EMT Chapter 2 - Well-Being of the EMT

pathogens

the organisms that cause infection, such as viruses and bacteria.

Standard Precautions

a strict form of infection control that is based on the assumption that all blood and other body fluids are infectious; also known as Standard Precautions.

personal protective equipment (PPE)

equipment that protects the EMS worker from infection and/or exposure to the dangers of rescue operations.

contamination

contact with or presence of a material (contaminant) that is present where it does not belong and that is somehow harmful to persons, animals, or the environment; introduction of dangerous chemicals, disease, or infectious materials.

resilience

toughness; an ability to recover quickly from difficult situations.

N-95

a type of mask designed to protect the wearer from airborne particles and liquid contamination

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air)

used in environments where airborne particles pose a health risk, is designed to filter out fine particles, including those that may carry diseases like tuberculosis

multiple-casualty incident (MCI)

any medical or trauma incident involving multiple patients.

Critical incident stress management (CISM)

a comprehensive system that includes education and resources to prevent stress and to deal with stress appropriately when it occurs.

hazardous material incident

the release of a harmful substance into the environment.

decontamination

the removal or cleansing of dangerous chemicals and other dangerous or infectious materials from employees and their equipment to preclude foreseeable health effects.