Legal Beagle
In what situations may an EMT act under implied consent?
1) Unconscious patient, 2) Child when parent cannot be contacted
Why do we open an airways for an unconscious pt
Loss of consc. leads to loss of muscle tone, allowing tongue to occlude airway.
What are baseline vitals and when do we take them?
The initial set of vitals, taken during the secondary assessment either after or during the physical and medical hx
Why is breathing necessary for perfusion?
Ventilation is the mechanical mechanism that moves vital gases in/out of the body, while respiration moves those gases into the bloodstream for distribution throughout the body.
What does AVPU stand for?
Alert, responsive to Verbal stimuli, responsive to Painful stimuli, Unresponsive
What is the correct way to correct and error on a patient care report (PCR)?
Draw a single line through the writing and initial adjacent
How long do you suction an airway?
Until it is clear, <10 seconds
Where should a pulse be taken for an unresponsive pt?
Carotid artery
What is minute volume?
V of air in each breath (tidal V) x RR
Assess breathing: present? adequate?
What is the difference between Scope of Practice and Standard of Care?
Scope = regulations defining actions and limitations placed on an EMT
Stand of Care = what is expected of a trained EMT
How do you open an airway for an infant?
Head-tilt-chin-lift or jaw thrust maneuvers, placing padding beneath scapulae to aid in torso elevation
What does the systolic BP measure?
P created in arteries when L ventricle contracts and forces blood into circulation
1-6LPM
When do you treat life threats?
Primary assessment
What 4 components are needed in order to prove Negligence?
1. Duty to act 2. Breached duty 3. Further injury 4. Proximal cause
Indication and Contraindications for inserting an NPA
Indications: pt unable to control airway
Contraindications: basal skull fracture or resistance
How often should you reassess vitals?
Every 5 minutes for a sick pt, 15 minutes for a not-sick pt
4 indications a patient is experiencing inadequate breathing
Height of fall, surface pt fell onto, and body part of initial impact all indicate what?
The severity of the fall: MOI
What needs to be present for an EMT to stop CPR efforts due to a patient's wishes?
An advanced directive such as a Do No Resuscitate order, which is signed prior to cardiac arrest by a physician and the patient
What is the difference between respiration and ventilation?
Respiration = diffusion of O2 and CO2 between alveoli and pulmonary capillaries, a chemical process
Ventilation = mechanical movement of air in/out of lungs
We take a blood pressure for all patients over the age of ____?
3 years old
List the flow rates and Fi02 for nasal cannula, NRB, BVM, and pocket mask
1-6LPM at 24-44%; 12-15LPM 80-90%; 15-25LPM 100%, 15LPM 55%, respectively
In the assessment triangle, when does the EMT obtain a general impression of the patient?
Scene size up (1-5)