Policy 13–Initial Patient Contact

What is the purpose of the Initial Patient Contact policy?

To outline expectations for all responders (fire or EMS, any certification level) to ensure safety and appropriate care upon initial patient contact.

What minimum equipment should responders bring to the patient on first contact?

An appropriately-stocked basic airway bag with oxygen.

Name the three resource-limiting exceptions where triage/safety may take priority over bringing equipment immediately.

A multi-patient MVC, a hazardous environment (e.g., HazMat) needing decon/extrication priority, or a mass casualty incident exceeding responder resources (follow START/JumpSTART triage per the regional MCI plan).

When can a patient be carried or immediately removed from the scene?

Only if the responders' safety is threatened; otherwise the patient should be treated/managed on scene.

What is the first treatment priority when managing a patient on scene?

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

What should personnel not directly involved in patient care do?

Gather event, medical history, allergy, and home medication information from family or others on scene, and share it with the treating responders.

What should EMS bring to the patient's location once transport is planned?

Their stretcher or other transport device, plus expected equipment (cardiac monitor, medication box, suction device, etc.) based on the dispatched complaint.

Can additional personnel always accompany the patient during transport?

No — the request may be denied if resources are limited, to protect patient care space and responder safety.

What should personnel do when assisting another ALS-capable agency?

Follow that agency's treatment guidelines until patient care is transferred to Crowley FD.

What must happen if a medical professional is already on scene?

Personnel should not follow their orders without consulting medical control, and the professional must accompany the crew during transport to assume legal responsibility — otherwise it is patient abandonment.