EME 106 Quiz 1

Scope of Practice

What an EMT is legally permitted and trained to do by state law, local protocols, and medical licensing.

Standard of Care

The level and quality of care expected from a reasonably prudent EMT with similar training under similar circumstances.

Duty to Act

A legal obligation to provide emergency care to a patient while on duty or once care has been initiated.

Good Samaritan Laws

Legal protection for individuals who provide reasonable, unpaid assistance in good faith; does not protect against gross negligence.

Medical Direction

Policies, procedures, standing orders, and protocol oversight provided by a physician for prehospital emergency care.

Basic Emergency Facility (BEF)

An emergency room open 24/7/365 with an on-site physician capable of providing immediate resuscitation and stabilization.

Trauma Center

A specialized facility (BEF level or higher) with immediate surgical intervention capabilities for major traumatic injuries.

Base Hospital

A designated medical facility that provides real-time online medical direction and direct radio communication to EMS field crews.

Ethics

External rules, social standards, and professional codes governing acceptable behavior.

Morals

An individual's personal principles, values, and beliefs regarding right versus wrong.

Expressed Consent

Permission granted verbally or non-verbally by a conscious, competent, and rational adult for assessment and treatment.

Implied Consent

Legal assumption that an unresponsive, incapacitated, or severely confused patient would want emergency care in life/limb threats.

Involuntary Consent

Consent granted through legal authority/law enforcement for patients who are mentally incompetent or under custody.

Minor Consent

Consent that must be obtained from a parent or legal guardian before treating a minor, unless emergency care is urgently required.

Emancipated Minor

A minor who has legally gained adult status (married, military, pregnant/parent, court order) and can consent/refuse care.

Advance Directive

A written legal document stating a patient's preferences regarding resuscitation and life support (e.g., Living Will, DNR).

POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment)

A physician-signed medical order outlining specific medical interventions (CPR, intubation, IV fluids) valid in both prehospital and hospital care.

Neonate Age & Vitals

Birth to 1 month | HR: 100–180 bpm | RR: 30–60 breaths/min | Systolic BP: 50–70 mmHg

Infant Age & Vitals

1 month to 1 year | HR: 100–160 bpm | RR: 30–53 breaths/min | Systolic BP: 70–100 mmHg

Toddler Age & Vitals

1 to 3 years | HR: 90–150 bpm | RR: 22–37 breaths/min | Systolic BP: 80–100 mmHg

Preschooler Age & Vitals

3 to 6 years | HR: 80–140 bpm | RR: 20–28 breaths/min | Systolic BP: 80–110 mmHg

School-Age Age & Vitals

6 to 12 years | HR: 70–120 bpm | RR: 18–25 breaths/min | Systolic BP: 90–120 mmHg

Adolescent Age & Vitals

12 to 18 years | HR: 60–100 bpm | RR: 12–20 breaths/min | Systolic BP: 100–120 mmHg

Adult Age & Vitals

18+ years | HR: 60–100 bpm | RR: 12–20 breaths/min | BP: 90–120 / 60–80 mmHg

Obligate Nose Breathers

Babies are obligate nose breathers until approximately 4 to 6 months of age; nasal obstruction causes severe distress.

When to Contact Medical Direction

High-risk patient refusals (AMA), medication administration requiring online orders, protocol clarification, or field termination of resuscitation.

Against Medical Advice (AMA) Criteria

Patient must be alert, oriented, and competent; EMT must explain all risks including death, offer transport alternatives, and obtain signed refusal with a witness.

5150 Hold Criteria (Involuntary Psych Evaluation)

Applied when a person, due to a mental health disorder, is: 1) Danger to Self (DTS), 2) Danger to Others (DTO), or 3) Gravely Disabled (GD).

Pediatric Hypotension Formula (Ages 1–10)

Minimum Systolic BP = 70 + (2 × age in years). Anything below this is hypotensive shock.