Introduction to Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Code of Hammurabi

Ancient legal code influencing medical practices.

First ambulances

Introduced during the Napoleonic Wars in 1790s.

First ambulance services

Established in the 1860s for medical transport.

World Wars I and II

Military medics transported soldiers to hospitals.

Korean War

Introduced helicopter evacuation and M.A.S.H. units.

1966 Report

Highlighted neglect of accidental death and disability.

NHTSA

National Highway Traffic & Safety Administration established.

911 system

Created in 1968 for emergency response.

ACEP

American College of Emergency Physicians formed in 1968.

NREMT

National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians founded.

Emergency Medical Services Act

1973 law mandating 15 EMS system components.

EMS Response Phases

Includes dispatch, assessment, care, and transport.

EMR

Emergency Medical Responder, formerly CFR.

EMT

Emergency Medical Technician providing basic care.

AEMT

Advanced Emergency Medical Technician with expanded skills.

Paramedic

Advanced provider with extensive medical training.

National Standard Curriculum

Guidelines for EMS education and training.

Continuing education

Ongoing training required for certification maintenance.

Quality Improvement

Systematic evaluation to enhance patient care.

Culture of Safety

Non-punitive approach promoting safety and communication.

Patient Safety

Critical focus area in healthcare to prevent errors.

Evidence-based decision-making

Utilizing research to guide EMS practices.

High-risk activities

Include hand-offs, communication, and medication errors.

Causes of Errors

Includes skills, rules, and knowledge-based failures.

Preventing Errors

Strategies include clear protocols and asking for help.

Identification of Research Areas

Recognizing topics needing further investigation in EMS.

Data Collection

Gathering information for analysis in EMS research.

Research Trials Participation

Engagement in studies to evaluate EMS practices.

Trial Results Analysis

Examining data to determine research outcomes.

Practice Changes Implementation

Applying research findings to improve EMS procedures.

Publishing Research Results

Disseminating findings to inform the EMS community.

Evaluating Practice Changes

Assessing the impact of new EMS procedures.

Evidence-Based Decision Making

Using research to guide EMS treatment choices.

Acute Stress Reaction

Immediate response characterized by 'fight or flight'.

Delayed Stress Reaction

Symptoms appearing long after a traumatic event.

Cumulative Stress Reaction

Build-up of stress from multiple incidents.

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)

Interventions to support EMS personnel after trauma.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Gear to protect EMS workers from hazards.

High Efficiency Particulate Air Respirator

Mask for filtering airborne pathogens in EMS.

Disinfecting

Cleaning to reduce pathogens using chemicals.

Sterilization

Complete destruction of all pathogens.

Standard Safety Precautions

Guidelines to minimize risk of infection.

Methods of Disease Transmission

Ways pathogens spread: airborne, bloodborne, etc.

Stress Symptoms

Physical signs indicating stress in EMS personnel.

Lifestyle Changes for Stress Reduction

Modifications to improve mental health and balance.

Stages of Death and Dying

Emotional phases experienced by individuals facing death.

Safety Equipment

Tools to protect EMS personnel from hazards.

Behavioral Emergencies

Situations requiring assessment of mental health status.

Wellness Principles

Guidelines for maintaining physical and mental health.

Factors in EMS Stress

Elements contributing to stress in emergency situations.