Communication
Name 3 things to keep in mind when talking with a patient.
Introduce yourself
Speak slowly and clearly
Try to have the patient tell you what happened
Avoid interrupting
Ask closed/direct questions
What is the law called that is meant to protect patient confidentiality and health information?
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
What is Scope of Practice?
The range of duties and skills an EMR is allowed and expected to perform as appropriate
How long should you wash your hands in order to practice good hand hygiene as an EMR?
20 seconds.
Which of the following is NOT considered a very stressful situation for an EMR?
a. Critically injured or ill people
b. Death or dying patients
c. Overpowering sights, smells, and sounds
d. A patient with minor injuries such as a sprain or a small cut
e. Angry or upset patients
What is 1 reason that mobile phones might be impractical for EMR use?
Can become compromised due to system overload
Impractical for multiunit coordination
What are the 4 main points to hit when writing a PCR?
Run data, patient data, check boxes, and patient narrative.
Name 2 conditions in which a patient might not be considered competent.
Intoxication, drug abuse, or cognitive impairment such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
What kind of container should sharps (e.g., needles, scalpel blades) be placed in?
A labeled, puncture-resistant, and leak-proof container.
Name 3 warning signs of stress.
Confusion
Shortened attention span
Poor concentration
Denial
Guilt
Depression
Anger
Change in interactions with others
Increased or decreased eating
Uncharacteristic, excessive humor or silence
Which type of Radio is best for when outside of the emergency vehicle?
Portable Radio
When advanced medical personel arrive on the scene you must give a...what? on the number of patients involved, their conditions and the emergency situation?
Verbal report
What kinds of actions are not protected under the Good Samaritan Laws?
Willful or Reckless actions.
Is an issued uniform worn by an EMR considered PPE?
No. A uniform provided for the primary purpose of presenting a corporate image is not considered PPE.
What is something you can do pre-incident in regard to managing stress?
Take a stress management class
Create a self-care plan
Due to long hours, arrange in advance for personal responsibilities such as care for children and older parents
What should the Receiving Facility be notified about as soon as possible?
Patient conditions and ETA
When transferring care to more advanced medical personnel, what are 3 things you need to provide?
Current condition
Age and gender
Chief complaint
Brief, pertinent history of what happened
How you found the patient(s) major past injuries or illnesses
Vital signs
Pertinent findings of the physical exam(s)
Emergency care provided and the response to care
The criteria established for the extent and quality of EMR care is called...
Standard of Care
What are 3 out of the 6 immunizations an EMR must receive in order to practice?
Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis
Hepatitis B
Measles/mumps/rubella (German measles)
Chicken pox (varicella)
Influenza
Meningococcal (meningitis)
What are 2 things you can do post-incident in regard to managing stress?
Use quick relaxation techniques, such as deep, slow breathing
Eat a good meal and avoid beverages with caffeine
Avoid alcohol or drugs
Review the event and clear up any uncertainties
Get enough rest
Get involved in some type of physical exercise or activity, either alone or in a group
Which type of Communication is used with Medical Control to ensure the message was heard correctly?
Closed Loop Communication: A technique in which the listener repeats orders word for word
When collecting run data in your PCR report, is it necessary to include the EMS unit #?
Yes.
EMS unit # and names of crew and level of certification. Includes the where’s and when’s of the incident report. (Ex. When unit was notified and where to)
What should you do if someone has a "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) Tattoo?
A DNR is not legally binding, and can be misleading and create uncertainty for emergency responders
This type of control method includes techniques like placing sharps in puncture-resistant containers and proper cleaning of contaminated surfaces aimed at reducing the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens through proper procedures and safe behaviors in the workplace.
Work practice controls.
If one of the following traumatic situations occurred:
Line-of-duty death or serious injury
Multiple-casualty incidents
Suicide of an emergency worker
Serious injury or death of children
What step should an EMR take to protect their mental health?
Access professional help.
After a very traumatic experience, it can be hard for an EMR to manage stress on their own. Therefore, they should seek help from others to protect their mental health.