Temple College EMS Professions 1 The Well-Being of the EMT-B.

Temple College EMS Professions

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The Well-Being of the EMT-B

Temple College EMS Professions 2

• List possible emotional reactions that an EMT-B may experience.

• Discuss reactions that family members may experience when confronted with death and dying.

• State the steps in approaching a family that is confronting death and dying.

Objectives 1 of 3


• State the possible reactions the family of an EMT-B may exhibit.

• Recognize signs and symptoms of critical incident stress.

• State steps to help alleviate stress.

• Explain the need to determine scene safety.

Objectives 2 of 3


• Discuss the importance of BSI.

• Describe the steps of personal protection from airborne and bloodborne pathogens.

• List personal protective equipment necessary for various situations.

Objectives 3 of 3


The Well-Being of the EMT

• Personal health, safety, and well-being are vital to an EMS operation.

• You must learn to recognize and protect yourself from hazards.

• You must cope with mental and physical stress.


Self-control is achieved by:

• Proper training

• Ongoing experience

• Dedication to serving others


Death and Dying 1 of 2

• Changes in society have changed people’s attitudes toward death.

– Life expectancy has increased.

– Family mobility may mean less support for grieving people.

– Death no longer commonly occurs at home, but occurs in a hospital or at an accident site such as the highway instead.

– Dead loved ones are now kept at a funeral home instead of at home, so people are less used to dead bodies.


Death and Dying 2 of 2

• Death is something you will have to face.

• Coming to grips with death is part of delivering care.


Physical Signs of Death

• Absence of circulatory and respiratory function

• If the body is still warm, initiate care.

• If hypothermia is present, initiate care.


Presumptive Signs of Death 1 of 2

• Unresponsive to painful stimuli

• Lack of pulse

• Absence of breath sounds

• Absence of eye movement

• No blood pressure


Presumptive Signs of Death 2 of 2

• Dependant lividity

• Profound cyanosis

• Decreased body temperature


Definitive Signs of Death

• Obvious mortal injury

• Rigor mortis

• Putrefaction (decomposition of body)


Medical Examiner Cases

• DOA

• Unknown cause of death

• Suicide

• Violent death

• Poisoning

• Accidents

• Criminal act

Keep notes of any care provided.


Grieving Process1. Denial: Refusal to accept

2. Anger: Blaming others

3. Bargaining: Promise to change

4. Depression: Open expression of grief

5. Acceptance: The simple “yes”


What can an EMT-B do?

• Do helpful things.

• Make simple suggestions.

• Be yourself and sincere.


Dealing with Family Members• Act in a calm manner.

• Show concern about privacy.

• Respect family’s wishes.

• Be honest.

• Don’t create false hope.


Concerns of the Critically Injured or Dying Patient

• Anxiety

• Pain and fear

• Anger and hostility

• Depression

• Dependency

• Guilt

• Mental health problems

• Receiving unrelated bad news


Caring for the Critically Ill and Injured Patients 1of 2

• Avoid sad and grim comments.

• Orient the patient.

• Be honest.


Caring for the Critically Ill and Injured Patients 2 of 2

• Acknowledge the seriousness of the condition.

• Allow for hope.

• Locate and notify family members.


Factors Affecting Patient Reactions

• Socioeconomic background

• Fear of medical personnel

• Alcohol/substance abuse

• Chronic diseases

• Mental disorders

• Medication reactions

• Age

• Nutritional status

• Guilt feelings

Temple College EMS Professions

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Stress Warning Signs and the Work Environment


Physiological Manifestations of Stress 1 of 2

• Rise in respirations and pulse

• Increase in blood pressure

• Cool, clammy skin

• Dilated pupils


Physiological Manifestations of Stress 2 of 2

• Tensed muscles

• Increase blood sugar levels

• Perspiration

• Decreased circulation to GI tract


Critical Incidents

• Mass Casualty Incidents

• Traumatic injury or death of child

• MVA caused by EMS personnel

• Serious injury or death of coworker


Critical Incident Stress Management

• Developed in the 1980s

• Process designed to help EMS personnel deal with responses to critical incidents

• Composed of trained peers and mental health professionals


Components of CISM System 1 of 2

• Pre-incident stress education

• On-scene peer support

• One-on-one support

• Disaster support services

• Defusings


• CISD

• Follow-up services

• Spouse and family support

• Community outreach programs

• Other wellness programs

Components of CISM System 2 of 2


Stress and Nutrition 1 of 3

• Prolonged stress drains the body’s reserves.

• Under stress, body’s fuel sources are consumed in large quantities.

• Physical stress will deplete energy sources quicker.



• Glucose– Quickest source of energy – Taken from glycogen stored in liver

• Proteins– Drawn from muscles– Long-term source of glucose



• Fats– Used by tissues for energy

• Water

– Conserved by exchanging sodium & potassium from kidneys

• Vitamins and minerals

– Vitamins B, C, and most minerals are depleted.


Benefits of Exercise and Proper Nutrition

• Muscles will grow and retain protein.

• Bones store calcium and become stronger.

• Well-balanced meals provide necessary nutrients to body.

Temple College EMS Professions 1 The Well-Being of the EMT-B.

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