JB Learning EMT Chapter 9

What is community paramedicine?

A model where experienced paramedics receive advanced training to provide additional services such as health checks, chronic illness monitoring, and patient advocacy in the community.

What is mobile integrated health care (MIH)?

A system where health care is delivered within the community instead of hospitals or physician offices, focusing on prevention and ongoing care.

What is the continuum of care?

The consistent and coordinated care of a patient across all providers and stages, improving safety, teamwork, and outcomes.

What is crew resource management (CRM)?

A system that emphasizes communication, teamwork, and situational awareness to prevent human error and improve safety.

What is situational awareness?

Knowing what's happening in your surroundings and recognizing potential risks to patient or team safety.

What is a team in EMS?

A group of health care providers who work together with specific roles, under a designated leader, to accomplish a shared goal.

What is a group in EMS?

Individuals working independently toward helping a patient, without coordinated roles or leadership.

What is the role of a team leader?

The person who assigns roles, makes decisions, supports the team, and ensures that the patient's needs are met safely and efficiently.

How does community paramedicine improve patient outcomes?

It reduces hospital readmissions, provides ongoing care, and connects patients with resources before emergencies happen.

What is one major difference between a team and a group in EMS?

A team works interdependently under leadership, while a group works independently with less coordination.

What is the goal of MIH programs?

To reduce emergency department visits by managing health needs in the community through preventive and follow-up care.

What is an example of good crew resource management during a call?

A paramedic speaking up when a partner misses a medication dose, preventing a potential error.

What happens when there is poor crew resource management?

Miscommunication, safety risks, and medical errors increase during patient care.

How does situational awareness help an EMT during a call?

It allows them to identify hazards like aggressive patients, traffic, or unsafe environments early.

What is an example of loss of situational awareness?

Focusing too closely on one patient task and missing a fire hazard nearby.

Why is communication vital in EMS teamwork?

Clear communication ensures that every team member understands their role and that patient care is efficient and safe.

What is the benefit of the continuum of care in EMS?

It ensures seamless transitions between first response, hospital care, and follow-up for better patient outcomes.

How can an EMT contribute to the continuum of care?

By accurately documenting findings, providing detailed handoffs, and sharing patient history with hospital staff.

What does crew resource management teach EMTs about decision-making?

That everyone on the team has a voice and can raise safety concerns regardless of rank.

How can an EMT demonstrate leadership during a call?

By staying calm, delegating tasks clearly, and ensuring all voices on the team are heard.

Why is community paramedicine important for rural areas?

It brings preventive and follow-up care to people who have limited access to hospitals or clinics.

What is the purpose of MIH programs for patients with chronic diseases?

To help manage their condition outside of the hospital, preventing frequent emergency calls.

What should an EMT do if they see a team member making an unsafe decision?

Speak up respectfully and ensure patient and crew safety through communication and collaboration.

What is an example of a strong team dynamic in EMS?

When providers anticipate each other's needs, communicate clearly, and focus on patient care together.

What is the connection between CRM and the continuum of care?

Both aim to improve patient outcomes by ensuring clear communication and teamwork across all stages of care.

What is the focus of modern EMS systems beyond emergency response?

Prevention, patient education, and integration into the broader health care system through MIH and CP programs.

What does an effective team leader do during a high-stress call?

Keeps communication open, prioritizes safety, and directs the team's actions clearly.

What can happen when EMTs don't function as a team?

Delays in care, confusion, and mistakes that can worsen patient outcomes.

What is the advantage of using community paramedicine for non-emergency patients?

It prevents unnecessary ER visits and provides ongoing management for long-term health conditions.

What is one example of MIH integration in EMS?

Paramedics performing home follow-ups after hospital discharge to prevent readmission.

Why should EMTs understand their role in a larger health care team?

Because EMS care is the first step in a patient's overall treatment process.

How can situational awareness protect providers?

It helps identify environmental hazards and potential threats before they cause harm.

What kind of reasoning should a team leader use in an evolving emergency?

Dynamic reasoning that adapts quickly to new information and patient needs.

What should EMTs do when multiple agencies respond to a scene?

Establish a clear command structure and ensure all responders communicate effectively.

What are some signs that a team is not communicating well?

Confusion about tasks, repeated questions, or contradictory actions during patient care.

What is one strategy for maintaining good CRM?

Performing debriefs after calls to discuss what went well and what can be improved.

What is one key difference between MIH and traditional EMS?

MIH focuses on preventive and continuous care, while traditional EMS responds to emergencies only.

What does "continuum" mean in continuum of care?

Continuous and connected patient management across all health care stages.

How does technology help support community paramedicine?

Electronic health records and telemedicine let EMS providers coordinate with doctors remotely.

What is the ultimate goal of EMS teamwork and coordination?

To provide the highest quality, safest, and most efficient patient care possible.