HCEMS Handbook

An EMT office and a work station and supplies closet are in the Dakin K basement.  Equipment is carefully maintained and updated by the equipment manager.

Response Pack

Each EMT on call carries a pack containing commonly needed medical supplies that have been approved under Western Massachusetts Protocol. These packs always remain fully stocked. (See Appendix E for complete equipment list.)

 

Radios and Pagers

Radios, extra batteries, chargers, and pagers are in the EMT office.  Batteries must be changed about every 24 hours. Frequent test pages are held to familiarize dispatchers and EMTs with dispatch procedures and to ensure that radios, pagers and batteries are all in working condition.

Public Safety Vehicle

Stored in the back of the Public Safety vehicle are bag valve masks, oxygen, a back board, C-spine collars, suction units, a fracture pack, blankets, the AED unit, and an extra hard cover jump kit. As with the packs, this equipment is examined and maintained by the equipment manager and public safety staff.

HCEMS Equipment Room

Located in the EMT office, the HCEMS equipment cabinet contains all medical supplies.  The EMT closet contains medical supplies, O2 adjuncts, a sterile birth kit, etc.  A biohazard container is located in the room across the loading dock from public safety, public safety has the key to this room . Any materials used on a call (gloves, bandages, wrappers, etc.), are disposed of in this container. The container is emptied at HHS monthly, or when full, by the equipment manager.

 

EMT Work Station

The work station is located in the Dakin K basement. It contains run sheets, dispatch forms, envelopes and medical references. Run sheets are completed here. All paperwork, particularly completed run sheets must be stored in the locked office, to maintain confidentiality.

 

EMT Office

The EMT office is located in the Dakin K basement. The office contains past run sheets and documentation of various aspects of the program. Equipment, such as CPR dummies, is stored here. Meetings and training sessions may occur here.

Scene safety is an EMTs first concern when responding to a call. An EMT reserves the right not to enter the scene if it appears unsafe. Public Safety, Amherst Police Department, and Amherst Fire Department can all be utilized to secure a scene.

EMTs and other medical providers are required to always wear gloves, regardless of the medical problem, to protect the provider and the patient. Bacteria and virus (as in the case of the common cold) are readily transmitted via hand contact. Post-call hand-washing is recommended.

Working in the emergency medical field can be highly stressful. There are many resources available to provide support or counseling for HCEMTs. Calls can be discussed and debriefed with the directors of the program or with other EMTs. Hampshire Health Services also provides free psychological counseling to students and staff. Members of the program must watch for signs of distress, burn-out, or work-related anxiety among co-workers and friends. If needed the American Critical Incident Stress Foundation, ACISF has an emergency hotline at (413) 313-2473. (More information about the ACISF can be found in the EMT closet, office and at the workstation.) Take care of yourself and seek support when you need it.