emt-basic curriculum module 4

State of WisconsinEMT-Basic: A Practice BasedApproach to EMS Education2. Remote defibrillation through adhesive padsa) Defibrillation is "hands-off"b) Safer methodc) Better electrode placementd) Has larger pad surface areae) Provokes less anxiety in EMT-BasicE. Use of automated external defibrillators during resuscitation attempts1. Follow current AHA guidelines, State approved sample protocol,State Standards and Procedures and local protocols for AEDuse2. Coordination of ALS personnel or EMT-Paramedics whenEMT-Basics are using automated external defibrillatorsa) EMS system design establishes protocolsb) AED usage does not require ALS on scenec) ALS should be notified of arrest events as soon aspossibled) Considerations for EMT-Basic transporting the patient orwaiting for ALS to arrive on the scene to transport shouldbe in local protocols established by medical direction3. Safety considerations – water or rainF. Post resuscitation care1. After automated external defibrillation protocol is completed,patient may:a) Have pulsesb) Have no pulse with machine indicating "no shockindicated”c) Have no pulse with machine indicating shock2. If pulses returna) Monitor ABCsb) Oxygenc) Reevaluate vital signsd) ACLS intercepte) Rapid transportationf) Keep defibrillator device powered on and pads on patienten route in case patient re-fibrillates, and to createelectronic record of the entire eventg) Perform focused assessment and on-going assessmenten routeG. Defibrillator maintenance1. Regular maintenance for defibrillators is necessary2. Operators Shift Checklist for AEDs must be completed asrequired by local protocol and quality assurance programs3. Defibrillator failure is most frequently related to improper devicemaintenance. Older models may have rechargeable batterieswhich can be a common cause of AED failure. Newer modelshave disposable batteries which must be replaced as needed.Module 4-34