- Discuss the challenges of EMS systems
There are many challenges that are observed in the EMS systems. Some are discussed below: (a) Lower salaries: In comparison with other healthcare professionals, salaries for EMS are low especially in frontier and rural and frontier (b) Over-use in urban areas: Rapid job burnout, recruitment and retention of employees, and a high rate of turnover (employees) are few challenges in urban EMS systems. (c) Staff training: In an EMS organization, the provision for training of personnel can be a vital and costly affair. (d) Maintaining Equipment: For smaller department, the costs to repair ambulances and other equipment can slow-down the productivity in service. (e) Reliance on city or state funding: The major challenge in EMS systems across different locations is the need for adequate funding.
2. Describe the challenges of providing EMS services in the rural setting.
The major issue in rural EMS services is that trauma and EMS personnel may take longer time to arrive at a scene. Most rural EMS setting depend on volunteers instead of experienced, professional, and paid personnel. Most of the services are carried out by volunteers who work in non-EMS associated vocations and donate personal time to enhance re-hospital care. Some of the volunteers undergo training for EMS. In regions with a sparse population, there are few funding options available. In many cases, patients were transferred to a trauma center that eventually incurred transfer time and charges. There are many issues in rural EMS systems that need to be addressed to save lives.
- Explain future challenges surrounding EMS manpower issues.
Rural Settings may always face a problem in regards to professional personnel, funding, and arrangement of various EMS-based services. Some of the other future challenges include dated equipment, insufficient communication systems, and inadequate insurance and reimbursement services.
- Explain why the data generated from EMS research should drive the operation of the EMS system: The reasons for statewide data collection are many and compelling. It will give us an opportunity to advocate more effectively for funding;
- In order to meet the needs of the EMS system, it is necessary to modify training programs
- In order for emergency medical services to grow, identify and anticipate trends in patient care.
- It is important to focus on injury prevention processes and improve emergency patient care. To implement these strategies, research and introspection is required.
- It is also essential to compare the data with other operational systems for the improvement of healthcare services.
5. Explain the basic components of EMTALA
Screening: Immediate medical examination (screening) is a mandate to any individual presenting to a hospital for any kind of medical emergency services. However, screening or medical examination should be carried out only by a qualified personnel (In the event that a emergency medical condition exists).
Stabilization: The hospital or trauma center is required to provide immediate medical treatment or intervention in case an emergency condition exists. The hospital shall try to intervene the medical condition to the best of its capacity and capability.
Transfer: There would be a situation where adequate medical services would be required for the patient. These services may not be available at the current trauma or health center, in such an event, the staff is responsible to immediately transfer the patient to the nearest center for stabilizing. Only a qualified personnel should accompany the patient during transfer. (Krumperman, K., Waltz, B., & Zigmont, J. 2010).
- Identify the functions of an EMS system.
Many lives have been saved because of the emergency medical services or EMS. The EMS functions as a life-saver in many serious medical conditions. The main function of EMS to provide immediate medical service and care to individuals in need. The EMS system has played a crucial role in heart attack cases and other serious medical events. The EMS also functions as a life-saver in the event of a natural calamity or man-made activity. On the whole, the EMS system exist to improve and provide mankind a better quality of life.
- In budget planning what is a “SWOT” analysis?
The SWOT analysis in the budget planning in the EMS system is similar to other SWOT analysis carried out in corporate organizations and includes the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with the organization. The SWOT analysis is often carried out to improve the operational efficiency (Financially) of the EMS system.
- What are the four primary traits of a good leader?
According to James Caan, a serial entrepreneur, there are many different leadership styles. Leaders may often have similar traits but different demonstrating styles.
- Confidence: It is important for a head of an organization to manage his/her employees. At the same time true leaders would set an example and guide staff members in all aspects. A good leader would motivate the employees and build the confidence level among other staff members to a significant extent.
- Business-savvy: It is easy for a leader to manage when situation is right but it is only a true leader who can manage a serious situation and take appropriate action.
- Decision-making: Quick-decision making is the most appropriate and common tool utilized by true leaders.
- Know your employees (Staff): A good leader would always understand the needs of his employees (especially what motivates and what demotivates them)
- In Haddon’s Matrix for injury prevention strategies, what are the “three E’s” of prevention?
