Exam Structure

  • Final Exam Composition:
    • Total questions: 119
    • Part Two: 40 questions focused on ISO code

Topics Covered in Exam

  • Focus areas include:
    • Administration of Narcan in various situations
    • Knowledge of drugs used in emergency situations
  • Requires familiarity with drug information, similar to previous psychology quizzes

Care Provider Levels in New Mexico

  • Four Recognized Levels:
    • First Responder
    • EMT Basic
    • EMT Intermediate
    • EMT Paramedic
  • Note: Different states may have different categorizations; some states may not recognize first responders or basic EMTs

Licensing Information

  • License Expiry:
    • All licenses expire in March
    • Renewal requirements due by December 31 each year
  • Duration of license:
    • Valid for 27 months (2 years + 3 months)
  • Continuing Education (CE) Requirements:
    • Total of 40 hours of CE required
    • 4 hours specifically must focus on pediatrics

Legal Considerations for EMTs

  • Felony/Misdemeanor Charges:
    • EMTs with felonies or misdemeanors may still be eligible for licensure, depending on the nature of the charge (consult state office)

Trauma Centers in New Mexico

  • Level One Trauma Center:
    • Only recognized center: UNM Hospital

Response Protocols

  • Emergency Codes:
    • Code 1: No lights, no sirens
    • Code 3: Lights and sirens
    • Legal Parameters: No other code (e.g., lights only)
  • School Bus Protocol:
    • Required to stop for a school bus with its stop sign extended
  • Response to Multiple Incidents:
    • EMT must stop at any scene of a visible incident and have dispatch send another unit if responding to another call

Medical Orders and Authority

  • MSEP vs. Medical Director:
    • MSEP (Medical Supervisory Emergency Physician): Can provide immediate orders in critical situations
    • Medical Director: Responsible for agency guidelines and protocols
    • Example: Different protocols may apply for administering medications like Zofran (specific to intermediate EMT level)

Helicopter Rendezvous

  • Landing Area Requirements:
    • Required space: 100 feet x 100 feet
    • Approach from the front to maintain visibility with the pilot, who will guide the approach
  • Decision Making Considerations:
    • Evaluate whether to transport patient to the hospital or wait for helicopter team based on proximity and urgency

Pediatric Medication Guidelines

  • Tylenol Dosing:
    • Administer every 6 to 8 hours for children with seizures; consider previous dosing to avoid overdose
  • Activated Charcoal:
    • Still within the EMT scope, despite decreased use (dosing: 1 gram per kg)

Mark One Kit Content

  • Components:
    • Atropine and Pralidoxime are included for nerve agent exposure
  • SLUG Acronym:
    • Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Defecation, GI upset, Emisis; indicative of parasympathetic overstimulation

Public Health Emergency Protocols

  • State Emergency Protocol:
    • EMTs allowed to administer vaccines and TB tests in public health emergencies (not typical in pre-hospital scenarios)

Overdose Protocols

  • Caustic Substance Dosing Protocol:
    • Do not administer advanced airways for patients who have ingested corrosive substances
  • Narcan Administration:
    • Administer for opioid overdoses, prioritize ventilation first before medicine administration

Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Guidelines

  • Definition of MCI:
    • No fixed patient number; anything overwhelming system resources constitutes an MCI (e.g., severe multiple patient situations vary by service)

- Start Triage is predominantly used in New Mexico, with some locations adopting SALT Triage

Incident Command:

  • First EMT on scene becomes Incident Commander until relieved by higher authority
  • Initial actions: Provide a size-up report to meet resource needs

Management of Hazardous Materials Incidents

  • Homeland Security Role:
    • Responsible for overseeing hazardous materials incidents; initial incident commander present but will transition command to Homeland Security

Conclusion

  • Ensure familiarity with scope of practice and legal obligations as defined in New Mexico's regulations in preparation for the final exam.