Bags

 ► Medical Bags

         These bags, also called "EMT jump bags," contain all of the

      necessary equipment and supplies for EMTs to treat the medical

      needs of both medical and trauma patients.  The most important

      equipment in these bags include:

• Gloves

• Tape

• Trauma Shears

• Pen Light

• Heat and Cold Packs

• C-Collars (Cervical Collars)

• Backboard Straps

• Oral Glucose

• Nasal Cannulas

• Non-rebreather Masks

• Extra Oxygen Tubing

• CPR Mask

• BVM (Bag Valve Mask)

• OPAs & NPAs                                                                                                           (Oropharyngeal & Nasopharyngeal Airways)

• Suction Device

• Combitube

 ► Trauma Bags

         These bags contain all of the necessary equipment and supplies for

      EMTs to treat the trauma needs of patients.  The most important

      equipment in these bags include:

• Gloves

• Gauze

• Bandages

• Tape

• Saline

• Trauma Shears

• Pen Light

• Cold Packs

• Triangular Bandages

• SAM Splints

• C-Collars (Cervical Collars)

• Backboard Straps

 ► Track Bags

         These bags, used primarily at IUSF Little 500 season events,

      contain all of the the necessary equipment and supplies for a First

      First Aider to treat the first aid needs of patients.  The most important

      equipment in these bags include:

• Gloves

• Gauze

• Bandages

• Tape

• Saline

• Cinder Suds

• Scrub Brushes

• Trauma Shears

• Pen Light

• Cold Packs

• Triangular Bandages

• SAM Splints

 ► C-Collar Bags

         These bags contain extra c-collars (cervical collars) for cervical

      spinal immobilization and backboard straps for use in establishing

      full spinal immobilization.

 ► Oxygen Bags

         These bags contain an extra full oxygen cylinder, complete with a

      regulator and oxygen cylinder key.  The bags also contain basic

      oxygen delivery devices, including nasal cannulas, non-rebreather

      masks, and oxygen tubing.

 ► Fanny Packs

         These packs, also called "first aid packs," are carried by First

      Aiders at the IU Dance Marathon and at each of the IUSF Little 500

      races.  They include all of the necessary equipment and supplies for

      First Aiders and their accompanying EMTs to provide basic initial

      patient care to both medical and trauma patients.  The most important

      equipment in these bags include:

• Gloves

• Gauze

• Bandages

• Tape

• Trauma Shears

• Pen Light

• Heat and Cold Packs

• Triangular Bandages

• CPR Mask

 Individual Equipment

 ► AEDs

         These are the most effective equipment for bringing patients out of cardiac

      arrest.  Anyone trained in AED administration, even if not a member of IU-EMS,

      may administer one of our AEDs under the direct supervision of one of our EMTs.

      An EMT must always check the battery before retrieving and AED from storage

      for an event for which IU-EMS provides medical coverage.  The battery display in

      the top right corner of the AED should display a black-and-white animation to

      indicate that the battery is good.  If you do not see this animation, notify one of the

      officers immediately.  Because of their life-saving and high monetary values, the

      utmost care is to be always taken with them.  Never do any of any of the following to

      an AED:

• Leave it unattended.

• Allow anyone, even a fellow IU-EMS member, to play with it.

• Place it in a situation where it can be dropped.

• Place anything heavy on top of it.

• Expose it to dirt, dust, food, liquid, etc.

         Note:  The EMT is responsible for following the appropriate steps in AED administration as was taught

      in his or her EMT course.

 ► Oxygen Cylinders

         IU-EMS uses standard size D oxygen cylinders.  All necessary equipment for the use of the

      oxygen cylinders, such as oxygen cylinder regulators, washers, and oxygen cylinder keys, are

      in the medical bags and the oxygen bags, along with all oxygen delivery devices (nasal

      cannulas, non-rebreather masks, oxygen tubing, and, in the medical bags, BVMs).  All EMTs

      should be completely familiar and comfortable with the use of the oxygen cylinders.

EMT-Basic Students Practicing Oxygen Cylinder Use

 ► Oral Glucose

         This is the only drug IU-EMS carries other than oxygen.  All EMTs should be familiar

      with assessing diabetic emergencies and administering oral glucose to patients in the

      case of hypoglycemia.

