Chapter 2 Safety and Wellness EMR 2-1 1-

Introduction Safety and wellness are defined as maintaining physical, emotional, and psychological health on the job EMRs should follow safety and wellness guidelines to protect themselves, their patients, and others involved in the incident EMRs must take personal responsibility to put into practice the principles of good health and safety EMR 2-2 1-

Name the Three Categories Learning Objective 1 Name the Three Categories of Health Screenings PERSONAL HEALTH State of your well-being Fitness program Periodic screenings by health care provider Yearly health screenings Subsequent periodic screenings may be needed EMR 2-3

Name the Three Categories Learning Objective 1 Name the Three Categories of Health Screenings HEALTH SCREENINGS Baseline measurement of common health indicators Three categories Physical Medical Psychological EMR 2-4

Name the Three Categories Learning Objective 1 Name the Three Categories of Health Screenings IMMUNIZATIONS Increase a person’s resistance to certain infectious diseases Weakened or dead pathogens Should be current before first patient contact Screening Recent tuberculosis screening EMR 2-5

List Methods for Stress Management Learning Objective 2 List Methods for Stress Management STRESS EMS is a high-stress job May internalize emotions and pain STRESS MANAGEMENT Any method used to control the factors Proven ways of preparing the body to deal with stress of the job and controlling the effects of stress EMR 2-6

List Methods for Stress Management Learning Objective 2 List Methods for Stress Management WARNING SIGNS OF STRESS Effects can be felt for weeks after the incident Common warning signs of stress CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS DEBRIEFING (CISD) Structured conversation Helps the EMR make sense of his or her reactions EMR 2-7

Explain Routes of Pathogen Transmission Learning Objective 3 Explain Routes of Pathogen Transmission INFECTIOUS DISEASE Can be transmitted from one person to another or from an animal to a person Caused by pathogens Microscopic organisms Airborne Blood-borne EMR 2-8

Explain Routes of Pathogen Transmission Learning Objective 3 Explain Routes of Pathogen Transmission PATHOGEN TRANSMISSION Routes of transmission Fomites Vectors Direct contact Inhalation Ingestion Inoculation EMR 2-9

Define an Exposure Control Plan Learning Objective 4 Define an Exposure Control Plan EXPOSURE Patients are not required to disclose if they carry an infectious disease Responsibilities related to infectious disease exposure Know the laws and regulations Follow standard precautions Document and report any suspected exposure EMR 2-10

Define an Exposure Control Plan Learning Objective 4 Define an Exposure Control Plan EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN Prevent and document on-the-job exposure incidents Document on a First Report of Exposure Form Should be completed within 24 to 48 hours after the incident Report may be scrutinized by your company for workers’ compensation purposes EMR 2-11

Types and Uses of Standard Precautions Learning Objective 5 Types and Uses of Standard Precautions SAFE WORK ENVIRONMENT Habits, equipment, and techniques STANDARD PRECAUTIONS Reduces the risk of transmission of microorganisms Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Prevention practices EMR 2-12

Safety Recommendations for Biohazards Learning Objective 6 Safety Recommendations for Biohazards BIOHAZARDS Biological substances that may be infectious Contamination issues DISPOSAL OF BIOHAZARDS Disposed of or cleaned as soon as is safe and practical Cannot be discarded with everyday items EMR 2-13

Cleaning, Disinfection, and Sterilization Learning Objective 7 Cleaning, Disinfection, and Sterilization CLEANING, DISINFECTION, AND STERILIZATION Cleaning Remove particulate matter Disinfection Kill common pathogens with cleaner Sterilization Chemically or physically eradicate pathogens Sharps Items with corners, edges, or projections EMR 2-14

Define Hazardous Materials Learning Objective 8 Define Hazardous Materials HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (HAZMAT) Biological, chemical, or physical agents Cause sickness or death, to animals May affect the environment, or humans Special training Decontamination equipment Handling of hazardous materials EMR 2-15

Define Hazardous Materials Learning Objective 8 Define Hazardous Materials EMR’S RESPONSIBILITIES Recognition Notification Assistance Cold zone Other responders Patient care EMR 2-16

Safely Lifting and Carrying Patients Learning Objective 9 Safely Lifting and Carrying Patients LIFTING AND MOVING PATIENTS Reasons to move patients Main priorities during a lift or carry PERSONAL PREPARATIONS Plan the move Prepare your body Warming up and stretching EMR 2-17

Safely Lifting and Carrying Patients Learning Objective 9 Safely Lifting and Carrying Patients BODY MECHANICS Essential to keeping safe Transfers load to large muscles GUIDELINES FOR SAFE LIFTING Position yourself closely Feet comfortable distance apart Lift evenly and slowly EMR 2-18

Safely Lifting and Carrying Patients Learning Objective 9 Safely Lifting and Carrying Patients PUSHING AND PULLING Strains specific muscle groups If possible, push heavy objects PERSONAL AND EQUIPMENT LIMITS Heed load limits Is there enough help? Is the right equipment available? EMR 2-19

Emergency and Non-Emergency Learning Objective 10 Emergency and Non-Emergency Patient Moves EMERGENCY MOVES Rapid extrication Risk of harm outweighs the risk of injury Executed quickly by one or two people Cervical spine immobilization if possible EMR 2-20

Examples of Emergency Moves: Clothing drag Arm drag Blanket drag Rescuer assist Pack strap carry Firefighter’s carry

Emergency and Non-Emergency Learning Objective 10 Emergency and Non-Emergency Patient Moves NON-EMERGENCY MOVES Time to plan and execute a patient transfer Typically require two or more people Spinal alignment is better than emergency moves EMR 2-22

Examples of non-emergency moves Chair carry, Extremity lift, Carry transfer, Draw sheet transfer, Firefighter’s drag, Seat carry, Use of the scoop stretcher, Use of a stair chair,

Summary EMRs must be knowledgeable of personal health practices EMRs must be aware of how diseases are transmitted and know the elements of a safe work environment EMRs must be well versed in agency protocols and state and federal laws EMRs must use the proper PPE, use proper hand washing techniques, and use correct body mechanics to lift and move patients EMR 2-24 1-