Sue baker in 1973 identified the three E’s of injury prevention. These principles can also be applied to prevent falls. The three E’s are: (a) Environment (b) Enforcement (c) Education. However, according to the Haddon’s matrix the three phases of injury prevention are pre-event, event, and post-event.
- What is meant by “EMS Service Benchmarking” in customer service?
Benchmarking is often associated with measuring the quality of services provided in the MES system. Customer service would enable to improve the in-house practice in hospital services to a significant extent. Customer service and EMS service benchmark are associated with the functions of the emergency system in order to reduce death rates and ensure that disability and morbidity during a calamity or epidemic is well-managed.
6. What are the goals of risk management in EMS?
The five steps to any risk management process are: (a) Identifying the risk (b) Quantifying the risk potential (c) Prioritizing the risk (d) Implementing controls and mitigation strategies (d) Evaluating and revising the process.
7. What is the difference between a “job description” and a “job specification?”
Job description is a full description of the responsibilities and duties that a job entails. Job specification is a tool that allows management to let applicants know the skills, level of experience and education, and abilities that they are required to have to be able to fit easily into a job in an organization.
8. Who sets the billing and reimbursement rates for EMS services?
The billing and reimbursement rates of EMS services are decided by the government.
9. Where are the official federal specifications for ambulances found?
Most of them are found on government websites, or any healthcare facility.
10. In an EMS Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement program, what is “a sentinel event?”
In the EMS QA or QI department, an unexpected death or physical injury to a patient can be considered as a sentinel event. Serious injury or a life-threatening injury can also be considered as a sentinel event in the quality assurance department of the EMS.
(Dylar, J. T., & Evans, B. E. 2009).
- Discuss the Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, to include all of its amendments and laws that were derived from this act.
There are seventeen section under the Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964:
SEC. 2000e-1: Applicability to foreign and religious employment
SEC. 2000e-2.: Unlawful employment practices
SEC. 2000e-3: Other unlawful employment practices
SEC. 2000e-4: Equal employment opportunity practices
SEC. 2000e-5: Enforcement provisions
SEC. 2000e-6: Civil actions by the attorney general
SEC. 2000e-7: Effect on state laws
SEC. 2000e-8: Investigations
SEC. 2000e-9: Conduct of hearings and investigations pursuant to section 161 of title 29
SEC. 2000e-10: Posting of notices and penalties
SEC. 2000e-11: Veteran’s special rights and preferences
SEC. 2000e-12: Regulations, conformity of regulations with administrative procedure provisions; reliance on interpretations and instructions of commitment
SEC. 2000e-13: Application to personnel of commission of sections 111 and 1114 of title 18; Punishment for violation of section 1114 of title 18
SEC. 2000e-14: Equal employment opportunity coordinating council; establishment; composition; duties; report to president and congress
SEC. 2000e-15: Presidential conferences; acquaintance of leadership with provisions for employment rights and obligation; plans for fair administration; membership
SEC. 2000e-16: Employment by federal government
SEC. 2000e-17: Procedure for denial, withholding, termination, or suspension of government contract subsequent to acceptance by government of affirmative action plan of employer; time of acceptance of plan
- Discuss “Respondeat Superor” and what does this mean to an employer or manager in EMS?
Respondeat superior is a Latin word which means ‘let the master answer’. This is often considered as a doctrine in which an employer is completely responsible for the actions of the employees during the course of employment. The employer should ensure that all employees work efficiently in a coordinated manner to ensure productivity and quality in work. ‘Respndeat superor; is also known as the ‘Master=servant’ rule. The rule is applicable to the manager in the EMS system and is common in civil law jurisdiction.
- Discuss the different types of workplace harassment and provide examples of each. What must the employer do to prevent workplace harassment and when identify when the employer would be liable?
Sexual: Many forms of sexual harassment take place at the workplace. It is important to report obscene or any kind of sexual harassment to the human resources department.
Retaliation: There are many instances when employees or supervisors retaliate against another staff member who has filed a discrimination complaint against the former. The form of retaliation can include verbal harassment, purposeful demotion or termination, or unlawful and sexual activity.
Religious: Many employees may get exploited on grounds of religion. It is important that all employees respect the moral and ethical beliefs of all religious groups.
