s History of E.M.S. Philosophy dates back to WWI and WWII. Korean War used Field Medics and helicopters Early 1960 s EMS care began in US 1966: Accidental Death and Disability: The Neglected Disease of Modern Society Early 1970 s DOT Developed first National Standard Curriculum 1980 EMS Nationwide 1994 New EMT-B Curriculum 1966: Accidental Death and Disability: The Neglected Disease of Modern Society Three year study of ambulance services, communication systems, emergency departments and intensive care units. General public insensitive to the magnitude of the problem of accidental death and injury. 1966: Accidental Death and Disability: The Neglected Disease of Modern Society 50% of ambulance personnel had Red Cross First Aid cards and 50% had no training whatsoever. The equipment and communications were grossly substandard. Organized trauma care at receiving facilities was non-existent. 1
Public Education Emergency Medical Dispatch First Responders EMT-Basic EMT-Intermediate Paramedic Source: www.ems.gov Emergency Care Attendant First Responder Certification Minimum 40 hours of Didactic Emergency Medical Technician-Basic Entry Level Position in E.M.S. Minimum 140 hours of Didactic and Clinical Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate Minimum 160 hours of Didactic and Clinical Paramedic Minimum 624 hours of Didactic and Clinical Total for Paramedic = 924 hours (Minimum) EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate, and Paramedic The Numbers in Texas Texas Department of State Health Services E.M.S. and Trauma Systems oversees: 48,000 E.M.S. Personnel 850 E.M.S. Provider Agencies 33 Aeromedical Services (Rotor and Fixed Wing) 475 First Responder Organizations 125 Designated Trauma Facilities Federal level: National EMS Scope of Practice Model provides guidelines for EMS skills. State level: Laws regulate EMS provider operations. Local level: Medical director decides day-to-day limits of EMS personnel. Hierarchies of the National EMS Scope of Practice Model Source: Based on the Emergency Medical Services System from the office of EMS. 2
1. Public access 2. Communication systems 3. Clinical care 4. Human resources 5. Medical direction 6. Legislation and regulation 7. Integration of health services 8. Evaluation 9. Information systems 10. System finance 11. Education systems 12. Prevention 13. Public education 14. EMS research The Wheels of an E.M.S. System Administration and Policy Medical Direction and Control Quality Control and Improvement Other Physician Input Regulation Equipment The Ambulance Transport to Specialty Centers Inter-facility Transports Working with Hospital Staff Working with Public Safety Agencies Training Continuing Education CE Program National Courses Internet Based Inservices Training Based on QA Process Roles and Responsibilities of the EMT-B Ensuring Safety for Everyone Locating and Safe Travel to the Scene Assessing and Providing Immediate Needs for a Patient Prioritizing Patients Communicating Effectively with all Involved Using Patient Assessment to guide a patient s care Identifying Treatment Needs of a Patient Proper Packaging of Patient Safely Getting Patient Into Unit Provide Safe and Appropriate Transport Providing On Going Tx and Assessments during Transport Necessary Radio Report Documenting all Findings and Care on the PCR Unloading the Patient Safely and properly turn care over Safeguard the Patient s Rights 3
Integrity Empathy Self-motivation Appearance and hygiene Self-confidence Time management Communication skills Teamwork and diplomacy Respect Patient advocacy Careful delivery of care Every patient is entitled to compassion, respect, and the best care. As health care professionals, EMTs are bound by patient confidentiality. Be familiar with requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). How to be the Best in E.M.S. Common Sense Do NO Harm Always Error on the Patient s Side Look, Feel, and Act Your Best Excellent Communication Skills Treat People with Dignity and Respect Be Flexible to a Patient s Needs Treat People as you would want your OWN Family Treated Always Strive to Learn Document, Document, Document Remember that people who aren t Pissed Off DON T Sue You Must Care about People Providing a Coordinated Continuum of Care 4
The chain of human resources that make up the EMS system. Questions? 5