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The Well-Being of the EMT-B

The Well-Being of the EMT-B. Objectives 1 of 3. List possible emotional reactions that an EMT-B may experience. Discuss reactions that family members may experience when confronted with death and dying. State the steps in approaching a family that is confronting death and dying.

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The Well-Being of the EMT-B

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  1. The Well-Being of the EMT-B Temple College EMS Professions

  2. Objectives 1 of 3 • List possible emotional reactions that an EMT-B may experience. • Discuss reactions that family members may experience when confronted with death and dying. • State the steps in approaching a family that is confronting death and dying. Temple College EMS Professions

  3. Objectives 2 of 3 • State the possible reactions the family of an EMT-B may exhibit. • Recognize signs and symptoms of critical incident stress. • State steps to help alleviate stress. • Explain the need to determine scene safety. Temple College EMS Professions

  4. Objectives 3 of 3 • Discuss the importance of BSI. • Describe the steps of personal protection from airborne and bloodborne pathogens. • List personal protective equipment necessary for various situations. Temple College EMS Professions

  5. The Well-Being of the EMT • Personal health, safety, and well-being are vital to an EMS operation. • You must learn to recognize and protect yourself from hazards. • You must cope with mental and physical stress. Temple College EMS Professions

  6. Self-control is achieved by: • Proper training • Ongoing experience • Dedication to serving others Temple College EMS Professions

  7. Death and Dying 1 of 2 • Changes in society have changed people’s attitudes toward death. • Life expectancy has increased. • Family mobility may mean less support for grieving people. • Death no longer commonly occurs at home, but occurs in a hospital or at an accident site such as the highway instead. • Dead loved ones are now kept at a funeral home instead of at home, so people are less used to dead bodies. Temple College EMS Professions

  8. Death and Dying 2 of 2 • Death is something you will have to face. • Coming to grips with death is part of delivering care. Temple College EMS Professions

  9. Physical Signs of Death • Absence of circulatory and respiratory function • If the body is still warm, initiate care. • If hypothermia is present, initiate care. Temple College EMS Professions

  10. Presumptive Signs of Death 1 of 2 • Unresponsive to painful stimuli • Lack of pulse • Absence of breath sounds • Absence of eye movement • No blood pressure Temple College EMS Professions

  11. Presumptive Signs of Death 2 of 2 • Dependant lividity • Profound cyanosis • Decreased body temperature Temple College EMS Professions

  12. Definitive Signs of Death • Obvious mortal injury • Rigor mortis • Putrefaction (decomposition of body) Temple College EMS Professions

  13. Medical Examiner Cases • DOA • Unknown cause of death • Suicide • Violent death • Poisoning • Accidents • Criminal act Keep notes of any care provided. Temple College EMS Professions

  14. Grieving Process 1. Denial: Refusal to accept 2. Anger: Blaming others 3. Bargaining: Promise to change 4. Depression: Open expression of grief 5. Acceptance: The simple “yes” Temple College EMS Professions

  15. What can an EMT-B do? • Do helpful things. • Make simple suggestions. • Be yourself and sincere. Temple College EMS Professions

  16. Dealing with Family Members • Act in a calm manner. • Show concern about privacy. • Respect family’s wishes. • Be honest. • Don’t create false hope. Temple College EMS Professions

  17. Anxiety Pain and fear Anger and hostility Depression Dependency Guilt Mental health problems Receiving unrelated bad news Concerns of the Critically Injured or Dying Patient Temple College EMS Professions

  18. Caring for the Critically Ill and Injured Patients 1of 2 • Avoid sad and grim comments. • Orient the patient. • Be honest. Temple College EMS Professions

  19. Caring for the Critically Ill and Injured Patients 2 of 2 • Acknowledge the seriousness of the condition. • Allow for hope. • Locate and notify family members. Temple College EMS Professions

  20. Factors Affecting Patient Reactions • Mental disorders • Medication reactions • Age • Nutritional status • Guilt feelings • Socioeconomic background • Fear of medical personnel • Alcohol/substance abuse • Chronic diseases Temple College EMS Professions

  21. Stress Warning Signs and the Work Environment Temple College EMS Professions

  22. Physiological Manifestations of Stress 1 of 2 • Rise in respirations and pulse • Increase in blood pressure • Cool, clammy skin • Dilated pupils Temple College EMS Professions

  23. Physiological Manifestations of Stress 2 of 2 • Tensed muscles • Increase blood sugar levels • Perspiration • Decreased circulation to GI tract Temple College EMS Professions

  24. Critical Incidents • Mass Casualty Incidents • Traumatic injury or death of child • MVA caused by EMS personnel • Serious injury or death of coworker Temple College EMS Professions

  25. Critical Incident Stress Management • Developed in the 1980s • Process designed to help EMS personnel deal with responses to critical incidents • Composed of trained peers and mental health professionals Temple College EMS Professions

  26. Components of CISM System 1 of 2 • Pre-incident stress education • On-scene peer support • One-on-one support • Disaster support services • Defusings Temple College EMS Professions

  27. Components of CISM System 2 of 2 • CISD • Follow-up services • Spouse and family support • Community outreach programs • Other wellness programs Temple College EMS Professions

  28. Stress and Nutrition 1 of 3 • Prolonged stress drains the body’s reserves. • Under stress, body’s fuel sources are consumed in large quantities. • Physical stress will deplete energy sources quicker. Temple College EMS Professions

  29. Stress and Nutrition 2 of 3 • Glucose • Quickest source of energy • Taken from glycogen stored in liver • Proteins • Drawn from muscles • Long-term source of glucose Temple College EMS Professions

  30. Stress and Nutrition 3 of 3 • Fats • Used by tissues for energy • Water • Conserved by exchanging sodium & potassium from kidneys • Vitamins and minerals • Vitamins B, C, and most minerals are depleted. Temple College EMS Professions

  31. Benefits of Exercise and Proper Nutrition • Muscles will grow and retain protein. • Bones store calcium and become stronger. • Well-balanced meals provide necessary nutrients to body. Temple College EMS Professions

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