Introduction to Emergency Medical Care

1
Chapter 1

• Introduction to Emergency Medical Care

2
Levels of Training

• Lay Rescuer
• First Responder
• EMT-B
• EMT-Intermediate
• EMT-Paramedic

3
LINKS IN THE CHAIN OF SURVIVAL

• Citizen Responder
• EMS Dispatcher
• First Responder
• Emergency Medical Technician
• Hospital Care Providers
• Rehabilitation Providers

4
ROLE OF THE CITIZEN RESPONDER

• Recognize an emergency exists.
• Decide to act.
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
• Provide care until help arrives.

5
BARRIERS TO ACTION

• Presence of bystanders
• Uncertainty about victim
• Nature of injury or illness
• Fear of disease transmission
• Fear of not knowing what to do
• Fear of doing something wrong

6
Components of the EMS System

• Access
• Easy access in an emergency is essential.
• Equipment
• Properly maintained equipment is essential.

7
Components of the EMS System

• Training
• Quality of care depends on your training and your
  dedication to that training.

8
Providing a Coordinated Continuum of Care

• 1st Phaseout of hospital care
• 2nd Phaseemergency department care
• 3rd Phasedefinitive care

9
Roles and Responsibilities of the First Responder
(1 of 2)

• Personal safety
• Safety of crew, patient, and bystanders
• Patient assessment
• Patient care based on assessment findings

10
Roles and Responsibilities of the First Responder
(2 of 2)

• Lifting and moving patients safely
• Record keeping/data collection
• Patient advocacy

11
Professional Attributes of an Emergency
Responder

• Puts patients needs as a priority without
  endangering self
• Maintains professional appearance and manner
• Performs under pressure
• Treats patients and families with understanding,
  respect and compassion
• Respects patient confidentiality

12
Continuing Education

• Maintain knowledge and skills
• CPR recertifies every year.
• First Aid recertifies every 3 years.
• You should practice and review your skills.