EMS Operations Flashcards
Different types of ambulances
Type 1, 2, 3, 4
Inspect with Engine off and On***
Running lights ect….need to be checked with lights on -
Check the dash-mounted indicators to see if any light remains on to indicate a possible problem with oil pressure, eng temp, or vehicles electrical system
Check dash mounted gauges for proper operation
depress the brake pedal. pedal travel / air pressure
test the parking brake. Move transmission level to drive. parking brake is holding
turn steering wheel from side to side
windshield wipers
warning lights
vehicle lights
heating and air
transmission fluid
operate communication equip
BLS only - Alpha level call 1Hr
.
Bravo - Engine & BLS
.
Charlie - closest ALS
.
Delta ALS engine ALS rescue
.
CAD
computer aided dispatch
park vehicle 50 to 100 in front if have a blocking vehicle
.
park vehicle 50 to 100 in back if no blocking vehicle
.
patient carrying device must have how many straps
990**
first at chest level, hip or waist, lower extremity, fourth strap if two are crossed at the chest
most used - best safety device used in the ambulance
seat belt
before being back in service
disenfect , change linen
helicopter - pt inter facility transfer
care no different than on ground is largest need
use these for quick transport - however when you call the quickest they can get to you & land is 40 min
prolonged extrication
.
minimum landing zone 100x100
.
most dangerous area
tail router - approach from the front
scene safety - people control with helicopter
.
Ambulances, type 1, 2, 3, 4
.
Ensuring Readiness for Service
• Make sure vehicle and equipment are ready for use at
beginning of every shift
• Ambulance inspection, engine off
• Ambulance inspection, engine on
• Inspection of patient compartment supplies and equipment
Think About It
• As I walk around the vehicle (engine-on and engine-off check), what information do I get from what I hear, see, and smell?
Receiving and Responding to a Call
• Emergency Medical Dispatcher
– Interrogate caller and assign priority to call
– Provide pre-arrival medical instructions to callers and information to crews
– Dispatch and coordinate EMS resources
– Coordinate with other public safety agencies
Operating the Ambulance
• Safe operation • Understand the law • Use warning devices • Speed and safety • Escorted or multiple vehicle responses • Respond safely
Highway Safety
• Keep unnecessary units and people off highway
• Avoid crossovers unless turn can be completed without
obstructing traffic
• Wear all PPE
• Place cones/flares and reduce
emergency lighting
• Unit placement is important
Four Steps of Transferring
• Select proper patient-carrying device • Package patient for transfer • Move patient to ambulance • Load patient into ambulance
Packaging the Patient
• Readying patient to be moved and combining patient and patient-carrying
device as unit ready for transfer
• Sick or injured patient must be packaged so that condition is not aggravated
• Before placing patient on carrying device
– Complete necessary care for wounds, other injuries
– Stabilize impaled objects
– Check dressings and splints
• Cover patient and secure to patient carrying device
Protecting the Patient
• Must be secured to patient-carrying device
• Minimum of three straps to secure
– Chest level, waist level, lower extremities
• Use shoulder harness if available
Protecting the EMT
- EMT at greater risk in patient compartment
- Make sure all equipment is secured
- Remain seated
- Wear seat belt and harness if possible
- Avoid unnecessary movement during response and transport
Preparing Patient for Transport to Hospital
- Continue assessment
- Secure stretcher in place in ambulance
- Position and secure patient
- Adjust security straps
Preparing Patient for Transport to Hospital
- Prepare for respiratory and cardiac complications
- Loosen constricting clothing
- Load personal effects
- Talk to the patient
Caring for Patient En Route to Hospital
- Notify hospital
- Continue to provide emergency care as required
- Use safe practices during transport
- Compile additional patient information
Transferring Patient to Emergency Department
- If routine admission or non-life-threatening injury, check what is to be done with patient
- Assist emergency department staff, provide verbal report
- As soon as free from patient care, prepare prehospital care report
- Transfer patient’s personal effects
- Obtain your release from hospital
Terminating the Call: At the Hospital
- Clean patient compartment
- Prepare equipment for service
- Replace expendable items
- Exchange equipment according to local policy
- Make up ambulance cot
Terminating the Call: En Route to Quarters
• Radio dispatch with your status
• Air out ambulance if
necessary for odor control
• Refuel ambulance
Terminating the Call: In Quarters
- Place badly contaminated linens in biohazard containers
- Clean equipment
- Disinfect non-disposable equipment
When to Call for Air Rescue
• Operational reasons
– Speeding transport to distant trauma center
• Medical reasons
– High priority patients requiring advanced care or procedures not
available at local hospital
Information to Give When Calling for Air Rescue
- Name and call-back number
- Agency name
- Nature of situation
- Exact location (crossroads, major landmarks)
- Exact location and description of landing zone
LZ
100 x 100
Approach from front or side
EMS Operations Chapter Review
• Inspect the vehicle to assure that it is complete and that critical items can be easily located.
• The laws in most states allow the driver of an emergency vehicle running “hot” to
break some of the vehicle and traffic laws; however it must be done with due regard.
EMS Operations Chapter Review
• Pay attention to driving.
• Secure all gear.
• Always wear your seat belt.
• Know the medical and operational reasons
for helicopter transport and know how to set up a safe landing zone.
Remember EMS Operations
• Ambulances must be properly stocked and prepared. Pre-call inspections assure readiness and appropriate equipment.
• Emergency Medical Dispatchers enhance patient care by providing pre-arrival
instructions and by obtaining information for responders.
Remember EMS Operations
• Each state has statutes regulating operation of emergency vehicles. EMTs
must be familiar with local rules and regulations.
• EMTs should use good judgment and due regard for safety of others when operating
an ambulance.
Remember EMS Operations
• The four steps involved in transferring the patient to the ambulance are selecting
proper patient-carrying device, packaging patient for transfer, moving patient to ambulance, and loading patient into ambulance.
Remember EMS Operations
- Patients should be safely secured prior to the ambulance’s moving. Assessment and care must continue during transport.
- The primary concern of transfer of care is continuation of patient care. Failure to do so properly can be considered abandonment.
Remember EMS Operations
• Cleaning the ambulance, replacing used supplies and equipment, and readying the
ambulance stretcher are important elements the EMT must complete while terminating a call. However, EMTs should be prepared for unusual circumstances.
Remember EMS Operations
• Indications for utilizing air rescue may include both operational and medical
reasons. EMTs should be familiar with local protocols for accessing and utilizing air rescue transport.
