Ch.36 Emergency Preparedness and Protective Practices
what are two primary functions of a fire extinguisher?
- to control/extinguish a fire that just started - to protect evacuation route blocked with smoke or burning materials
when must the emergency action plan be reviewed with each employee?
-at the time they're hired -when the initial plan has developed -whenever the plan has changed
what information should be included in the training of employees on the emergency action plan as required by OSHA?
-individuals roles/responsibilities -threats, hazards, protective actions -location/operations of pull stations -emergency response procedures -evacuation/shelter procedures -location of emergency equipment -emergency shutdown procedures -when any plans change(d)
list five guidelines (as stipulated by OSHA) that must be followed with respect to exit routes?
-must be clearly marked and well lit -28 inches wide at all points/free of clutter -there must be signs posting the nearest exit -must open outward -unlocked from the inside
what should the medical assistant do if an emergency occurs at his or her workplace?
implement established procedures in order to help others
how long does the resistance phase last?
it depends on the circumstance
who determines whether or not fire drills must be held at a facility?
it depends on the municipality and/or state law(s)
how might severe anxiety be a problem in an emergency situation?
it tends to immobilize an individual and stimulate anxiety in others
what causes a natural disaster?
nature or the natural processes of the earth
what characteristics of a disaster tend to cause the most serious psychological effects?
occur without warning, threaten personal safety, uncertain duration, result from malicious intent, having a symbolic significance (example: 9/11)
list examples of common ignition sources
open flames, hot surfaces, sparks
list examples of how a fire may start in the medical office
overloaded outlets, heat producing equipment being too close to combustible materials, improper use of appliances
list five examples of fuel sources that may be found in the medical office
patient charts, furniture, drapes/rugs, office equipment and trash
what is the purpose of a fire door?
prevents the spread of fire, helps occupants safely exit
what is the difference between a primary and secondary exit route?
primary exit route: quickest and easiest way out secondary exit route: used only if primary exit route is blocked
according to OSHA, when is it acceptable to use direct voice communication to alert employees of an emergency situation?
provided all employees can hear the alarm
stress
the body's response to threat or change
what occurs when a fire alarm is activated?
the glass casing melts or cracks from the build up of heat and a loud noise/bright flashing lights are broadcasted
what is the purpose of an emergency practice drill?
to allow a simulated emergency situation to give opportunity to practice assigned duties
when do individuals usually react negatively to a disaster?
when physical and emotional resources are depleted
what effect will oxygen released from an oxygen tank have on a fire?
will make flames hotter, burn faster and more vigorously
what is the purpose of an emergency action plan?
to prevent fatalities, injuries and property damage
according to OSHA, what three components must be included in an emergency evacuation plan?
- emergency evacuation procedures -type of evacuation -exit routes
what methods are typically used in the medical office to report emergency situations and/or alert employees to the presence of an emergency situation?
dialing 911, dialing an internal emergency phone number(s), activation of a manual alarm system
what are some examples of fire extinguisher agents?
dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide and water
what is the purpose of a fire prevention plan?
to prevent injury or death, keep the workplace safe, and prevent financial losses to the medical office
emergency action plan
a written document that describes that actions that employees should take to ensure their safety if a fire or other emergency situation occurs
what occurs during the alarm phase of the GAS?
body senses stressor and reacts to combat it
explain how sprinklers are activated
by the build up of heat in the fire area breaking or melting the glass casing
a man-made disaster is caused by the natural processes of the earth
false
what role does the medical assistant serve in developing and implementing an emergency action plan?
the MA participates in the effectiveness of any drill as well as implements all emergency plans/procedures
Anxiety is a feeling of worry or uneasiness
true
list methods of fire prevention in the medical office for each of the following categories: a) flammable and combustible materials b) electrical equipment and appliances c) inspection and maintenance
a) flammable and combustible materials -keep the office free of clutter -keep combustible/flammable materials away from ignition sources b) electrical equipment and appliances -make sure things are properly plugged in -do not overload electrical outlets c) inspection and maintenance -test smoke detectors every month/change batteries every 6 months - make sure there are fire extinguishers
what type of evacuation is typically required for the following? a) large fire b) small waste basket fire c) tornado
a) immediate and complete evacuation b) partial evacuation c) shelter-in-place evacuation
what is a man-made disaster?
an event that causes serious harm through intentional or negligent human actions or the failure of a man-made system
evacuation procedures
clear step-by-step procedures for the rapid, efficient, and safe removal of individuals from a building during an emergency
what information should be included on an evacuation floor plan?
current location, primary/secondary exit routes, fire alarm box locations, locations of fire extinguishers, emergency exits, shelter-in-place areas and assembly areas
what changes occur in the body when the epinephrine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system?
dilation of pupils, increased heart rate, increase in respirations and perspiration, and increase in blood pressure
what is the difference between a fire drill and a disaster drill?
disaster drills are far more comprehensive and can involve several community agencies rather than just the normal building occupants
a portable fire extinguisher can be used to fight a large fire that is out of control
false
a secondary exit route is the quickest and easiest way to exit a building in an emergency
false
an oxygen tank is an example of an ignition source
false
during the recovery phase of the GAS, epinephrine is released into the bloodstream
false
emergency exit routes must be at least 60 inches wide
false
epinephrine causes a decrease in the blood pressure
false
the elements that must exist in order for a fire to occur include a fuel source, ignition source and carbon dioxide
false
the number, size, location, and type of fire extinguishers in a medical office are determined by the owner of the building
false
what are some examples of stress-related symptoms that may occur during the resistance phase?
fatigue, irritability, lethargy, and lapse in concentration
what are some examples of man-made disasters?
fires, bomb explosions, terrorism, chemical spills, bioterrorism
what are some examples of a natural disaster?
floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, blizzards, volcanic eruptions and epidemics
how should the medical assistant respond to a patient exhibiting severe anxiety?
get their attention by touching them (only if need be), speak slow and in short sentences
why is it important to learn and practice emergency procedures?
helps the MA decide what to do more efficiently rather than thinking through all of the possibilities
what are the symptoms of severe anxiety?
hyperventilation, rapid pulse rate, excessive perspiration and confused speech
what occurs during the exhaustion phase of the GAS?
if stress is chronic and excessive, the body's resources to combat it become depleted and eventually leading to a compromised immune system
what occurs during the recovery phase of the GAS?
stress is removed and the parasympathetic nervous system begins to work again
what type of testing and maintenance should be performed on battery-operated smoke detectors?
the 'test' button should be tested monthly and batteries replaced every 6 months (noting the date)
fire protection
the implementation of safety measures to reduce the unwanted effects of fire
emergency preparedness
the process of making plans to prevent, respond, and recover from an emergency situation
what occurs in the resistance phase of the GAS?
the stress remains but the body adapts in an effort to cope with the stressor
what does a positive reaction to a disaster involve?
the triggering of both, internal and external resources to meet the challenge
what is the purpose of the tag attached to a fire extinguisher?
to document each service check
why is it important to properly maintain a fire extinguisher?
to ensure they're safe to use and operate properly
why is it important to conduct fire drills?
to familiarize employees with exit routes under non-threatening conditions
why is it important to account for all building occupants following an emergency evacuation?
to help determine if someone may still be in the building and in need of rescue
why is it important for medical offices to plan ahead for a disaster or serious emergency?
to minimize any damage and facilitate recovery
what is the purpose of fire protection?
to prevent the spread of fire from one area to another, allow safe exits for occupants, prevent/reduce damage
what is the responsibility of an emergency evacuation coordinator?
to take charge/manage the evacuation procedures during an emergency
During the alarm phase of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS) the body prepares for fight or flight
true
a fire door prevents the spread of fire from one area of a building to another
true
a flammable material catches on fire easily
true
a positive reaction to a disaster involves the triggering of resources to meet the challenge
true
hyperventilation may occur during severe anxiety
true
stress is the body's response to threat or change
true
the batteries in a smoke detector should be changed every 6 months
true
the responsibility of an emergency evacuation coordinator is to take charge of and manage evacuation procedures
true
the sequence of events that should be included in responding to a fire include: rescue, activate, confine, and extinguish/evacuate
true
list the fuel sources included in the following fire classifications: Class A Class B Class C Class D Class K
Class A: ordinary combustibles Class B: flammable liquids Class C: electrical equipment Class D: combustible metals Class K: cooking media
identify the steps that should be taken in operating a fire extinguisher following the PASS format
P: pull out the pin A: aim the nozzle at the base of the fire S: squeeze the handle S: sweep the nozzle from side to side
describe the steps that should be taken in responding to a fire following the RACE format
R: rescue anyone in immediate danger of fire A: activate alarm C: confine fire by closing any doors/windows E: extinguish fire or evacuate area
natural disaster
a catastrophic event that is caused by nature or the natural process of the earth
exit route
a continuous and unobstructed path of travel from any point within a workplace to a place of safety
what is anxiety?
a feeling of worry and/or uneasiness
anxiety
a feeling of worry or uneasiness, often triggered by an event that is perceived as having an uncertain outcome
what three elements must exist in order for a fire to occur?
a fuel source, ignition source (heat) and oxygen
evacuation
a planned systemic retreat of people to safety in an emergency situation
fire extinguisher
a portable device that discharges an agent designed to extinguish a fire
disaster
a sudden event that causes damage or loss of life
what is an evacuation warden?
a trained employee that responds in emergencies
fire prevention plan
a written document that a identifies flammable and combustible materials stored in the workplace and ways to control workplace fire hazards
explain the difference between a flammable and of combustible material and list examples of each
a) flammable material - catches fire easily examples include: propane, gasoline b) combustible material - any material that will burn examples include: paper, wood
where are fire extinguishers usually located?
along normal paths of travel and near building exits
HAZMAT
an acronym that refers to materials that pose a danger to health or the environment and must be handled with protective equipment
man-made disaster
an event that causes serious damage through intentional or negligent human actions or the failure of a man-made system
a flood is an example of a man-made disaster
false