Essentials of Fire Fighting6th Edition

Firefighter I

Chapter 22 — Emergency Medical Care for Fire

Department First Responders

Describe the roles the fire service may take in providing emergency medical care.

Learning Objective 1

22–2

DISCUSSION QUESTION

Why are firefighters often cross-trained as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) or Paramedics?

22–3

The fire service is a key participant in providing emergency medical service.

22–4

Ambulance services are provided in several ways.

22–5

Fire departments provide on scene medical care at various service levels.

22–6

REVIEW QUESTION

What are the roles the fire service may take in providing emergency medical care?

22–7

Summarize patient confidentiality requirements.

Learning Objective 2

22–8

DISCUSSION QUESTION

What information is included in the protected medical information (PMI) of a patient?

22–9

Patient confidentiality centers around protected medical information (PMI).

22–10

Medical information privacy is covered by applicable laws.

22–11

Good professional practice is to be as discreet as possible with all PMI.

22–12

REVIEW QUESTION

What does the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) of 1996 require regarding patient confidentiality?

22–13

Distinguish among commonly encountered communicable diseases.

Learning Objective 3

22–14

Summarize immunization considerations for first responders.

Learning Objective 4

22–15

Infection control measures can be used to reduce the risk of infection.

22–16

There are several commonly encountered communicable diseases.

22–17

(Cont.)

CAUTION

Medical equipment and surfaces should be decontaminated immediately following soiling to prevent the possible spread of infectious diseases to responders and other patients.

22–18

There are several commonly encountered communicable diseases.

22–19

Immunizations may be required by your jurisdiction.

22–20

REVIEW QUESTION

What are the communicable diseases commonly encountered by

firefighters?

What types of immunizations may first responders be required to have?

22–21

Explain the importance of body substance isolation (BSI).

Learning Objective 5

22–22

Pathogens to protect against are both bloodborne and airborne.

22–23

Proper body substance isolation (BSI) is the best way to protect yourself.

22–24

Hand washing is one part of maintaining proper BSI.

22–25

BSI also requires the proper use of different types of PPE.

22–26

Cleaning and disposal of contaminated items is another part of proper BSI.

22–27

REVIEW QUESTION

What are some basic ways first responders can practice body

substance isolation (BSI)?

22–28

Explain actions taken for basic patient assessment.

Learning Objective 6

22–29

Patient assessment must be completed before treatment can begin.

22–30

The airway is an assessment of the passage where air travels when breathing.

22–31

Look, listen, and feel to determine breathing assessment.

22–32

Circulation/compressions are easily determined by feeling for a pulse.

22–33

REVIEW QUESTION

What actions are taken to assess a patient’s condition?

22–34

Compare and contrast CPR techniques for adults, children, and

infants.

Learning Objective 7

22–35

Explain when to administer and when to discontinue CPR.

Learning Objective 8

22–36

Clinical death, known as cardiac arrest, may require defibrillation.

22–37

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may be required for several reasons.

22–38

Chest compressions, the main component of CPR, are performed differently depending on patient age.

22–39

(Cont.)

Chest compressions, the main component of CPR, are performed differently depending on patient age.

22–40

(Cont.)

22–41

(Cont.)

Chest compressions, the main component of CPR, are performed differently depending on patient age.

22–42

Chest compressions, the main component of CPR, are performed differently depending on patient age.

REVIEW QUESTION

How do CPR techniques for adults, children, and infants differ from one another?

22–43

Once begun, CPR should only be discontinued in specific circumstances.

22–44

You should understand the emotional nature of cardiac events.

22–45

REVIEW QUESTION

When should a first responder administer and discontinue CPR?

22–46

Describe basic types of external bleeding.

Learning Objective 9

22–47

Explain the use of direct pressure and elevation to control external bleeding.

Learning Objective 10

22–48

Bleeding control is an extremely important aspect of medical treatment.

22–49

You should recognize the signs of the three types of external bleeding.

22–50

REVIEW QUESTION

What are the basic types of external bleeding?

22–51

Methods used to control external bleeding depend on the type.

22–52

The direct pressure method is the first and most commonly used method.

22–53

The elevation method is used to raise an extremity above a patient’s heart.

22–54

REVIEW QUESTION

How can direct pressure and elevation control external bleeding?

22–55

Describe the signs and symptoms of internal bleeding.

Learning Objective 11

22–56

Internal bleeding, not seen externally, still shows several signs or symptoms.

22–57

Internal bleeding has several causes and is a true medical emergency.

22–58

Describe the role that recognizing the types, signs, and symptoms of shock plays in shock management.

Learning Objective 12

22–59

Shock occurs when the body is unable to keep vital organs functioning.

22–60

You should know the signs and symptoms of the two stages of shock.

22–61

Patients exhibiting signs of shock should be treated and prepared for transport immediately.

22–62

REVIEW QUESTION

Why is it important that a first responder recognize the types, signs, and symptoms of shock?

22–63

• Providing Emergency Medical Services is a critical function of the fire service, especially as aging populations create an increased demand.

• Properly trained firefighters are needed because they can often make the difference between life and death, not only for victims but for other firefighters as well.

Summary

22–64