Call Protocols

Responding to a call

Identify yourself as responding to dispatch
Example- “Radio 25 responding”
“MA 2 is enroute”
Try not to walk on other’s communications

Identify who is scene commander while in route
If there is already an EMT on scene this will probably be scene commander until someone else accepts that responsibility.

On scene

Report ambulance on scene to dispatch
Example-"MA2 is on scene” (10 codes not necessary, though this is 10-97)

Scene commander

Scene size up—scene safety
Assign EMTs when there are multiple patients—confirm who is lead EMT or PCO (patient care officer) for each patient
Assign patients to ambulances
Coordinate resources: fire—traffic—bystander help etc.

EMT

Report to scene commander for assignment
Provide assessment, care & transport

In Transport

Driver
Let dispatch know when you are enroute to St. Lukes (or other facility).
In the event of a critical call the driver may give the hospital a heads up report to let them prepare.  This would be followed by a more detailed report from the lead EMT.

EMT
Continued patient care and more thorough assessment
Hospital report in route

Any non-patients or relatives should ride up front.
Relatives following in their own vehicles should be cautioned against following ambulance too closely.

If family requests transport to facility farther away than St. LukeҒs, get permission from that facility prior to transport. Patients can refuse treatment, but they cannot dictate what treatment is provided. Decision as to which facility to transport to is sometimes a treatment call).

Hospital

Parking—Be aware of recent construction at hospital and alternative routes
Back ambulance up to ER door
Be prepared to move ambulance quickly for future incoming ambulances

Lead EMT or PCO
Give patient report to doctor or nurse—be prepared to assist nurses as necessary
Write report—get dispatch times (phone # inside clipboard)
Get cover sheet
Get HIPPA form signed

Driver
Clean up ambulance: sweep & mop
Replace fast patch cables on defibrillator
Turn off oxygen—check levels
Turn off anything else-suction fluorescents etc.
Make of mental list for restocking
Check linens and towel rolls
Check for equipment previously left at hospital—back boards straps ect.

Documentation

Trip report
Complete and legible
Entire history of event
Make sure information is factual
All EMT’s to sign
Write on side of page the names other responding EMTs (who didn’t transport)
Get cover sheet from hospital front desk or nurse
Transfer any missing info to trip report and put cover sheet in with trip report

White copy of trip report goes in clipboard
Yellow copy to be left at hospital

HIPPA
Explain form to patient or family member and have them sign
EMT to witness signature
Copy to be left with patient

Fuel (not to be confused with gas--use the proper fuel)
Credit card is in visor
Save receipt and return with credit card to visor
Write the Mileage & gallons in notebook on driver’s door compartment.

Enroute to hospital

Hospital report

Can be on radio or cell phone
Cell phone ensures better patient confidentiality—radio may be faster

Report should be made by lead EMT or PCO who has complete history & knowledge of patient

In the event EMT’s in back of Ambulance are busy, (code or critical call) driver can give a brief heads up report to hospital just to let them know what is coming their way.

Report
Should be organized and easy to understand.

1. identify yourself (and make sure you are talking to a nurse)
2. Give patient chief complaint
3. Give patient age & gender
4. Brief history of current problem
5. Brief report of Physical findings—including vitals and description of injuries
6. Brief summary of care given
7. Estimated time of arrival
8. Ask for questions or comments

Note:  If patient or patient’s family requests transport to hospital other than St.  Lukes call that hospital prior to transporting and ask for permission (after giving brief report).

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