4 Patient Transport and Ambulance Operations Free Online FlashCards

What should be assessed before moving a patient?

Assess the patient and the route, noting hazards such as stairs, tight spaces, poor surfaces, and obstacles.

How should a crew coordinate a patient transfer?

Choose appropriate equipment and assistance, assign clear roles, and agree on commands before lifting or transferring.

What should crews protect during patient movement?

Use coordinated movements and sound body mechanics; avoid pulling on injured limbs, medical tubing, or monitoring cables.

What checks are needed after placing a patient on the cot?

Check that the cot restraints fit as designed and secure the cot to the ambulance’s approved mount. Reassess the patient after movement.

What are key ambulance safety checks before transport?

Check the vehicle and required equipment according to agency policy. Secure loose equipment, close compartments, and use available seat belts or restraints.

What defensive driving practices apply to ambulance operations?

Drive defensively, maintain a safe speed and following distance, and slow or stop at intersections as required by law and agency policy.

What do emergency lights and sirens not guarantee?

They request right-of-way but do not ensure other road users have seen or heard the ambulance. Confirm the path is clear and proceed cautiously.

How should crews decide whether to use lights and sirens?

Use them only when justified by patient need and permitted by law and protocol; weigh the potential time benefit against added crash risk.

What should clinicians do for the patient en route?

Continue assessment and appropriate treatment, watch for changes, and communicate significant updates to the receiving facility.

What factors guide destination selection?

Consider the patient’s condition and needs, nearby facility capabilities, travel time, and the regional EMS system; also follow applicable preference, law, and protocol requirements.

What information informs field triage for injured patients?

Field triage considers injury patterns, mental status and vital signs, mechanism of injury, and EMS judgment.

How should transport destinations be considered for high-risk trauma?

High-risk patients should preferentially go to the highest-level trauma center available in the regional system, subject to geographic limits and local procedures. Patients in extremis may need initial stabilization closer by.