Stress & Mental Health
The initial stage in Kübler-Ross's five stages of grief commonly experienced by dying patients or their families.
What is Denial?
Considered the single most effective baseline practice for preventing the transmission of infectious disease.
What is handwashing?
High-visibility safety apparel class designed specifically for personnel working around high-risk roadway operations.
What is Class 3?
Immediate first step an EMT must perform if exposed to a patient's blood or body fluids.
What is stopping patient care and washing the exposed area?
Recommended average hours of sleep required daily to maintain optimal performance and wellness in EMS.
What is 8 to 10 hours?
A stress reaction that manifests as an immediate physical response during a critical incident, such as chest pain or shortness of breath.
What is an acute stress reaction?
Specific type of specialized respiratory PPE required when caring for patients with suspected airborne pathogens such as tuberculosis.
What is an N-95 respirator?
Reference reference material EMTs should consult for guidance when responding to a hazardous materials incident.
What is the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)?
Recommended routine screening test EMTs should undergo annually to check for tuberculosis exposure.
What is a PPD (tuberculin skin) test?
Primary physical technique used by EMS personnel to avoid back injuries while moving heavy patients or gear.
What are proper lifting techniques?
Prolonged, unmanaged exposure to chronic occupational stress leads to this state of physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced performance.
What is burnout?
Pathogen transmission that occurs through direct physical contact between an infected person and a susceptible host.
What is direct transmission?
Appropriate action for EMTs to take when encountering volatile domestic disputes or active crime scenes.
What is calling law enforcement (and staging until safe)?
Critical safety rule regarding used needles to prevent accidental needle-stick injuries.
What is never recap needles (dispose of immediately in approved sharps containers)?
Workplace strategy where EMS personnel pair up to monitor and support each other's mental and physical well-being.
What is the buddy system?
A specific psychological condition characterized by re-experiencing traumatic events, persistent flashbacks, and severe hypervigilance.
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Barrier devices recommended for delivering artificial ventilations to prevent direct mouth-to-mouth exposure.
What is a pocket mask or bag-mask device?
High-visibility apparel standard required for traffic speeds operating under 25 mph, such as parking lots.
What is Class 1?
Second step in the exposure management protocol immediately following cleaning/washing the exposed area.
What is notifying a supervisor?
Key dietary habit to practice right before sleep to improve sleep hygiene and recovery.
What is avoiding caffeine and heavy meals?
The gradual erosion of empathy and the development of a defensive, judgmental attitude toward patients in healthcare providers.
What is compassion fatigue?
Five main biological classifications of pathogens listed in the EMS study guide.
What are bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and helminths?
Safest distance-maintaining tool used during scene assessment to identify hazardous material placards before entering a scene.
What are binoculars?
Frequency at which an emergency vehicle and its medical equipment must undergo routine cleaning.
What is after every run/call?
Four core physical fitness components necessary for maintaining overall physical health in emergency medical service.
What are cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition?