Emergency Medical Services

The first step is to recognize how common trauma is, and to understand that every patient may have experienced serious trauma. We don’t necessarily need to question people about their experiences; rather, we should just assume that they may have this history, and act accordingly.

This can mean many things: We should explain why we’re asking sensitive questions.  You might include having the same sex provider question a patient about sensitive issues or during patient assessments.  If a patient is nervous, consider allowing them to bring a trusted friend or family member with them.  Be cautious when taking this consideration into account as first responders often are not certain who the abuser is.  This is especially true when dealing with domestic or sexual abuse.  Rely upon your agency guidelines for further guidance.  

Make sure the patient understands they are the ones in control.  This includes making sure they understand they have the right to refuse any assessment, treatment, or transport, assuming they are mentally capable and competent.  As providers, we should respond with compassion, understanding and work with them, rather than attempt to force them into something they are not interested in pursuing.

It is important providers keep in mind that we are encountering our patients at the worst times of their life.  They are often scared, unsure and hesitant to be forthcoming with information because of guilt or shame.  Asking personal questions surrounding drug use, sexual interactions, etc. may be taken as though the patient is being judged or looked down upon.  It is important for all providers to understand that we do not know how our patients ended up at that point in their lives and to understand that it doesn't matter.  We are here to help them at that moment in time.  It is also important to realize that any one of us is one injury away from being in their shoes.  

Below are a few resources you can use to help provide some guidance to our patients.  

References:

Harvard Health Publishing. (2019). Trauma-Informed Care: What it is and Why it's Important. Retrieved on January 2, 2020 from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/trauma-informed-care-what-it-is-and-why-its-important-2018101613562

Like many states around the country, New Jersey continues to experience a growing opioid epidemic. Among many professionals battling this epidemic on the front line are New Jersey’s First Responders. Historically, providers are not trained or equipped to offer substance abuse resources to patients, and most are not made aware of what resources are available. As a result, individuals that have suffered a near fatal overdose and refuse transport/further treatment are not offered or made aware of recovery resources. Many of these individuals are seen by the same EMS providers several times a week and sometimes in the same day.  In fact, it is not uncommon that EMS Providers are the ONLY health professional with whom these patients will interact.  

The goal of this online one-hour introduction class is to not only standardize the emergency treatment of the overdose patient using naloxone, but also to educate providers on proper communication with individuals following treatment from a suspect opioid overdose and supply providers with recovery resources that are available locally, regionally, and statewide.

This online class is available to all First Responders at NO charge.

For providers seeking EMS credit, you will be prompted to enter your EMS ID# at the conclusion of the on-line training module. There will be a 10-question test at the conclusion.  To receive a certificate of completion, providers must score at least a 70%.

This online class has been approved by NJ DOH for 1 EMS Continuing Education Unit (CEU).

Providers wishing to expand on this Introductory training are encouraged to attend the instructor led “Five Minutes to Help” program being offered at sites throughout New Jersey. This online portion serves as the prerequisite to the 4-hour classroom program. Five Minutes to Help was developed in partnership with the Rutgers School of Public Health, Center for Public Health Workforce Development; with the on-line component developed by Seton Hall University, School of Health and Medical Services.

Instructions for Accessing the Online Class:

1.  Visit the DOH Learning Management Site: https://njlmn.njlincs.net/
2. Register for a (free) account if you do not already have access from a previous class.
3. Once logged in, please click on the button: “Online Course Catalog”
4. In the Topic Key Word field, enter “NARCAN” and then tap the Search button:
5. You will see the class “After the Narcan: Intro to Five Minutes to Help for First Responders” listed.
6. Click on the “Register” button under the Status heading
7. Once completed with the online lecture; you will be prompted for an EMS # (YOU DO NOT NEED ONE TO COMPLETE THE CLASS.)
8. You will then be prompted to take the 10-question test by clicking the link at the top of the screen.
9. If you complete the test with a minimum score of 70%, you will be prompted to print your Certificate of Completion.

Please retain the certificate for your records. Those that score less than 70% must retake the full module. This class has been approved by NJ DOH for 1 EMS Continuing Education Unit (CEU) for the successful completion of the online module and test.  

Here are some additional resources that can be provided to directly to the patient.  Both of these sites provide pertinent information for those individuals suffering from addiction and looking for assistance.

• www.211.org
• www.reachnj.gov