EMS Systems

Question 1

Define Medic

Answer 1

A person who acts as a prehospital provider.

Question 2

What is the first recorded instance of a Medic

Answer 2

Trajan’s Column, a Roman victory column, depicts the first Dacian War (101-102), and shows Medics called Capsari tending to injured soldiers. They were named after capsa, a specialized box of bandages they carried.

Question 3

What is the first recorded use of a tourniquet

Answer 3

Thin strips of bronze where used as tourniquets in Alexander the Great’s army, 335-323 BCE.

Question 4

What is the first recorded use of an ambulance

Answer 4

A cart used by Spanish soldiers to transport injured persons during the Siege of Málaga in 1487.

Question 5

Who is considered the first modern surgeon

Answer 5

Baron Dominique Larrey, born in 1766, was a French navy surgeon who joined the Revolution in 1792. During this time, he pioneered the forerunner of MASH units, created triage systems, and the ambulances volantes (flying ambulances) that transported wounded during active battle, without differentiating between combatants. Previously, battlefield etiquette had been to postpone medical treatment until after fighting had ended.

At Waterloo in 1815, the Duke of Wellington noted Larrey’s courage under fire and ordered his men not to shoot at Larrey so that “the brave man could gather up the wounded.” While attempting to escape, Larrey was taken prisoner by Prussian soldiers, who initially planned to execute him. However, Larrey was recognized by a German surgeon who may have known that he had saved the life of General Gebhard von Blücher’s son. As a result, Larrey was pardoned, returned to France, and continued to devote his life to medicine until he died in 1842.

Question 6

What significant medical events happened during the American Civil War

Answer 6

During the American Civil War (1861-1865), musicians were utilized as medical assistants and only received on-the-job training. Recognizing the need for a more organized and efficient system, American Surgeon Major Jonathan Letterman created the Ambulance Corps in 1862, which became the basis for modern emergency medical systems.

Clara Barton, an American nurse and civil rights activist, played a significant role during the Civil War. Known as the “Angel of the Battlefield,” Barton organized a network of medical supplies, worked on the frontlines, and was famous for her timely assistance. After the war, she became the primary American representative of the Red Cross, and is credited with revolutionizing the way medical non-profits function.

Question 7

When was the first US Medic school opened

Answer 7

Because of poor performance by US Medics in WW1 (1914-1918) the US army created a formal medical curriculum, opening the US Medical Field Service School in 1921.

Question 8

What does NREMT stand for

Answer 8

National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians

Question 9

What does BLS stand for

Answer 9

Basic Life Support

Question 10

What does ALS stand for

Answer 10

Advanced Life Support

Question 11

Define the 4 levels of EMS certification

Answer 11

Emergency Medical Responder: A person who is certified in airway maneuvers, hemorrhage control, CPR, AED use, and first aid.

Emergency Medical Technician: A person who is certified in BLS, limited pharmacology, and assistance to higher levels of providers.

Advanced Emergency Medical Technician: A person who is certified in IV and IO therapy, and additional pharmacology.

Paramedic: A person who is certified in ALS, ECG interpretation, emergency pharmacology, endotracheal intubation, and limited field surgeries.

Question 12

What significant medical events happened in 1966

Answer 12

Accidental Death and Disability: The Neglected Disease of Modern Society, also known as the White Paper, was published. It stated that Vietnam soldiers had a better survival rate than California motorists in the case of serious injury. It outlined that Funeral Homes provided most EMS services, used inadequate equipment, and that providers received little to no training.

The National Highway Safety Act was passed, charging the Department of Transportation with developing EMS standards. This led to the founding of the NREMT in 1970, and the four levels of EMTs in 2000.

Question 13

Define Certification

Answer 13

Certification is acknowledgment that a person has met certain minimum standards of safe and ethical care.

Question 14

Define Licensing

Answer 14

Licensing is approval by a government organization that a person has the ability to preform certain medical interventions.

Question 15

What does CPT, MA, CNA, LPN, RN, PA, and MD stand for

Answer 15

1. Certified Phlebotomy Technician
2. Medical Assistant
3. Certified Nurse Assistant
4. Licensed Practical Nurse
5. Registered Nurse
6. Physician’s Assistant
7. Medical Doctor / Physician

Question 16

Define Medical Director

Answer 16

A physician who assumes ultimate responsibility for an EMT’s patient care.

Question 17

Define OLMC

Answer 17

On-Line Medical Control is the process of contacting an on duty physician to receive individualized orders.

Question 18

Define CQI

Answer 18

Continuous Quality Improvement is the process of constant review with the purpose of identifying and correcting aspects of a system.

Question 19

Define Designated Agent

Answer 19

A person authorized by a Medical Director to preform interventions. This authorization expands the Medical Director’s license, allowing Designated Agents to practice medicine.

Question 20

Define Evidence-Based

Answer 20

Medical techniques that are supported by scientific evidence.

Question 21

Define a Protocol

Answer 21

A list of steps created by a Medical Director to follow during specific situations.

Question 22

Define Standing Orders

Answer 22

A protocol issued by a Medical Director that authorizes designated agents to preform medical interventions.