DEATH IN THE FIELD P18 Flashcards
What signs require asystole to be recorded on a cardiac monitor and confirmed in at least 2 leads to consider the patient’s death irreversible?
a. Perspiration
b. Rigor mortis
c. Liver Mortis
d. B&C are correct
Answer: rigor mortis and liver Mortis
How soon after death can livor mortis start, and when does it usually become fixed?
a. Starts immediately after death and becomes fixed after 1 hour
b. Starts after 30 minutes and becomes fixed after 2 days
c. Starts after 30 minutes and becomes fixed 6-8 hours after death
d. Starts after 12 hours and becomes fixed after 24 hours
Answer: c. Starts after 30 minutes and becomes fixed 6-8 hours after death
When are cardiac arrests in obviously pregnant women NOT excluded from termination in the field?
a. If the woman has a documented Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNRO)
b. If the woman has a weak pulse
c. If the woman meets the criteria for obvious death or apparently irreversible death
d. A&C are correct
D. Cardiac arrests in obviously pregnant women are excluded from termination in the field, UNLESS the mother meets the criteria for obvious death OR apparently irreversible death OR has a valid DNRO.
What must be documented when releasing the scene or body after resuscitation is withheld or terminated?
a. The time of death
b. The names of all EMS personnel involved
c. The officer or persons on the scene assuming responsibility
d. The cause of death
Answer: c. The officer or persons on the scene assuming responsibility
What information must be included in the ePCR documentation after resuscitation is withheld or terminated?
a. The patient’s medical history
b. The time of death
c. The reason(s) for terminating or not initiating resuscitation
d. The cost of resuscitative measures
Answer: c) Reason(s) for terminating or not initiating resuscitation. Including All resuscitative measures, if applicable, including the location(s) of unsuccessful vascular access attempts.
