EXSS 288 Exam 1 Study Guide
EMS System Components: Lay responder, professional rescuer, bystanders, victim, advanced medical personnel, police
Survival and recovery of critically injured or ill victims depends on: o Early Recognition and Response - By lay responder who takes action when an injury or illness occurs Instructors are contracted to react legally Lay responders are nonbinding and optional, instructors outside of class Bystander Effect: everyone around has the intentions to help, however no one is actually helping because they all believe that someone else is going to be the one to help o Early Activation of EMS System Calling 911 to activate EMS Information to Provide: Describe the situation, number of individuals, directions, and what treatment is being given Wait for dispatcher response Professional rescuer care More advanced training Duty to respond when on the job, legal contract Have a plan, know scope of practice Ensure safety Determine threats Summon advanced medical personnel Provide care Assist more advanced personnel into transition Prehospital care provided by advanced EMS Hospital Care o Rehabilitation Emergency Action Plan: a written document that defines the standard of care required during an emergency situation o Goals of EAP: Maintain cardiovascular and CNS function Components of EAP 1. Implementation 2. Personnel 3. Equipment 4. Communication 5. Transportation 6. Venue Location 7. Emergency Care Facilities 8. Documentation Steps of EAP: Plan committee and write EAP, Education & teach EAP, Rehearse and revise plan often
Legal Considerations
o Duty to act: while on duty, obligated to act if there is a need (instructors while teaching class have a duty to act if something happens) Scope of Practice: skills you are authorized to practice Standard of Care: the minimum level of care Sometimes care can be as simple as calming down a patient and waiting for EMS. This does not require touching the patient at all. o Negligence: failure to follow standard of care, failure to provide care, provide care beyond scope of practice, inappropriate care, or failure to control behaviors to prevent further harm or injury Good Samaritan Laws: protects people willing to give care when they receive nothing in return Considered when: the person is trying to help, the rescuer's actions are reasonable, and the rescuer does not receive any compensation for performing CPR Only when you are non on duty or under contract Consent: permission to perform rescue activities State Name, Level of training, ask permission, example each step of plan of care Implied consent: given when victim is unconscious, confused, or seriously ill, or if someone is a minor and no parent/guardian is available to give consent Refusal of Care Call EMS and document refusal of care, also provide witness documentation
Advanced Directives: Written instructions that describe a person's wishes, Victim is incapacitated or can no longer express wishes DNR Living Will Power of Attorney Battery: unlawful, harmful, or offensive touching of a person without consent Abandonment: Stopping care before EMS arrives - UNLESS: Scene becomes unsafe, too tired to continue, victim shows