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National EMS Protocols

Ambulance companies who hire EMS providers such as emergency medical technicians and paramedics provide emergency medical services (EMS). EMS providers rely on protocols to determine which treatments and care they provide patients. Protocols are systematic instructions that provide details about how to perform a specific task. Each EMS company will have its own protocol. National EMS protocols are recognized by each state across the U.S. They are written in conjunction with the Department of Transportation (DOT).

  1. Medical/Trauma

    • National EMS protocols will include instructions about how to perform tasks related to both medical and trauma emergencies. Signs and symptoms of illness and injury may be included within the protocols. Recommended treatments for various medical conditions, such as chest pain and fractures, are also included. Written protocols will describe techniques about how to perform specific treatments and care properly.

    Medications

    • A list of medications that must be kept on an ambulance will also be included within national EMS protocols. Information including indications, contraindications and side effects can be listed. Contraindications refer to circumstances in which the medication should not be administered as treatment for a patient. For example, nitroglycerin is a recommended medication for the treatment of chest pain. However, it is contraindicated in those whose systolic blood pressure is less than 90 mmHg. For example, nitroglycerin is contraindicated for a patient suffering from chest pain with a blood pressure of 88/50 mmHg.

    Safety

    • Recommendations for safety can also be included within national EMS protocols. Instructions about how to extricate patients involved in car accidents and techniques for checking and maintaining scene safety are all examples of the safety recommendations that may be included. Directions detailing how and when the police or fire departments should be called may also be added to the protocol. Driving rules and regulations can also be included in the protocol.

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