Chapter 2 Flashcards
To take care of others, we must first: __________________________.
Take care of ourselves.
What are three types of hazards encountered?
1.) Personal neglect
2.) Environmental and human-made threats
3.) Mental and Physical Stress
Health is a complex interaction between ______________, __________ and ______________ connections.
Physical, Mental and Emotional
True or False: Chronic physical, mental or emotional stresses can worsen or increase the chance for developing health conditions.
True
True or False: All reactions to stress are negative.
False: Eustress (good stress) creates a positive response.
Distress causes a negative response.
This is the active pursuit of a state of good health.
Wellness
This is the capacity of an individual to cope with and recover from distress
Resilience
What are six ways to increase wellness and resilience?
1.) Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet
2.) Ensure a minimum of 7 to 9 hours of sleep
3.) Strengthen positive relationships with family and friends
4.) Build relationships with peers and colleagues
5.) Incorporate daily stretching movement and exercise
6.) Build habits of mindfulness and positivity
What are some examples of ways can you manage stress?
1.) Minimize or eliminate stressors
2.) Change partners to avoid a negative or hostile personality.
3.) Change work hours.
4.) Change the work environment
5.) Cut back on overtime
6.) Change you attitude about the stressor
7.) Talk about your feelings
8.) Seek Professional Counseling if needed
9.) Do not obsess over frustrating situations
10.) Try to adopt a relaxed, philosophical outlook
11.) Expand your social support system
12.) Develop friends and interest outside EMS
13.) Limit intake of caffeine, alcohol and tobacco
What are important nutrition guidelines to follow?
Eat regular, well-balanced meals
Limit consumption of sugars, fats, sodium and alcohol
Maintain adequate fluid intake
True or False: Regular exercise enhances the benefits of good nutrition and adequate hydration
True
True or False: Good physical condition allows you to handle stress more easily.
True
True or False: You should engage in at least 10 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity 5 days per week.
False: At least 30 minutes 5 days per week.
The National Sleep Foundation and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommend this many hours of sleep per night: _______________.
7 to 9.
What are the common side effects from lack of sleep?
Severe mental and physical fatigue
Evidence-based guidelines for fatigue management have been developed under the _______________ and through the _____________________________________.
US DOT & National Association of State EMS Officials
What are the recommendations to combat fatigue?
1.) Get an adequate duration and quality of sleep
2.) Take 20-30 minute naps during shift work
3.) Increase activity
4.) Limit caffeine consumption
5.) Engage in mental exercise
What are some ways to improve sleep quality?
1.) Avoid caffeine and nicotine at least 4 hours before bedtime
2.) Ensure your sleep environment is dark, quiet and cool
3.) Nap early
4.) Avoid heavy presleep meals
5.) Balance fluid intake
6.) Establish a calming presleep routine
7.) Sleep when truly tired
8.) Don’t watch the clock
9.) Keep a consistent sleep schedule
10.) Expose yourself to natural light during your waking hours
_____________ focuses on medical care and prevention to avoid the effects of disease
Disease Prevention
________________ focuses on personal practices and social habits to improve one’s health.
Health Promotion
True or False: Smoking, vaping and chewing nicotine can all lead to cardiovascular and respiratory illness as well as cancer.
True
True or False: Acceptable alcohol consumption is described to be one drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men.
True
True or False: Alcohol has no major affect long term on developing certain cancers.
False: Excessive alcohol use can adversely affect many body systems and increase the risk of developing certain cancers
True or False: Many EMS agencies drug test their employees for illegal and prescription drug use.
True
True or False: Balancing work life with family and health is not usually significant.
False: It is important. Try to rotate your schedule for time off, take vacations and seek help with stress becomes too much to handle.
Infectious disease is caused by organisms ___________ the body.
Within
_________________ diseases can be spread from person to person and from one species to another
Communicable
What are three ways infection risk can be minimized?
