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EMS Dispatch Protocol

Emergency medical dispatching, or EMD, is the nerve center of an emergency medical services, or EMS, response system. An EMD plan should have dispatch protocols in place that include predetermined questions, prearrival telephone instructions and preassigned response levels and modes. The EMS medical director approves all policies and procedures.

  1. History

    • Dr. Jeff Clawson of Salt Lake City, Utah, founded the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch, or NAED, in 1988. The NAED has developed a nationwide accredited dispatch protocol system.

    Predetermined Questions

    • Medical dispatchers are trained to interrogate a distressed caller. During the interrogation, the dispatcher asks a set of standardized medical questions to determine the appropriate level of EMS response.

    Prearrival Telephone Instructions

    • The EMD is the initial first-responder. The EMD must interact with the caller, provide assistance and help calm the caller. Standardized telephone instructions are given to the caller so the caller can begin life-saving treatments.

    Preassigned Response Levels and Modes

    • EMDs prioritize personnel (ALS/BLS), response configuration (numbers and types of vehicles responding) and mode of response (lights and sirens versus routine). This assures that the right care is sent to the right patient at the right time.

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