Introduction to Paramedic Practice (Week 4 - Health, wellbeing and scene safety)

Question 1

Stress and Fatigue - What is a stressor?

Answer 1

A stimulus or event that is appraised, judged or preceived as being aversive and which causes a ‘stress response’- which is often referred to as ‘stress’

Question 2

Stress and Fatigue -

Define the following terms:

• Stressor
• Chronic stress
• Acute stress

Answer 2

Stressors can be purely psychological (psychogenic) or physical (neurogenic)
Chronic stress- Cumulative effects of stress, linked to burnout
Chronic (long term)Effects-decreased immune system function, hypertension, sleep disorders, pain, anxiety, depression and panic attacks.
Acute stress- Usually related to critical incidents and traumatic events.

Question 3

Stress and Fatigue:

What are signs of acute stress?

Answer 3

• increased heart rate/blood pressure/blood sugar levels
• Dilated pupils
• Sweating
• Peripheral vasoconstriction
• Bronchodilation
• Inhibition of digestive secretions

Question 4

*See fatigue in notes: intuitive learning mainly**

Question 5

Occupational Violence See notes: intuitive learning/informative notes only**

Question 6

Critical Incidents: What is a ‘critical incident’?

Answer 6

• An incident where you may experience acute stress, this could be the result of violence or a particularly traumatic case that you have attended, while on placement your crew will be your first point of support, often after a critical incident there will be a debrief and you should be included in this process.
• This is your opportunity to discuss the case, you may hear the term STOPP 10 (Summarise, Things that went well, Opportunities for improvement, Psychological welfare, points to action) or cold debrief (discussions that may happens days or weeks after the event) which are tools used by WFA.

Question 7

Scene Safety: Identifying Dangers

What are some reasons why people attack paramedics?

Answer 7

• Emotionally charged scenes
• criminal inclinations
• Alcohol or substance abuse
• Mental illness
• Dementia
• Physical illness

Question 8

Scene Safety: Radio codes

When in personal danger, what code should you press on your radio?

Answer 8

10:10

Question 9

Scene Safety: Radio Codes

When requiring non urgent police attendance, what code is required?

Answer 9

Ask for an R26

Question 10

Scene Safety: Radio Codes

What is the code for Fire and emergency NZ assisstance? (FENZ)

Answer 10

R27

Question 11

Scene Safety: Radio Codes

What is the radio code used when requiring an additional ambulance?

Answer 11

R33

Question 12

Scene Safety: Radio Codes

What is the radio code used when requiring an intensive care paramedic (ICP)?

Answer 12

R50

Question 13

Scene Safety: Radio Codes

What is the radio code used when requiring an additional paramedic?

Answer 13

R51