Chapter 2 The Well-Being of the EMT

Question 1

Contamination

Answer 1

The introduction of dangerous chemicals, disease, or infectious materials.

Question 2

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)

Answer 2

A comprehensive system that includes education and resources to both prevent stress and to deal with stress appropriately when it occurs.

Question 3

Decontamination

Answer 3

The removal or cleaning of dangerous chemicals and other dangerous or infectious materials.

Question 4

Hazardous Material Incident

Answer 4

The release of a harmful substance into the environment.

Question 5

Multiple Casualty Incident

Answer 5

An emergency involving multiple patients.

Question 6

Pathogens

Answer 6

The organisms that cause infection, such as viruses and bacteria.

Question 7

Personal Protective Equipment

Answer 7

Equipment that protects the EMS worker from infection and/or exposure to the dangers of rescue operations.

Question 8

Standard Precautions

Answer 8

A strict form of infection and/or exposure to the dangers of rescue operations.

Question 9

Stress

Answer 9

a state of physical and/or psychological arousal to a stimulus

Question 10

Name some of the causes of stress for an EMT, and explain some of the ways the EMT can alleviate job-related stress.

Answer 10

Some situations that may cause stress for an EMT include multiple-casualty incidents, injuries to infants and children, severe injuries, abuse and neglect, the death of a coworker, or personal situations unrelated to work.

Question 11

Differentiate between acute and chronic stress. Give an example of each.

Answer 11

Acute stress happens suddenly, as might be seen after handling a serious pediatric call. Chronic stress develops over time. Weeks or months or years of long shifts and tough calls may eventually take a toll.

Question 12

What are the stages of grief? How should the EMT deal with these emotions?

Answer 12

Denial- the patient denies the fact that he is dying.
Anger- the patient becomes angry.
Bargaining- the patient tries to postpone death,even if only briefly.
depression- the patient is sad or in despair over things left undone.
Acceptance- the patient is ready to die.
Understanding what families and patients go through can help EMT deal with the stress they feel as well as his own emotions

Question 13

List the types of personal protective equipment used in Standard Precautions. Identify a condition or patient with which each one should be used.

Answer 13

Gloves- used with controlled bleeding, suctioning, artificial ventilation, CPR
Eye protection- used with splashing, splattering, or spraying body fluids
masks- used with infection spread by airborne droplets
gowns- used with arterial bleeding and childbirth

Question 14

Delayed Stress Reaction

Answer 14

Also known as PTSD, can be triggered by a specific event but psychological effects may not present until days, months, or even years later. Characterized by nightmares, feelings of detachment, irritability, sleep difficulties, or problems with concentration.

Question 15

Acute Stress Reaction

Answer 15

Often linked to catastrophes, such as large scale natural disasters. Reaction occurs rapidly and may develop simultaneously with the incident or within a very short time following the incident. Signs and symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, abnormal heart rhythms, uncontrollable crying, inappropriate behavior, and a disruption in normal, rational thinking.

Question 16

Cumulative Stress Reaction

Answer 16

This reaction, also known as, “burnout,” results from sustained low-level stressors and develop over a period of years.

Question 17

Cumulative Stress Reaction Early Signs

Answer 17

Vague anxiety, progressing to boredom, apathy, and a feeling of emotional exhaustion.

Question 18

Cumulative Stress Reaction Progressing Signs

Answer 18

Physical complaints begin to appear. Headaches, stomach ailments, disturbances in sleep, loss of emotional control, irritability, withdrawal from others, and increasing depression. May also include substance abuse, loss of sexual drive, poor interpersonal relationships, and limited self control.

Question 19

Cumulative Stress Reaction Late Signs

Answer 19

May present as a physical illness, uncontrollable emotions, overwhelming physical and emotional fatigue, severe social withdrawal, paranoia, or suicidal thoughts.

Question 20

Significant Causes of Stress for EMTs

Answer 20

Multiple-casualty incidents 
Calls involving infants and children
Severe injuries
Abuse and neglect (Elderly and Pediatrics)
Death of a co-workers