EMS Systems: Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured - Chapter 1

Introduction

• Understanding the origins and structure of the emergency medical care delivery system.
• EMT roles, responsibilities, and their relationship to the EMS system.
• EMT's involvement in quality improvement and evidence-based decision-making.
• Overview of different levels of EMS providers and their roles.
• Foundations of being a competent and ethical EMT.
• Role in research data collection and as a student/practitioner.

EMS Systems Overview

• EMS as a System: Comprised of healthcare teams providing emergency care and transportation, governed by state laws.
• Four levels of training and licensure: EMR, EMT, AEMT, Paramedic.
• Certification exams: National Registry of EMTs or state certification exams.

Levels of EMS Providers

• EMR (Emergency Medical Responder):
  • Basic training, provides care before ambulance arrives.
  • Assists with ambulance, roles often filled by first responders.
• EMT (Emergency Medical Technician):
  • Basic training in life support.
  • Use of AEDs, airway adjuncts, and medication assistance.
• AEMT (Advanced EMT):
  • Training in advanced life support, IV therapy, limited medicines.
• Paramedic:
  • Extensive advanced life support training: intubation, emergency pharmacology, cardiac monitoring.

EMT Course Structure

• Includes reading assignments, demonstrations, skill sheets, and case scenarios.
• Licensure Requirements:
  • High school diploma/equivalent, immunizations, background check, valid driver's license.
  • Completion of BLS CPR course, state-approved EMT course, exams, and mental/physical competency.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
  • Protects individuals with disabilities in employment and access to programs.
• Licensure and Background Requirements:
  • Criminal background checks; certain convictions may disqualify individuals from becoming EMS providers.

History of EMS

• Origins in WWI, WWII, and Korean Conflict.
• Modern EMS began in 1966 with "The White Paper."
• Federal and state guidelines for EMS education and operations.

EMS System Components

• Federal Level: National EMS Scope of Practice Model.
• State Level: Laws regulating EMS provider operations.
• Local Level: Medical directors providing oversight and support.

EMS Education and Responsibilities

• Public and Basic Life Support:
  • Training for laypeople in CPR and AED use.
• EMS Education Programs:
  • Training hours and curriculum for EMTs, AEMTs, and Paramedics.

Components of EMS System

• EMS Agenda 2050: Five components of system improvement.
• Public Access: 911 system and emergency medical dispatch systems.
• Medical Direction: Protocols and standing orders.
• Legislation and Regulation: Compliance with state laws and regulations.
• Evaluation and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI):
  • Quality control and error minimization efforts.

Professionalism and Patient Safety

• EMTs must uphold integrity, empathy, self-motivation, appearance, and patient advocacy.
• Patient Confidentiality: Adhering to HIPAA regulations.

Review Questions Overview

• Importance of understanding protocols, safety priorities, and legal standards in EMS.
• Emphasis on continuous learning and professional conduct.

Conclusion

• Recap of key points and preparation for practical application and examinations.