Emergency Medical Services Lecture

These flashcards cover key concepts related to emergency medical services, including operational phases and equipment used in patient care.

Emergency Vehicle Operations

Procedures and protocols governing the safe operation of ambulances and other emergency vehicles.

Preparation Phase

The initial phase of an ambulance call, involving readiness and dispatch to the scene.

Dispatch Information

Data gathered by dispatch that includes the nature, location, and urgency of the call.

System Status

The strategic placement of ambulances to ensure timely response to emergencies.

Patient Transfer Equipment

Devices such as stretchers and backboards used to safely move patients.

Jump Kit

A kit containing essential medical supplies needed in the first five minutes of patient care.

Siren Syndrome

A phenomenon in which the presence of an ambulance siren increases anxiety and causes drivers to misjudge distances.

Medevac

Medical evacuation, primarily conducted by helicopter, for patients requiring urgent care.

Hyperbaric Chamber

A pressurized environment used to treat conditions such as decompression sickness and burns.

Air Ambulance

An ambulance designed for air transport, typically a helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft utilized for urgent medical transport.

Scene Safety

Procedures to ensure the safety of emergency personnel and patients at an incident scene.

Patient Assessment

The systematic process of evaluating a patient's condition to determine the nature and severity of their injuries or illness.

Landing Zone

A designated area, typically clear and flat, chosen for the safe landing and takeoff of an air ambulance.

Incident Command System (ICS)

A standardized on-scene management system used to organize and coordinate emergency response resources.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Specialized clothing or equipment worn by EMS personnel

Vehicle Inspection

A routine check of an emergency vehicle's operational status and equipment readiness before a shift.

Due Regard

Legal concept requiring emergency vehicle operators to drive safely with lights and sirens, but still with caution for public safety.

Mass Casualty Incident (MCI)

An event that overwhelms local emergency medical service resources due to the number of injured patients.

Triage

The process of sorting patients based on the severity of their injuries or illness to determine priority for treatment and transport.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

A portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia.

Scope of Practice

The legal boundaries and limits of what an emergency medical services provider is authorized to do.

Medical Director

A physician who provides medical oversight for EMS personnel and operations.

Basic Life Support (BLS)

Non-invasive emergency care procedures typically performed by EMTs, focusing on airway, breathing, and circulation.

Advanced Life Support (ALS)

Invasive emergency medical procedures and drug administration typically performed by paramedics, beyond the scope of BLS.

Continuum of Care

A seamless system of patient care that extends from the initial emergency response through definitive treatment and rehabilitation.

Golden Hour

A critical time period, usually the first 60 minutes after a severe traumatic injury, during which rapid medical intervention significantly improves patient outcomes.

Definitive Care

Comprehensive medical treatment provided at a hospital or specialized facility that fully addresses the patient's condition.

Trauma Center

A specialized hospital equipped and staffed to provide care to critically injured patients.

Burn Center

A medical facility specializing in the treatment of severe burns.

Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)

Substances that pose a risk to health, safety, or property during transportation or storage, requiring specialized emergency response.

Medical Control

Physician-directed oversight of EMS activities, either online (direct communication) or offline (protocols/standing orders).

Standing Orders

Pre-determined, written medical protocols that allow EMS personnel to perform specific interventions without direct physician consultation.

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)

Federal law that protects patient health information and privacy.

Mechanism of Injury (MOI)

The way in which traumatic injuries occur; the forces that cause an injury.

Nature of Illness (NOI)

The general type of medical problem or complaint a patient is experiencing.

Vital Signs

Outward signs of what is happening inside the patient's body, including pulse, respiration, blood pressure, skin condition, pupils, and SpO2.

Chief Complaint

The main reason the patient called for EMS, stated in their own words.

Primary Assessment

The initial rapid assessment of a patient to identify and correct immediate life-threatening conditions (Airway, Breathing, Circulation).

Secondary Assessment

A more thorough examination of the patient, performed after the primary assessment, to identify additional injuries or medical conditions.

Reassessment

The ongoing process of repeating key elements of the patient assessment to monitor changes in the patient's condition.

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)

The first trained professional to arrive at the scene of an emergency, providing immediate care before higher-level EMS personnel arrive.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

An EMS professional trained in basic life support, including airway management, CPR, and limited medication administration.

Paramedic

An advanced EMS professional capable of performing advanced life support interventions, including IV therapy, drug administration, and advanced airway procedures.