Systems & Oversight
What landmark 1966 publication served as the catalyst for modern EMS system development in the United States?
Accidental Death and Disability: The Neglected Disease of Modern Society (The "White Paper").
What is the single most effective action an EMT can take to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases?
Proper handwashing with soap and water.
Why must an EMT wait 1 second after pressing the PTT button before speaking into a radio mic?
To allow system repeaters time to key up so the beginning of the transmission is not cut off.
You arrive at a multi-vehicle highway crash and spot live, sparking power lines across the hood of the vehicle. What is your immediate next action?
Stay in a safe position and request that dispatch notify the power company/fire department.
What federal agency oversees national standards and curriculum guidelines for EMS?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
What specific respiratory protective equipment must be worn when caring for a patient suspected of having active Tuberculosis?
An N95 or HEPA respirator.
What is the term for repeating a physician's verbal order word-for-word back over the radio to ensure accurate transmission?
Closed-loop communication (or the "echo method").
You are giving a handoff report to ED staff for an elderly patient with severe respiratory distress. During which part of the SBAR report do you state her vital signs and lung sound findings?
A (Assessment).
What is the fundamental operational difference between offline and online medical direction?
Offline medical direction - written protocols/standing orders; online direction - real-time verbal authorization from a physician via radio or phone.
Place these four entities in the strict order of safety priority on an emergency scene: Bystanders, Patient, You (the EMT), Your Partner.
1. You 2. Your Partner 3. Bystanders 4. Patient.
What federal law is violated if an EMT broadcasts a patient's full name or identifying details over public radio frequencies?
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
An online medical control physician orders you to assist a patient with taking 325 mg of chewable Aspirin. Using closed-loop communication, state your exact radio response.
"Copy, assisting patient with 325 mg of chewable Aspirin."
What continuous system process uses peer reviews and audits to correct errors and improve protocol effectiveness without focusing on individual punishment?
Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI).
An EMT experiences long-term emotional exhaustion, irritability, and burnout. What type of stress reaction is this?
Cumulative stress reaction.
What do the letters in the SBAR communication model stand for?
Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation.
You respond to a domestic disturbance where dynamic violence is actively taking place inside the home. What step should you take before approaching the front door?
Stage a safe distance away from the scene and wait for law enforcement to secure the area.