EMS Chapter 1

***Differentiate the four levels of EMS provider

1. EMR 2. EMT 3. AEMT 4. Paramedic

***10 NHTSA components of EMS system

1. Regulation and Policy 2. Resource management 3. Human resources and training 4. Transportation 5. Facilities 6. Communications 7. Public information and education 8. Medical direction 9. Trauma systems 10. Evaluation

Define CQI

Continuous Quality Improvement The quality of the service or product being delivered is continuously being improved. In this case, the product is patient care. Every component within a system can be improved. They must also submit accurate, complete, patient care reports.

Define On-line medical direction

Direct contact through phone or radio

Define DMAT

Disaster Medical Assistance Team Specialized teams designed to provide medical care following disaster. Deployed on a moment's notice if disaster strikes in U.S.

Define Specialty hospital

EMS personnel deliver patients to hospital they deem appropriate. Sometimes taken to specialty hospital (such as a pediatric hospital or a cardio hospital) which deals with a specific area of [medical] practice.

*Define National EMS Education Standards

Education and training standards developed by NHTSA for all levels of EMS training.

Define EMD

Emergency Medical Dispatcher The person who answers 911 calls. They receive special training and provide pre-arrival instructions to callers. They dispatch required resources (like ambulances).

Define EMR (what are they trained to do?)

Emergency Medical Responder Member of EMS system trained in first aid care who helps EMTs at emergency scene. (usually 1st person to arrive on the scene- police, firefighter, lifeguard, etc.) Training emphasizes scene safety, how to provide immediate care for life-threatening injuries/illnesses, and how to assist ambulance personnel when they arrive) 1st level of EMS education.

Define Scope of Practice

Identifies duties and skills EMS provider is legally allowed to perform. This is defined by state and/or regional statutes and regulations. Defines related licensing, credentialing and certification. (Defines what procedures specific personnel can perform based on their level of training and on their certification.)

***What does NHTSA stand for? (and what is it?)

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Define Scope of Practice Model

National model defining scope of care for all levels of EMS training. -Describes what procedures can be done depending on your level of training and your certification.

Define Paramedic

Trained to perform "advanced life support care" (inserting advanced airways and starting IV lines). Administer large list of meds, interpret something-grams, monitor cardiac rhythms and perform cardiac defibrillation. 4th and most advanced level of EMS Education.

What are the various EMS models in practice around the United States?

1. Fire-based 2. Third-service 3. Hospital-based

Define AEMT

Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Basic-level EMT but with additional education and training in specific areas (allowing minimal level of advanced life support). May be able to start IV lines, insert certain advanced airways, and administer certain medications. 3rd level of EMS Education

*Define Medical Director

Assumes responsibility for direction and oversight of all patient care. (EMRs are the Director's "agents")

***Define EMS system

Emergency Medical Services system A chain of human resources and services linked together to provide continuous emergency care.

Define EMT

Emergency Medical Technician Considered minimum level of education and certification for ambulance personnel. Training emphasizes assessment, care, transportation of ill/injured patient. May assist with administering certain common medications. 2nd level of EMS Education.

EMS Model: Hospital-based

Operated by large hospital or group of hospitals

EMS Model: Third-service

Operated by non-fire government or privately owned ambulance services

Define PSAP

Public Safety Answering Point -911 calls are automatically directed here, where the dispatchers answer the phone, deduce what is wrong, dispatch resources, and provide pre-arrival instructions to the callers.

EMS Model: Fire-based

Services and infrastructure operated by local fire department or consortium

Define Off-line medical direction

Standing orders or protocols