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Rules for Paramedics

Paramedics work in a fast-paced and stressful environment where they are responsible for the immediate treatment of emergency patients. Because paramedics are the first line of health care for for those sick or injured, it is important that they follow specific rules and regulations. These rules not only protect the patients and make sure that the best emergency care possible is administered, but they also protect the paramedics in case something goes wrong.

  1. Follow Documentation Protocols

    • Despite the immediacy and high-stress situations that paramedics face, they should carefully maintain paperwork for each emergency that they respond to, according to the EMS Responder website. These records are used by hospitals to continue the patient's treatment. Documentation also is an asset if a lawsuit is filed by a patient to show in detail the treatment that was given.

    Protect Yourself

    • Paramedics should use protective gear a all times when treating a patient. This includes sanitized gloves, face masks, and protectively covered apparatuses such as a CPR mouth-to-mouth guards. These items are provided for EMTs by their hospital or county and should be used in all patient care cases to ensure the safety of all involved in an emergency. Diseases can be spread through touch, the air or from contaminated bodily fluids, explains the Canadian Cenre for Occupational Health and Safety website. It is important for paramedics to protect themselves from infection so that they may better treat their patients.

    Listen to Your Patient

    • In an emergency situation, it is easy to take a preliminary assessment of the situation and act on your assumptions in an effort to help your patient as quickly as possible. This can lead to a faulty diagnosis, which may result in further injury to your patient. Paramedics should listen to their patients when they are describing injuries or symptoms in order to gain a better understanding of the malady and make an informed diagnosis. Though time is of the essence in an emergency medical situation, listening carefully to your patients will help avoid costly mistakes.

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