1.) Immunization
2.) Protective Techniques
3.) Handwashing
What is an example of a direct contact route of transmission?
Bloodbourne pathogens
What is an example of a indirect contact route of transmission?
Needlesticks
What is an example of a airbourne route of transmission?
Sneezing/coughing
What is an example of a Foodborne route of transmission?
Contaminated Food
What is an example of a vector-borne route of transmission?
Fleas/Ticks
True or False: All EMTs are trained in handling blood-borne pathogens.
True
The CDC developed standard precautions for prevention of infectious and communicable diseases for EMS staff. These include:
1.) Hand hygiene
2.) PPE (Gloves, Gown, Mask, Eye Protection, Face Shield)
What is putting on full PPE called?
Donning
What is removal of full PPE called?
Doffing
_______________ is the simplest, yet most effective way to control disease transmission.
Handwashing
True or False: You only need to wash your hands before and after patients if you didn’t wear gloves.
False: You should ALWAYS wash your hands even if you wore gloves before and after patient contact.
If there is no running water accessible, what is the next option?
Waterless handwashing substitute (Hand sanitizer)
True or False: You should wear gloves always if there is any possibility for exposure to blood or bodily fluids.
True
Which types of gloves are effective?
Vinyl, Nitrile and Latex
True or False: You can remove your gloves any way as long as you wash you hands after.
False: Removing gloves requires a special technique to avoid contaminating yourself with materials on the outside of the gloves.
Eye Protection protects from: ______________.
Blood Splatters
True or False: Prescription glasses are an adequate substitute for a face shield?
False
What is an adequate substitute for a face shield if necessary?
Goggles
What are gowns useful for?
Provide protection from extensive blood splatter.
What are some examples of extensive blood splatter.
1.) Aerosol-generating procedures
2.) Field delivery of a baby
3.) Major trauma
This type of mask is worn for fluid spatter and communicable disease.
Standard Surgical Mask
This type of mask is used when coming into contact with a patient who has tuberculosis or any other airborne disease: _______________.
Mask with particulate air respirator
True or False: Mouth to Mouth resuscitation may transmit disease?
True
If a patient is infected when you need to perform CPR use these devices: _________________ or __________________.
Pocket Mask or Bag Mask Device
Proper _______________ of sharps helps avoid HIV and Hepatitis contact.
Disposal
Do not recap, break or _______ needles.
Bend
True or False: You need to dispose of sharp items in an approved closed (marked biohazard) container.
True
True or False: If you follow all the safety guideline as an EMS you are guaranteed a 100% safe and risk-free environment at all times.
False, there is a risk of exposure to communicable diseases and it is a hazard of being and EMT. If you follow OSHA and other national guidelines it will greatly reduce your risk. Know your department’s infection control plan and follow it.
True or False: Infection control should be a part of your daily routine.
True
True or False: You should clean the ambulance at least on a weekly basis.
False, on a daily basis and after each run.
T/F: If germs reach you, you will automatically become infected.
False, you may be already immune to certain pathogens.
How can you personally prevent yourself from becoming ill when exposed to communicable diseases?
Maintain your personal health and receive immunizations when necessary
What immunizations does the CDC recommend for EMTs?
Hepatitis B, Influenza, MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) , Varicella (Chickenpox) and Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)
What condition can you have a skin test done to determine if antibodies are present?
Tuberculosis
What are the five steps to take if you are exposed to a patient’s blood or bodily fluids?
1.) Turn over patient care to another EMS provider
2.) Clean the exposed area
3.) Rinse your eyes for 20 minutes (if needed)
4.) Activate your department’s infection control plan
5.) Complete an exposure report
Begin protecting yourself as soon as you are: ____________
Dispatched
True or False: In terms of hazardous materials, identify what you can from a distance and do not enter unless it is safe to do so.
True
What are some types of EMT encountered hazards?
