EMS Operations (Ch38) EDIT SP

EMS Operations Overview

  • Chapter 38 of the College of Public Health Emergency Medical Services Institute

Preparing for a Call

  • Ambulance Types

    • Familiarize with different types of ambulances and their functions.

    • Types of Ambulances:

      • Type I – Modular ambulance on a truck chassis.

      • Type II – Van-style ambulance.

      • Type III – Combination of Type I and II specifications.

  • Truck Checks

    • Conduct regular inspections to ensure equipment readiness.

Ensuring Ambulance Readiness for Service

  • Importance of maintaining proper equipment to avoid citations and fines.

  • Conduct thorough inspections regularly:

    • At Start of Every Shift:

      • Inspect vehicle and equipment.

      • Conduct detailed shift reports with off-going crews.

    • Inspection Components:

      • Vehicle inspection (driver's responsibility).

      • Equipment inspection (crew leader's responsibility).

Inspection of Patient Compartment Supplies and Equipment

  • Utilize checklists for:

    • Detailed inspection of treatment supplies, interior, and exterior equipment.

    • Verify oxygen cylinder pressure, test oxygen equipment.

    • Check and clean rescue tools for rust or dirt.

    • Ensure battery-powered devices are operational.

  • Inventory Management:

    • Conduct corrections for any deficiencies or missing items.

    • Maintain cleanliness for infection control.

Receiving and Responding to a Call

  • Role of the Emergency Medical Dispatcher:

    • Ask key questions of callers to assess urgency: location, problem, patient specifics.

    • Dispatch EMS resources and coordinate with public safety agencies.

Operating the Ambulance

  • Safe Vehicle Operations:

    • Never drive under the influence of impairing medications or with a suspended license.

    • Wear corrective lenses if needed.

    • Evaluate personal conditions that may affect driving.

  • Understanding the Law:

    • Emergency privileges allow certain legal exemptions but do not provide immunity for reckless driving.

    • With warning devices on, privileges include:

      • Parking as needed, crossing stop signs/signals, exceeding speed limits, and proper signaling while disregarding traffic regulations.

Matt's Driving Pet Peeves

  • Awareness of common driver errors:

    • Trying to outrun ambulances, stopping in unsafe locations, tailgating, and distractions like loud music or texting.

Factors Affecting Response

  • Consider variables such as day, time, weather, traffic conditions, road work, school zones, etc.

Safety at Highway Incidents

  • Maintain scene safety:

    • Limit unnecessary personnel, wear PPE, and utilize cones/flares for visibility.

    • Crucial unit placement and avoid backing up unless absolutely necessary.

Patient Transport

  • Proper techniques for transferring patients to an ambulance:

    • Choose suitable patient-carrying devices (stretchers, chairs).

    • Ensure safety of the patient during transfer and transport.

Securing the Patient

  • Patients must be secured using a minimum of three straps at key points (chest, waist, extremities).

Securing Yourself as EMT

  • Safety protocols for EMTs:

    • Remain seated and secured with seat belts, avoid unnecessary movements during transit.

Caring for the Patient En Route

  • Continue emergency care and monitor vital signs, alert the receiving facility ahead of time.

Special Considerations for Pediatric Patients

  • Be mindful of the child’s emotional state. Use toys like teddy bears to comfort.

  • Ensure a guardian is present throughout the process.

Transferring Care to Emergency Department Staff

  • Comply with nursing directives, provide verbal patient reports, and transfer personal effects.

Terminating the Call

  • Protocol upon arrival at the hospital:

    • Clean the patient compartment, replace expendable items, and prepare equipment for next use.

En Route to Quarters

  • Communicate with dispatch, refuel the ambulance, and ensure essential restocking.

In Quarters

  • Replace or refill necessary items, maintain equipment, and complete vehicle upkeep.

Air Rescue Protocols

  • When to Call for Air Rescue:

    • Operational and clinical indications for air transport due to urgency or patient condition.

  • Landing Zone Guidelines:

    • Size requirements (100ft x 100ft) and safety protocols for approaching helicopters.