Interactive Ready for Review: Interactivities

EMT-Is will encounter death, dying patients, and the families and friends of those who have died. Death will be no stranger to EMS personnel. Therefore, coming to grips with death and dying and understanding the concerns of the dying patient, assisting a family following the death of a loved one, and dealing with one's own feelings about death are personally and professionally important.

When signs of such as fatigue; anxiety; anger; feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt; and other such indicators manifest themselves, behavioral problems can develop. Recognizing the signs of %%1%% is important for all EMT-Is.

is a syndrome with onset following a traumatic, usually life-threatening event.

As an EMT-I, you will arrive at scenes where potential danger to you is easily apparent. Every patient encounter should be considered potentially dangerous. Therefore, it is essential that you take all available precautions to minimize and risk. Potential risks include scene hazards and infectious and communicable diseases.

diseases can be transmitted in one of four ways: direct transmission, vehicle-borne, vector-borne, and airborne. Even if you are exposed to an %%4%% disease, your risk of becoming ill is minimal. Whether an acute infection occurs depends on several factors, including the amount and type of infectious organisms and your resistance to the infection caused by those organisms. Most germs colonize the human body without causing any disease.

You can take several steps to protect yourself against exposure to infectious diseases, including remaining up-to-date with recommended vaccinations, using universal and precautions at all times, and handling all needles and other sharp objects with great care. Sharp items should be disposed of in closed, rigid, puncture-proof containers.

Because it is often impossible to tell which patients have infectious diseases, you should avoid contact with the blood and body fluids of all patients. Use special caution if you have any open sores or cuts, no matter how small. If you think you may have been exposed to an infectious disease, see your physician (or your employer's designated infection control officer) immediately.

Five infectious diseases of special concern are HIV infection, hepatitis B, meningitis, tuberculosis, and SARS. Of these, are transmitted through the air. The tubercle bacillus that causes tuberculosis can remain dormant for decades without causing disease.

Because medical therapy is almost always effective if you have not already become ill, you should get a tuberculosis test on an annual basis. is by far the most common threat to health care workers. It is highly contagious and usually transmitted by needlestick. Vaccination against %%8%% vaccine is highly recommended.

is rare; your risk of disease, even if you are exposed, is very small. Using a mask and gloves will go a long way to protect you against %%9%%.

You should know what to do if you are exposed to an airborne or bloodborne disease. Your department's designated officer will be able to help you follow the protocol set up in your area.

Infection control should be an important part of your daily routine. Be sure to follow the proper steps when dealing with potential exposure situations.

During your career, you will be exposed to many hazards. Some situations will be life-threatening. In these cases you should be properly protected, or you must avoid the situation altogether.

include potential exposure to hazardous materials, electricity, and fire. At a hazardous materials incident, your safety is the most important consideration. Never approach an object labeled with a hazardous materials placard. Use binoculars to read the placards from a safe distance.

Do not begin caring for patients until they have been moved away from the scene by the hazardous materials team and properly decontaminated or the scene has been made safe for you to enter.

Electrical shock can be produced by power lines or by lightning. If you encounter a downed power line, do not touch it. Mark off a danger zone around the downed lines and contact the power company. To protect yourself from lightning, recognize the warning signs just before a lightning strike. Move immediately to the lowest area possible. If you are in an open area, make yourself the smallest target by dropping all equipment and getting into a low crouch. If possible, get inside a car or your unit.

There are five common hazards in a : smoke, oxygen deficiency, high ambient temperatures, toxic gases, and building collapse. You must be trained in the use of appropriate equipment and have it available at all scenes. Do not rush into a burning building to retrieve a patient. This is a function of the fire department.

Violent situations such as civil disturbances, domestic disputes, and crime scenes can create many hazards for EMS personnel. Whenever you are in doubt about your safety, do not put yourself at risk. If you see the potential for violence when you are sizing up the scene, call for the appropriate resources. Rely on the advice of law enforcement.

Remember, your personal safety is of the utmost importance.