Cars sitting at intersections may block the view of the ambulance operator and cannot see other cars approaching. Cars approaching the intersection when the light is changing may not want to stop and may accelerate through. Additionally, cars sitting at a stop light might not be paying attention and can accelerate without looking.
Under the common law, Good Samaritan laws provide a defense against torts over the activity of attempted rescue.
Body substance isolation is a practice of isolating all body substances (blood, urine, feces, tears, etc.) of individuals undergoing medical treatment, particularly emergency medical treatment of those who might be infected with illnesses such as HIV, or hepatitis so as to reduce as much as possible the chances of transmitting these illnesses
Emergency warning lights are often overlooked in busy high traffic areas. Headlights can make a difference when safety counts. Even during daylight hours headlights increase the chances that the ambulance will be seen. Some headlights are wired to flash when the other emergency warning lights are on which enhances the distance downrange the ambulance can be seen.
The high speed motor cycle mechanism is perhaps the highest degree of concern in this question. The other mechanisms do not have the potential of multiple organ systems being involved. The bee stings, while they are painful, present little risk of being ground transported or even left home to follow their physicians directions if there are no signs of anaphylaxis.
When responding to a known HazMat incident, the Emergency responders need to approach the scene from up wind, uphill and up river. This keeps the plume ahead of the responders and avoids exposure of the emergency workers.
Scene safety should be the number one concern for any emergency responder to any scene. By positioning the squad in a way to block the scene from traffic which might not be paying attention then all responders can work with in the scene safely. Ease of access to the vehicle is of concern but not at the risk of scene safety.
Giving a report to the receiving facility's staff allows for continuity of care and continued care. This not only allows for a more speedy response by the receiving facility but eliminates unneeded repeated assessments and evaluations.
The EMS crew is not protected with the appropriate personal protective gear to operate in the hot or warm zones. Patients must be decontaminated thoroughly prior to the EMS sector taking over care of the patient. There are no exceptions here, the potential of exposure to the hazardous material is too great.
As an EMT you should never place yourself in harm’s way. If you feel a situation may be dangerous you should always wait for assistance from the police.
Any obstructions which would interfere with the approach and departure of the aircraft are very important. Power lines are especially critical as they are impossible to see from the air so the air medical crew will rely on the personnel on the ground to point that information out. Type of surface is important to anticipate dust, grass or other debris which will become airborne during landing. High tension power lines which are in the area are equally important as they may be in the approach or departure pattern.
A scene size up allows for several things 1) lets other responding companies know what to expect once they arrive on scene. 2) Allows for an upgrading or downgrading of the assignment. 3) lets dispatch know what to expect in adding extra resources.
In the absence of a parent or guardian, evaluation, treatment and/or transport of a child should not be delayed pending parental consent. Therefore consent is "implied" assuming the parent would want you to help their child.
It is never acceptable to skip the decontamination; the risk of exposure of the EMS crew and other health care providers is too great to allow patients to by-pass decon. Most decon teams are capable of handling life threats as the patient is going through the decontamination process.
