First Responder EMS Curriculum for Training Centers in Eurasia

1. Eye protection. Safety glasses may be used. An alternative is prescription glasseswith side shields.2. Gloves. Vinyl, latex, or synthetic gloves should be worn whenever contact with apatient’s bodily fluids is possible (blood, saliva, vomit, urine). Gloves should bechanged between contacts with different patients. Gloves also should be used whencleaning equipment.3. Gowns. Optimally, gowns are used in situations involving large splashing of fluids,including major trauma and childbirth.4. Masks. These help prevent transmission of disease via airborne particles as well asblood splatter.5. Recommended immunizations include tetanus prophylaxis, hepatitis Bvaccination, tuberculin testing, as well as regional considerations.4. Scene SafetyScene safety begins with an assessment of the scene and surroundings to provide valuableinformation to the First Responder before rendering care to the patient. Well-being isalways the first priority for the First Responder. Always ask…Is it safe to approach thepatient? Certain risks relating to a particular scene may make approach difficult orimpossible. Special circumstances include exposure to toxic substances (fire/smoke/etc.),crash or rescue scenes involving unstable or heavy vehicles/equipment, and unstablesurfaces because of slopes, ice, mud, and water. Crime scenes may also have the potentialfor violence. The first priority is personal protection. The second priority is patientprotection. The third priority is bystander protection. If the scene is unsafe, make it safe. Ifthe scene cannot be made safe, do not enter.a. Special SituationsAlways try to identify any potential hazardous materials that may threaten your safety.Look for any containers labeled with warning signs. Look for any obvious spilled fluids,smoke, or fire. Many hazardous material scenes require specially trained hazardousmaterials teams. First Responders only provide care after the scene is safe andcontainment is completed.Motor vehicle accidents often present several different potential life-threateningsituations including electrical injury, fire, explosion, hazardous materials, and othertraffic. Local law enforcement and rescue teams should be dispatched. Again, the FirstResponder should render care only when the scene is safe.Other special situations include crime and violence scenes. In each case, lawenforcement officials should control the safety of the scene before the First Respondenters the scene to provide patient care.5. Application of Content Materiala. Procedural (How)The First Responders will know how to access additional information on hazardousmaterials and infectious disease exposure, notification, and follow-up.b. Contextual (When, Where, Why)1. The First Responders will use the aspects of scene safety and personal protectionwith every patient.First Responder EMS Curriculum/AIHA, July 2002 15