Emergency Medical Services Study Notes (copy)

What are Standing Orders in EMS operations?

Pre-established protocols that allow EMS personnel to perform certain procedures without prior consultation for every patient.

What is the purpose of Protocols in EMS?

Specific guidelines defining how EMS personnel should respond to various scenarios.

What is On-line Medical Direction?

Immediate guidance provided by medical personnel via communication devices during EMS operations.

How does Off-line Medical Direction differ from On-line Medical Direction?

Off-line Medical Direction consists of standing orders or protocols that allow EMS personnel to act without immediate contact with medical personnel.

What is an Emergent Move?

A technique for quickly moving a patient from an unsafe environment to a safer one.

What are Vital Signs?

Measurements of bodily functions, used to assess a patient's health status, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, and temperature.

What is the Initial Assessment in patient care?

The first evaluation of a patient to determine a general impression of their condition and quickly identify life-threatening issues.

What is the focus of a Secondary Assessment?

A more thorough examination that occurs after the initial assessment, focusing on specific bodily systems.

What is the General Impression in EMS?

An overall assessment of the patient’s condition based on visual observations and initial contact.

What is the Chief Complaint?

The primary issue or symptom reported by the patient.

What does the AVPU Scale measure?

A scale for measuring a patient's level of consciousness: Alert, Verbal response, Painful response, Unresponsive.

When is the Radial Pulse used?

Used in conscious patients to assess heart rate.

What is the significance of the Carotid Pulse?

Useful in unconscious patients or when assessing perfusion in critical situations.

What does a Patient Care Report (PCR) entail?

A document detailing the care given to the patient, including vital signs, assessment findings, and treatment administered.

What distinguishes Rapid Trauma Assessment from Focused Trauma Assessment?

Rapid Trauma Assessment is a quick evaluation for major injuries in patients with altered consciousness or life threats, while Focused Trauma Assessment is detailed and based on specific injuries.

What are Pertinent Negatives?

Key information that rules out certain conditions, such as the absence of pain in areas typically affected by injury.

What is Tachycardia?

A condition with an increased heart rate, typically defined as a heart rate above 100 beats per minute.

What are Arterioles?

Small blood vessels that lead from arteries to capillaries.

What function do Capillaries serve?

Tiny blood vessels where gas and nutrient exchange occurs.

What is the role of Veins in the circulatory system?

Blood vessels that return deoxygenated blood to the heart.

What do Arteries do?

Carry oxygenated blood away from the heart.

What is a coo contra coo injury?

An injury mechanism often referred to as a deceleration injury from rapid head movement.

What are Battle's Signs?

Bruising behind the ears, indicating a possible skull fracture.

What do Grey Turner’s Signs indicate?

Bruising on the flanks indicating retroperitoneal bleeding.

What does Cullen’s Sign refer to?

Bruising around the umbilicus indicating possible internal bleeding.

What are Raccoon Eyes?

Periorbital bruising that can indicate a basilar skull fracture.

What is Traumatic Asphyxia?

A condition resulting from severe chest trauma.

What is meant by Narrowing Pulse Pressure?

A sign of potential shock indicating the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure is decreasing.

What does Ecchymosis mean?

Bruising or discoloration of the skin resulting from blood leaking into the tissue.

What does PMS/CSM stand for?

PMS stands for Pulse, Movement, Sensation; CSM stands for Circulation, Sensation, Movement, both important for assessing peripheral circulation and nerve function.

What is Paralysis?

Loss of the ability to move a body part.

What is Priapism?

A medical condition where a male has a prolonged, often painful erection not associated with sexual desire or stimulation.

When should Helmet Removal be considered?

After careful consideration, usually indicated for patients with altered level of consciousness, respiratory distress, or when airway management is needed.

What does the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) assess?

A scale used to assess consciousness levels in patients, with a total score ranging from 3 to 15.

What does the mnemonic 'Extra Value Meal 456' help to remember?

Scores of each scale on the Glasgow Coma Scale: Eye: 4, Verbal: 5, Motor: 6.

What treatment is commonly used for Epistaxis?

Pinching the nostrils together and leaning forward.

What defines Hypotension in patients?

Blood pressure less than 90 systolic, possibly indicating shock or severe blood loss.

What is Irreversible Shock?

A terminal state of shock where body systems fail, often leading to death.

What is a Subdural Hematoma?

A collection of blood on the brain’s surface beneath the outer membrane, often due to trauma.

What characterizes an Epidural Hematoma?

A collection of blood that forms between the outer membrane and the skull, usually associated with skull fractures.

What is an Avulsion Wound?

A wound where a portion of skin and tissue is forcibly detached.

What should be done with an Amputated Part?

Wrap and cool it for potential reattachment.

How is a Femur Fracture typically treated?

Requires surgical intervention and immobilization.

What are the methods of Bleeding and Shock Control?

Includes direct pressure on wounds, use of hemostatic agents, and tourniquet application if needed.

What treatment is recommended for Sprain/Strain injuries?

Rest and ice are commonly needed.

How should Abrasions be treated?

With cleaning and dressing.

What does Evisceration refer to?

When internal organs protrude from a wound, requiring immediate cover and transport.

What should be done with Impaled Objects?

Should only be removed if they obstruct the airway or cause additional injury; otherwise stabilized.

What is Hypovolemic Shock?

Caused by significant blood or fluid loss.

What is Paradoxical Motion?

Discrepancy in movement during respiration, often seen in flail chest patients.

What does Flail Motion indicate?

Movement of a section of the chest wall opposite to the rest during breathing, indicating a serious injury.

What should be done for Puncture Wounds?

Treatment differs based on location; extremities may be stabilized, while chest/abdomen requires immediate care.

What does GSW stand for?

Gunshot Wound, a severe injury likely requiring emergency intervention.

What differentiates Spontaneous Pneumothorax from Tension Pneumothorax?

Spontaneous Pneumothorax occurs without trauma, while Tension Pneumothorax is a medical emergency due to air trapping.

What is Pericardial Tamponade?

Pressure on the heart caused by fluid accumulation within the pericardial cavity.

What does a Cardiac Contusion involve?

Bruising of the heart muscle often complicated by arrhythmias.

What distinguishes Solid organ injuries from Hollow organ injuries?

Solid organs (like liver, spleen) can bleed heavily if injured, while hollow organs (like stomach, intestines) can spill contents, leading to infections.

What are Direct vs Indirect Injuries?

Direct injuries result from external force, while indirect injuries occur due to transmitted forces.

What is Decorticate Posturing indicative of?

Abnormal flexion indicating severe brain injury.

What does Decerebrate Posturing signify?

Extension indicating more severe brain damage.

What are the emergency interventions for Impaired Breathing?

Immediate interventions such as positioning and airway management are required.

What defines Hypothermia?

A critical condition that occurs when body temperature drops below the required level for normal metabolism and bodily functions.

What is the recommended treatment for a Marine Animal Sting?

Rinsing with vinegar for certain stings to neutralize venom.

What is the critical situation associated with Air Embolism?

It can occur during scuba diving or certain medical procedures, requiring immediate management.

What is a Cervical Spine Distraction Injury often associated with?

Hanging; requires careful assessment and management.

What are the different degrees of Burns?

Superficial Thickness, Partial Thickness, Full Thickness, each requiring different management.

What does the Rule of Nines method estimate?

Burn surface area; divided into sections (e.g., head = 9%, arms = 9% each).

When should a patient be referred to a burn center?

Based on burn severity, depth, and location.

What is included in Extra Review for Trauma Assessment Sheets?

Structured evaluations and assessments for documenting patient care and response to treatment.