitioners must be able to use …… and ….. to achieve a common goal.
tact and interpersonal skills
How can an EMS practitioner place the success of the team above personal success? (3)
- support and respect other team members
- be flexible and open to change
- communicate with co-workers to resolve problems
EMS practitioners know that showing respect brings… (3)
- credit to themselves, their association and profession
When dealing with patient advocacy, EMS practitioner should not attempt to… (2)
- impose their own beliefs on the patient
- allow their biases to influence care
When it comes to communication, an EMS practitioner must be able to …. (3)
- speak clearly
- write legibly
- listen actively while adjusting strategies
Primary Responsibilities for an EMS are … (9)
- preparation
- response
- scene assessment
- patient assessment
- management
- appropriate disposition
- patient transfer
- documentation
- return to service
Additional responsibilities or secondary responsibilities when EMS is not treating an injured or sick patient include… (5)
- community involvement
- supporting primary care efforts
- citizen involvement
- participation in leadership activities
- personal and professional development
Factors that effect perception (7)
- cultural factors
- personal privacy
- empathy
- appropriate care
- language, tone of voice, diction
- listening skills
- apparent competency and confidence
Dignity
the quality or state of being worthy of esteem or respect
What MUST all EMS practitioners treat their patient, besides appropriate assessment and treatment? (1)
dignity
What three organizations impact the EMS practitioner in Alberta? (3)
- Alberta College of Paramedics
- Paramedic Association of Canada
- Canadian Medical Association
Alberta College of Paramedics (5)
- ensure that registered members provide competent, safe and ethical care
- protects and serves publics interest
- provide direction and regulation of the profession
- maintain and enforce standards
- maintain and enforce Code of Ethics
Paramedic Association of Canada (4)
- Promote quality care though cooperative working relationships among organizations
- serve as a nexus for consensus building among member practitioners
- represent practitioner on a national level
- does not find or seek endorsements from other related fields
Canadian Medical Association (2)
- serve and unite the physicians of Canada and be the national advocate
- react rapidly in times of medical crisis (SARS outbreak)
Communication
- element of human interaction
- nonverbal and verbal behaviour
- symbols and clues to convey meaning
Therapeutic Communications
planned act of using communication techniques to achieve a positive relationship for desired patient care goals
The whole communication process is a ...
continuous loop of many opportunities for confusion and misinterpretation
Factors influencing communication (11)
- culture
- emotion
- environment
- language
- perception
- physical
- psychological
- religion
- social
- special needs
- stress
What are things that could actually prevent communication? (6)
- language / socio- cultural
- time
- personal space
- environment
- cognitive abilities
- education
Factors that will cause the receiver to put up a wall are … (8)
- advice giving
- challenging
- defensiveness
- making judgements
- probing
- rejecting
- stereotyping
- testing
ALWAYS be careful of what you say about the patient to others even when conversing with other healthcare practitioners because…
You never know who could be listening (could lead to legal issues about patient confidentiality)
If a patient is hearing impaired, how should you communicate?
- speak clearly, and face him or her
- allow time for patient to answer
- listen for the answer
- act and speak in calm, confident manner
Verbal communication techniques include … (7)
- use fewer words (avoid confusion)
- express an idea simply
- avoid vague phrases
- use examples or demonstrations
- repeat important info back
- avoid technical jargon
- use appropriate speed or pace
Effective listening (4)
- face patient
- eye contact (willingness to listen)
- attentive posture
- avoid distracting body movements
External factors affecting communication (3)
- privacy
- interruptions
- physical environment

ex: lighting, noise, distance, distracting equipment
What does verbal exchange with a patient provide? (4)
- level of consciousness
- sensorium
- any hearing or speech impediments
- language barriers
What shows compassion and reassurance? (1)
touch
When conversing with a patient… (5)
- use common words and phrases
- guide and direct the patient interview
- don't manipulate patient's response
- ask open- ended questions
- ask one question at a time
Traps of interviewing (12)
- false assurance of reassurance
- poor or unwanted advice
- showing approval or disapproval
- giving opinions
- changing subject inappropriately
- stereotyping (patient or complaint)
- using professional jargon
- talking too much
- asking leading or biased questions
- interrupting patient
- asking why (viewed as accusation)
- being defensive in response to criticism
Developing a rapport (6)
- put patient at ease
- recognize and respond to visual clues
- find suffering
- show compassion
- assess patients level of understanding
- show expertise
What are three patient communication styles
- pouring out information
- revealing some problems but concealing embarrassing items
- hiding embarrassing parts
Patients unmotivated to talk could be due to… (4)
- patient condition
- fear
- cognitive impairment
- intentional deception
Techniques when dealing with a patient unmotivated to talk (10)
- take time to develop rapport
- use open- ended questions
- provide positive feedback to appropriate responses
- verify understanding
- ask essential questions
- ask family
- use summary and interpretation
- attempt conversation
- ask some questions with known answers
Interviewing hostile patient (6)
- observe for escalation to violence
- try normal interview
