EMS Protocol

Emergency Medical Service protocols can vary from state to state, agency to agency. In general, the protocols are established to guide paramedics and emergency medical technicians on the most contemporary standards for treatment of both adults and children in a variety of situations and circumstances.
  1. EMS Protocol Overview

    • EMS protocols generally cover the most likely conditions technicians will encounter.

      EMS protocols cover a wide-range of likely conditions EMS techs encountered in the field ranging from abdominal trauma to ventricular fibrillation, from frostbite and hypothermia to sexual assault and snakebite. Protocols cover heart attacks, strokes, childbirth and lesser ailments such as motion sickness and dizziness. Protocols prepare EMS technicians for some of the most common conditions and situations they will encounter.

    EMS Protocol Flexibility

    • Protocols are models, but designed to be flexible to accomodate various situations in the field.

      EMS protocols are the "models" for patient treatment; however, they are seldom designed to be inflexible. In the field, EMS technicians encounter a wide array of complex situation in which the techs must be adaptable in their approach and techniques and employ their best clinical judgment. Ultimately, their role is to protect and often save the lives of patients.

    EMS Protocol Goals

    • Ultimately, EMS protocols are designed to give technicians the best guidance possible.

      The ultimate goal of establishing EMS protocols is not to hamstring the EMS technicians, but rather to provide them with the best assistance possible in providing pre-hospital emergency care. In both rural and urban settings, emergency patient care is the about the ability to manage specific conditions and situations.

Emergency Preparedness - Related Articles