Equipment to Scene.

Question 1

Why is ‘Equipment to Scene’ important?

Answer 1

Equipment to Scene.
It is essential to arrive by the side of any patient with the equipment appropriate to their needs.

This is a basic professional standard required of all ambulance staff and an expectation of the patient and their relatives.

Question 2

Who can provide Pre-arrival information

Answer 2

The Dispatch/Control Centre now gives accurate pre-arrival information with the introduction of medical priority based dispatch systems.

Although this pre-arrival information is a very useful guide, it is possible that it may be inaccurate, or the patient’s condition has changed significantly since the call was made.

Question 3

Why it’s important to be prepared?

Answer 3

Being properly prepared and equipped allows the consistent delivery of the best possible care to patients on every occasion.

It is a positive expression of the primary concern for the well-being of a patient.

Question 4

To be unprepared for any emergency situation is?

Answer 4

an unacceptable reflection on: any professional as an individual and the health care organisation, or the Ambulance Service Trust they they work for.

Question 5

Dangers of being unprepared without equipment on scene

Answer 5

Arrival by the side of the patient without the necessary equipment can seriously threaten their chances of survival.

A delay of 1-2 minutes for example, to go back and retrieve a defibrillator from the ambulance, for an unexpected cardiac arrest case, will reduce the patient’s chances of survival by 10-20% if they present in ventricular fibrillation.

Question 6

What First Response equipment is requirement for all medical cases, including collapses, shortness of breath, unconsciousness, asthma emergencies, chest pain, fitting, cardiac arrest, etc?

Answer 6

A case or bag containing the following equipment must be taken to the patient:

• Cardiac monitor/defibrillator or AED for immediate defibrillation.

First Response equipment including

• Oxygen therapy equipment including adult &
  paediatric 100% masks.
• Aspirator.
• Bag/Mask/Reservoir.
• Airway maintenance equipment.
• Cardiac/emergency drugs
• Cannulation equipment.
• Wound dressings.
• Drugs case (if authorised to carry).

Question 7

For all trauma incidents, including RTA’s and falls, what extra equipment must also be taken to the patient, addition to the First Response Equipment?

Answer 7

• A set of cervical collars to assist with the immobilisation of the cervical spine

Question 8

The Ventilator on the Ambulance

Answer 8

The ventilator on the Ambulance:

Can normally be left in the vehicle for immediate connection when the patient is loaded, or it may alternatively be taken to the patient where it may be used to assist with an ongoing resuscitation.

Question 9

Medical, surgical, other cases, and first response equipment case or bag on the Ambulance

Answer 9

Medical, surgical, other cases, and first response equipment case or bag on the Ambulance:

Should be taken to the patient to provide immediate necessary treatment, e.g. oxygen therapy.