Chapter 2 Audio Book Transcript Study Flashcards
What are the main risks faced by emergency medical technicians (EMTs)?
EMTs face risks such as infectious diseases, occupational injuries, physical violence, sleep deprivation, compassion fatigue, PTSD, and suicide.
Why is personal wellness important for EMTs?
Personal wellness ensures EMTs can care for their physical, mental, and emotional health, enabling them to provide effective patient care.
What are the characteristics of positive stress, or eustress?
Eustress improves focus, energy, and job satisfaction, particularly during high-pressure situations.
How does chronic distress affect EMTs?
Chronic distress can lead to anxiety, loss of focus, and long-term psychological and physical difficulties.
What practices help increase resilience in EMTs?
Practices include a healthy diet, regular sleep (7–9 hours), positive relationships, exercise, mindfulness, and positivity.
How can EMTs manage stress effectively?
They can manage stress through nutrition, physical activity, mental exercises, and short breaks or naps during shifts.
What nutritional practices are recommended for EMTs?
EMTs should eat balanced meals, limit sugar and fat intake, stay hydrated, and carry high-energy snacks for sustained performance.
What are the guidelines for safe lifting for EMTs?
Pre-plan moves, bend at the knees, keep weight close to the body, and lift with the legs, not the back.
Why is sleep important for EMTs, and how can they improve its quality?
Sleep is crucial for physical and mental recovery. Improving sleep involves creating a dark, quiet environment and maintaining consistent sleep schedules.
What are common infectious diseases EMTs must guard against?
Diseases include hepatitis, tuberculosis, and COVID-19, transmitted through direct, indirect, airborne, and vector-borne means.
What is the significance of personal protective equipment (PPE)?
PPE protects EMTs from bloodborne pathogens and other hazardous exposures during patient care.
How should EMTs decontaminate an ambulance?
Clean surfaces with a 1:10 bleach solution or approved disinfectants, remove contaminated linen, and dispose of waste in biohazard bags.
What are the types of immunity EMTs may have?
Immunity can be natural, acquired through vaccination, or developed after recovering from an illness.
How should EMTs manage a potential exposure to infectious diseases?
Report the exposure immediately, clean the affected area, and follow post-exposure protocols as guided by supervisors.
What strategies help EMTs cope with patient deaths?
Techniques include clear communication, supporting family members, providing privacy, and involving counseling or peer support.
What is burnout, and how can EMTs prevent it?
Burnout is chronic job stress resulting in exhaustion and reduced performance. Prevention includes managing workload, taking breaks, and seeking mental health support.
What is compassion fatigue, and how does it differ from PTSD?
Compassion fatigue arises from caring for traumatized individuals, while PTSD stems from direct exposure to traumatic events.
What is critical incident stress management (CISM)?
CISM is a process to address acute stress after traumatic events, including defusing and debriefing sessions facilitated by professionals.
How can EMTs maintain cultural competency in the workplace?
EMTs should respect diverse backgrounds, communicate effectively, and strive for cultural humility by being open to others’ perspectives.
What is sexual harassment, and how should EMTs address it?
Sexual harassment includes unwelcome advances and hostile behaviors. EMTs should report incidents and adhere to workplace policies.
How does substance abuse impact EMT performance?
Substance abuse impairs decision-making, increases accidents, and poses risks to patient care. Random testing and intervention programs help mitigate risks.
What are the stages of grief as identified by Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross?
The stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, which may occur sequentially or simultaneously.
What measures ensure EMT safety at hazardous scenes?
Measures include wearing appropriate PPE, securing the scene, and staying upwind or uphill from hazards.
Why is teamwork important in emergency medical services?
Effective teamwork fosters better patient care, improved communication, and shared responsibility among culturally diverse colleagues.
What role does professional demeanor play in patient interactions?
A calm, professional demeanor reassures patients, alleviates their fears, and builds confidence in the EMT’s ability to provide care.
