CPR
Can an upward abdominal thrust clear a partial airway obstruction?
No, the airway must be completely blocked for the air trapped in the lung to push the object out. Doing an upward abdominal thrust could actually cause an complete obstruction.
What are signs / symptoms of an opioid overdose?
Decreased breathing, pinpoint pupils and low blood pressure.
Define behavioral emergency.
Behavioral emergency: Any situation where a person’s behavior, mood, or mental state is acute, severe, or unstable enough that it may result in injury, danger, or disruption.
Describe breach of duty.
Breach of duty: When an EMS provider does not act as a reasonably competent provider would under similar circumstances, violating their professional or legal responsibilities.
What is the difference between subjective and objective information when assessing a patient?
Subjective information is what the patient tells you — their personal experiences, feelings, symptoms, or complaints. It cannot be measured directly and is based on the patient’s perspective.
Objective information is what you can observe, measure, or verify through your assessment, vital signs, or diagnostic tools. It is factual and not influenced by opinion.
What is one of the most important things to avoid during CPR to make it successful?
Avoid interruptions as much as possible.
What privileges are allowed for an emergency vehicle? (remember to be responsible)
Proceeding through red lights or stop signs after slowing down and ensuring it is safe.
Exceeding posted speed limits as long as it does not endanger others.
Parking or standing in normally restricted areas when necessary for emergency operations.
Define heat stroke.
A life-threatening condition where the body’s temperature rises above 104°F (40°C) due to prolonged exposure to heat, and the body loses the ability to regulate temperature.
Describe assault.
Assault: An intentional threat or attempt to physically harm someone that causes them to fear immediate injury.
What are the four parts of proving negligence.
Duty to act
Breach of duty
Damages
proximate causation
You have a patient that appears to be choking. What is your next step?
Ask them if they are choking. If so, proceed with five back blows and five abdominal thrusts.
What is one of the most important pieces of information to communicate when radioing a receiving hospital?
Who you are calling
Who you are (unit identification)
Your message/needs
Define Heat Cramps.
Painful muscle spasms that occur due to loss of electrolytes (mainly sodium) from sweating during heavy exertion.
Describe battery.
Battery is a legal term that refers to the unlawful, intentional physical contact or harm caused to another person without their consent.
What is a living will, and what purpose does it serve in patient care?
A living will is a legal document that tells healthcare providers what medical treatments a patient does or does not want if they become unable to communicate or make decisions for themselves.
What is the technique called when you use two hands wrapped around an infants chest to do chest compressions?
This technique is called the “two-thumb encircling hands” method.
What is delegated consent, and when is it used in patient care?
Delegated consent is when a healthcare provider gives permission for another trained person—usually a healthcare professional or responder—to perform specific medical tasks or procedures on their behalf.
Define heat exhaustion.
A less severe heat-related illness caused by excessive heat and dehydration, but the body can still regulate temperature.
Describe proximate cause.
Proximate causation: A direct link between an act (or failure to act) and the resulting harm, such that the injury was reasonably foreseeable from the provider’s action or inaction.
What should EMS report to police?
EMS does not investigate or act as law enforcement, but they must report concerns that involve law, safety, or mandatory reporting rules.
When can you stop treating a conscious patient for a blocked airway?
When the object comes out or they go unresponsive.
Extra: After they become unresponsive, what do you do?
Start chest compressions.
What do you do if you find a co worker taking drugs from another ambulance.
If you find a coworker taking drugs from an ambulance, you must report it immediately to your supervisor or your agency’s chain of command.
Define pyrexia.
An elevated body temperature above normal (usually >100.4°F) due to infection, inflammation, or other medical conditions.
Describe is it called when a very pregnant patient is positioned on her left side, and why is it done?
This is called left lateral recumbent positioning
It will: Relieve pressure on the inferior vena cava, the large vein that returns blood to the heart. Improve blood flow to both the mother and the baby. Prevent supine hypotensive syndrome.
What should EMS do with a patient’s clothing, such as a shirt, when treating a gunshot wound?
EMS should preserve the clothing as evidence while still providing emergency care. Key steps include:
Avoid unnecessary removal or contamination of the clothing. Cut around the wound if needed to access and treat it, using clean tools and handling carefully. Document how and why the clothing was moved or cut.