- never leave patient alone
- set limits
- explain benefits of cooperation
- follow protocol related to restraint
Communicating with Children (6)
- be observant, not confrontational
- make contact slowly (talk to parents first)
- speak to child at eye level (kneel down)
- use quiet, calm voice
- be aware of nonverbal communication
- communicate with kids based on age
Communicating with infants (3)
- firm, gentle handling
- may have stranger anxiety
- keep parents in sight
Communicating with preschoolers (3)
- base everything on past experience
- use short sentences
- concrete explanations
Communicating with school age children (3)
- begin to think like adults
- can be included with parents when taking history
- may be able to make choices
Communicating with adolescents (2)
- want to be adults
- don't want to be treated like a child
Communicating with patients using street drugs or alcohol (3)
- ensure personal safety
- ask simple questions
- avoid threatening actions
Communicating with a sexually aggressive patient (3)
- explain professional role
- document any unusual incident
- use chaperone if possible
Communicating with blind patients (2)
- speak in normal tone
- explain all procedures
Communicating with hearing impaired patients (3)
- ask how they prefer to communicate
- writing often effective
- for lip reading, speak slowly, face patient
Ethnocentrism
views own life as best, acts superior to other cultures
Cultural imposition
imposes beliefs, values, behaviours on other cultures
Transcultural considerations (7)
- may expect youth have answers
- may accept illness in different ways
- non verbal cues may be offensive
- direct eye contact may be viewed as impolite
- refrain from touch without permission
- language barriers
- personal space may vary
Personal space measures (4)
- intimate zone ( 0 - 1.5 feet)
- personal space (1.5 - 4 feet)
- social distance (4 - 12 feet)
- public distance (12 or more feet)
What are 5 different communication equipment?
- base station radio
- mobile and portable radios
- repeaters
- digital equipment
- cellular telephone
Base station Radios
transmitter & receiver located in fixed place

power of 100 watts or more
Mobile or Portable Radios
- mobile radios installed in vehicles (range of 20 - 45km)
- portable radios hand held ( operate 1 to 5 watts of power)
Repeater - Based Systems
Receives radio messages and retransmits at higher power
Telemetry
process of converting electronic signals into coded, audible signals
Simplex (1)
- push to talk communication
ex: walkie- talkie
Duplex
Simultaneous talk - listen, normal conversation is possible (ex: cell phone )
Brief radio report should contain: (5)
- unit identification / provider identification
- description of scene or incident
- patient's age, gender (weight for medication orders)
- Chief complaint
- associated symptoms
Relaying patient information (6)
- history of present illness or injury
- past medical history (meds, allergies)
- physical examination findings
- treatment given
- estimated time of arrival
- request for orders
ETA
estimated time of arrival
SOAP
Subjective data
Objective data
Assessment data
Plan of patient management
General procedures for patient report (6)
- protect patient privacy
- use unit numbers, hospital numbers, proper names, and titles
- avoid slang or profanity
- "echo" dispatcher or physician directions
- confirm message was received
* inform hospital of significant changes
Dispatcher Responsibilities (6)
- screen and assign priorities to calls based on caller info
- select and alert appropriate units to respond
- dispatch and direct units to the location
- coordinate response with other agencies
- provide pre-arrival instructions to caller
- provide responding EMS crews with patient updates
Information received from dispatch (8)
- Nature and severity of injury, illness or incident (communicated by caller)
- Location
- Number of patients
- responses by other agencies
- special information
- time dispatched
- Age and gender of the patient
- Assign priority of your response (alpha/bravo…. hot/cold… lights/sirens)
EMS responders must communicate …. (4)
- report any problems during run (traffic accident, train traffic)
- advise of arrival
- communicate scene size -up (request back up)
- keep communications brief, observe confidentiality requirements
What would you consult Medical control for? (2)
- request advice or orders
- advise hospital or special circumstances
When communicating with Medical Control… (5)
- physician bases instructions off of report received from EMR
- never use codes
- repeat all orders received verbatim
- Do not blindly follow orders that does not make sense to you
- Get physician's name (could be receiving physician)
Oral report to triage nurse includes… (6)
- patient's name, chief complaint, nature of illness, mechanism of injury
- summary of information from radio report
- important history not given earlier
- treatments rendered and their response
- vital signs
- other helpful info
PCR serves as… (6)
- legal protection for the EMS practitioner
- continuity of care
- education
- administration
- research
- evaluation and quality improvement
Elements of a PCR (7)
C/C
O/A
Hx C/C
Pm Hx
O/E
Tx
Enroute
C/C
chief complaint (patients own words why ambulance was called)
O/A
On arrival
Hx C/C
History of Complaint
Pm Hx
Past medical history
O/E
On Examination
Tx
treatment given
Documenting Right of Refusal (4)
- document assessment findings and care given
- have patient sign the form
- have a witness sign the form
- explain they may change their minds and re-call 9-1-1
What is vital in an EMS operation? (3)
personal health
safety
well-being
What must kept under control at a scene? (1)
emotions
…. is something you will have to face. (1)
death
Death is…
the absence of circulation and respiratory function
Clinical death
absence of respiratory or circulatory function in an unresponsive patient
Biological death
absence of brain activity
If the body is still warm...