 ► Longboard, Headboards, C-Collars, & Longboard Straps

         If an EMT determines that spinal precautions need to be taken on a patient, that EMT and anyone who

      can help must apply a c-collar to that patient then transfer the patient to a longboard.  At the appropriate

      steps in the EMT assessment, the EMT should instruct a First Aider to maintain manual stabilization of the

      cervical spine, assess circulation, sensation, and motor function in all of the patients' extremities, perform

      a detailed physical examination of the neck, and apply an appropriately sized c-collar to the patient.  The

      c-collar bag includes both adjustable and presized c-collars.

         Next, at the appropriate step in the EMT assessment, the EMT must apply one of the two headboard

      types (the plastic type is preferred) to the head end of the longboard by removing the red tape on the back

      of the headboard, exposing adhesive surfaces, then firmly attaching the headboard to the longboard.  Pull

      the white tab on the plastic headboard to secure the pop-up sides, or manually secure the pop-up sides on

      the cardboard headboard.

          Then, transfer the patient to the longboard using the appropriate technique, and secure the patient to the

      longboard using the belt straps or tape straps in the c-collar bag or the trauma bag.  The belt straps hook

      onto the small bars inside the longboard handles, while the tape straps are simply taped around the

      handles.  Finally, once the patient is completely secured, reassess circulation, sensation, and motor

      function in all of the patient's extremities.  If BHAS (Bloomington Hospital Ambulance Service) transports

      the patient, ask BHAS for replacement equipment for all of the equipment that they will take with the

      patient (longboard, headboard, c-collar, longboard straps, etc.).

         Note:  Only the primary steps in the spinal immobilization process are listed above.  The EMT is

      responsible for following all of the appropriate steps in spinal immobilization as was taught in his or her

      EMT course.

                                     Longboard                                                   Adjustable C-Collar                            Presized C-Collar             Longboard Belt Strap

                  Plastic Headboard                  Plastic Headboard                   Cardboard Headboard            Cardboard Headboard       Longboard Tape Strap

EMT-Basic Students Practicing Longboard Use

 ► Long Splints

         These are stored in the longboard compartment of the IU-EMS closet in Bill Armstrong Stadium bike

      shop.  If a patient requires hip or leg immobilization (or entire arm immobilization), an IU-EMS member

      must retrieve the appropriate long splint from the bike shop.

Long Splints in the IU-EMS Closet

 ► Blood Pressure Pumps

         The blood pressure pumps that IU-EMS uses with its blood pressure cuffs are ergonomic

      hand pumps with the blood pressure gauge built in, and not the traditional bulb pump.  To

      inflate the blood pressure cuff, lock the trigger on the back of the pump by pushing it all the

      way up until it clicks into place, then pump the handle with your hand.  To release the pressure

      in the blood pressure cuff, push down on the trigger until it unlocks, then gently apply pressure

      to the trigger until you reach the desired rate of deflation.  All EMTs should practice using the

      blood pressure pumps until they are completely comfortable using them.

 ► Saline, Gauze, Kerlix, Cinder Suds, & Scrub Brushes

         While the saline and gauze are general supplies, the Cinder Suds and scrub brushes are used

      specifically at IUSF Little 500 season events to remove cinder from patient's trauma wounds.  All wounds

      must be cleaned out as well as possible to prevent infection.  First, use saline (or sterile water if saline is

      not available) and gauze.  If that is not sufficient, next use Cinder Suds and gauze.  If that is still not

      sufficient, then you need to use a scrub brush.  These brushes are sterile and therefore sterile technique

      must always be used.  Make sure an experienced EMT trains you in sterile technique before attempting

      this procedure.  In sum, nothing can touch either face of the brush, the pick, or the patient's wound.

           Start by unwrapping the brush.  Remove the blue pick and place it on the inside of the wrapper to

      keep it sterile.  First, hold the brush by the sides and scrub the wound with the sponge side.  If that is not

      sufficient, flip it over and, still holding the brush by the sides, scrub the wound with the bristles.  This will

      hurt the patient!  Warn the patient before you begin to perform this part of the procedure.  Finally, use the

      pick to remove any particularly difficult or large pieces of cinder from the wound.  After cleaning the wound

      as best as possible, dress and bandage it as normal, and remember to completely clean the area

      according to BSI (universal precautions) standards after the patient leaves.

