Transcript 451_Chap-02 - Home - KSU Faculty Member websites

CHAPTER 2
The Well-being
of the EMT-Basic
Emotional Aspects of
Emergency Care
Death and Dying
How People Face Death
Denial
 Anger
 Bargaining
 Depression
 Acceptance

Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
KINDNESS,
COMPASSION &
UNDERSTANDING...
…may help the
patient and
family members
cope with their
emotions.
Stressful Situations
EMS IS A
STRESSF
UL PROFESSION!
Multiple-patient incidents can
be particularly stressful.
Stressful Situations

Mass-casualty incident

Infant and child trauma

Traumatic amputation

Death or injury of co-worker or other
public safety personnel

Emergency response to illness or injury
of friend or family member
Stress Management
Stress:
A bodily or mental tension caused
by physical, chemical, or
emotional factors.
Also involves a person’s
response to events that are
threatening or challenging.
Stress Warning Signs

Irritability with co-workers, family, friends
or patients

Inability to concentrate

Physical exhaustion

Difficulty sleeping or nightmares

Anxiety

Indecisiveness

Guilt
Stress Warning Signs
continued

Loss of appetite

Loss of interest in sex

Isolation

Loss of interest in work

Increased substance use or abuse
(alcohol, medications, illegal drugs)

Depression
Not all stress is
negative...
...but too much
can affect your health!
Eat
Healthy
Get Professional
Counseling
Change Work
Schedule
Rest &
Relax
Stop
Smoking
STRESS
REDUCTION
TECHNIQUES
Exercise
Regularly
Balance
Activities
Critical Incident
Stress Debriefing
(CISD)
Critical incident:
A situation causing unusually
strong emotional reactions
which interfere with one’s ability
to function immediately or in
the future.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
A serious condition involving
illness, personality changes,
and self-destructive behavior.
Occurs after being exposed to a
critical incident or disturbing event.
Criteria for Holding a CISD

Many individuals within a group
appear to be distressed after a call

Signals of distress appear to be
severe

Personnel demonstrate numerous
behavioral changes

Personnel make significant errors on
calls occurring after the critical
incident
Criteria for Holding a CISD
continued

Personnel request help

The event is extraordinary

Various agencies are showing the
same reactions

Signals of distress continue beyond
three weeks
CISD helps people work
through their emotional
responses more quickly than
they could on their own.
CISD Process

Team approach
 Peer support personnel
 Mental health professionals
 Clergy

Confidential process

NOT an investigation or
interrogation
CISD Process
continued

Designed to open discussions
about feelings, fears and
reactions to the incident

Team evaluates comments and
provides feedback and
suggestions
Comprehensive
Critical Incident
Stress Management
System for Managing PTSD

Preincident stress education

On-scene peer support

One-on-one support

Disaster support services

Defusing
System for Managing PTSD
continued

Critical incident stress debriefings

Follow-up services

Spouse and family support

Outreach programs

Other health and wellness programs
Scene Safety
Common Scene Safety Issues

Traffic

Crime scene

Hostile crowds

Hazardous materials

Dogs
Scene Safety
EMTs who become injured
cannot help anyone else!
Body Substance
Isolation Precautions
Body Substance Isolation
(BSI) precautions are
designed to prevent contact
with potentially harmful
body substances.
Hand
Washing
Gloves
Eye
Protection,
Gowns and
Masks
HEPA Respirator
Use when you suspect the
patient has tuberculosis.
It is important that EMS
personnel understand
their rights, responsibilities
and procedures for
reporting exposures.
Advance Safety
Precautions
Recommended Immunizations

Tetanus prophylaxis (every 10 years)

Hepatitis B vaccine

Influenza vaccine (annually)

Polio immunization

Rubella, mumps & measles vaccine

Tuberculin testing (annually)
Personal Protection
Hazardous material:
A substance that poses a threat
or unreasonable risk to life,
health or property if not properly
controlled.
Crews not trained or equipped to
handle a situation should let the
experts do it!
Placards are displayed on
hazardous materials containers.
Protective Clothing for HazMat
Protective Clothing for Rescue

Puncture-proof or resistant
turnout gear

Puncture-proof gloves

Helmet

Ear protection and chin strap

Eye protection

Boots with steel toes & insoles
Protective
Clothing for
Rescue
Situations
EMS personnel should NOT
ENTER a VIOLENT SCENE
until on-scene police officers
have determined it to be safe!
EMS personnel should not
intervene in violent situations.
SUMMARY

Emotional Aspects of
Emergency Care

Scene Safety
 Personal Protection