Final Exam Structure

  • Overview of Exam
    • Part One:
    • Review of all topics covered in lectures (Medical Trauma, OB, etc.).
    • Part Two:
    • Focus on pharmacology, covering all drugs previously quizzed.
    • Same format and question pool.

New Mexico EMT Provider Levels

  • Four recognized provider levels in New Mexico:
    • EMT Basic
    • Advanced EMT (AEMT)
    • Paramedic
    • First Responder

EMT Basic Licensing and Renewal

  • EMT Basic license expiration: March 31, good for 27 months.
  • First issuance: Slightly different, subsequent renewals due on December 31 annually.
  • Renewal requirements:
    • 40 hours of continuing education (CE) required.
    • Specifics:
    • 4 hours must be pediatrics.
    • CE can be provided by the service (online trainings, mandatory classes).
    • Alternative: Attend an EMS refresher course to meet CE requirements.
    • Renewals are due on December 31 for licenses valid until the following March.
  • Felony or misdemeanor history:
    • Not an automatic disqualification; documentation required for review by the state.

Trauma Centers and Response Protocols

  • Trauma Center:
    • UNM Hospital is the only Level One trauma center in New Mexico.
  • Response Codes:
    • Code One: No lights or sirens, following traffic laws.
    • Code Three: Lights and sirens activated, can proceed through intersections.
    • No Code Two in New Mexico.
  • School Bus Protocol:
    • Must stop behind school buses displaying a stop sign, regardless of response code.
  • Motor Vehicle Accident Response:
    • Required to assess the situation and report to dispatch before continuing to the original call.

Medical Direction and Protocols

  • Medical Director: Legally responsible for team protocols and practice scope.
  • MCEP (Medical Control): Contacted for orders in the field for procedures outside of standard protocols.
    • May involve consortium doctors or ER physicians; not exclusively the medical director.
  • Consortium:
    • An emergency medical physician service available to assist in field operations.
    • They may accompany EMS teams on runs and perform procedures such as emergency C-sections.
  • Discontinuation of Resuscitation: Requires a physician’s order; cannot be done at the discretion of the EMT.
  • Preferred Communication Method:
    • Use radio transmissions that are recorded for legal purposes, especially in critical situations.

Helicopter Protocols

  • Considerations when rendezvousing with helicopters:
    • Determine the quickest method for patient delivery based on time and distance.
    • Approach helicopters from the front, ensuring visibility and communication with the pilot.
    • Loading procedures differ from ambulance; EMTs should not touch the helicopter's equipment unless directed.

Treatment Protocols in New Mexico

  • Tylenol administration:
    • Dosage every 6-8 hours; verify prior administration before redosing in children.
  • Activated charcoal:
    • Administered at a rate of 1 gram per kilogram.
  • SLUDGE symptoms:
    • Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Defecation, GI upset, Emesis (treatment with Mark One kit).
  • Past Emergency Authorization:
    • EMTs may administer vaccines under state of emergency conditions (e.g., COVID).
  • Overdose Management:
    • Caustic substances: Do not place advanced airways due to potential injury.
  • 12-lead ECGs:
    • Can be placed but not interpreted by EMT Basics.
  • IV Fluids:
    • Cannot initiate or transport with IV saline running; specific agency protocols may differ.
  • Home Medical Equipment:
    • Leave in place and transport unless explicitly trained to manage.

Recognized Stroke Scales

  • Cincinnati Scale and LAMP Score utilized in New Mexico for stroke assessments.

Pharmacology Exam Details

  • Emphasis on familiarity with drug administration and scenarios during Part Two of the exam.
  • Opiate Overdoses:
    • Priority is to ventilate the patient before administering Narcan.
    • Important to know pediatric dosing for Narcan and approved administration routes (IV not allowed for Basic EMTs; use intranasal and subcutaneous).
  • MCI Definition:
    • No specific patient number for mass casualty incidents.
    • Situational based: Depends on local resources and capacities.
    • START Triage Method:
    • First step is to group walking wounded individuals; they are tagged green.

Incident Command Structure

  • Incident Commander:
    • First responder on scene assumes this role until a higher authority arrives.
    • Must give a comprehensive size-up report to dispatch for additional resources.
  • Overall responsibility in hazardous materials incidents lies with the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security over any local units.

Conclusion

  • Students are encouraged to memorize this comprehensive overview as preparation for their final examinations.
  • New Mexico-specific laws and protocols are integral parts of the examination.