Racial/Ethnic: Ethnic or racial discrimination is often observed in rural EMS settings. Urban EMS settings consists of staff members from various ethnic and racial backgrounds. All employees in an organization should not comment in form of a stereotypical language on a specific race or ethnic group.
Gender: Gender discrimination is rarely observed in most organizations. However, employers should observe that the ratio of male and female employees are equal. Educational qualifications and experience should form the basis of selection and not gender.
- Identify the role of OSHA in an EMS Service and describe what a service is required to do to maintain optimum safety for employees.
“To assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women; by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under the Act; by assisting and encouraging the States in their efforts to assure safe and healthful working conditions; by providing for research, information, education, and training in the field of occupational safety and health”
- Describe the different areas that require documentation in an EMS service and why it is important to document these items.
Clinical (For the Record): EMS documents help in providing a vital resource for clinical purposes. It helps facilitate care and assessment of patients on a timely manner. The EMS documentation is important to facilitate better services by EMS personnel.
Legal: The EMS documentation process serves as an important legal aspect.
Operational (Data Drivers): For many operational processes in the EMS system, documentation forms an important aspect. Data drivers also known as operational drivers are a set of documents that help tract call-to-intervention times, response times. Transport times, and on-scene times to improve performance measurements. Financial (The Bottom Line): In the process of reimbursement and billing (financial requirements), documentation in the EMS is highly recommended.
Compliance (Following the Law): The documentation in EMS systems is also important for the compliance within each department. Compliance is associated with the adherence of activities within the organization that is applicable to all local and federal laws.
Thus, it can be concluded that EMS plays an important role in different EMS services and departments.
(Fremgen, B. 2011).
- Describe the role of the course syllabus and lesson plan in course management.
The syllabus is essential for the instructor and the student as it acts as a course-planning tool. Course syllabus enables to organize and prepare for a course in an efficient manner. Defining goals is only possible through effective and time-consuming course structuring. Course syllabus would also ensure that all exams, reviews, assignments, and other activities are well-organized. A course syllabus would also ensure that students understand different concepts of the course in a snap shot.
- Define liability, negligence and the standard of instruction.
Liability: It is an obligation required by an individual that is associated by law and is financial in nature. It is often associated with the finance wherein an individual would need to return an assured sum under law.
Negligence: It can be defined when a healthcare provider deviates from the standard of care that may impact the quality of life of the patient including death.
Standard of instruction: It includes a series of instructions or activities that would help students engage and help in achieving higher-order thinking skills.
- Describe methods to engage students in the learning process through a positive learning environment. It is important to understand the needs of students and provide a platform that would engage students to perform better. One way is to provide a real-life scenario based teaching and learning experience. Other ways would include simulation learning and interactive one-to-one teaching.
- List classroom activities for each domain of learning: There are numerous classroom activities. Some of them include interactive online modules, real-case scenarios, one-on-one debate, quiz-sessions, team-management skills, and interactive simulations.
- Explain why formative and summative evaluations are both important in the evaluation process.
Formative assessment would include an approach that would monitor each student and require a feedback by the student. The formative assessment evaluation process would help students identify their key weaknesses and strengths, and help students improve their problems immediately.
The summative evaluation process would include assessment of a student based after an instructional activity or a learning module. Summative assessments are often practiced in most learning environments and are considered to have a high value point.
(NAEE. (2005).
1. What are the goals of a complete medical record.
The goal of the Medical Records is to support public studies, financial organizations, and healthcare providers. The complete medical records is most importantly required for students and it also facilitates better communication between patients and the organization.
2. List five common reasons why claims are rejected.
(a) Enrollment was not made by the patient (b) The intervention of process may not be covered. (c) Absence of a pre-certification for eligible services (d) Unmet medical necessity (e) No referral or absence of a referral signature over the insurance claims papers (f) Demographic mistakes over the papers and (g) lack or insufficient documentation to support valid reason for medical intervention.
3. Explain the difference between the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Medicare is not the same as Medicaid. Medicare is a program for the elderly (age more than 65) that provides various healthcare facilities at a reasonable cost. It also includes individuals who are severely disabled. The income of an individual is not considered in the Medicare program. In case of low income individuals, Medicaid program offers healthcare facilities to such patients. Both Medicaid and Medicare can be applied to a single individual at the same time. An individual with dual eligibility can access all the healthcare facilities provide by Medicaid and Medicare.
