TRANSITION SERIES Topics for the Advanced EMT CHAPTER Workforce Safety and Wellness 2 2

Objectives Review the importance of using Standard Precautions. Discuss specific diseases of concern the Advanced EMT is likely to encounter. Identify strategies for Advanced EMTs to ensure their safety while working in the prehospital environment.

Introduction Now more than ever, Advanced EMTs must employ multiple strategies to ensure their safety: –Disease transmission –Recognition of a dangerous scene –Personal safety

Standard Precautions Deciding what precautions are needed should be done during the scene size- up –Gloves are a minimum. –Face and respiratory precautions as needed. –Do not underestimate the importance of hand washing.

Standard Precautions (cont’d) Advanced EMT modalities: –Intravenous catheter insertion –Medication administration –Advanced airway placement Additional attention to Standard Precautions is required since these modalities can cause a risk of exposure to disease if proper practices are not performed.

Standard Precautions will help prevent exposure to disease. They are taken after determining what risks of exposure are present.

Exposure Prevention Place standard precaution equipment in a readily available location. Be comfortable handling sharps. Understand equipment decontamination procedures. Use disposable equipment.

Taking Standard Precautions too early will render your efforts ineffective when you truly need them.

Diseases of Concern

Diseases of Concern (cont’d)

Wear high-visibility vests when working in and around a roadway.

The chevron pattern is used to increase ambulance visibility.

Reacting to Danger The best ways to deal with violence are through observation and prevention: –Call for help –Use of cover –Use of concealment –Retreating when necessary

Cover hides your body and offers ballistic protection.

Concealment hides your body but offers no ballistic protection.

Lifting and Moving Back injuries are a leading cause of injury to Advanced EMTs. Use lifting strategies. Request help.

Proper stance for lifting.

Summary Always use standard precautions according to need, not assumption. Given the enhanced skills of the Advanced EMT, additional attention to standard precautions is required.

Summary (cont’d) Any scene can rapidly deteriorate: Always be alert to dynamics. Only lift and carry what you can safely do. Call early for assistance with moving patients if needed.