Electricity, Fire, Vehicle Crashes
If an electricity situation is beyond the scope of EMT training, what is the next step?
Mark off a danger zone
With lightning, a repeat strike can occur and can either hit directly or ____________ is possible.
Ground current
This type of hazard includes: smoke, oxygen deficiency, high temperatures, toxic gases, and building collapses.
Fire
T/F: Vehicle crashes are common events for EMS providers
True
What are some risks involved with vehicle crashes?
Traffic, unstable vehicles, downed power lines and sharp objects (use protective gear)
What are three types of scenes of violence you may encounter as an EMT?
Assaults, Hostage situations and Riots
Which of the following things should you do as an EMT in case of a situation of mass violence? (Choose all that apply)
1.) Know who is in command.
2.) Remain vigilant for the potential for violence.
3.) Allow law enforcement to clear the scene.
4.) At scenes involving projectiles, find protection.
All of the above.
Which of the following are recommendations for preventing violence? (Choose all that apply)
A.) Training and practice identifying scenes of potential violence.
B.) Training and practice with deescalation strategies and techniques
C.) Training and practice improving interpersonal communication.
D.) Dispatch identification and alerting of past or potential threats of violence.
All of the Above
Which of the following is a recommendation for protection against violence? (Select all that apply)
A.) Training and practice in self-defense and escape techniques
B.) Training and practice with physical and chemical escape techniques
C.) Fitting and use of body armor
D.) Training and Pr
All of the Above
How many layers is cold-weather clothing?
Three layers
What is turnout (bunker) gear for?
Heat, fire, sparks and flashover
What are thermal gloves used to protect from?
Heat, cold, cuts
What is the drawback to wearing thermal gloves?
May reduce dexterity
What are helmets used for?
To protect from falling objects
What are boots used for?
Steel in the toes can help prevent toe breaks and crush injuries to the foot as well as cover and protect ankles keeping out stones, debris and snow.
What is an example of eye protection?
Glasses with a side shield
What is an example of ear protection?
Foam earplugs
What is an example of skin protection?
Sunblock
What is an example of body armor?
Vests
What are two of the first things you should say to a critically ill or injured patient when you arrive on scene?
1.) Let the patient know who you are and what you are doing.
2.) Let the patient know you are attending to his or her immediate needs.
Which of the following communication techniques should be used with a critical patient? (Select all that apply)
A.) Focus on sad or grim diagnoses
B.) Orient the patient
C.) Be Honest.
D.) Deal with possible initial refusal of care
E. Allow for hope
F.) Locate and notify family members
All but A - Avoid sad and grim comments about condition.
Which of the following steps should be taken after the death of a child? (Select all that apply)
1.) Help the family in any way you can.
- Let the family’s actions be your guide.
3.) Prepare the parents.
Death either occurs ____________ or ___________________________________.
Suddenly or after a prolonged, terminal illness
True or False: The EMT will face death.
True
What are the five stages of grieving?
1.) Denial
2.) Anger, Hostility
3.) Bargaining
4.) Depression
5.) Acceptance
Which of the following things should the EMT do as their role when a patient has died? (Select all that apply)
A.) Ask how you can help.
B.) Distract from the reality.
C.) Be Honest.
D.) Allow the patient and family to grieve.
A, C and D are correct.
B is incorrect - You need to re-inforce reality.
True or False: EMS is a low stress job.
False: It is high stress.
True or False: It is important to know the causes of stress and how to deal with them
True
What are the three stages of General Adaptation Syndrome?
1.) Alarm Response to Stress
2.) Reaction and Resistance
3.) Recovery - or Exhaustion
Name some physiologic signs of stress?
1.) Increased respirations or heart rate
2.) Increased blood pressure
3.) Cool, clammy skin
4.) Dilated pupils
5.) Tensed Muscles
6.) Increased Blood Glucose Level
7.) Perspiration
8.) Decreased blood flow to GI tract
List some examples of stressful situations that an EMT may encounter?
