Emergency Medical Response Concepts

Respiratory System

  • When is the oxygen content in the alveoli at its highest?
    • During inhalation
  • Where does oxygen and carbon diffusion occur?
    • Across the alveolar walls & capillaries

Cardiovascular Assessment

  • What is a normal capillary refill time?
    • Less than 2 seconds

Pediatric Considerations

  • What is the most common cause of dehydration in younger children?
    • Vomiting & diarrhea
  • What viral infection causes upper airway obstructions in children?
    • Croup

Poisoning Management

  • After assessing and managing the ABC's, what is the next step when a child has ingested a toxic plant?
    • Call poison control

Trauma Assessment

  • What solid organ is frequently injured with blunt trauma to the upper right quadrant?
    • Liver
  • What type of abdominal organs bleed profusely?
    • Solid organs

Airway Management

  • What is the appropriate airway management for an unconscious person with gurgling respirations?
    • Suction, use OPA (Oropharyngeal Airway) or NPA (Nasopharyngeal Airway), BVM (Bag-Valve-Mask) with oxygen
  • What is the appropriate airway management for an unconscious person with absent lung sounds in one lung?
    • OPA or NPA, BVM with oxygen

Eye Reaction

  • What happens when you shine a light into the pupils?
    • Constrict equally
  • What is the classic sign of a narcotic overdose?
    • Pinpoint pupils

Reassessment Protocol

  • During reassessment, what do you first reassess?
    • Primary assessment

Legal Aspects of Practice

  • What law allows an EMT to practice?
    • Public Health Law (state law)

Central Nervous System

  • What is included in the central nervous system?
    • Brain & spinal cord
  • What does the brain need to survive?
    • Glucose & oxygen

Lifting Techniques

  • How do you safely lift?
    • Keep back straight, bend knees, grip palms facing up, maximum reach is 15-20 inches

Treatment Protocols

  • What is the term for appropriate treatment based on level of training?
    • Standard of care
  • How does treatment change if a woman has been sexually assaulted?
    • Advise not to shower, change clothes & place any blood-stained clothing in a separate paper bag

Types of Injuries

  • What type of injury damages ligaments?
    • Sprain
  • What is the term for pulling a body part in the direction of normal alignment?
    • Traction
  • What is hemoptysis?
    • Coughing up blood

Emergency Response

  • What is the first step if you arrive at a serious crash with numerous patients?
    • Initiate MCI (Mass Casualty Incident)

Shock and Trauma

  • What type of shock occurs when the body is able to maintain adequate circulation?
    • Compensated shock
  • What do you suspect in a trauma patient with a pulse of 52 & a blood pressure of 196/94?
    • Rising intracranial pressure
  • What life threats can occur with a severe spinal cord injury?
    • Inadequate breathing & neurogenic shock

APGAR Score

  • How many minutes after birth should the APGAR score be performed?
    • At 1 & 5 minutes

Labor and Delivery

  • What is the treatment for a prolapsed cord?
    • Insert gloved hands into vaginal opening to keep the baby's head away from the cord & keep the cord moist
  • What is the treatment if the upper shoulder appears stuck during delivery?
    • Gently guide the baby's head downward
  • When does the third stage of labor end?
    • Delivery of the placenta
  • When does the first stage of labor begin?
    • Onset of uterine contractions