LO2 mass cards

how should emergency vehicles be placed

• provides protection to the incident

• remains fully operational

• fend off position

• buffer zone

red or hot contamination zone

• PPE

• everybody inside is contaminated

yellow or warm control zone

• PPE

• decontamination occurs here

• care can be performed

green or cold safe zone

• normal triage

• command post set up here

• contamination gear is shed

standard decontamination processes

• unless substance is identified, decontamination should begin by

  • brushing off powder

  • flushing skin with lots of water

• never attempt to neutralize an acid or base

• flush area with water

• transport

risks at motor vehicle collision scenes

• unstable vehicles

• moving traffic

• jagged metal, broken glass, etc.

• fire or explosion

• downed power lines

• toxic substances

how to approach a suspicious vehicle

• park 5 meters away

• keep a clear exit

• before leaving ambulance report situation and license plate #

• use lights and high beams, especially at night

what to do in unstable environments

• consider retreating to ambulance

• remove patient from scene if possible

• be cautious of man down and unknown calls

• hazards like weather, terrain issues, illumination, accessibility, unstable environment (building, vehicle etc.)

what to do for domestic violence

• some of the most dangerous situations

• do not enter situation in progress

• wait for law enforcement to secure the scene

• retreat with patient as soon as possible

• 1 in 4 women who go to the ER is because of domestic violence

• good communication and body language can defuse situation

tips for violence

• prepare mentally while en route

• communication is key

• always be alert to surroundings

• law enforcement should secure the scene first

• patient and bystanders potential for violence

• always potential of more violence in a violent situation

• might be mistaken for police officer

what to watch for to predict violence

• thousand miles stare

• clenched fists

• heavy breathing

• sweating

street gang identifiers

• names, symbols, numbers

• graffiti

• bandanas

• common colours

• patches or logos

• hand signs

• tattoos

3 r’s (gangs)

• reputation

• respect

• retaliation

standard safety precautions

• PPE

• high vis

• vehicle placement

step 1 of scene size up

scene safety

• secure the scene yourself

• bring patient to a safe location for treatment

• wait until scene is secured

step 2 of scene size up

BSI

• body

• substance

• isolation

basically PPE

third step of scene size up

NOI or MOI

• nature of illness

• mechanism of injury

fourth step of scene size up

determine number of patients

fifth step of scene size up

consider need for additional resources

last step of scene size up

determine the need of C-spine precautions

• hold head still

• try not to move the patient

recommended amount of physical activity

30-60 minutes per day

target heart rate

1. subtract age from 220 for maximum heart rate

2. subtract resting from maximum and multiply by 0.7

3. add this number to resting rate

• this is the heart rate you should be achieving during workouts

how to decontaminate equipment

• use a commercial disinfecting agent or bleach mixed with water 1:10 ratio to disinfect anything that came into contact with skin

what to do after exposure

• wash effected area with soap and water

• report it

• get a medical evaluation

• get booster immunizations

• document incident

situations that should be responded to by police first

• fight

• stabbing

• shooting

• man down

• domestic disturbances

• unknown medical aid

how to deal with hostile patient

• never argue

• listen more than you talk

• concentrate on de-escalation

• remember you are on their turf (more dangerous)

• show empathy and understanding

first step of patient assessment process

scene assessment:

• ensure your own safety

• wear PPE

• be aware of nature of threat

• is it safe to approach the patient

what should be done during an unstable or deteriorating scene

• call the police

• consider returning to ambulance

• bring patient with you if it is safe to do so

what to do when environment is unfriendly

• perform initial assessment

• address life threats

• get patient into controlled environment ASAP if safe to do so