4. To be eligible for CHAMPVA, the individual must meet what specific criteria?
- The spouse or child of a Veteran who has been rated permanently and totally disabled for a service-connected disability by a VA regional office.
- The surviving spouse or child of a Veteran who died from a VA-rated service-connected disability.
- The surviving spouse or child of a Veteran who was at the time death rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability.
- The surviving spouse or child of a military member who died in the line of duty, not due to misconduct (in most of these cases, these family members are eligible for TRICARE, not CHAMPVA).
- What are the major benefit components to workers’ compensation?
Healthcare facilities, cash benefits, medical reimbursements, cash benefits, compensator facilities across all fields (food, shelter, communication), and cash and health benefits to dependents in the event of unfortunate death.
6. List and explain the two major classifications of disability coverage
The primary role of disability benefits is to compensate you for wages lost while your injury or illness makes it impossible for you to work. Disabilities fall into one of four categories depending on whether they are total or partial, temporary or permanent.
- A temporary total disability is one that prevents you from working at all, but only for a limited amount of time. In other words, you can't work now, but you will be able to work some day. The vast majority of workers compensation disabilities fall into this category.
- A temporary partial disability is one that prevents you from doing some of the duties of your job for a limited amount of time. In other words, you can do parts of your job now, and someday you may be able to do all of the duties of your job, just as you did before your injury.
7. List and describe at least six of the nine federal disability programs.
1. Social security disability insurance: It was developed to protect workers who were completely disabled due to workplace accidents and had no other source of income. It provides cash benefits to workers above the age of 65 who are disabled. In some cases, cash benefits are recurved by some of the worker’s dependents. The SSDI was developed for workers who retired before the retirement due to disability at the workplace.
2. Supplemental security income: For patients with low-income, especially the blind, aged, and disabled persons, the supplemental security incomes was developed.
3. Worker’s compensation: Rehabilitation services and medical payments including cash benefits were provided to workers after a serious disability. The same facilities are provided to their dependents in case of death. Occupational diseases or accidents may account for workers’ compensation.
4. Black lung: Many mine workers suffer from pneumoconiosis (lung disease associated with inhaled metallic or irritant mineral). In order to provide healthcare facilities for such individuals, the black lung program was developed. Cash benefits were provided to widows of coal; miners
5. VA disability compensation program: For veterans with workplace-associated disabilities, the VA disability program was initiated. Any illness or injury that occurred during the tenure of their service was compensated by the VA compensation program. It is important to understand the health needs of a veteran rather than providing employment since, veterans would receive benefits even after service completion.
6. VA disability pension program: For individuals such as elderly law veterans, the VA disability pension program was developed. The program aimed at low-income veterans and would provide healthcare and cash benefits to veterans who were disabled due to activities associated with their service.
7. Veteran’s health services: Administered by the DVA, the veteran’s health services was developed to provide health care and medical benefits to veterans. The healthcare benefits were provided to only veterans with a service-related disability. The program aimed to help prisoners of war and low-income groups.
8. MEDICAID and 9. MEDICARE
Medicare is not the same as Medicaid. Medicare is a program for the elderly (age more than 65) that provides various healthcare facilities at a reasonable cost. It also includes individuals who are severely disabled. The income of an individual is not considered in the Medicare program. In case of low income individuals, Medicaid program offers healthcare facilities to such patients. Both Medicaid and Medicare can be applied to a single individual at the same time. An individual with dual eligibility can access all the healthcare facilities provide by Medicaid and Medicare.
(Beik, J. 2013).
References
- Krumperman, K., Waltz, B., & Zigmont, J. (2010). Foundation of EMS Systems. Baltimore: Cengage Learning
- Dylar, J. T., & Evans, B. E. (2009). Management of EMS. Prentice Hall.
- Fremgen, B. (2011). Medical Law and Ethics. Prentice Hall
- NAEE. (2005). Foundations of Education: An EMS Approach. Toledo, OH: Mosby/JEMS
- Beik, J. (2013). Health Insurance Today: A practical Approach. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders
