Emergency Medical Services Education

Flashcards summarizing key concepts from a lecture on preventive measures and practices within Emergency Medical Services.

What are the two types of prevention in Emergency Medical Services (EMS)?

Primary prevention and secondary prevention.

What does primary prevention in EMS entail?

It involves actions taken to prevent an event from happening, such as getting flu shots or training for multi-casualty incidents.

What is secondary prevention in EMS?

It involves managing and treating an event after it has occurred, such as the response to a pandemic like COVID.

What is the role of personal safety in EMS?

Personal safety is the priority for EMS providers, followed by the partner's safety, then the patient's safety.

What must EMS providers do before starting their shift?

They must perform a checkout of their ambulance to ensure all equipment is ready and operational.

What are the legal driving requirements for EMS vehicles responding to emergencies?

EMS providers can drive code three with lights and sirens, but still must follow some traffic laws, such as stopping for school buses.

What is continuity of care in EMS?

It refers to the ongoing care EMS providers give until they transfer care to hospital staff.

How does HIPAA affect the EMS provider's communication about patient information?

HIPAA prohibits discussing patient information with anyone who is not involved in the patient's care.

What should EMS providers do when they need to gain access to a patient?

They may need to enter a home or vehicle and provide necessary care while ensuring scene safety.

What is the maximum number of patients an ambulance typically transports?

An ambulance usually transports one patient, but can transport two if one is critical and one is non-critical.