EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROTOCOLS FOR HEALTH ASSISTANCE TECHNICIANS: BEST PRACTICES AND PROTOCOLS

Abstract

The objective of this document is to provide support to institutions involved in the implementation of the Hospital Health Assistance Technician Training Program and the Medical Transport Technician Training Program. The document, which has a teaching nature, describes a set of protocols and procedures pertaining to emergency assistance that the participants must fully understand and put into practice within their professional activities in order to develop competencies such as resolving any and all emergency situations. The protocols provided in the document describe: cardiovascular or respiratory arrest, syncope, dyspnea, hemorrhages, wounds, burns, amputations, fractures, spinal column injuries, disorders of consciousness, pain, neck pains, joint injuries, electroshock, and chest pains.

To make the contents clear, graphic resources have been included, as well as necessary background regarding each theme so that teachers and learners understand the importance of the content within their professional practice. The protocols are meant to represent tools every Health Assistance Technician should be familiar with in order to make appropriate, timely decisions and respond effectively in emergency situations, which will help solve the situation and save the life of the person needing emergency care. The successful implementation of the protocol contributes to the revision and updating of the contents within programs. With its new edition, learners and all the programs benefiting from its contents will reflect and contribute to the continual updating and the addition of necessary changes.