                                                        Saline     Sterile Water        Gauze                Kerlix          Cinder Suds

                                                       Scrub Brush                Scrub Brush          Scrub Brush         Scrub Brush       Scrub Brush Pick

                                  EMT Using Cinder Suds                                First Aider Using Scrub Brush

EMT and First Aider Bandaging Wound

 ► Heat and Cold Packs

         First Aiders can utilize cold packs to treat minor soreness and bruising.  EMTs can utilize

      cold packs to treat hyperthermia and pain associated with significant soft tissue or

      musculoskeletal injuries, and can utilize heat packs to treat hypothermia.  To use, shake

      the pack's contents to the bottom, squeeze the inner pouch to break it, then reshake the pack

      to redistribute the contents.  Place a towel, a piece of clothing, or a few pieces of gauze

      between the pack and the patient's skin.  Dispose of the pack when finished.

 ► Radios

         These are our primary means of communication to each other and, at IUSF Little 500

      season events, to IUSF.  They must always be set on channel 1.  They are not to be used to

      contact any other agency, such as BHAS (Bloomington Hospital Ambulance Service), IUPD

      (Indiana University Police Department, or BPD (Bloomington Police Department).  To request

      an ambulance or other help, call the IUPD dispatch center directly at 812-855-4111.  Store

      this number in your cell phone!  Do not call 911!  Only officers or supervisors may make the

      decision to make this call or, at events without officers and supervisors, EMTs.  However,

      First Aiders or anyone else can make the call under the direction of an officer or EMT.  Give

      the dispatcher your name, role (IU-EMS EMT, IU-EMS First Aider, etc.), location, number of

      patients, and patient conditions.  Notify an IU-EMS officer as soon as possible after you call

      an ambulance.

            The radios may only be used for professional purposes, such as directing fellow workers

      to locations, asking for equipment, supplies, or assistance, or informing IUSF of track needs

      during IUSF Little 500 season events (see below).  They cannot be used for personal

      communication.  The following are strictly forbidden by FCC (Federal Communications

      Commission) laws:

• Giving confidential patient information over the radio.

• Using profanity over the radio.

• Allowing an unauthorized person to use the radio.  In our case, only IU-EMS members are allowed to use our radios, with the exception of IUSF members during IUSF Little 500 season events (see below).

         At IUSF Little 500 season events, a radio will also be given to the IUSF table for the following two

      primary purposes:

• IUSF needs to inform us of a new patient situation if we are not near them.

• We need to order IUSF to clear the track for safety reasons or to allow an ambulance to enter the track.

         Whenever you have a radio, at the end of your shift properly place it into the charger so it can

      charge for its next use (or give it to your replacement EMT if they do not have one).

 ► Clipboards

         Clipboards are essential for maintaining the appropriate medical and legal

      records of IU-EMS medical treatment.  They contain EMT patient reports and

      First Aider treatment sheets, as well as member sign-in sheets.  All of the

      documents inside the clipboards are confidential and allowing anyone who is

      not providing medical care to view any of them violates HIPAA. 

EMT Writing on Clipboard

 ► Trash Container with Biohazard Bag

         All materials which may have possibly been contaminated by a patient's body

      fluids or germs must be disposed of in a red biohazard bag.  This can include, but is not

      limited to, gloves, scrub brushes, dressings and bandages, tape, tissues, product

      wrapping, and any airway device.  Since biohazard bags must be disposed of in a certain

      manner, and each bag costs to dispose of, only dispose of possibly contaminated

      materials in biohazard bags.  Dispose of all normal trash in a normal trash container.

 ► VioNex

         VioNex, an antibacterial hand wash, is provided to improve the cleanliness of medical treatment

      or both the provider and the patient, dramatically lowering the risk of infection.  EMTs and First

      Aiders should use it after every patient that he or she is involved in treating.

EMT Using VioNex

 ► Gloves

         These are the most basic, and most important, equipment IU-EMS members use.

