Chapter 2: The Well Being of the EMT

Question 1

Pathogen

Answer 1

the organisms that cause infections such as viruses and bacteria

Question 2

Standard Precautions

Answer 2

a strict form of infection control is based on the assumption that all blood and other body fluid are infectious

Question 3

Contamination

Answer 3

the introduction of dangerous chemicals, disease, or infectious materials

Question 4

Stress

Answer 4

a state of physical and/or psychological arousal to a stimulus

Question 5

Why limit your caffeine intake?

Answer 5

Crashes from caffeine; can make your decision making and reaction times can still be impaired

Question 6

Bloodborne Pathogen

Answer 6

contracted by contact with blood through wounds, sores, and mucous membranes (nose, mouth, or eyes)

Question 7

Airborne Pathogens

Answer 7

spread by tiny droplets sprayed during breathing, coughing, or sneezing (can be absorbed through the eyes or when you inhale)

Question 8

OSHA strict guidelines about precautions against exposure to bloodborne pathogens

Answer 8

○ Employers must provide training, immunizations, and proper PPE
Employees must follow

Question 9

What precautions need to be taken when you suspect tuberculosis?

Answer 9

N95, if the patient is suspected to be alert they may be asked to wear a mask

Question 10

When would you wear a gown?

Answer 10

birth or multiple bloody injuries

Question 11

hepatitis

Answer 11

an infection that causes inflammation of the liver, comes in several forms, including hepatitis A, B, C, and other strains.
incubation: weeks to months depending on type

Question 12

hepatitis A

Answer 12

contact with food or water contaminated with feces

Question 13

hepatitis B

Answer 13

contracted from blood or other bodily fluid; can live for many days in dried blood; can be deadly; there is a vaccine

Question 14

hepatitis C

Answer 14

infects many EMS providers but there is no vaccine

Question 15

tuberculosis

Answer 15

an infection that sometimes settles in the lungs and that in some cases can be fatal; highly contagious; must wear N95 b/c airborne; incubation is 2-6 weeks

Question 16

where are you more likely to come into contact with tuberculosis?

Answer 16

nursing homes. correctional facilities, homeless shelters

Question 17

AIDs

Answer 17

a set of conditions that results when the immune system has been attacked by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and rendered unable to combat certain infections adequately
○ No cure or vaccine
○ Virus does not survive well out of the body
incubation 11 to 21 days

Question 18

SARS & MERS

Answer 18

viral respiratory infections must use N95

Question 19

Chickenpox

Answer 19

airborne droplets; can be spread by open sores; incubation time of 11-21 days

Question 20

german measles (rubella)

Answer 20

airborne droplets; incubation time of 10-12 days

Question 21

meningitis

Answer 21

oral and nasal secretin; incubation 2-10 days

Question 22

pneumonia

Answer 22

oral and nasal droplets and secretion; incubation time several days

Question 23

mumps

Answer 23

droplets of saliva or objects contaminated by saliva; incubation time 14 to 24 days

Question 24

staphylococcal skin infections

Answer 24

direct contact with infected wounds or sores or with contaminated objects

Question 25

whooping cough

Answer 25

respiratory secretion or airborne droplets incubation of 6 to 20 days

Question 26

What is the Ryan White CARE act?

Answer 26

allows EMT to find out if they have been exposed to life-threatening infectious diseases while providing care (2 different notification systems airborne (you will be notified) and bloodborne (you may submit a request)

Question 27

Indication for use of a N95?

Answer 27

productive cough, high risk for TB, performing high-risk behavior (endotracheal suctioning or intubation)

Question 28

What is the purpose of a tuberculin skin test?

Answer 28

can detect exposure so you can request treatment

Question 29

Common stressors in EMS

Answer 29

• Multiple-casualty incidents 
	• Calls involving infants and children 
	• Severe injuries 
	• Abuse and neglect 
Death of a coworker

Question 30

Stages of the Stress response

Answer 30

• First stage: alarm reaction 
		○ Fight or flight syndrome 
	• Second Stage: stage of resistance 
		○ Body returns to normal functioning 
	• Third Stage: exhaustion 
		○ Prolonged exposure leads to the stress triad and can lose the ability to resist or adapt to the stressor

Question 31

Three different types of stress reaction

Answer 31

acute, delayed, cumulative

Question 32

critical incident

Answer 32

any situation that triggers a strong emotional response

Question 33

acute stress reaction

Answer 33

○ Develop simultaneously or shortly after the critical incident
Any sign of acute medical problems or acute psychological problems demand immediate corrective action

Question 34

delayed stress reaction or PTSD

Answer 34

○ Flashbacks, nightmares, feeling of detachment, irritability, sleep difficulties or problems with concentration or interpersonal relationships
Requires intervention by a mental health professional

Question 35

cumulative stress reactions

Answer 35

○ Burnout
○ Occurs from a sustained recurring low-level stressor or possibly more than one over a period of years.
○ Earliest signs are subtle: vague anxiety, boredom, apathy and a feeling of emotional exhaustion
○ Without appropriate intervention, the person’s physical, emotional, and behavioral condition will continue to deteriorate, with manifestations such as migraines, increased smoking or alcohol intake, loss of sexual drive, poor interpersonal relationships, deterioration in work performance, limited self-control, and significant depression
May present as physical illness

Question 36

Critical incident stress management (CISM)

Answer 36

a comprehensive system that includes education and resources to both prevent stress and to deal with stress appropriately when it does occur. EMS systems and organizations have different systems for dealing with stress prevention, critical incident stress, and chronic stress, including wellness incentives, professional counseling, and peer support.

Question 37

Critical incident stress debriefing

Answer 37

where the team meets with a health professional 24-72 hours after the incident to help them deal with the stress
No longer recommended

Question 38

denial

Answer 38

‘no me’

Question 39

anger

Answer 39

“why me”

Question 40

bargaining

Answer 40

‘ok, but first let me’

Question 41

depression

Answer 41

‘ok, but i haven’t’

Question 42

acceptance

Answer 42

‘ok, i’m not afraid’

Question 43

Effective techniques for interacting with patients and family member in scenarios involving death or dying

Answer 43

• Recognize the patient’s need
• Be tolerant of angry reactions from the patient or family members
• Listen empathetically
• Do not falsely reassure
Offer as much comfort as you realistically can

Question 44

hazardous material incident

Answer 44

○ Maintain a safe distance
○ Use binocular an the Emergency Response Guidebook to figure out what to do
Don’t treat patients until they are decontaminated

Question 45

terrorist incident

Answer 45

May include chemical agents, biological agents, radiation, and/or explosive devices

Question 46

rescue operations

Answer 46

○ Rescuing or disentangling victims from fires, auto collisions, explosions, electrocutions, and more
○ Never perform acts you are not properly trained to do
Need to wear turnout gear (protective eyewear, helmet, and puncture-proof gloves)

Question 47

violence

Answer 47

○ Always make sure you are safe before trying to treat a patient
○ Dangerous person or pets, people with weapons, intoxicated people
Plan, observe, react

Question 48

3 Rs of reacting to danger

Answer 48

retreat
radio to warn others and call police
reevaluate