In this chapter you will learn about the following: Describe the basic structure of the legal system in the United States, relate how laws affect the paramedic’s practice, list situations that a paramedic is legally required to report in most states, describe the four elements involved in a claim of negligence, describe measures paramedics may take to protect themselves from claims of negligence. | 9/11/2012 1 Chapter 49 Geriatrics 2 Learning Objectives • Identify specific problems with sensations experienced by some geriatric patients. • Discuss effects of drug toxicity and alcoholism in older adult. • Identify factors that contribute to environmental emergencies in geriatric patient. 3 Copyright © 2013 by Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC, an Ascend Learning Company 1 9/11/2012 Learning Objectives • Discuss prehospital assessment and management of depression and suicide in older adult. • Describe epidemiology, assessment, and management of trauma in geriatric patient. • Identify characteristics of elder abuse. 4 Demographics, Epidemiology, and Societal Issues • More than 34 million Americans (12 percent of . population) are 65+ years of age – Soared during last 100 years – Fertility rates in . have dropped • Will be fewer persons under 65 years of age to support cost of health care and living expenses of those over 65 years of age 5 Demographics, Epidemiology, and Societal Issues • By year 2050, nearly 25 percent of Americans will be eligible for Medicare – Population over 85 years of age will have grown from 4 million to 19 million • Creates many challenges • Society will need to provide quality, cost‐effective health care and support increasing health and living expenses for elderly 6 Copyright © 2013 by Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC, an Ascend Learning Company 2 9/11/2012 Demographics, Epidemiology, and Societal Issues • To meet needs of aging population properly – Public must become better educated about needs of elderly because caregiving often falls to families and friends – Current and new health care professionals must be educated on special needs of aging population – Aging of . population demands continued and expanded research efforts into chronic diseases that affect aged and their families 7 Demographics, Epidemiology, and Societal Issues • To meet needs of aging population properly – .
