definition of stress management

definition of stress management

I need some Assistance on a pyschiatric lesson for an EMT-B.?

Your next assignment is to define each of the following psychiatric illnesses and list a few specific points regarding assessment and management of each.
Bipolar disorder
Multiple personality disorder
Schizophrenia
Paranoid schizophrenia
Depression
Panic disorder
Phobia
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Anorexia
Bulimia

I have the definitions but not real sure about the points of assesment and managment as an EMT-B.
I have answers as what I think it is but I want to know the real answers...

I'm an NREMT-B in Oregon.

Firstly, the EMT-B scope of practice doesn't cover "management of mental illnesses." Your scope of practice will basically be recognition of a patient with mental problems and how to address and handle the patient in a pre-hospital setting.

Also, I'd challenge the instructor as to what they're thinking here - not even EMT-P's can "diagnose" a patient, which is precisely what is needed to tell differences between many of the listed disorders.

In a pre-hospital setting, if a patient presents themselves as either emotionally or mentally disturbed, there is ONE set of guidelines. We don't diagnose the specific disorder - we handle the patient based on their signs and symptoms at the time of our arrival.

Things to remember: Don't play along with them - be direct and honest. 'No, I don't see the spiders, there aren't any here." Be sure to have additional help available before you approach a mentally or emotionally disturbed patient.

In your PCR - your assessment of a patient will not list a diagnosis such as "Patient is suffering from PTSD." or "patient has panic disorder."

If you have a patient who DOES have a history of PTSD, even then, your assessment would read something like "Patient suffers from mental disturbances, possibly from prior medical diagnosis of PTSD."

No EMT in the world can show up on someone's doorstep, watch them for 5 minutes and go, "Yep, that guy is suffering from paranoid schizophrenia." It's ludicrous to even suggest that. What you OBSERVE and what you KNOW should be put on a PCR. Your scope of practice does NOT cover you managing any of these patients beyond being straight, honest, calming and respectful.

Don't lie, don't play along, don't try to diagnose or tell them what's wrong with them. If they appear to be a threat to themselves or others, you can ask them to go to the hospital with you and get checked out. If they are altered, or under age, then you can insist they go - but make sure you have the cops around to help and serve as witnesses.

EMT-B's are good for basic life support only. We aren't doctors or super heros. We manage airways, treat for shock, give cpr, supply limited medicines and TRANSPORT.

If you need clinical definitions of those conditions, go to any of the online medical sites using a google search.

Just remember! EMT's do NOT diagnose! If you can't diagnose a specific mental problem, YOU CAN'T TREAT It EITHER!

Ask your teacher if they've ever been able to diagnose one of these in the field, and if they answer 'sure" ask them if they're sure "diagnose" is the right answer, because on the national exams, it ISN'T.

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