Universal Patient
Care Protocol
- Scene Safety
- Bring all necessary equipment to patient's side
- Demonstrate Professionalism and Courtesy
- PPE (Consider Airborne or Droplet if indicated)
- Initial assessment
- BLS maneuvers
- Initiate Oxygen if indicated
Minimum Equipment
- ALS Bag
- Heart monitor or AED
- Oxygen Caddy
See Appropriate Protocol
Initial Assessment
- Vital Signs (temperature if appropriate
- Pulse Oximetry
- Consider supplemental Oxygen
- Consider Glucose Measurement
- Consider 12-Lead EKG
- Consider Cardiac Monitor
Glucose < 60 with signs of hypoglycemia
LVAD or TAH?
- Identify Device Type
- Contact Emergency VAD Line for device
- Consult EMS VAD Emergency Field Guide for guidance
- Ensure Device is properly connected
- Assess device for alarms
- Intervene appropriately based on the alarm type and guidance provided
- Bring all equipment with patient
See Appropriate Protocol
- Patient does not fit a protocol (M)
Pearls:
- Any patient contact which does not result in an EMS transport must have a completed refusal
- Required vital signs on every patient include blood pressure, heart rate, respirations, pain,/severity
- Pulse oximetry and temperature documentation is dependent on the specific complaint.
-
A pediatric patient is defined by
- 1 day to < 12 years old
- < 55 kg. in ages 12-18
- Timing of transport should be based on patient's clinical condition and the transport policy.
- Appropriate care should be performed where the patient is found, unless the scene is unsafe or rapid transport is indicated (ie: STEMI, CVA, or Trauma)
- Never hesitate to contact medical control for patient who refuses transport.
- Each patient should have at least one full set of vital signs taken manually and not obtained by the monitor. Additionally there should be at least one set of vital signs recorded for every 15 minutes of patient contact time.
- Orthostatic vital signs procedure should be performed in situations where volume status is in question.