EMS World

APR 2014

EMS World Magazine is the most authoritative source in the world for clinical and educational material designed to improve the delivery of prehospital emergency medical care.

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CASE REVIEW the patient into the ambulance and close the doors before his rhythm changes again. The paramedic notes that the EMT student appears to be a little uncom- fortable doing compressions. Over the radio he requests that one of the EMTs from the fre engine join them for the transport to the hospital, so they can do rotating compressions safely and effectively in the ambulance should the patient go into fbrillation again. They are providing ventilations and have affxed the endotracheal tube and secured the IV fuid bags, and the paramedic in charge is calling the hospital. The student is asked to begin the patient care report and keep notes on the times. The vehicle operator notes that everyone seems in place and begins to back the ambulance out of the driveway. Suddenly there is a scream from outside the ambulance, and the backing motion abruptly stops. The operator pulls forward, puts the vehicle in park and jumps out. He runs to the back and fnds the frefghter-EMT who was running up to join the ambulance on the ground. "Are you all right?!" he asks frantically. "Are you OK?!" That frefghter had walked back to his engine to take off his gear when he was directed by his captain to get into the ambulance to assist during transport. He put the equipment he was carrying on the tailboard of the engine and walked around the back of the EMS supervisor's vehicle that had arrived and parked on the passenger side of the ambulance. As he did, the ambulance began backing and caught him between the sides of the vehicles. "I'm OK—just hurt my legs," he says. "Didn't know you were backing, and the strobe lights on the vehicles were making it diffcult to see." He climbs to his feet and is checking his legs when the rest of the personnel arrive to see what's happening. The operator sits on the ground, shaken. "I didn't see you at all. I didn't know that vehicle was there, and the sun blinded me in that mirror. I was paying attention to what was going on in the back. I should have had a spotter. I almost hurt you bad!" The paramedic leans out the back of the ambulance. "What's going on?" he asks. "This patient is back in fbril- lation. We need someone to help and to get to the hospital!" The fre captain is able to direct: "The ambulance operator and my EMT need to stay here to get checked and complete reports. I'll send the rest of my crew with you and to drive the ambulance. Come back here when you're done. Get that patient back!" 36" or 48" long track Emergency Vehicle Seating Did you know that 74% of EMS worker deaths are transportation-related?* Don't let your staff become part of the statistic. Protect them with safety seating from EVS, Ltd. Since 1993, we've produced more safety seating products than anyone in the EMS industry, through investing in research and development and dynamic testing. What are you doing to keep your medical staff safe? Specify EVS seating in your next vehicle. Our only business is seating safety for the EMS industry! (800)364-3218 · International (574)233-5707 E-mail: evssales@evsltd.com · www.evsltd.com EVS 1769 Seat with Mobility 1 Tracking System • Seamless seat with 3-point belting system • Tracking system allows access to equipment and patient while belted • Available in 36" or 48" long track • Seat attachment to base may be offset to gain additional space *According to the National Association of EMS Physicians. Tilt-forward to transport a second patient or fip-up when not in use S E AT O P T I O N S For More Information Circle 13 on Reader Service Card 20 APRIL 2014 | EMSWORLD.com EMS_18-23_CaseReview0414.indd 20 3/13/14 2:32 PM

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