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.