Chapter 1 EMT B

CHAPTER 1 Overview

  • Title: Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured

  • Edition: AAOS Twelfth Edition 50th Anniversary

  • Publisher: Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC

  • Editor: Andrew N. Pollak, MD, FAAOS

National EMS Education Standard Competencies

  • Key Areas:

    • Preparatory:

      • Fundamental knowledge of the EMS system

      • Safety/well-being of the EMT

      • Medical/legal and ethical issues in emergency care

    • Research:

      • Impact of research on EMR care

      • Data collection & evidence-based decision-making

    • Public Health:

      • Principles of illness/injury prevention relevant to emergency care.

EMS System Components

  • The EMS system is a coordinated network involving various health care professionals.

  • Key Functions:

    • Provides emergency care and transportation.

    • Governed by state laws.

Course Description

  • Training Levels:

    • After course completion, eligible for:

      • National Registry of EMTs exam

      • State certification exam

    • Pass these exams to apply for state licensure.

  • Training Levels in EMS:

    • EMR (Emergency Medical Responder)

    • EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)

    • AEMT (Advanced Emergency Medical Technician)

    • Paramedic

  • Role Summary:

    • EMT training includes 150-200 hours, equipping EMTs with knowledge and skills for basic emergency care.

Licensure Requirements

  • General Requirements:

    • High school diploma or equivalent.

    • Proof of immunization & completion of background check/drug screening.

    • Valid driver’s license.

  • State-Specific Conditions:

    • Successful course completion and certification required.

    • Mental and physical ability demonstration is necessary.

    • Compliance with ADA regarding employment is obligatory.

Overview of the EMS System

  • Historical Development:

    • Significant events in EMS history:

      • Volunteer ambulances in WWI

      • Field care in WWII

      • Established standardized training curriculums in the early 1970s.

  • Regulatory Frameworks:

    • National EMS Scope of Practice guidelines regulate EMS operations at federal, state, and local levels.

Levels of Training in EMS

  • Roles Defined:

    • EMR: Basic training; provides immediate care before ambulance arrival.

    • EMT: Trained in BLS, including automated external defibrillation, airway adjuncts.

    • AEMT: Advanced training in ALS aspects like IV therapy and medication administration.

    • Paramedic: Extensive ALS training covering advanced assessment and treatment skills.

Quality and Safety in EMS

  • Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI):

    • Involves audits and training to enhance service quality, minimize errors using a structured improvement cycle.

  • Patient Safety Approaches:

    • Emphasizes minimizing medical errors through system awareness and personnel training.

Professional Attributes of EMTs

  • Essential Qualities:

    • Integrity, empathy, self-motivation, and professionalism.

    • Commitment to patient confidentiality in line with HIPAA.

EMT Responsibilities

  • Roles and Duties:

    • Vehicle and equipment readiness.

    • Patient safety and assessment, providing emotional support and upholding medical standards.

    • Engaging in continuous professional development.

Review Questions

  • Review concepts and practice scenarios focusing on:

    • Standing orders and medical control types (online vs. offline).

    • Responsibilities of EMTs and roles of medical directors.

    • Situational responses in emergencies, ensuring personal and patient safety first.