Ch 01: The Responder Flashcards
Levels of Training for Providers - Canada
Emergency Medical Responder
Primary Care Paramedic
Advanced Care Paramedic
Critical Care Paramedic
Levels of Training for Providers - Alberta
Emergency Medical Responder
Emergency Medical Technician
Paramedic
Emergency Medical Aid Act
In Alberta, this act protects emergency medical care workers from being liable for damages caused, unless negligent.
Medical Control
Policies and directions written by a physician to guide emergency personnel.
Medical Director
The physician responsible for Medical Control; oversees training and the development of protocols.
Indirect / Offline Medical Control
Following protocols without consulting the Medical Director
Direct / On Line Medical Control
Speaking to a Medical Director about procedures not in protocol.
5 Personal Characteristics of a Responder
- Caring and Professional Attitude
- Controlling Fears
- Professional Appearance
- Updated Skills and Knowledge
- Keeping Healthy
6 Responsibilities of an EMR
- Ensure your safety and the safety of others
- Gain access to casualty
- Determine threats to their life
- Obtain advanced medical help
- Provide needed care
- Assist advanced medical pros
Good Communication
- Speak slow and clear
- Simple words
- Be at eye level
- Inviting body language
- Listen carefully
Duty to Act
A responder must act when they are on duty and expected to do so; in Quebec, anyone trained must act.
Scope of Practice
The range of duties and skills allowed and expected to perform.
Informed Consent
Casualty tells you clearly that you have permission to provide care.
Implied Consent
Assume that an unconscious casualty would grant consent if they were able to do so.
Consent from a Minor
Parent / guardian must be present to provide consent.
If the child is by themselves, ask why and assume implied consent.
Competence
The persons ability to understand questions and implications (consequences).
Advanced Directive
Documented instruction from the casualty on what care can be provided.
Do Not Resuscitate
DNR
Documented instruction from casualty that protect their right to refuse resuscitation.
Do not perform CPR
Negligence
Not providing the standard of care expected and causing injury or harm;
Acting wrongly or not at all
4 Components of a Negligence Lawsuit
- You had a duty to care
- Breach of that duty
- Cause of harm
- Damage caused
Refusal of Care
A casualty says no to care;
- Casualty is competent
- Persuade the person truthfully
- Advise the risks
- Sign a ‘Refusal of Care’ form
Abandonment
Failing to continue care once you have begun, without being relieved by a person of greater training or the scene becomes too unsafe.
Confidentiality
Never discuss patient or care given except to health care professionals directly involved.
Radio Communication - Procedure
- Press the ‘Push to Talk’ button
- Wait one second before speaking
- Hold mic 5-7cm from mouth
- Be brief
- Listen before talking; Don’t interrupt.
Base Station
Stationary radio in a dispatch centre, station or hospital
Mobile Radio
Mounted inside vehicle
Portable Radio
Hand held radio
Repeater
Receive a low power signal and put it out as a high power signal.
Cell Phone
Used when radio signal is unavailable
4 Activities to Report to Dispatch
- On route to call
- Arrive at scene
- Require additional / specialized personnel
- Return to service and are available for next call
7 Pieces of Info to Provide Medical Director During On-line Direction
- Unit Identifier; You are a responder
- Patient age, sex, chief complaint
- Brief events leading to emergency
- Physical exam results and vitals
- Care provided and casualty response
- The reason you are calling
- Repeat any orders given
Reasons for Documentation
- Document care provided
- Evidence in lawsuits
- Transfer information
- Research to improve EMS system
10 Elements of Good Documentation
- Complete and Accuracy
- Legible
- Timeliness
- No alterations
- Names of responders, call number, address of scene
- Patient name, age, gender, birth date, care prior to EMS arrival
- Vital signs
- Chief complaint
- History (SAMPLE, OPQRST) and assessment
- Care given
Critical Incident Stress Management
Help coping with the mental and emotional stress caused by incidents a responder has attended.
First Responder
A person trained in emergency care for their job site
Good Samaritan Laws
Protective law for non-certified, quality emergency care. Does not protect from lawsuit financial charges or negligence.
Interpersonal Communication
Speaking and listening to others at a scene
