WORKPLACE SAFETY AND WELLNESS CHAPTER 2

Question 1

What are some threats and stressors that can affect EMTs?

Answer 1

Sleep deprivation, physical violence, compassion fatigue, posttraumatic stress disorder, responder suicide

These factors significantly impact the mental health and well-being of EMTs.

Question 2

What percentage of first responders have experienced traumatic events on the job?

Answer 2

84%

This statistic highlights the prevalence of trauma in the first responder profession.

Question 3

What is the formal diagnosis rate of mental health disorders among first responders?

Answer 3

34%

This includes conditions such as depression and PTSD.

Question 4

What is wellness?

Answer 4

The active pursuit of a state of good health

Wellness requires ongoing effort and maintenance.

Question 5

Define resilience in the context of health and wellness.

Answer 5

An individual’s capacity to cope with and recover from distress

Resilience can vary among individuals and can change over time.

Question 6

List practices that can help increase resilience.

Answer 6

• Eat a healthy diet
• Ensure 7 to 9 hours of sleep
• Strengthen positive relationships
• Build relationships with peers
• Incorporate daily exercise
• Build habits of mindfulness and positivity

These practices support emotional and physical well-being.

Question 7

What are the two main variables over which individuals have control regarding their health?

Answer 7

Physical conditioning and proper nutrition

These factors are essential for maintaining overall health.

Question 8

What is the recommended duration of physical activity for health benefits?

Answer 8

At least 30 minutes on at least 5 days per week

Regular exercise is crucial for physical fitness.

Question 9

What is a significant cause of back injuries in EMS work?

Answer 9

Improper lifting techniques

Safe lifting practices are essential to prevent injuries.

Question 10

What is the recommended minimum sleep duration for adults according to the National Sleep Foundation?

Answer 10

7 to 9 hours per night

Adequate sleep is crucial for health and performance.

Question 11

True or False: Caffeine can replace the need for sleep.

Answer 11

False

While caffeine can increase alertness, it cannot substitute for sleep.

Question 12

What is the difference between disease prevention and health promotion?

Answer 12

Disease prevention focuses on medical care, while health promotion focuses on personal practices and social habits

Both are essential for maintaining overall health.

Question 13

What are standard precautions in healthcare?

Answer 13

Guidelines to reduce hazards and assume every person may be infected

These precautions include blood and body fluid precautions.

Question 14

What is a pathogen?

Answer 14

A microorganism capable of causing disease

Pathogens can be bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: _______ is a disease that can be spread from one person or species to another.

Answer 15

Communicable disease

Understanding communicable diseases is vital for infection control.

Question 16

What is direct contact transmission?

Answer 16

When an organism moves from one person to another through touching without an intermediary

This method of transmission can lead to infections like hepatitis B.

Question 17

What is the role of personal protective equipment (PPE)?

Answer 17

To prevent exposure to pathogens or hazardous conditions

PPE is essential for safety in healthcare settings.

Question 18

What are the two types of contact transmission?

Answer 18

• Direct contact
• Indirect contact

Understanding these types helps in preventing infections.

Question 19

What is vector-borne transmission?

Answer 19

Spread of infection by animals or insects carrying an organism

Examples include diseases like rabies and Lyme disease.

Question 20

What should you do if exposed to a pathogen?

Answer 20

Notify your designated officer

Prompt reporting is crucial for managing exposure risks.

Question 21

What are some strategies to quit using nicotine products?

Answer 21

• Create a quit plan
• Set a quit date
• Inform friends and family
• Remove tobacco products
• Consult a doctor

These strategies can support successful quitting.

Question 22

What is the acceptable alcohol consumption level for women?

Answer 22

One drink per day

For men, it is two drinks per day.

Question 23

What are the consequences of excessive alcohol use?

Answer 23

Approximately 88,000 deaths per year and over $200 billion economic cost

Binge drinking accounts for a significant portion of these costs.

Question 24

True or False: All drug use, including prescription medications, is safe for EMS personnel.

Answer 24

False

Some prescribed drugs may impair performance and safety.

Question 25

What are some recommendations for improving sleep quality?

Answer 25

* Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine before bedtime * Ensure a dark, quiet, and cool sleep environment * Establish a calming pre-sleep routine * Keep a consistent sleep schedule ## Footnote These practices support better sleep hygiene.

Question 26

What is the term used by OSHA that refers to infection control procedures?

Answer 26

Universal precautions ## Footnote Universal precautions are a set of guidelines to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.

Question 27

What must you do if you are exposed to infectious materials?

Answer 27

Notify your designated officer

Question 28

What are the most common components of PPE?

Answer 28

* Mask * Eyewear or full face shield * Gloves * Gown

Question 29

What should you do to ensure proper donning and doffing of PPE?

Answer 29

Have a partner observe and assist

Question 30

In what order should PPE be donned?

Answer 30

* Gown * N95 mask * Eyewear * Gloves

Question 31

What is the last PPE item to be removed when doffing?

Answer 31

Mask

Question 32

When donning a gown, what should you do after applying it?

Answer 32

Secure the ties at the neck and waist

Question 33

What should you ensure when putting on an N95 mask?

Answer 33

There is a tight seal

Question 34

How should gloves be donned?

Answer 34

Pull the cuffs up and over the sleeves of your gown

Question 35

What is the first step in doffing PPE?

Answer 35

Remove gloves and discard them

Question 36

How should eye protection be removed?

Answer 36

From the back, tilting it forward

Question 37

What is the correct procedure for removing a gown?

Answer 37

Untie and pull arms out while pulling the gown inside out

Question 38

What should you do after removing your gown?

Answer 38

Discard the gown and clean your hands

Question 39

What is the proper way to remove a mask?

Answer 39

Pull the bottom strap over your head, then the top strap

Question 40

When should you wash your hands?

Answer 40

Before and after contact with a patient

Question 41

What are potential access points for pathogens?

Answer 41

Breaks in the skin, such as tiny cuts and abrasions

Question 42

What should you do if running water isn’t available for handwashing?

Answer 42

Use waterless handwashing substitutes

Question 43

What type of gloves are best for minimal patient contact or nonsterile procedures?

Answer 43

Vinyl gloves

Question 44

What type of gloves are preferred for invasive procedures requiring sterility?

Answer 44

Nitrile or latex gloves

Question 45

When should gloves be changed?

Answer 45

If exposed to motor oil, gasoline, or any petroleum-based product

Question 46

What should you do with soiled latex or nitrile gloves?

Answer 46

Consider them medical waste and dispose of properly

Question 47

What provides the best eye protection?

Answer 47

Wearing goggles or a full face shield

Question 48

Are prescription eyeglasses considered appropriate PPE?

Answer 48

No, they offer little side protection

Question 49

When should a gown be worn?

Answer 49

In situations with extensive blood or body fluids splatter

Question 50

What type of mask should be worn if blood or body fluid spatter is a possibility?

Answer 50

Standard surgical mask

Question 51

What should you do if a patient has an airborne- or droplet-spread disease?

Answer 51

Place a surgical mask on the patient and a particulate air respirator on yourself

Question 52

What type of mask should be used when a patient needs oxygen?

Answer 52

Nonrebreathing mask

Question 53

What is the first step in removing gloves?

Answer 53

Partially remove the first glove by pinching at the wrist

Question 54

How should the second glove be removed?

Answer 54

Pinching the exterior with your partially gloved hand

Question 55

What should you grasp when removing both gloves?

Answer 55

Only the clean, interior surfaces