CH 40 Ambulance Operations and Air Medical Response Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering ambulance operations, Crew Resource Management, driving safety, scene management, and air medical transport based on the Chapter 40 lecture notes.

Just culture

A component of the culture of safety in EMS based on fairness and accountability, focusing on the assessment of risks rather than individual blame.

Crew Resource Management (CRM)

A system focusing on five essential factors—communication, situational awareness, decision making, teamwork, and barriers—to reduce errors and protect personnel and patient safety.

Five-step assertive statement process

A CRM communication method consisting of an opening attention-getter, stating a concern based on analysis, stating the problem, offering a solution, and obtaining agreement.

Due regard

The legal standard that requires ambulance operators to drive with safety for others in mind, even when utilizing privileges such as sirens and lights.

Curve Driving Protocol

The safety procedure of braking to the proper speed before entering a curve, accelerating carefully and gradually, and exiting the curve slow and steady.

Intersection collisions

The most common type of collision in which ambulances are involved.

Inclement Weather Stopping Distances

The principle that an ambulance requires twice the stopping distance on wet pavement and five times as much on sleet or ice.

Freezing Rain Temperature Range

The specific temperature window, between $28\text{F}$ and $40\text{F}$, where wet ice and freezing rain are most likely to occur.

Night Visibility Range

The distance visible using high-beam headlights, typically $350\text{-}400 \text{ feet}$, requiring speed control so the stopping range remains within headlight range.

Right of Way Request

The concept that warning devices (siren and lights) only request the right of way from other drivers and do not guarantee it.

ANSI/ISEA 107-2004

The standard for Class 2 or 3 high-visibility apparel that EMTs must wear when responding to emergencies on or near a roadway.

360-degree scene survey

A comprehensive evaluation of the scene performed by EMTs upon arrival to identify hazards and mechanisms of injury.

Ambulance Safety Distance (Non-Hazard)

The safety buffer of $100 \text{ feet}$ recommended when an ambulance is the first vehicle at a scene where police have already controlled the area.

On-board oxygen

The larger oxygen source located within the ambulance that patients should be switched to once they are moved from the portable unit to the vehicle.

Helicopter shopping

The unsafe practice of making sequential requests to multiple air medical providers to find one that will accept a mission that others have declined, usually due to weather.

Landing Zone (LZ) Specifications

A flat area free of debris, located at least $150 \text{ feet}$ from collision vehicles, with dimensions of at least $60 \times 60 \text{ feet}$ for day or $100 \times 100 \text{ feet}$ for night.

Fifth warning device

A marker placed on the upwind side of a helicopter landing zone to assist the pilot.

Main rotor safety

The precautions taken due to the fact that main rotor blades may dip as low as $4 \text{ feet}$ off the ground, requiring personnel to always crouch when approaching.

Minor crash criteria

The evaluation used to determine if a child or infant can remain in their existing car seat for transport if the restraint has not been damaged.

Counterfeit resistant identification

A security requirement for EMS ID cards and badges, which must include a photo of the provider to prevent unauthorized access.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Mitigation

Preventative measures in an ambulance including keeping rear windows shut, ensuring doors seal tightly, and keeping the heater or AC on to maintain air pressure.