Module 10 Review: Chapters 40-44

Just Culture

• System to avoid punitive consequences for mistakes.
• Focused on safety and education.
• Requires honesty and integrity.

Ambulance Operation

• Must follow laws and regulations even during emergencies.
• Special privileges include parking close, contraflow, and careful intersection crossing.
• Safety is the priority.
• Use warning devices and exercise due regard.
• Must have a valid driver's license and be responding to an emergency.
• Safety driving policies can help reduce accidents.

Intersection Safety

• Most common place for ambulance collisions.
• Be cautious of turning cars and pedestrians.
• Always clear intersections safely.

High Visibility Apparel

• Wear bright vests with reflective tape in all vehicle areas, including parking lots.
• Don’t trust traffic; be visible.

Ambulance Pre-Shift Checks

• Inspect for functional equipment: AC, heating, seat belts, radios, supplies.
• Maintain cleanliness and readiness.

Roadway and Scene Safety

• Maintain safe distances from wrecks, burning vehicles, and Hazmat spills.
• Pay attention to wind direction.

Air Medical Transport

• Appropriate for distant facilities, complex extrications, remote areas.
• Guidelines for conditions warranting air transport: strokes, head injuries, severe trauma, etc.
• Setting up a landing zone: avoid obstructions, ensure flat, debris-free area.
• Approach helicopters only when directed by crew.

Hazardous Materials (Hazmat)

• Definition: substances posing threats to health or property.
• Principal dangers: toxicity, flammability, reactivity.
• Identified by placards with UN numbers.
• Use of senses for identification is risky.
• Decontamination and zoning (hot, warm, cold zones).
• Radiation emergencies: time, distance, shielding are crucial.
• Illicit drug labs can be Hazmat zones.

Mass Casualty Incidents (MCI)

• Any event taxing local resources.
• Managed with NIMS and ICS.
• Importance of organized command structure.

Triage in MCIs

• Prioritization based on respiratory status, perfusion, mental status (RPM).
• Different systems for adults (START) and children.

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

• Types: Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosives (CBRNE).
• Effects from blast, thermal injuries, radiation.
• Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) can be commonplace.

Chemical Agents

• Nerve agents: cause overstimulation of muscles and glands.
• Vesicants: cause blistering and tissue damage.
• Cyanide: interferes with cellular oxygen use.
• Pulmonary agents: cause lung injury.

Nuclear and Radiation Hazards

• Radiation exposure and fallout.
• Blast injuries and thermal burns from nuclear weapons.
• Radiologic exposure devices (REDs) and dirty bombs.
• Emergency care includes protection from further exposure and symptom management.

Note: Always consult trained professionals for specialized Hazmat and radiation emergencies. Stay informed and prepared through continuous education and practice.