The Well-being of the EMT-Basic CHAPTER 2 1

Emotional Aspects of Emergency Care Death and Dying 1

How People Face Death Denial Anger Bargaining Depression Acceptance Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross 1

KINDNESS, COMPASSION & UNDERSTANDING... 1

…may help the patient and family members cope with their emotions. 1

Stressful Situations 1

EMS IS A STRESSFUL PROFESSION! 1

Multiple-patient incidents can be particularly stressful. 11

Stressful Situations Mass-casualty incident Infant and child trauma Traumatic amputation Death or injury of co-worker or other public safety personnel Emergency response to illness or injury of friend or family member 1

Stress Management 1

Stress: A bodily or mental tension caused by physical, chemical, or emotional factors. Also involves a person’s response to events that are threatening or challenging. 1

Stress Warning Signs Irritability with co-workers, family, friends or patients Inability to concentrate Physical exhaustion Difficulty sleeping or nightmares Anxiety Indecisiveness Guilt 1

Stress Warning Signs continued Loss of appetite Loss of interest in sex Isolation Loss of interest in work Increased substance use or abuse (alcohol, medications, illegal drugs) Depression 1

Not all stress is negative... ...but too much can affect your health! 1

STRESS REDUCTION TECHNIQUES Eat Healthy Get Professional Counseling Stop Smoking STRESS REDUCTION TECHNIQUES Change Work Schedule Exercise Regularly Rest & Relax Balance Activities 1

Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) 1

Critical incident: A situation causing unusually strong emotional reactions which interfere with one’s ability to function immediately or in the future. 1

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A serious condition involving illness, personality changes, and self-destructive behavior. Occurs after being exposed to a critical incident or disturbing event. 1

Criteria for Holding a CISD Many individuals within a group appear to be distressed after a call Signals of distress appear to be severe Personnel demonstrate numerous behavioral changes Personnel make significant errors on calls occurring after the critical incident 1

Criteria for Holding a CISD continued Personnel request help The event is extraordinary Various agencies are showing the same reactions Signals of distress continue beyond three weeks 1

CISD helps people work through their emotional responses more quickly than they could on their own. 1

CISD Process Team approach Peer support personnel Mental health professionals Clergy Confidential process NOT an investigation or interrogation 1

CISD Process continued Designed to open discussions about feelings, fears and reactions to the incident Team evaluates comments and provides feedback and suggestions 1

Comprehensive Critical Incident Stress Management 1

System for Managing PTSD Preincident stress education On-scene peer support One-on-one support Disaster support services Defusing 1

System for Managing PTSD continued Critical incident stress debriefings Follow-up services Spouse and family support Outreach programs Other health and wellness programs 1

Scene Safety 1

Common Scene Safety Issues Traffic Crime scene Hostile crowds Hazardous materials Dogs 1

Scene Safety EMTs who become injured cannot help anyone else! 10

Body Substance Isolation Precautions 1

Body Substance Isolation (BSI) precautions are designed to prevent contact with potentially harmful body substances. 1

Hand Washing 1

Gloves 1

Eye Protection, Gowns and Masks 1

HEPA Respirator Use when you suspect the patient has tuberculosis. 10

It is important that EMS personnel understand their rights, responsibilities and procedures for reporting exposures. 1

Advance Safety Precautions 1

Recommended Immunizations Tetanus prophylaxis (every 10 years) Hepatitis B vaccine Influenza vaccine (annually) Polio immunization Rubella, mumps & measles vaccine Tuberculin testing (annually) 1

Personal Protection 1

Hazardous material: A substance that poses a threat or unreasonable risk to life, health or property if not properly controlled. Crews not trained or equipped to handle a situation should let the experts do it! 1

Placards are displayed on hazardous materials containers. 11

Protective Clothing for HazMat 10

Protective Clothing for Rescue Puncture-proof or resistant turnout gear Puncture-proof gloves Helmet Ear protection and chin strap Eye protection Boots with steel toes & insoles 1

Protective Clothing for Rescue Situations 1

EMS personnel should NOT ENTER a VIOLENT SCENE until on-scene police officers have determined it to be safe! 1

EMS personnel should not intervene in violent situations. 1

SUMMARY Emotional Aspects of Emergency Care Scene Safety Personal Protection SUMMARY 1