1.) Dangerous situations
2.) Physical and psychological demands
3.) Critically ill or injured patients
4.) Dead and dying patients
5.) Overpowering sights, smells and sounds
6.) Situations with multiple patients
7.) Angry or upset patients, family members or bystanders
8.) Unpredictability and demands of EMS
This type of stress reaction occurs during a stressful situation.
Acute Stress Reaction
This type of stress reaction manifests after the stressful event.
Delayed Stress Reaction
This type of stress reaction occurs after prolonged or excessive stress.
Cumulative Stress Reaction
What are some physical symptoms of stress?
1.) Fatigue
2.) Appetite changes
3.) GI problems
4.) Headaches
5.) Insomnia or Hypersomnia
6.) Irritability
7.) Inability to concentrate
8.) Hyperactivity or underactivity
What are some psychological symptoms of stress?
1.) Fear
2.) Dull or non-responsive behavior
3.) Depression
4.) Guilt
5.) Oversensitivity, anger, irritability and frustration
________________ stress is caused by acute sever stressors.
Critical Incident Stress
What are some examples of Critical Incident Stress?
1.) Mass casualty incidents
2.) Serious injury or traumatic death of a child
3.) Crashes with injuries caused by emergency provider while traveling to or from a call
4.) Death or serious injury of a coworker in the line of duty
This condition may develop following a psychologically distressing event.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
This condition is characterized by re-experiencing an event and over-responding to stimuli that recall the event.
PTSD
This type of stress management is used to help providers relieve stress, can occur formally or at an ongoing scene and is facilitated by trained professionals: ________________________.
Critical Incident Stress Management
This is caused by a combination of exhaustion, cynicism and reduced performance resulting from long-term job stress.
Burnout
True or False: Burnout affects the well being of the EMT alone with the crew members and patients.
True
__________________ is also known as secondary stress disorder.
Compassion Fatigue
True or False: Compassion fatigue is characterized by a gradual lessening of compassion.
True
What are the symptoms of compassion fatigue?
1.) High absenteeism
2.) Inability to work in teams
3.) Lack of empathy for patients
4.) Judgmental attitude toward patients
True or False: Suicide rate among emergency responders is lower than the rest of the population.
False, it is higher.
_____________ is considered to be the largest contributing factor to suicide.
Job Stress
True or False: Several organizations and mental health services are available to provide emotional support.
True
T/F: At times, health care providers have trouble overcoming personal reactions and proceeding without hesistation?
True
The struggle to remain calm in the face of horrible circumstances contributes to ______________ stress.
Emotional Stress
What steps should an EMT take to deescalate the stress level for a patient in stressful situations?
1.) Quickly and calmly assess the actions of the patient, family members and bystanders.
2.) Use a professional tone and show courtesy.
3.) Allow the patient to express their fear.
4.) Respect religious customs and needs.
T/F: You are expected to work with coworkers of varying backgrounds, beliefs and values
True
_____________ includes: nationality, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, work experience and education.
Culture
T/F: It is smart to communicate in a way that is sensitive to everyone’s needs.
True
What are the two types of workplace sexual harassment?
Quid Pro Quo & Hostile Work Environment
What is the term describing sexual harassment that involves a request for sexual favors?
Quid Pro Quo (“This for That”)
What is the term describing sexual harassment that involves inappropriate jokes, touch, etc.?
Hostile Work Environment
True or False: You only need to report extreme cases of sexual harassment to your supervisor.
False; all cases need to be reported immediately and keep notes of each incident.
This type of abuse increases risks on the job and leads to poor decision making: ________________.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse programs are often available called: ______________________.
Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
An injury and illness prevention program should include the following 6 things:
1.) Management leadership
2.) Worker participation
3.) Hazard ID and assessment
4.) Hazard Prevention and control
5.) Education and Training
6.) Program Eval and Improvement
