EMT Exam Emergency Medical Technician
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NREMT EMT 5: Operations - Ambulance Operations, Vehicle Inspection, Driving Safety, Emergency Vehicle Operations Course, EVOC, Collision Scene Management, Lighting and Warning Devices, Aeromedical Operations

Ambulance Operations

Ambulance operations refer to the safe and efficient transportation of patients to medical facilities. This includes vehicle inspection, driving safety, emergency vehicle operations course (EVOC), collision scene management, lighting and warning devices, and aeromedical operations. Think of it like a well-oiled machine – every part must work together to get the patient to the hospital safely.

Key Steps / Core Facts

• Vehicle Inspection: Regularly check the ambulance for proper functioning of lights, sirens, brakes, and tires. This matters because a malfunctioning vehicle can put patients and responders at risk. (Check every 30 days)
• Driving Safety: Follow traffic laws and drive defensively, especially in emergency situations. This matters because emergency vehicles are often involved in collisions. (Use hazard lights when not in motion)
• Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC): Complete a training course to learn how to safely operate an emergency vehicle. This matters because EVOC training reduces the risk of accidents. (Complete every 3 years)
• Collision Scene Management: Assess the scene for hazards and prioritize patient safety. This matters because a poorly managed scene can lead to further injury or death. (Use cones or flares to divert traffic)
• Lighting and Warning Devices: Use lights and sirens to alert other drivers of the ambulance's presence. This matters because other drivers need to know the ambulance is approaching. (Use lights and sirens when approaching a patient)
• Aeromedical Operations: Transport patients by air when ground transportation is not feasible. This matters because air transport can be faster and more efficient in certain situations. (Use for patients in critical condition or remote areas)
• CPR Compression Depth: At least 2 inches – like pushing down a soda can. (AVPU)
• CPR Rate: 100-120 compressions per minute – like a metronome. (AVPU)
• Defibrillator Use: Follow the device's instructions and prioritize patient safety. This matters because defibrillators can be lifesaving in cardiac emergencies. (Use in cardiac arrest situations)
• Scene Size-Up: Quickly assess the scene for hazards and prioritize patient safety. This matters because a poorly managed scene can lead to further injury or death. (Use OPQRSTI)
• Patient Load: Ensure the patient is properly secured in the ambulance. This matters because a poorly secured patient can be injured during transport. (Use straps and padding)
• Communication: Clearly communicate with dispatch and other responders to ensure a smooth transport. This matters because clear communication is crucial in emergency situations. (Use radio or phone)

What Laypeople Can Do

• If someone collapses, first check for danger (oncoming traffic, fire). Then shout and tap their shoulder.
• If you're a passenger in an ambulance, stay calm and follow the driver's instructions.
• If you're a bystander at a collision scene, stay back and let responders manage the scene.
• If you're a family member of a patient, stay with them and provide emotional support.
• If you're a driver and see an ambulance approaching, yield to the ambulance and let it pass.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Not checking the ambulance's vehicle inspection log before use.
• Fix: Check the log regularly to ensure the vehicle is safe for use.
• Mistake: Not following traffic laws while driving an ambulance.
• Fix: Follow traffic laws to ensure a safe and efficient transport.
• Mistake: Not properly securing a patient in the ambulance.
• Fix: Use straps and padding to ensure the patient is secure during transport.

Quick Practice Scenarios

• You're driving an ambulance and approach a patient who is lying in the middle of the road. What should you do first?

Answer: Slow down and use hazard lights to divert traffic. Reason: Prioritize patient safety and avoid further injury.

• You're a passenger in an ambulance and the driver is taking a sharp turn. What should you do?

Answer: Hold on and stay seated. Reason: Stay safe and secure during transport.

• You're a bystander at a collision scene and see a responder approaching. What should you do?

Answer: Stay back and let the responder manage the scene. Reason: Let trained responders handle the situation.

Last-Minute Exam Cram

• Agonal breathing is NOT normal breathing – start CPR.
• Normal blood pressure range: 90-120/60-80 mmHg.
• Normal heart rate range: 60-100 beats per minute.
• AVPU: Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive.
• SAMPLE: Situation, Mechanism, Allergies, Past medical history, Last meal.
• OPQRSTI: Onset, Provocation, Quality, Region, Severity, Timing, Insurance.
• Defibrillator pads should be placed on the chest in a specific pattern (AP or PA).
• CPR compression depth: at least 2 inches.
• CPR rate: 100-120 compressions per minute.
• Normal body temperature range: 97.7-99.5°F (36.5-37.5°C).
• Normal oxygen saturation range: 95-100%.
• Normal respiratory rate range: 12-20 breaths per minute.
• Normal pulse oximeter range: 95-100%.
• Normal blood glucose range: 70-110 mg/dL.