Chapter 1 Introduction to EMS Systems and Training

Nov 7, 2024

Mindmap

EMT Basic Lecture - Chapter 1: EMS Systems

Instructor Introduction

  • Instructor: Sean Holt
  • Course: EMT Basic
  • Organization: RC Health Services

EMS Systems Overview

  • EMS Definition: A team of healthcare professionals providing emergency care and transport, governed by state laws.
  • Training Levels:
    • EMR (Emergency Medical Responder): Basic training, provides care before ambulance arrival.
    • EMT (Emergency Medical Technician): Basic life support, uses defibrillators, airway adjuncts, medication assistance.
    • AEMT (Advanced EMT): ALS training including IV therapy, limited emergency medications.
    • Paramedic: Extensive ALS training including endotracheal intubation, pharmacology, cardiac monitoring.

Course Requirements

  • Resource: Textbook is the primary resource.
  • Activities: Reading assignments, lectures, discussions, demonstrations, skill sheets, case scenarios.
  • Licensure Requirements: High school diploma, immunizations, background check, CPR course, state-approved EMT course, written and practical exams.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

  • Prohibits employers from failing to provide full and equal employment.

Title 1 of the ADA

  • Protects EMTs with disabilities who are seeking employment.

Historical Context

  • Developments:
    • 1966: Accidental Death and Disability paper published.
    • 1970s-1980s: Development and standardization of training curriculums.
    • 1990s: Development of EMS Agenda for the Future.
    • 2019: EMS Agenda for 2050 published.

EMS System Components and Operations

  • National EMS Scope of Practice Model: Guidelines for skills at each provider level.
  • State and Local Regulation: State laws regulate operations; local medical directors provide oversight.
  • Roles in EMS:
    • EMRs: Supportive roles such as law enforcement, park rangers.
    • EMTs: Primary providers of emergency care, responsible for assessment, care, transport. 150-200 hrs.
    • AEMTs: Additional ALS skills and responsibilities. (IV therapy, airway adjuncts, administer limited number of medications.)
    • Paramedics: Advanced procedures, potentially part of academic programs. 1,000 to over 1,300 hours in classroom and internships.

EMS Agenda 2050

  • Goals:
    • Comprehensive, convenient care
    • Evidence-based clinical practices
    • Efficient, well-rounded care
    • Preventative care emphasis
    • Accessible patient records
    • Encourages an environment where people want to work.

EMS System Components

  • Medical Direction: Medical directors authorize care, provide oversight.
  • Protocols and Standing Orders: Define EMT scope, necessary actions without direct contact from a physician.
  • Medical Control: Offline (indirect) and online (direct) guidance from physicians via phone or radio.
  • Legislation: Systems must adhere to state and federal regulations.

EMS and Public Interaction

  • Public Safety and 911 System: Essential for emergency response.
  • Mobile Integrated Health Care (MIH): Community-based care model, with the goal to facilitate improved access to healthcare at an affordable price.
  • Community Paramedicine: Advanced paramedic roles in public health.
  • Dispatchers, obtain information and dispatch resources.
  • Emergency Medical Dispatch System (EMD), provides medical instruction.

Evaluation

  • Medical Director is responsible for maintaining quality control.

Human Resources

  • Focuses on people who deliver care.

Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)

  • Used to identify areas of improvement with the goal to minimize errors.
  • Uses a plan- do- study- act cycle.

EMS Training and Education

  • Accrediting Organizations: COAEMSP, CAAHEP oversee training standards. (The Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions, or COAEMSP, is one of the two accrediting organizations for EMS training programs in the United States. CAAHEP stands for the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. It's another accrediting organization for EMS training programs, just like COAEMSP.)
  • Continuing Education: Important for skill maintenance and updates.
  • Public Education: EMS works with public health for primary and secondary prevention.

Quality and Safety

  • Quality Control: Ensured by medical directors, involves CQI and error minimization.
  • Patient Safety: Focus on minimizing errors, Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle for improvement.

Financial and Legal Aspects

  • System Finance: Varies; includes insurance information, billing processes.
  • HIPAA: Protects patient confidentiality, governs disclosure.

EMT Roles and Responsibilities

  • General Duties:
    • Ensure safety
    • Scene assessment
    • Patient care and transport
    • Emotional support
    • Professional standards
  • Professional Attributes:
    • Integrity, empathy, self-motivation
    • Appearance and hygiene
    • Teamwork, communication, patient advocacy

Review Questions

  • A series of review questions covering standing orders, quality control, scene safety, provider levels, professional responsibilities, and patient care phases.

Conclusion

  • Chapter completion and reiteration of the importance of the EMS system.
  • Encouragement for students to uphold standards and develop professionally.

This concludes the notes for EMT Basic Chapter 1: EMS Systems. Welcome to the course and best of luck in your studies!