Rescue Basics

1. Chapter 3 Rescue Basics

2. Objectives 3.1Describe how the body regulates temperature. 3.2Describe the four mechanisms of heat exchange. 3.3Describe the “fight or flight” response. 3.4Describe the steps an OEC Technician can take to be prepared when responding to a request for assistance. continued

3. Objectives 3.5Describe how layering clothing can help preserve body heat. 3.6Describe the five modes of disease transmission. 3.7Define the following terms: • pathogen • Standard Precautions • body substance isolation (BSI) • hazardous material continued

4. Objectives 3.8List common personal protective equipment used by OEC Technicians. 3.9Describe the four components of the scene size-up. 3.10 Describe and demonstrate how to ensure scene safety. 3.11 Describe chain of custody. 3.12Demonstrate how to safely put on and remove disposable medical gloves.

5. Topics • Anatomy & Physiology • Preparing to Work Outdoors • Protecting Yourself from Disease • Assessing Emergency Situations • Dealing with Hazardous Materials continued

6. Topics • Crime Scene Management • Dealing with Stress • Chapter Summary

7. Case Presentation • You stop for lunch on a chilly cloudy afternoon, but are called to respond to a skier who has fallen from a chairlift approximately 30 feet into a rocky ravine. The patient is unconscious and extrication gear will be required to evacuate him. A light freezing rain begins to fall. • Two fellow patrollers are beginning treatment, but one of them is not dressed adequately for the conditions and is shivering.

8. Anatomy & Physiology • Homeostasis • Temperature regulation • Conduction • Convection • Radiation • Evaporation • “Fight or Flight” response to stress • Immune response continued

9. Anatomy & Physiology

10. Preparing to Work Outdoors • Environmental considerations • Mental preparedness • Physical Fitness • Sleep and fatigue • Food and nutrition • Alcohol and substance abuse continued

11. Preparing to Work Outdoors • Proper Equipment • First aid and survival • Rule of Threes • Clothing • Skin and eye protection • From the sun’s UVR • SPF of 30 is minimum continued

12. Preparing to Work Outdoors continued

13. Preparing to Work Outdoors • Hydration • Dehydration can occur during any activity • Purification techniques used in survival situations • Prolonged rescue response continued

14. Preparing to Work Outdoors

15. Protecting Yourself from Disease • Infectious, communicable diseases • Exposure is always possible • Transmission may involve direct or indirect contact, or airborne, ingested or vector borne pathogens • Contamination is often followed by an incubation period. Others may be infected during this time • Common infectious diseases

16. Protecting Yourself from Disease • Vaccinations • Childhood programs cover many diseases • Hepatitis B, Flu, and TB are current issues • Standard precautions and BSI • Every patient is potentially infectious • Avoid contact with bodily fluids • Use personal protective equipment • Handwashing

17. Protecting Yourself from Disease • Decontamination and disposal • Cleaning, disinfection of surfaces • Biohazard bags and sharps containers • Clean-up of clothing, spills, snow • Know local protocols • Exposure situations • Follow local protocols

18. Case Update • With the weather getting worse, and despite the spare hat and gloves, Peter is getting wetter and colder. Care for the patient is moving forward.

19. Assessing Emergency Situations • Scene size-up • Assess/assure overall safety • Determine MOI or NOI • Determine number of patients • Determine need for additional resources continued

20. Assessing Emergency Situations

21. Dealing with Hazardous Materials • Have the potential to cause harm to humans, animals or the environment • Must be dealt with by specially trained personnel • Placards should mark such materials • MSDS information should be available in resort facilities

22. Crime Scene Management • If a crime is suspected, preserve the scene • Provide critical care for patients • Protect patient privacy • Do not make unauthorized statements to the media

23. Dealing with Stress • Abnormal stress may be acute, delayed, or cumulative • Know the warning signs of stress in self and others • Patrollers may have delayed stress response, a form of PTSD • CISM resources may be made available to patrollers as needed

24. Case Disposition • You tell Peter to remove his wet jacket; you give him your backup waterproof jacket. You also hand him two of your energy bars. You instruct another rescuer to take Peter back to the ski area first-aid station so that he can be checked and warmed up. Peter realizes he was not prepared.

25. Chapter Summary • Rescuer safety is always the #1 priority. • Manage the four mechanisms of heat exchange to your advantage. • Adequately prepare yourself for rescue operations. • Physical fitness, adequate sleep, and proper nutrition are important. continued

26. Chapter Summary • Your personal pack should include appropriate first-aid gear and personal gear. • Learning the Rule of Threes may save your life. • Standard Precautions, BSI, and PPE are essential for preventing the transmission of disease. continued

27. Chapter Summary • “Dirty to dirty and clean to clean” is helpful in removing disposable medical gloves. • The scene size-up includes an assessment of scene safety, the mechanism of injury, the total number of patients involved, and the need for additional resources. continued

28. Chapter Summary • Look for dangers at a rescue scene and be aware of changing scene dynamics. • Request assistance in HazMat and crime-scene situations. • Do not be afraid to ask for help if you are having difficulty coping with stress. continued