Chapter 1 Flashcards
Advanced EMT (AEMT)
An individual who has training in specific aspects of advanced life support, such as intravenous therapy, and the administration of certain emergency medications.
Advanced Life Support (ALS)
Advanced lifesaving procedures, some of which are now being provided by the EMT.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Comprehensive legislation that is designed to protect people with disabilities against discrimination.
Automated external defibrillator (AED)
A device that detects treatable life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias (ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia) and delivers the appropriate electrical shock to the patient.
Continuous quality improvement (CQI)
A system of internal and external reviews and audits of all aspects of an EMS system.
Emergency medical dispatch (EMD)
A system that assists dispatchers in selecting appropriate units to respond to a particular call for assistance and provides callers with vital instructions until the arrival of EMS crews.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
A multidisciplinary system that represents the combined efforts of several professionals and agencies to provided prehospital emergency care to the sick and injured.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
An individual who has training in basic life support, including automated external defibrillation, use of a definitive airway adjunct, and assisting patients with certain medications.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Federal legislation passed in 1996. Its main effect in EMS is in limiting availability of patients’ health care information and penalizing violations of patient privacy.
Intravenous (IV) therapy
The delivery of medication directly into a vein.
National EMS Scope of Practice Model
A document created by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that outlines the skills performed by various EMS providers.
Paramedic
An individual who has extensive training in advanced life support, including endotracheal intubation, emergency pharmacology, cardiac monitoring, and other advanced assessment and treatment skills.
Primary Service Area (PSA)
The designated area in which the EMS agency is responsible for the provision of prehospital emergency care and transportation to the hospital.
Quality Control
The responsibility of the medical director to ensure the appropriate medical care standards are met by EMTs on each call.
