Final answer:
When a paramedic is alone and confronts a patient with a massive hemorrhage, they must immediately control the bleeding using direct pressure or a tourniquet, possibly administer O-negative blood, and rush the patient to the nearest medical facility. A Type I error refers to incorrectly assuming the patient has no blood-borne illness when they actually do. The paramedic must also take standard precautions against potential blood-borne pathogens.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a paramedic is alone or manpower is severely limited, and a massive hemorrhage is observed, the first step is to ensure personal safety and use appropriate personal protective equipment. Immediate actions should focus on controlling the bleeding through direct pressure, applying a tourniquet if necessary, and rapid transport to the nearest medical facility. In such critical conditions, paramedics may administer O-negative blood or type-specific blood if it's quickly available, due to O-negative's compatibility with all other blood types.
With limited resources, the paramedic must prioritize life-saving measures. If the patient is considered high-risk for blood-borne illnesses, the paramedic should still proceed with hemorrhage control measures, taking standard precautions to minimize the risk of transmission. In such a scenario, a Type I error would occur if it's falsely assumed the patient does not have a blood-borne illness when they actually do.
If available, intravenous access should be established and isotonic crystalloid fluids administered to manage potential hypovolemia from blood loss. Following hemorrhage control, secondary survey and additional care should be provided during transport.