Chapter 2 - Work Safety and Wellness

Chapter 2 Workforce Safety and Wellness

v  Wellness and Stress Management

Ø  Wellness = state of complete mental, physical, and social well-being (for both work and home).

Ø  EMT role is to

§  Be prepared

§  Anticipate needed resources

§  Control the scene

§  Care for that patient

Ø  Stress

§  Physical

·       Deplete key nutrients

·       Weaken body

·       More susceptible to illnesses

§  Psychological

§  Physiological manifestations of stress:

·       Increased respirations and HR

·       Increased blood pressure

·       Dilated venous vessels

·       Dilated pupils

·       Tensed muscles

·       Increased blood glucose levels

·       Perspiration

·       Decreased blood flow to GI

Ø  Stress management

§  Minimize/eliminate stressors

·       Change partners

·       Change work hours

·       Change work environment

·       Cut back on OT

·       Change attitude

·       Talk to those you trust

·       Seek professional counseling

·       Do NOT obsess over frustrating situations

·       Activities

¨     Regular physical exercise

¨     Meditation

¨     Yoga

§  Keep a healthy nutrition

§  Regular, uninterrupted sleep

v  Infectious and Communicable Diseases

Ø  Communicable disease = Contagious disease that can spread from one person to another.

Ø  Routes of Transmission

§  Direct contact (blood borne)

§  Indirect contact (fomites)

§  Airborne transmission (droplets)

§  Foodborne transmission (food poisoning)

§  Vector-borne transmission (mosquitos, ticks)

Ø  CDC precautions of PPE

§  Glove use à + special removal

§  Eye protection – goggles/face shield

§  Surgical mask – fluid splatter

§  Particulate respirator – for airborne droplet diseases

Ø  Cleaning

§  Should be done on a daily basis

§  Preferably at the hospital site to remove contaminated linens

Ø  Immunizations

§  Hepatitis B vaccine

§  Tdap

§  MMR

§  Flu vaccine

§  Varicella (MMRV)

Ø  In the event of exposure to patient’s blood/bodily fluids (post exposure prophylaxis)

§  Turn over patient care to another EMS provider

§  Clean exposed area.

§  Rinse eyes thoroughly for ~ 20mins

§  Activate dept infection control plan

§  Complete exposure report.

Hand washing techniques are the number 1 effective way to prevent many diseases.

v  Scene Safety

Ø  Hazardous materials

§  Look for placards

§  Wait for HAZMAT team

§  DO NOT begin care for patient until they are moved from scene

Ø  Electricity

§  When dealing w/ downed power lines mark danger zone around downed lines.
Safety zone = one span of a power pole distance wise

Ø  Fire

§  Smoke

§  O₂ deficiency

§  Toxic gas

§  Explosions

Ø  Vehicle crashes

v  Sexual Harassment

Ø  Quid pro quo = exchanging material benefits and services for sexual favors.

Ø  Hostile work environment = demeaning or

v  Cultural Diversity

Ø  Cultural imposition - the act of forcing your beliefs, behaviors and values on someone else.

Ø  Ethnocentricism - evaluation of other cultures according to preconceptions originating in the standards and customs of one's own culture.

v  Caring for the Critically Ill and Injured

Ø  Let patient know who you are & what you are doing

Ø  Avoid unprofessional comments

Ø  Treat ALL patients w/ dignity and respect

Ø  Avoid sad & grim comments

Ø  Be honest

Ø  Allow patient to be part of the care given

Ø  Allow for hope

Ø  Ask a responsible adult to accompany the child

§  When dealing with the death of a child help the family by:

·       Acknowledging the death in a private place

·       Accepting shock, denial, and disbelief

·       If possible let the parent hold the child.

·       Let the family’s actions be your guide.

·       If family want to see child, allow them to do so à prepare parents for what they will see.

Ø  Prepare for emotional patient (Kubler-Ross Model of the 5 stages of grief)

§  Denial and isolation

§  Anger

§  Bargaining

§  Depression

§  Acceptance