Chapter 2 Flashcards
“Not me.”
Denial
5 Emotional Stages of Death
Denial Anger Bargaining Depression Acceptance
“Why me?”
Anger
“Okay, but first let me…”
Bargaining
“Okay, but I haven’t…”
Depression
“Okay, I’m not afraid.”
Acceptance
Describe some high stress situations for EMS personnel.
MCIs; abuse and neglect of patients; emergencies involving kids; providing care to a relative or friend; severe traumatic injuries.
What are the characteristics of acute stress?
(Signs and symptoms occur immediately.)
Nausea, elevated HR, sweating, tremors, loss of appetite, excessive eating, insomnia, trouble concentrating.
What are the characteristics of delayed stress reaction?
(s/s not evident immediately - days, months, or years later.)
PTSD, irritability, nightmares, flash backs, decreased ability to relate to others, increased internal conflict.
What are the characteristics of cumulative stress reaction?
(Result of consistent stress exposure.)
Burnout-state of exhaustion and irradiating.
s/s of Stress
Thinking - confusion, forgetfulness, inability to decide, loss of motivation.
Psychological - depression, anger, mood swings, defensiveness.
Physical - exhaustion, headaches, GI distress, dizziness, increased HR
Behavioral - overacting, alcohol or drug use, teeth grinding, hyperactivity, lack of energy.
Social - decreased ability to relate to other or resolve interpersonal conflicts.
Describe lifestyle changes you can make to cope with stress.
Improve your diet. Exercise more. Relax. Avoid self-medicating.
Describe responses from friends/family may have to your work in EMS.
Lack of understanding. Fear or separation or being ignored. Worry about on-call situations. Inability to plan. Frustrated desire to share.
Describe ways to manage stress in an EMS work environment.
Develop a buddy system with a coworker. Encourage and support coworkers. Take a break and exercise. Rotate your duty assignment.
Discuss the components of critical incident stress management.
CISD, defusing, spouse and family support, follow-up services, one-on-one support, on-scene peer support.
Diseases caused by bacteria.
Sinus infection; ear infection; bacterial pneumonia; strep throat; TB; UTI.
Diseases caused by viruses.
Common cold; flu; AIDS; hepatitis; viral pneumonia; SARS; chicken virus.
Diseases caused by fungi.
Forms of pneumonia. (Typically do not cause infection in normal immune systems.)
Diseases caused by Protozoa.
Malaria. (Frequently enter body through fecal-oral route.)
Diseases caused by helminths.
Parasitic worms - roundworms, tapeworms, flukes. (Usually introduced through worm eggs in food or water.)
Describe measures that you can take to protect yourself from disease and/or injury.
Standard Precautions
Hand washing; PPE (eye protection, protective gloves, gowns, masks); wash uniform in hot soapy water; use disposable equipment but NEVER reuse it.
Describe how to protect employees from infectious exposures.
Cleaning; disinfecting; sterilization (anything in contact with mucous membranes or open/internal structures); immunizations; reporting exposures.
Risks and prevention measures for Hepatitis B.
Contracted through blood and body fluids.
Wear gloves. Bandage all open wounds on hands. Wash hands after removing gloves. Get hep B vaccine. Double-bag and seal all soiled refuse. Disinfect/sterilize all nondisposable equipment.
Risks and prevention measures for Hepatitis C.
Bloodborne infection in U.S. Transmitted through needlestick. No vaccine.
Risks and prevention measures for TB.
Spread by cough droplets and infected sputum.
Wear gloves and respirator (HEPA, N-95); use OSHA-approved equipment for artificial ventilation; wash hands; disinfect.
Risks and prevention measures for HIV/AIDS.
Transmitted through: sex, infected needles, infect blood, in gestation.
Follow Standard Precautions at all times.
Risks and prevention measures for SARS.
Transmitted by person-to-person contact by respiratory droplets.
Wear surgical mask, glasses, and gloves. Put mask on patient. Do NOT touch eyes, nose, or mouth with gloved hands. Wash hands.
Risks and prevention measures for West Nile Virus.
Transmitted by infected mosquito.
Use Standard Precautions.
Risks and prevention measures for Multi-Resistant Organisms.
Transmitted through direct person-to-person contact.
Use Standard Precautions and wash hands.
Explain the risks and measures to protect yourself against HM.
Use binoculars to identify substance. Provide care only when scene is safe, contamination is limited, and patients are decon.
Explain the risks and measures to protect yourself against Rescue Siutations.
Call for assistance before attempting to reach patient. Follow local protocol. Wear appropriate PPE.
Explain the risks and measures to protect yourself against Traffic-related Injuries.
On highway wear Class 2 or 3 high-visibility vest. May consider waterproof and slip-resistant boots and gloves.
Explain the risks and measures to protect yourself against violence and crimes.
Make sure LEO secures scene before entering. May consider using body armor.
Describe the components to physical and mental wellness.
Physical fitness-cardio, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, body comp
Adequate sleep
Smoking cessation
Alcohol and drug-related issues
