Advanced EMT: A Clinical-Reasoning Approach - Chapter 33 Trauma Systems and Incident Command

This set of flashcards covers key concepts, definitions, and principles related to trauma systems and incident command as outlined in Chapter 33 of the Advanced EMT textbook.

What is the leading cause of death for ages 1 to 44 years?

Unintentional injury.

What are the three Es of injury prevention?

Education, Enforcement, and Engineering.

What does MCI stand for in emergency management?

Multiple-Casualty Incident.

What is the primary role of the incident commander (IC) in the ICS?

Responsible for coordination of the entire response.

What is the purpose of a comprehensive trauma care system?

To provide definitive care for patients with serious injuries.

In a Multiple-Casualty Incident, why is it important to identify the number of patients involved?

To manage resource allocation and determine care priorities.

What is the first step in responding to a Multiple-Casualty Incident?

Establishing command.

What does the SALT triage system stand for?

Sort, Assess, Lifesaving Interventions, and Treatment/Transport.

What is the difference between primary and secondary triage?

Primary triage categorizes patients upon initial assessment; secondary triage reassesses their condition later.

What are the capabilities of a Level One trauma center?

Capable of managing any type of traumatic injury 24/7, 365 days a year.

What is one way to manage communications during a disaster?

Using portable radios or satellite phones.

What should responders do as soon as they recognize an MCI?

Request additional resources early.

What is the major goal of triaging during a Multiple-Casualty Incident?

To prioritize treatment and transportation of patients based on their injuries.

What trauma system components provide definitive care for patients with serious injuries?

• Leadership

• Professional resources

• Education and advocacy

• Information management

• Finances

• Research

• Technology

What are the capabilities of a Level II trauma center?

Capable of managing any type of traumatic injury 24/7, 365 days a year, except for the most rare or unusual cases.

What are the capabilities of a Level III community trauma center?

Capable of providing some surgical care and specially trained ED staff to manage trauma.

The focus is on stabilization of the trauma patient and transferring to a higher-level center.

What are the capabilities of a Level IV trauma facility?

Capable of stabilizing trauma patients for transfer to a higher-level center; these are smaller hospitals located in remote areas.

What are the capabilities of a Level V trauma facility?

Capable of providing initial evaluation, stabilization, and diagnostic testing, and preparing patients for transfer to a higher-level center.

What is the difference between a Level I vs Level II Trauma Center?

Level I has students, a teaching facility.

What are examples of potential MCIs? (8)

• School bus crash

• Plane crash

• Passenger train derailments

• Explosion in a populated space

• Mass shootings

• Building Collapse

• Industrial accident

• Toxic chemical releases

What year did the Federal Government require all agencies that may be called to respond to a disaster to become NIMS compliant?

2006

NIMS compliance requires all responders to obtain what four certifications?

• ICS-100.b

• ICS-200.b

• ICS-700.a

• ICS-800.b

What are the five sections of the Incident Command System? C-FLOP

C-FLOP

• Command

• Finance/Administration

• Logistics

• Operations

• Planning

During primary triage, what one of four different categories are patients placed into?

• Immediate (red)

• Delayed (yellow)

• Minor (green)

• Expectant (black)

Where on the body of a patient should you put a triage tag on?

An extremity, the arm or leg.

What does START Triage stand for?

Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment

What is step 1 of START Triage System?

Walking wounded

Call out to patients. Anyone who can walk to go over to a location you specify.

What is step 2 of START Triage System?

Attend to patients who did not respond to step 1.

Step 2, Part 1: Check for breathing, if not breathing, reposition the patient’s airway. If breath is still not detected, black tag the patient as deceased. If you do identify a breath after repositioning the airway, red tag the patient as immediate.

Step 2, Part 2: Check for breathing, upon first approach, if you detect the patient is breathing, measure their respiration rate to determine if they are breathing more or less than 30 breaths per minute. If higher than 30, red tag them. If less than 30, move on to step 3.

What is step 3 of START Triage System?

Determine the level of perfusion in their body.

Step 3: If the patient is bleeding, take steps to control it. If the patient continues to bleed excessively, black tag them. If the patients bleeding is controlled, examine the pt perfusion. First, check radial pulse. If no radial pulse, red tag them. If radial pulse is present, check capillary refill. If longer than two seconds, red tag them. If less than 2 seconds, move on to the last step, step 4.

What is step 4 of START Triage System?

Assess patients’ mental status.

Step 4: If the patient is EITHER unconscious OR is unable to follow simple commands, red tag them. However, if the patient is conscious AND able to follow simple commands, yellow tag them as delayed.