Maine EMS Protocols

The Maine Emergency Medication Services (EMS) protocols define the pre-hospital treatments to patients having a health emergency. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are trained to respond to different health situations, according to the EMS protocols. The protocols include different standards for adults, children and varying medical situations. All EMTs are trained and tested in the Maine protocols. The protocols also provide definitions for state-wide consistency in medical terminology.

Respiratory Protocols

• The Maine EMS system provides protocols for various types of respiratory or breathing problems. Specifically, the protocols seek to stabilize normal breathing and assist in breathing when normal breathing is unattainable. Respiratory issues are labeled with the code "Blue" and are treated depending on the severity of the issue and the patient's response to EMT administrations. Treatments include administering of respiratory-based drugs such as Albuterol, insertion of breathing airway tubes and assisted breathing techniques such as CPR.

Cardiac Protocols

• Cardiac or heart problems are labelled "Red." Cardiac issues can arise from the heart and related systems. Maine EMTs are prepared to administer doses of aspirin and evaluate the patient's levels of oxygen and pain. The Maine EMS protocols include processes for drug dosage and defribillation of a stopped heart due to cardiac arrest.

Medical Protocols

• The "Gold" label is given to standard medical protocols including allergic reactions, adult comas, diabetic reactions, seizures and acute strokes. The majority of these protocols require significant observation of the patient, intravenous fluid if necessary and evaluation of the cause of the ailment. In the case of seizures or coma proper restraint and immobilization of the patient is necessary. Allergic reactions and diabetic reactions may be treated in-transit using available medications.

Trauma Protocols

• Trauma protocols are designated with a "Green" label. All traumas are evaluated for level of impact, severity of fracture and severity of penetration from external objects or internal body parts such as bones. The protocols also define reactions to full or partial amputations and differing severities of burns. Patients suffering from trauma may be immobilized at the EMT's discretion if the patient is worsening his injuries.

Pediatric Protocols

• The pediatric protocols are labeled "Pink" and define the necessary procedures for assisting children. Many of the protocols are similar to the other sections, but with children-specific changes. Dosages are decreased and procedures such as CPR have different movements associated with younger patients. The Pink pediatric protocols cover cardiac, trauma, respiratory and medical protocols.