Policy 13 - Initial Patient Contact

What equipment must a minimum be brought to the patient by initial responders?

An appropriately-stocked basic airway bag with oxygen

What resource-limiting situation involving multiple patients is an exception to bringing the basic airway bag first?

Motor vehicle collision with multiple patient involvement

What resource-limiting situation involving hazards is an exception to bringing the basic airway bag first?

A hazardous environment (example: HazMat) where decontamination and/or extrication becomes a priority

What resource-limiting situation involving mass casualties is an exception to bringing the basic airway bag first?

Any mass casualty situation where the number of victims exceeds responder resources

What triage criteria/procedures are followed per the regional MCI plan?

START or JumpSTART triage criteria and procedures

When should a patient not be carried or immediately removed from the scene?

Unless the responders encounter a situation where their safety is threatened

Where safety is not an immediate concern, where should the patient be treated and managed?

On scene in accordance with the protocols and scope of practice

What are the first treatment priorities addressed by initial responders?

Circulation, airway patency, breathing/ventilation, and any immediate life or limb threats

What should personnel not directly involved in patient care do?

Acquire event, medical history, allergies, and home medication information from family or others on scene

How should the acquired history information be handled among responders?

Shared among all medical responders who participate in the patient's care

What must EMS personnel bring to the patient's location along with expected equipment?

Their stretcher or other appropriate patient transport device

What equipment is brought per the dispatched complaint and where safety allows?

Cardiac monitor, medication box, suction device, etc.

When is the patient brought into the ambulance?

After being properly secured to the transport device on scene, when transport is indicated

What may happen to a request for additional personnel to accompany the patient during transport?

The request may be denied if resources are limited

Why might EMS limit the number of additional responders during transport?

To better facilitate patient care in the limited space and/or to ensure all responders' safety

What should personnel do when responding to assist another agency that has ALS capabilities?

Allow the other agency to follow their treatment guidelines until patient care is transferred to Crowley FD

What must personnel do before following orders of an on-scene medical professional?

Consult medical control

What must an on-scene medical professional do to assume legal responsibility for the patient?

Accompany the crew during transport

What is it called if an on-scene medical professional does not accompany the crew during transport after giving orders?

Abandonment of a patient