*(PT II. Chapter 3) Workforce Safety And Wellness/Lifting And Moving/Patient Restraint Flashcards
What is the primary cause of infectious diseases?
Pathogens.
How do bacterial infections like strep throat respond to treatment?
They usually respond to prescription antibiotics.
Are viral infections such as the flu responsive to antibiotics?
No, viral infections are resistant to antibiotics.
What are the two main routes of disease transmission?
- Direct contact (person-to-person)
- Indirect contact (through surfaces)
Define an epidemic.
A widespread occurrence of a disease in a community at a particular time.
What does the term ‘bariatrics’ refer to?
The branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of obesity.
What is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
Equipment and supplies necessary to implement appropriate precautions for a specific situation.
What is resiliency in the context of EMT wellness?
The ability to cope with stress without suffering lasting physical or psychological harm.
What are standard precautions?
Minimum infection prevention practices that apply to all patient care situations.
What is supine hypotensive syndrome?
Hypotension in a pregnant woman who is lying supine.
What is the EMT’s first priority at a scene?
Personal safety.
After ensuring personal safety, what are the EMT’s next priorities?
- The safety of partner(s)
- Patient(s)
- Bystanders
What are some measures to maintain scene safety?
- Addressing scene-specific hazards
- Using appropriate infection control techniques
- Safe lifting and moving
- Safe transport
- Appropriate transfer of care procedures
Why is maintaining physical well-being important for EMTs?
To ensure they can perform their duties effectively.
What are some modifiable risk factors for heart disease and stroke that EMTs should address?
- Avoiding smoking/vaping
- Managing hypertension and stress
- Exercising
- Eating a healthy diet
- Managing high cholesterol and diabetes
Why is mental well-being crucial for EMTs?
Because they routinely experience stressful situations and potentially traumatic events.
What are the stages of grief that EMTs may routinely be exposed to when a patient is about to die?
- Denial
- Anger
- Bargaining
- Depression
- Acceptance
What is acute stress?
An immediate reaction. (Fight or flight)
What is delayed stress, and can you give an example?
A stress reaction that develops after a stressful event; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an example.
What is cumulative stress, and what can it lead to in EMTs?
The result of exposure to stressful situations over a prolonged period, which can lead to burnout.
How can EMTs develop resiliency?
- Recognizing signs of stress or burnout
- Finding time for relaxing activities and interests
- Listening to observations of family and friends
- Balancing personal and professional life
- Considering changes in the work environment or counseling
What is Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)?
A formalized process to help emergency workers deal with stress.
Are the information shared during CISM sessions confidential?
Yes, the information shared during a CISM session is confidential.
What is a pandemic?
An outbreak of disease across several countries or continents.
What is the role of OSHA in infectious disease precautions?
OSHA oversees workplace safety regulations, including infectious disease precautions.
What is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection?
Handwashing with soap and water.
What is considered minimum PPE during patient contact?
Gloves and eye protection.
When should expanded PPE, such as gowns and N95 respirators, be used?
During significant body fluid exposure or suspected airborne disease.
How should contaminated medical waste be disposed of?
In special ‘biohazard’ bags according to local and federal guidelines.
Why are disposable supplies preferred for single-patient use?
They reduce the risk of exposure to infectious materials.
How should sharps like needles be disposed of?
In designated puncture-proof containers without recapping.
List at least three immunizations recommended for EMTs.
- TB testing
- Hepatitis B vaccine
- Tetanus shot
What should be done during hazardous material incidents?
- Maintain distance
- Call hazmat responders
- Use the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
What is a power lift technique?
Keeping the object close to the body and using the legs, not the back, to lift.
What are emergency moves, and when are they used?
Techniques used when the scene is dangerous and the patient must be moved immediately.
What is an urgent move, and what is an example?
Used for life-threatening injuries; an example is rapid extrication from a vehicle.
What is the log roll technique?
A method to place a patient on a backboard or assess the posterior, requiring at least three personnel.
What is the capacity of most wheeled stretchers?
At least 350 pounds.
What should EMTs do before entering a crime scene?
Ensure it is cleared as safe by law enforcement.
What safety equipment must EMTs wear at accident scenes?
High-visibility reflective vests.
List examples of additional hazards requiring specialized responders.
- Downed power lines
- Fire situations
- Terrorism incidents
What precautions should EMTs take when moving patients?
- Preplan the lift
- Reduce height
- Get enough help
Why is scene safety critical for EMTs?
To protect themselves, patients, and bystanders while addressing hazards effectively.
What is a stair chair used for?
Excellent for staircases and small elevators but does not allow for cervical spine protection.
What is a backboard, and what are its uses?
A lightweight device used for spinal motion restriction or patient transport.
What is a basket stretcher (Stokes basket)?
A stretcher used to carry patients across uneven terrain or in remote locations.
What is a scoop stretcher, and what is its advantage?
A stretcher that separates into two pieces to minimize patient movement.
What is a neonatal isolette used for?
It is used to keep neonates (new born) warm during transport.
What precautions must be taken for air medical transport packaging?
- Decontaminate the patient if exposed to hazardous materials
- Notify the crew of special circumstances
- Secure loose items
- Never approach the aircraft from the rear
What are special considerations for bariatric (obese) patients?
- Know equipment weight limits
- Request additional help
- Use bariatric ambulances with specialized lifting systems
How should skeletal abnormalities (defected bone development in limbs) be managed during transport?
Use special padding for spinal curvature and follow protocols for spinal motion restriction.
How should pregnant patients be positioned during transport?
Avoid supine positioning to prevent supine hypotensive syndrome. Place patient on left side. Or 20% incline.
When should patients be restrained?
Only when they pose an immediate threat to themselves or others.
What is the use-of-force doctrine for medical restraint?
The force used must be protective, not punitive.
What are the key steps when restraining a patient?
- Get help
- Use minimal force
- Position to prevent suffocation
- Use soft padded restraints
- Monitor the patient continuously
What are the restrictions for restraining a patient?
Never restrain in a prone position or leave the patient unsupervised.
