11 EMS Operations and Special Situations Free Online FlashCards

What is the purpose of the Incident Command System (ICS)?

ICS provides a shared structure for command, communication, and resource coordination that can expand or contract with incident complexity.

What are the steps in the SALT triage approach?

SALT means Sort, Assess, Lifesaving interventions, Treatment/transport.

What is the priority at the hazardous-materials awareness level?

Recognize indicators, protect yourself and others, and notify appropriate resources. Do not enter the contaminated area or attempt technical rescue without proper training, equipment, and assignment.

What restraint measures help protect ambulance occupants during transport?

Secure the stretcher to its mount and restrain the patient and crew according to equipment instructions and agency policy.

What makes operational communication closed-loop?

Identify yourself and your location, state the situation and immediate risks, make a specific request, and confirm the message was received and understood.

When may providers share patient information for treatment under HIPAA?

HIPAA permits providers to share information needed for treatment with other providers, but patient information should not be disclosed casually or to unauthorized listeners.

What should EMS clarify before an interfacility transport?

Clarify the transfer reason, destination and acceptance, sending clinician's orders, patient condition and risks, and required crew, equipment, and monitoring.

What does Unified Command enable?

Unified Command lets agencies or jurisdictions agree on common objectives while each retains its own responsibilities.

What should an arriving EMS unit do when command is already established?

Announce yourself and request an assignment from the designated supervisor; do not self-deploy.

When should mass-casualty triage be reassessed?

Triage must be repeated as patient conditions or available resources change.

What does the Expectant triage category mean?

Expectant means the patient is unlikely to survive given current injuries and available resources; it is not the same as dead.

How should responders use the ERG at a transportation-related hazmat incident?

Use the current ERG's material-specific isolation and protective-action guidance; distances vary by material and circumstances.