initiate care
In what case does this statement apply. "The patient is not dead until they are warm and dead."
hypothermia is present
Presumptive signs of death (8)
- unresponsive to painful stimuli
- lack of pulse or heartbeat
- absence of breath sounds
- no deep tendon or corneal reflexes
- absence of eye movement
- no systolic blood pressure
- profound cyanosis
- decreased body temperature
Definitive Signs of Death (8)
- decapitated
- rigor mortis
- incinerated
- eviscerated
- decomposing
- obvious mortal injury
- dependent lividity
-putrefaction
DOA
dead on arrival
DRIED
Decapitated
Rigor mortis
Incinerated
Eviscerated
Decomposing
A medical examiner would investigate what cases? (7)
- DOA
- unknown cause of death
- suicide
- violent death
- poisoning
- accidents
- suspicion of crime
What is the grieving process? (5)
- denial
- anger
- bargaining
- depression
- acceptance
What can an EMR do to help a family grieving? (4)
- provide gentle, caring support
- make helpful statements/comments
- Be yourself and sincere
- understand grieving is a process to work through
This you should say to someone grieving. (6)
- I'm sorry
- it's okay to be angry
- must be hard to accept
- that must be painful for you
- if you wish to cry, it's okay
- people really cared for ….
Family members dealing with a death may express… (3)
rage
anger
despair
When dealing with family members of a lost patient… (5)
- be calm
- use gentle tone of voice, reassuring touch (if appropriate)
- respect family's wishes & privacy
- do not create false hope
- do not beat around the bush
Feelings expressed by terminal patients and caregivers (4)
anxiety
depression
guilt
mental health problems
When caring for a critically ill or injured patient… (4)
- orient the patient
- be honest
- acknowledge the seriousness of the condition (if they refuse car)
- locate and notify family members (delegated)
When dealing with an injured child, having a care giver accompany you may relieve child's anxiety, however…
an anxious caregiver may complicate assessment and treatment
Helping a family who have just lost a child (4)
- acknowledge the fact in a private place (tell them somewhere private)
- tell parents they may see their child
- do not overload the parents with information
- encourage parents to talk about their feelings and seek support
Stressful situations causing patients to have an emotional response. (6)
- mass casualty
- infant and child trauma
- amputations
- abuse
- death or injury of a coworker
- sexual or domestic abuse
Factors affecting a patients reactions to a stressful situation. (9)
- fear of medical personnel
- alcohol / substance abuse
- chronic diseases
- mental disorders
- medication reactions
- age
- nutritional statuts
- guilt feelings
- socio-economic status
If uncertain if a patient's condition is an emergency…
ALWAYS contact medical control (request additional back up early - can be canceled later)
What is the body's progression to stress? (3)
- alarm response
- reaction and resistance
- recovery and exhaustion
Describe Alarm reaction also known as "fight or flight" (5)
- mediated by autonomic nervous system
- coordinated by hypothalamus
- pituitary glans release ACTH (adrenaline)
- physiologic response
- individual adapts to situation
Describe Resistance reaction (2)
- level of resistance to the stressful agent increased
- if stress persists, reactions to stress may change
Describe Exhaustion reaction (5)
- coping mechanisms are exhausted
- adaptive resources used
- resistance to all stressors declines
- susceptible to physical and psychological illness
- rest and recovery are needed
Physiological manifestations of stress (8)
- rise in respirations and pulse
- increase in blood pressure
- cool, clammy skin
- dilated pupils
- tensed muscles
- release of stored sugar for energy
- perspiration
- decreased circulation to GI/GU tract
Adrenergic (adrenaline) reaction is also called …
a "sympathomimetic" reaction
Physical effects of stress (5)
- fatigue
- irritability
- changes in apetite
- headaches
