EMS Operations /Haz Mat /Triage Study Guide

Flashcards of key vocabulary terms and definitions from the lecture notes.

SOPs

Outline how you will function operationally within your own organization.

Emergency Scene Safety

Make certain that it is safe prior to approaching the patient; use protective gear appropriate for the situation; be limited by your level of training.

Emergency Call Phases

Preparation, dispatch, en route to the scene, arrival at the scene, transferring patients, and after the emergency.

Preparation Phase

Having the proper training, tools, equipment, and personnel.

Dispatch Phase

Dispatcher gathers information from the caller and may provide pre-arrival instructions.

En Route Phase

Operate the emergency vehicle with “due regard” for the safety of everyone on the road.

Arrival at the Scene

Be extra alert and approach cautiously, looking for hazards.

Transferring Patients

Lift, carry, and load patients on appropriate devices and assist in preparing the patient for transport.

After the Emergency

Cleaning and disinfecting equipment, restocking supplies, refueling your emergency vehicle, complete paperwork and participate in debriefing

Responsibilities at a Motor-Vehicle Collision Scene

Make the scene safe, request additional resources, gain access to patients, free trapped patients, evaluate patients, move patients who are in danger.

Positioning Vehicle at Collision Scene

Approximately 50 feet before the scene with emergency flashers and headlights activated.

Hazmat Team

Personnel with specialized training that goes beyond the scope of this text.

Hazardous Materials: Emergency Response Guidebook

A current copy of the U.S. DOT’s guidebook should be in all emergency response vehicles to get information on the chemical or substance and perimeter of the safe area.

Factors Evaluated for Recognition and Identification of Hazardous Materials

Occupancy/location, container shape, markings and colors, placards and labels, shipping papers and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and human senses.

CHEM-TEL/ CHEMTREC

If you cannot contact the dispatcher, call CHEM-TEL [phone]) or CHEMTREC (800-262-8200).

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Provides important information on chemical and common names, physical hazards, health hazards, and safe handling procedures

Safety Zones

Hot (danger) zone, warm zone, and cold (safe) zone.

Decontamination

Chemical or physical process used to remove and prevent the spread of contaminants.

EMT Role in Decontamination

Remain in the cold zone and begin patient treatment and assist with transport.

Hazmat Patient Management

Initial care includes getting the victims to fresh air and flushing any contaminated areas with water for at least 20 minutes.

Radiation Exposure

Patient was in the presence of radioactive material, but the material did not actually touch his clothing or body.

Radiation Contamination

Patient comes in contact with radiation sources (liquids, gases, or particles).

Multiple-Casualty Incident (MCI)

Emergency that involves multiple victims and overwhelms the first responding units.

Incident Command System (ICS)

Model tool for the command, control, and coordination of resources at the scene of a large-scale emergency involving multiple agencies.

National Incident Management System (NIMS)

Unified approach to incident management that emphasizes preparedness, mutual aid, resource management, and common terminology among agencies.

Triage Group

Conduct primary triage and ensure all patients are assessed and sorted using appropriate START triage protocol.

Treatment Group

Reassess patients and conduct secondary triage to match patients with resources.

Transport Group

Manage patient movement and accountability from the scene to the receiving hospitals.

Triage

Process for sorting injured people into groups based on their need for or likely benefit from immediate medical care.

START Triage System

Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment, based on the rapid assessment of patients using the following three criteria: respirations, perfusion, and mental status (RPM).

START Triage Categories

Immediate (red), Delayed (yellow), Minor (green), Deceased (black).

Primary Triage

When a patient is first identified and triaged.

Secondary Triage

When a patient is relocated to a treatment area, he will be re-triaged by a treatment team.

JumpSTART Triage

Pediatric MCI Triage system for patients ages 12 months to approximately eight years of age.