emergency operations

  • EMT Certification Process

    • Obtain your EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and NREMT (National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians) cards.

    • Upload documentation to state offices and submit fingerprints.

    • Receive a silver card indicating EMT Basic status, along with a permanent EMT number (similar to a driver's license number).

  • Local Regulations for Paramedics

    • Paramedics must upload their credentials to local EMS authorities (e.g., ICEMA for San Bernardino County).

    • Different regions may require additional certifications (e.g., blue card for state, special cards for counties like Riverside).

    • Understand the licensing requirements can be extensive; however, asking for permission before performing procedures is crucial to avoid legal issues.

  • Role of EMTs in Emergency Situations

    • EMTs must be proficient in basic life support (BLS), focusing on:

    • Airway

    • Breathing

    • Circulation

    • Develop skills to systematically assess a patient's condition and provide appropriate care.

  • Equipment and Responsibilities

    • Be familiar with equipment like Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

    • Recognize that regular CPR training is essential, as even children can effectively utilize AEDs.

    • Ensure that essential medical supplies are available and operational in various public spaces.

  • Documentation and Patient Care Reports (PCRs)

    • Every patient encounter requires completion of a run form and PCR report.

    • These reports are utilized by higher levels of care and in incident evaluations to assess treatment efficacy.

    • Accurate and thorough documentation is vital for legal and medical assessment purposes.

  • Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD)

    • Dispatchers may provide basic care instructions to callers in emergencies.

    • Knowledge of services like PulsePoint, used for tracking nearby emergency events, enhances situational awareness for first responders.

  • Understanding the Importance of Time in Cardiac Arrest Situations

    • Survival rates decrease by 12% per minute if a cardiac arrest patient is not defibrillated.

    • This emphasizes the critical nature of timely response and treatment.

  • Roles of Medical Supervisors

    • Medical directors review incident reports and ensure quality care standards.

    • They provide standing orders, which guide EMTs in basic care procedures without needing immediate consultation.

    • Medical control can be offline (standing orders) or online (direct permission for treatment).

  • Interpersonal Skills in EMS

    • EMTs must interact with diverse populations, handling possible judgment from patients or families.

    • Maintaining professional composure and providing unbiased, effective care is essential.

    • Acknowledge personal biases but focus on patient-centered care.

  • Communicating with Medical Control

    • Describe the situation accurately when calling for assistance, ensuring all relevant patient information is communicated.

    • Use clear language whether on the phone or radio, being prepared for diverse communication challenges.

  • Administrative Functions in EMS

    • Senior EMTs and paramedics may have administrative responsibilities, including personnel scheduling and equipment procurement.

    • Keeping ambulances well-maintained is crucial for service effectiveness, as real-life incidents may reveal equipment reliability issues.

  • General Conclusion

    • Continuous education, proficiency in skills, thorough documentation, and adherence to protocols are essential for effective emergency medical services.

    • Ensure readiness for diverse scenarios and maintain a focus on patient care.

  • EMT Certification Process

    • Attend an accredited EMT training program that covers essential emergency medical skills and knowledge.

    • Obtain your EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and NREMT (National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians) cards by passing both psychomotor and cognitive examinations.

    • Upload documentation including proof of education and clinical experience to state offices and submit fingerprints for background checks.

    • Receive a silver card indicating EMT Basic status, along with a permanent EMT number, which is crucial for job applications and registry verification (similar to a driver's license number).

  • Local Regulations for Paramedics

    • Paramedics must upload their credentials to local EMS authorities (e.g., ICEMA for San Bernardino County) to ensure compliance with local guidelines.

    • Different regions may require additional certifications (e.g., blue card for state, specialized cards for counties like Riverside) to practice legally.

    • Understand that licensing requirements can be extensive and vary significantly by jurisdiction; however, asking for permission before performing procedures is crucial to avoid legal issues and ensure patient safety.

  • Role of EMTs in Emergency Situations

    • EMTs must be proficient in basic life support (BLS), focusing on essential skills:

      • Airway management: Implementing maneuvers such as the Heimlich maneuver and using airway adjuncts (e.g., oropharyngeal airways).

      • Breathing support: Recognizing respiratory distress and using bag-valve masks or other interventions as needed.

      • Circulation maintenance: Performing CPR and applying effective bleeding control techniques, including tourniquets.

    • Develop skills to systematically assess a patient's condition, employ the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation), and provide appropriate care under pressure.

  • Equipment and Responsibilities

    • Be familiar with essential equipment, including Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and first aid kits, as well as the procedures for using them effectively.

    • Recognize that regular CPR training and refresher courses are critical; even children can effectively utilize AEDs in emergencies if properly trained.

    • Ensure that essential medical supplies are available, operational, and regularly checked in various public spaces, such as schools and community centers, to enhance public safety.

  • Documentation and Patient Care Reports (PCRs)

    • Every patient encounter requires completion of a run form and a detailed PCR report, documenting vital signs, interventions performed, and patient response.

    • These reports are utilized by higher levels of care and in incident evaluations to assess treatment efficacy and improve future training.

    • Accurate and thorough documentation is vital for legal protection, medical assessment purposes, and continuity of care in future interactions.

  • Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD)

    • Dispatchers may provide basic life-saving care instructions to callers in emergencies, ensuring that life-saving measures are taken before first responders arrive.

    • Knowledge of services like PulsePoint, which tracks nearby emergency events and alerts citizens trained in CPR, enhances situational awareness for first responders and promotes community involvement in emergency care.

  • Understanding the Importance of Time in Cardiac Arrest Situations

    • Survival rates decrease by 12% per minute if a cardiac arrest patient is not defibrillated, highlighting the importance of immediate action.

    • This emphasizes the critical nature of a timely response, effective compressions, and the use of an AED within the first few minutes of a cardiac event to increase chances of survival.

  • Roles of Medical Supervisors

    • Medical directors review incident reports, staff performance, and ensure quality care standards are met through regular audits.

    • They provide standing orders, which guide EMTs in basic care procedures without needing immediate consultation during emergencies.

    • Medical control can be offline (standing orders) or online (direct consultation), offering flexibility while ensuring adherence to protocols in patient care.

  • Interpersonal Skills in EMS

    • EMTs must interact professionally with diverse populations, handling possible judgment and emotional responses from patients or families during high-stress situations.

    • Maintaining professional composure, effective communication, and a focus on providing unbiased, evidence-based care is essential.

    • Acknowledge personal biases to minimize their impact but prioritize patient-centered care that respects the dignity and preferences of each individual.

  • Communicating with Medical Control

    • Describe the situation accurately and concisely when calling for assistance, ensuring that all relevant patient information, findings, and interventions are communicated.

    • Use clear and professional language, whether on the phone or radio, and be prepared for diverse communication challenges, including emotional and urgent situations.

  • Administrative Functions in EMS

    • Senior EMTs and paramedics may take on additional administrative responsibilities, including personnel scheduling, equipment procurement, and training coordination.

    • Keeping ambulances well-maintained and stocked is crucial for service effectiveness, as real-life incidents may reveal equipment reliability issues and the need for prompt action.

  • General Conclusion

    • Continuous education, proficiency in hands-on skills, thorough documentation practices, and strict adherence to protocols are essential for effective emergency medical services.

    • Ensure readiness for diverse scenarios, maintain a focus on patient care, and regularly engage in debriefing and peer feedback to enhance the quality of service.