- insomnia/hypersomnia
Psychological effects of stress (4)
depression
fear
anger
frustration
PTSD
Post traumatic stress disorder
Signs and symptoms of PTSD (4)
- depression
- startle reactions
- flashback phenomena
- amnesia of event
CISM
Critical Incident Stress Management
Strategies to Manage stress (4)
- change or eliminate stressors
- change partners to avoid negative or hostile personalities
- stop complaining or worrying about things you cannot change
- expand social support system
Minimize physical stress by… (3)
- taking deep breaths
- stretching
- regular physical exercises
Communicable diseases
a disease transmitted form one person to another
What are the four routes of transmission? (4)
- direct
- airborne
- indirect/ vehicle
- vector -borne
What are the 4 requirements for transmission? (4)
- pathogen present
- susceptibility
- sufficient quantity of pathogen
- route of entry
exposure
contact with blood, bodily fluids, tissues, or airborne droplets directly or indirectly
LCDC
Laboratory Center Disease Control
BSI
Body Substance Isolation
Body Substance Isolation
infection control techniques based on the assumption that all bodily fluids are infectious
PPE
Personal Protective Equipment
Body Substance Isolation includes (4)
- hand washing
- gloves and eye protection
- mask and gowns
- proper IMMEDIATE (disposal of sharps, Bg lancets, Epi-pens)
An EMR cannot deny care to a patient …. even if the patient poses a risk to safety.
suspected communicable disease
Immunization recommended (5)
- tetanus- diphtheria boosters ( every 10 years)
- Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
- Influenza vaccine (yearly)
- Hepatitis A vaccine
- Hepatitis B vaccine
HIV Infection (5)
- infection caused by AIDS (acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)
- no vaccine
- not easily transmitted in working setting
- Can be transmitted to rescuer (contaminated needle)
- Can be transmitted via: blood, semen, vaginal secretions
Hepatitis (5)
- hepatitis results in inflammation of the liver
- hepatitis B and C are transmitted through blood contact
- a person that carries the disease can appear healthy
- vaccinations are available (A & B only)
- hep C does not have a vaccine
Meningitis (5)
- inflammation to the lining of the brain
- can be cause by bacteria or viruses
- usually not contagious (except meningococcus meningitis)
- wear gloves and mask
- notify physician if exposure suspected
Tuberculosis (4)
- bacterial disease affecting the lungs
- detected by screening (Mantoux test)
- high treatment success if identified and treated early
- notify supervisor of suspected exposure
Syphilis (3)
- can be a blood borne disease
- may result from needle stick
- Not just and STD!
Whooping Cough (3)
- Airborne disease caused by bacteria
- usually occurs in children
- wear a mask / put a mask on patient to reduce exposure
Other newly recognized diseases include… (5)
- Escherichia coli (poorly cooked food)
- SARS (spread through coughing & sneezing)
- West Nile ( transmits via mosquito bite)
- Hanta Virus (transmits via mouse droppings)
- Avian Influenza (H5N1)
General Post Exposure management/procedure (3)
- notify partner and supervisor immediately upon exposure
- get screened immediately after any exposure
- initiate WCB paperwork within 24 hrs of exposure
Infection Control Routine includes… (3)
- routinely clean and disinfect the ambulance after each run
- properly dispose of medical waste
- remove contaminated linen
Scene Hazards to be cautious of… (6)
Fire
Wire
Water
Gas
Glass
Hazardous materials
Protective clothing includes… (8)
- cold weather clothing (3 layers - extra dry clothing)
- turnout gear (head to toe protection)
- Gloves
- Helmets
- Boots
- Eye and ear protection (used on rescue operations)
- skin protection (sun block, bug spray)
- body armour
Violent Situations (5)
- civil disturbances
- domestic disputes
- crime scenes
- large gatherings
- Bars / Clubs / Raves
Determinants of Violence - behaviour emergencies (4)
Past history
posture
vocal activity
physical activity