Chapter 3 Study Guide Flashcards
What are the general guidelines the EMR needs to keep in mind every time they move a patient?
- Do no further harm to the patient
- Move the patient only when necessary
- Move the patient as few times as possible
Move the patient’s body as a unit - Use proper lifting and moving techniques
- Have one rescuer give commands
List the rules of good body mechanics
- Use the strength of the large muscles in your legs to life patients instead of using your back muscles
- Keep your back straight
- Lift without twisting body
- Ensure you have a firm footing
- Assess the weight of the patient
- Know your physical limitations
- Call for help if needed
- Communicate with others that are lifting
- Practice lifts and moves
When should an emergency move be used?
- Danger of fire, explosion, or structural collapse
- Hazardous materials are present
- The emergency scene cannot be protected
- It is otherwise impossible to gain access to other patients who need lifesaving care
- The patient has experienced cardiac arrest
List the different types of emergency drags & when they should be used
Clothes drag - Most common, used where there is not enough room, cardiac arrest, provide CPR.
Blanket drag - Used if patient is not dressed, clothes can be easily ripped
Arm-to-arm drag - Used to move a heavy patient
List the different types of emergency drags & when they should be used
Clothes drag - Most common, used where there is not enough room, cardiac arrest, provide CPR.
Blanket drag - Used if patient is not dressed, clothes can be easily ripped
Arm-to-arm drag - Used to move a heavy patient
Firefighter drag - Not used in EMS
List different types of carries for non-ambulatory patients & when they should be used
Two-person extremity carry: Patient can not move with assistance or by themselves
Two-person seat carry: Not really used
Cradle-in-arms carry: For infants
Two-person chair carry: Coming down stairs
Pack-strap carry: single carry, not really used
Direct ground lift: Patient is on the floor, not used for patients who have traumatic injury
Transferring a patient from bed to stretcher
When should a wheeled ambulance stretcher, portable stretcher, & stair chair be used?
Wheeled ambulance stretcher: smooth surface, accessible to patient
Portable stretcher: Used when an ambulance stretcher can not fit into a small space
Stair chair: Used to carry a patient in the SITTING position
Useful for patients with shortness of breath or are more comfortable sitting, not used for traumatic injuries
List the immobilization devices & when each should be used
Long backboards: For moving patients with trauma and transporting in small places. If patient has a back or neck injury.
Short backboards: Used when need to immobilize head and spine of patients in a SITTING position.
Scoop stretcher: Helpful for moving patients out of small spaces, NOT used for patients with head or spinal injuries.
Cervical Collar (C-Collar): Prevents excess movement of head and neck. Applied before a patient is placed on a backboard.
When should recovery position be used?
Used for UNCONSCIOUS patients who have NOT suffered trauma.
Keeps airway open and allows secretions to drain from the mouth (vomit, saliva, etc.)
When are cervical collars used?
Used with patients with sustained or suspected head and neck injuries.
Immobilizes excess movement of head and neck.
How should patients with suspected spinal injuries be moved to a backboard?
Log Rolling.
Requires at least 4 rescuers.
Patient is moved as a unit and head is kept in a neutral position at ALL times.
How should a patient be strapped to a backboard?
AFTER patient is centered on the board, secure upper torso (chest) FIRST.
Then, pelvis and upper legs. Last, head.
What do you look for in Airway?
Is it Open, Clear, Maintainable, Need for Suction, Need for Airway Adjuncts
Open: Head tilt chin lift or jaw thrust (spinal injuries)
Clear: (obstructions = suction)
Maintainable: (Can they breathe on their own? Need for OPA, NPA?
What do you look for in Breathing?
Rate, Depth, Ease, Lung Sounds, SPO2, Need for O2?
Rate: Normal (12-20 RR)
Depth: Shallow, Normal, Deep
Ease: Non-labored, labored
Lung Sounds: abnormal sounds, clear bi-laterally?
SPO2: Normal (94-100%)
Need for O2?: Nasal cannulas, Non-rebreather masks, bag valve masks
What do you look for in Circulation?
Pulse; rate + rhythm + quality, Skin Signs, Capillary Refill, Uncontrolled hemorrhage (bleeding).
Pulse - Norm. rate (60-100 BPM) [No pulse, begin CPR]
Rhythm - Regular, Irregular
Quality - Strong, Weak
Skin Signs - Color, Moisture, Temperature
Capillary Refill - Immediate <2 secs, Delayed >2 secs.
Uncontrolled hemorrhage aka bleeding.
