EMS Systems
This person is often the first medically trained responder on scene and provides basic immediate care.
EMR (Emergency Medical Responder)
One responsibility of an EMR is to keep themselves healthy. True or False?
TRUE
What term describes when a patient’s condition needs to be taken to a medical facility “in a fairly short period of time”?
Prompt transport
Name one of the two main groups of skills EMR training covers.
Trauma skills OR medical/illness skills (either answer acceptable)
Documentation should be clear and accurate. True or False?
True
Name two kinds of facilities a patient might be taken to that are specialized for serious injuries (examples include trauma center and burn center)
Trauma center, burn center (also: spinal cord injury center, cardiac center, stroke center, pediatric center, hand center, poison control center, perinatal center)
Give two actions an EMR should take to protect the scene and patients.
Ensure scene safety; protect patients from further harm; protect yourself
When is “rapid transport” needed?
When EMS cannot give adequate life‑saving care in the field and patient needs very quick care at a facility
List three trauma skills EMRs learn.
Airway maintenance, bleeding control, treating shock, treating wounds, splinting extremities (any three)
Name two of the six components used in quality improvement
Safety; Effectiveness; Patient-centeredness; Timeliness; Efficiency; Equitability
What is the name of the place that receives an emergency call and activates the EMS system?
Emergency response communications center or public safety answering point (PSAP)
What should an EMR do if bystanders can help at the scene?
Seek and then direct help from bystanders; control their activities and assign tasks as needed
Give one example of an appropriate medical facility that is NOT a hospital.
Trauma center, poison control center, perinatal center, cardiac center, etc. (any one)
List three medical/illness conditions EMRs should know how to care for.
Heart attacks, seizures, heat or cold problems, alcohol/drug issues, poisonings, bites/stings, altered mental status, behavioral crisis, emergency childbirth
What does “patient-centeredness” mean in the context of EMS quality improvement?
Being responsive to the patient’s physical needs and to their values, religion, and heritage (respecting the patient’s preferences and cultural background)
List three different types of people (job titles) who provide care after the EMR (who might be the next contacts)
EMTs, Paramedics, Nurses, Physicians
Name four things documentation should include about the patient or incident.
Condition when found; patient’s description of injury/illness; initial and later vital signs; treatment given; agency/personnel who took over; other helpful facts (any four)
What is the main difference between a BLS unit and an ALS service?
BLS (Basic Life Support) — staffed by EMTs and equipped for basic care; ALS (Advanced Life Support) — provided by paramedics with advanced interventions
What are two goals of EMR training related to equipment and assisting others?
Teach how to use a minimal EMR life support kit; teach how to assist EMTs and paramedics when they arrive
Why must EMRs maintain continuing education and keep certifications current?
To follow legal and professional requirements, ensure competency, and avoid penalties; maintain ability to provide safe, effective care
Give the full sequence (in order) of the typical EMS system contacts from first to third contact as described in the text.
First contact: EMR (first on scene) → Second contact: EMTs/paramedics in ambulance → Third contact: Hospital emergency department / specialized facility
Explain why it might be better NOT to move a patient even if you are an EMR.
Moving could cause more harm if proper equipment or personnel are not available; patient may be better left in position found until help or proper equipment arrives.
Explain why speed is not always the most important factor when deciding to transport someone.
Because providing correct care and patient safety may require assessment and stabilization first; rushing may increase risk if care is not appropriate.
Describe what an EMR life support kit should be like and why improvisation is taught in the course.
Small enough to fit in a car trunk or on police/fire vehicle; contains basic supplies for immediate care; improvisation taught because sometimes no or little equipment is available and EMRs must use available materials safely.
Describe how “equitability” affects the care an EMR provides.
Care should not vary based on gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, geographic location, or socioeconomic status — everyone should receive fair treatment.