NREMT EMT 5: Operations - Health and Safety for the EMT, Wellbeing, Wellness, Stress Management, Infectious Disease Prevention, Post-Exposure Protocol, Vaccination, Nutrition, Sleep, Fitness, Critical Incident Stress

Health and Safety for the EMT

What This Is

Health and safety for the EMT is about taking care of yourself so you can take care of others. It's like putting on your own oxygen mask before helping someone else on a plane. If you're not well, you can't do your job effectively, and that can put patients and others at risk.

Key Steps / Core Facts

• Well-being: Taking care of your physical and mental health, including exercise, healthy eating, and stress management. (Why: You can't pour from an empty cup.)
  • Regular exercise: at least 30 minutes, 3 times a week (e.g., walking, jogging, yoga)
  • Healthy eating: focus on fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins
  • Stress management: try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation
• Stress Management: Learning to cope with the emotional demands of the job. (Why: High stress can lead to burnout and mistakes.)
  • Identify stressors: work, personal, or both
  • Develop coping skills: exercise, mindfulness, social support
  • Take breaks: regular time off, self-care activities
• Infectious Disease Prevention (Post-Exposure Protocol): Following procedures to prevent the spread of diseases after exposure. (Why: Protect yourself and others from infection.)
  • Wash hands frequently: soap and water, at least 20 seconds
  • Use personal protective equipment (PPE): gloves, masks, eye protection
  • Report exposure: to your supervisor or public health department
• Vaccination: Getting vaccinated against diseases that can affect EMTs. (Why: Vaccines prevent illness and protect others.)
  • Influenza (flu): annual vaccination
  • COVID-19: follow local guidelines and recommendations
  • Other diseases: such as hepatitis B, rabies
• Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet to support your physical and mental health. (Why: Food gives you energy and helps you recover.)
  • Focus on whole foods: fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins
  • Avoid processed and sugary foods: they can lead to energy crashes and mood swings
  • Stay hydrated: drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Sleep: Getting enough rest to help your body and mind recover. (Why: Sleep helps you focus and makes you less prone to mistakes.)
  • Aim for 7-9 hours: each night, for most adults
  • Establish a bedtime routine: wind down with a book, meditation, or relaxing activity
  • Avoid screens before bed: they can interfere with sleep
• Fitness: Staying physically active to support your health and job performance. (Why: Exercise helps you stay alert and focused.)
  • Aim for 30 minutes: of moderate-intensity exercise, 3 times a week
  • Incorporate strength training: to build muscle and boost endurance
  • Find activities you enjoy: exercise should be fun, not a chore
• Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD): Processing and coping with traumatic events. (Why: CISD helps you deal with the emotional aftermath of a critical incident.)
  • Identify the incident: and its impact on you and others
  • Share your feelings: with colleagues, a supervisor, or a mental health professional
  • Develop coping strategies: such as exercise, mindfulness, or social support

What Laypeople Can Do

• If someone collapses, first check for danger (oncoming traffic, fire). Then shout and tap their shoulder.
• If someone is bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. Elevate the injured area above heart level if possible.
• If someone is having a seizure, clear the area of objects that could hurt them. Turn them onto their side and loosen any tight clothing.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Not washing hands frequently enough.
  • Fix: Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after interacting with patients.
• Mistake: Not reporting exposure to infectious diseases.
  • Fix: Report exposure to your supervisor or public health department to prevent the spread of disease.
• Mistake: Not getting enough sleep.
  • Fix: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to help your body and mind recover.

Quick Practice Scenarios

• A patient is experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath. What should you do first?
  • Call 911 and start CPR if the patient is unresponsive.
• A colleague is acting strangely and seems overwhelmed. What should you do?
  • Check in with them and offer support. Encourage them to take a break or seek help if needed.
• You've been exposed to a patient with a contagious disease. What should you do?
  • Wash your hands thoroughly and report the exposure to your supervisor or public health department.

Last-Minute Exam Cram

• Normal vital sign ranges: 98.6°F (37°C) for temperature, 60-100 beats per minute for heart rate, 70-100 mmHg for blood pressure.
• Agonal breathing is NOT normal breathing – start CPR.
• SAMPLE: a mnemonic for assessing patients (S: Scene, A: Allergies, M: Medications, P: Past medical history, L: Last meal, E: Events leading up to the call).
• OPQRSTI: a mnemonic for assessing pain (O: Onset, P: Provocation, Q: Quality, R: Region, S: Severity, T: Time, I: Intensity).
• Always follow proper handwashing techniques to prevent the spread of disease.
• Normal blood glucose range: 70-100 mg/dL.
• Never leave a patient unattended, especially if they're at risk for falling or have a medical condition.