      Proper use of BSI (body substance isolation) is essential in patient care in order to

      prevent disease transmission to the provider and to the patient.  BSI must be used

      whenever there is the possibility of exposure to any body fluid, including blood, vomit,

      urine, mucus, saliva, sweat, tears, or any exposed tissue.  Gloves are usually sufficient,

      but face masks and gowns are also available in the medical bag if needed.  All IU-EMS members should

      always carry at least one pair of gloves in his or her pocket while working at an event for which IU-EMS

      provides coverage.

         Remember to always change your gloves when switching patients, and to remove and dispose

      of them properly to prevent contamination.  To properly remove a pair of gloves, first use one hand to

      pinch the wrist of the glove on the other hand on the outside of the glove and fold it halfway down the hand.

      Then, use the gloved fingers of the second hand to fully remove the glove on the first hand by pinching it

      on the outside.  Finally, use the now-exposed fingers of the first hand to pinch the inside part of the glove

      on the second hand that has been folded down, and continue to completely remove the glove.  An

      experienced EMT can demonstrate this technique.  All gloves that have been used near a patient must be

      disposed of in a biohazard bag, even if they are not visibly soiled.

First Aider Using Proper BSI

 ► Heater

         This is available to heat the inside of the IU-EMS tent if the news-reported temperature

      drops below 50 degrees.  Doing so will not only keep the environment inside the tent

      comfortable, but will also improve patient care.  Only use the heater if the tent is

      completely enclosed by its plastic sides, and ensure that the cord is not in a hazardous

      position, that there are no flammable materials on or near the heater or the cord, and that

      nothing is blocking the heather's airflow.

Click to Enlarge

Heater Control Panel

 ► Tent

         This is available in the Bill Armstrong Stadium bike shop for IUSF Little 500 and IUSF

 Little 50 workers to use during adverse weather.  Typically, it can be used if the

 news-reported temperature drops below 50 degrees, if it is snowing or raining, or in the

 case of mild wind (strong wind will blow it over, causing a hazard).  Use of the tent in these

 situations is encouraged if it will improve patient care and protect equipment, but the tent is

 admittedly difficult to assemble and disassemble, so it is the workers' discretion to use it or

 not.  Ensure that you use the blue plastic sides with the tent instead of the black mesh ones.

 Personal Equipment

    IU-EMS members are allowed and encouraged to bring any personal equipment they own with them to

 events at which they work.  This has several benefits, including being comfortable and experienced with your

 own equipment and always having it on your person, therefore not having to search for it in a bag.  Such

 personal equipment that EMTs and current EMT students only are allowed to bring include:

• Stethoscope

• Penlight

• Blood Pressure Cuff

 Personal equipment that both EMTs and First Aiders are allowed to bring include:

• Trauma Shears

• Tape

• Gloves

• Notepad

• Pen

    Note:  IU-EMS members are forbidden to carry any knives, window punches, or similar objects.  See the

 disciplinary policy for more information.

 Event Assignments

  ► IU Dance Marathon

• Triage Table:  Medical Bag, Trauma Bag, C-Collar Bag, AED, Longboard, Radio, Clipboard,    VioNex, Gloves

• Treatment Tent:  Medical Bag, Trauma Bag, Oxygen Bag, AED, Radio, Clipboard, Trash Container, VioNex, Gloves

• Roaming Teams:  Fanny Pack, Radio

 ► IUSF Little 50

• Table:  Medical Bag, Trauma Bag, C-Collar Bag, Oxygen Bag, Longboard, AED, Radio, Clipboard, Trash Container, VioNex, Gloves

• "Pit" Teams:  Radio

 ► IUSF Little 500 Season

• Prerace Season Events (Including Practices):  Medical Bag, Trauma Bag, Tack Bag, C-Collar Bag, Oxygen Bag, AED, Longboard, 3 Radios, Clipboard, Trash Container, VioNex, Gloves

• Races:

  • Dispatch:  Medical Bag, Trauma Bag, C-Collar Bag, Oxygen Bag, AED, Longboard,            Radio, Clipboard, Gloves

  • Supervisors:  Radio

  • Roaming Teams:  Fanny Pack, Radio

 ► All Other Events

            Officers will assign equipment to all other events based on the events' individual needs.

IUSF Little 500 Qualifications 2008

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