GRADE A 100% VERIFIED
Level of government responsible for EMS regulation regarding EMT requirements and violations. -
ANS>>> Licensure of EMTs is a state function subject to the laws and regulations of the state in which
the EMT practices. At the federal level, the NHTSA brings in experts to create the National EMS Scope of
Practice Model.
Understand the NREMT and how it is involved in the level of training. - ANS>>> The National Registry of
EMTs.
Understand the different roles and responsibilities of the EMT and how it compares to the role of other
in EMS. - ANS>>> An EMT is trained in basic life support and emergency services.
Understand HIPAA and how it can affect your role in EMS. - ANS>>> The Health Insurance Portability
and Accountability Act ensures patient privacy. Do not discuss findings about the patient with anyone
except medical personal treating the patient, law enforcement, or social agencies that may require the
information by law. Avoid giving any information that may reveal the identity of the patient.
Understand personal safety and what it means during a call. - ANS>>> Nutrition, stress, sleep, family,
and other factors influence the quality of care the EMS provider gives to the patient.
Understand the importance of scene safety. - ANS>>> Hazards on the scene could harm the EMS
provider and prevent him or her from providing quality care.
Understand Standard Precautions and know the different types of personal protective equipment. -
ANS>>> The Center for Disease Control created a set of standard precautions to protect health care
workers from objects, blood, body fluids, and other potential sources of germs.
Understand the physiologic, physical and psychological responses to stress. - ANS>>> Physiologic
responses to stress involve interactions between the endocrine and nervous systems, resulting in
chemical and physical responses. The fight-or-flight response includes changes to the dilation of blood
vessels, respiration rate, and blood flow to certain areas of the body. There are acute, delayed, and
cummulative stress reactions.
,Understand the various levels of stress and how to minimize the chances of PTSD, including CISD/CISM. -
ANS>>> Posttraumatic stress disorder occurs after a person has experienced a psychologically
distressing event, and usually manifests in the form of depression, startle reactions, flashback
phenomena, and dissociative episodes. Critical incident stress management was created to decrease the
likelihood of PTSD. It can take the form of a formal debriefing (CISD) or of an onsite assessment for
symptoms of PTSD.
Know the different components of the grieving process. - ANS>>> Denial, Anger/Hostility, Bargaining,
Depression, and Acceptance. These stages can happen at varying times in different orders.
Understand the difference between expressed consent, implied consent, and involuntary consent. -
ANS>>> Expressed consent is when the patient verbally or otherwise acknowledges that he or she wants
you to provide care. Implied consent applies when the patient is unconscious or otherwise incapable of
making a rational, informed decision about care. The law assumes that the patient would give consent if
able to. Involuntary consent applies to patients who are incapable of making rational decisions about
care due to injury or mental illness. This type of consent usually comes from the legal guardian of the
person.
Differentiate: advanced directives versus do not resuscitate (DNR) orders and understand what happens
in the place of no DNR present at the scene. - ANS>>> An advanced directive is a written document that
specifies medical treatment for a competent patient, should he or she be unable to make rational
decisions. They can be orders for both providing and withholding care. A DNR orders medical providers
to withhold CPR and ALS, but does not prevent them from providing BLS. Without a DNR healthcare
providers will begin to attempt resuscitation should the patient's heart stop.
Understand the difference between a living will and a health care directive. - ANS>>> An advanced
directive is also known as a living will or health care directive.
Understand the difference between libel, slander, assault, battery, abandonment, and negligence and
their implications. - ANS>>> Abandonment occurs when the medical provider leaves the patient alone
or in the care of someone who is not competent in the care of the patient. This is done without the
consent of the patient. Assault is placing the patient in fear or immediate bodily harm. Battery is
unlawfully touching the patient, including providing care without consent. Negligence is the failure to
provide the same care that another equally competent health care provider would have provided.
Defamation is the communication of false information that damages the reputation of a person. Libel is
written and slander is spoken defamation.
, Understand the components that are needed to prove negligence. - ANS>>> In order to prove
negligence there must be a duty, breach of duty, damages, and causation. The plaintiff can use res ipsa
loquitor and negligence per se to win a case of negligence.
Understand when it is appropriate to forcibly restrain a patient. - ANS>>> Forcible restrain is necessary
when the patient is combative and poses a risk to himself or others. This must be in agreement with the
laws of the specific state you are operating within.
Understand when it is appropriate to legally release patient information. - ANS>>> HIPAA protects
protected health information (PHI). It is legally permissible to release this information to other
healthcare providers who are also treating the patient. PHI can be used for training of internal quality
improvement as long as any information relating to the identity of the patient is protected. The court
may require you to disclose information such as in child abuse cases. Only the minimum amount of
information necessary should be released.
Understand the special considerations and how to communicate with various types of patients (e.g.
hearing impaired, visually impaired, young, elderly, non-English speaking etc.). - ANS>>> Older patients
should be assumed to be able to think clearly and provide an accurate medical history. Approach the
patient slowly and calmly, and show the patient that you are confident and in charge of the situation.
Subjective findings may be inaccurate in older patients, so you should be vigilant for any objective
changes.
Young patients are prone to fear and anxiety. Make the child comfortable by allowing him or her a
familiar object or a family member at the appropriate time. Young patients should be informed of
procedures well in advance and in terms they can understand. Maintain trust and modesty in younger
patients.
When treating a hearing impaired patient try to locate a hearing aid if possible. Do not attempt to shout,
and position your face in front of the patient so they can read your lips if possible. Have other forms of
communication available such as pen and paper and sign language.
Try to maintain continuous contact with visually impaired patients and explain in detail any treatments
being performed. Take into account a guide dog if present.
When treating a non-English speaking patient try to assess how much English they can speak. Use hand
gestures and common medical terms in their own language. Attempt to find a translator if possible or
use a smart device to translate.
Understand both communication and documentation. - ANS>>> Communication is the transfer of
information between two people and can be verbal or nonverbal. It is essential to creating a positive
relationship between you and the your patients and coworkers. Documentation is the recorded portion