EMS providers are trained to follow treatment protocols.
Obtaining quick and efficient EMS treatment can be vital during an emergency. EMS technicians and paramedics are trained to follow specific protocols during an emergency. Along with patient care, EMS protocols are designed to ensure that all EMS providers remain as safe as possible while on duty. Advanced life support and rapid transport are also determining factors in treatment protocols.
Initial Treatment Protocols
When arriving on the scene the initial protocol followed by EMS providers is to learn any relevant medical history from the patient. The symptoms and indicators of the illness are recorded. Paramedics then inquire about any allergies, medical or environmental, and what, if any, prescription medication the patient is on. If the patient has been prescribed medication, paramedics ask about the last time those medications were taken and get past medical history that's relevant to the current situation. Finally, the paramedic learns about the events that led up to the injury/illness. The EMS provider monitors and records the patient's vital signs every 5 minutes before and during transport to a nearby hospital. Paramedic-level EMS personnel may also administer nitrous oxide or start an IV if it's deemed necessary to alleviate the patient's pain.
Airway and Breathing Protocols
Ensuring that the patient's airway is clear and that he's able to breathe is of vital importance. If the EMS provider suspects spinal damage, he should manually adjust the spine to ensure that it's stabilized before inspecting the patient's airway. The first step in airway inspection is adjusting the head and jaw in an attempt to relieve the obstruction. When a foreign object is suspected as the cause, the paramedic inspects the mouth for vomit or blood, which is then removed using suction. Increased levels of advanced life support need to be employed by appropriately trained and certified EMS providers. Once the patient's breathing rate has been returned to normal (or near normal) the paramedic should then administer oxygen and continually reassess the patient's breathing.
Agitated and Combative Patient Protocols
In the event that patients are agitated or combative, EMS providers should locate law enforcement personnel to help restrain the patient before beginning treatment. At all times, the safety of the paramedic must be maintained. Only when the patient is a danger to himself or to those around may restraints of any kind be employed provided they don't obstruct breathing or circulation. In the event of behavioral disturbances following a trauma, EMS and law enforcement personnel should be aware that the patient's behavior is caused by an underlying medical condition. Regardless of behavior, patients should be transported to a nearby hospital in an ambulance and not the back of a police car.
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