Chapter 5: Ambulance Operations and Responding to EMS Calls

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering terminology and concepts related to ambulance operations and responding to EMS calls.

Neonates

Infants from birth to one month of age, also called newborns.

Due regard

Appropriate caution and concern.

Defensive driving

Techniques of safe driving and crash avoidance that involve anticipating dangerous situations caused by adverse conditions or mistakes of other drivers.

Fixed-wing aircraft

An airplane (prop or jet).

Multiple-casualty incident (MCI)

Any event in which the number of patients exceeds the capabilities of the resources on scene.

Triage desk

The location in an emergency department where arriving patients are first evaluated and assigned priority for care.

Left lateral recumbent position

Position in which the patient is placed on their left side to help manage the airway, also known as recovery position.

Patient care report (PCR)

A written or electronic record of specific information that documents an EMS call.

Nonemergency moves

Use of a planned technique to move a patient from one location to another under non-urgent conditions.

Emergency moves

Techniques to move a patient quickly from a dangerous situation.

Star of Life

A six-point blue star symbolizing emergency medical services, representing detection, reporting, response, on-scene care, care in transit, and transfer to definitive care.

Retro-reflective material

A textile that reflects nearly all light back to the source without diffusing it.

Fowler's position

A semi-sitting position with the head of the bed elevated; various degrees exist including high Fowler's, regular (semi-) Fowler's, and low Fowler's.

Incident command system (ICS)

A standardized management approach for coordinating emergency responses across multiple agencies.

Nonemergency response

Driving the ambulance under routine conditions without the need for warning devices.

Supine

A position in which the patient is lying on their back.

Chief complaint

The patient's statement of the reason for seeking medical attention.

Packaging

Preparing the patient for transport while ensuring continued medical treatment.

Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS)

An independent panel that promotes quality in medical transportation.

Mechanism of injury (MOI)

The forces and energy that cause trauma.

Acute illness

An illness with sudden onset, typically of short duration.

Semi-Fowler's position

Position with the head of the bed elevated at 45 degrees.

Spotter

A person who provides instructions and assistance during patient movement.

System status management (SSM)

A computerized system for ambulance and personnel deployment.

Rotor-wing aircraft

A helicopter.

Emergency response

Using visible and audible warning devices during ambulance operation to request the right of way.

Chronic illness

A long-standing disease that progresses slowly.

Nature of the illness

The general type of medical problem a patient is suffering from.

Recovery position

Position in which the patient is placed on their left side to manage the airway, also known as left lateral recumbent position.

Interfacility transfers

Ambulance transportation of patients between health care facilities or to scheduled medical appointments.