Chapter 1 - Key Terms Flashcards
911 System
a system for telephone access to report emergencies. A dispatcher takes the information and alerts EMS or the fire or police department as needed. ENHANCED 911 has the additional capability of automatically identifying the caller’s phone number and location.
Quality Improvement
a process of continuous self-review with the purpose of identifying and correcting aspects of the system that require improvement.
Medical Director
a physician who assumes ultimate responsibility for the patient-care aspects of the EMS system.
Protocols
Lists of steps, such as assessments and interventions, to be taken in different situations. Protocols are developed by the medical director of the EMS system.
Designated Agent
An EMT or other person authorized by a Medical Director to give medications and provide emergency care. The transfer of such authorization to a designated agent is an extension of the Medical Director’s license to practice medicine.
Standing Orders
A policy or protocol issued by a Medical Director that authorizes EMT’s and others to perform particular skills in certain situations.
Off-Line Medical Direction vs On-Line Medical Direction
On: Orders from the on-duty physician given directly to an EMT in the field by radio or telephone.
Off: Standing Orders issued by the Medical Director that allow EMT’s to give certain meds or perform certain procedures w/o speaking to the MD or another physician.
Patient Outcomes
The long-term survival of patients.
Evidence-Based
Description of medical techniques or practices that are supported by scientific evidence of their safety and efficacy, rather than merely on supposition and tradition.
