Jul 31, 2008 - The paramedic provider agency QI coordinator shall evaluate paramedic reports and submit reports on a qua
POLICY #: Contra Costa Emergency Medical Services
BASE HOSPITAL COMMUNICATIONS/ DISRUPTED COMMUNICATIONS I.
PAGE:
11 1 of 1
EFFECTIVE: 07/31/08 REVIEWED: 07/31/08
PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to outline criteria for base hospital contact by EMS personnel, and procedures in case of disrupted communications.
II.
POLICY A.
Basic Life Support Personnel: At the scene of an emergency call, base contact may be necessary for destination decision or management of certain DNR situations. The base hospital may be utilized for consultation if Basic Life Support personnel encounter situations in which base input would be helpful.
B.
Paramedic Personnel: Paramedics function under the EMS Medical Director and Base Hospital supervision. Paramedics shall only accept medical direction from nurses or physicians who are authorized base personnel (except written or in-person DNR orders from physicians). Paramedics are encouraged to contact the base hospital if they have any questions regarding treatment or disposition.
C.
Disrupted Communication: When a paramedic reasonably determines that a delay in treatment may jeopardize the patient but is unable to establish or maintain base contact, the paramedic may initiate indicated ALS care as specified in the Field Treatment Guidelines until base contact can be established or until the patient is delivered to the closest appropriate receiving facility. The paramedic shall transport the patient as soon as possible while providing necessary treatment en route. If ALS procedures are performed under disrupted communications the paramedic shall: 1.
Immediately following delivery of the patient to the receiving hospital: a.
Complete the PCR documenting the ALS skills performed;
b.
Notify, or request that the agency dispatcher notifies Sheriff’s Dispatch of the communication problem, if the paramedic suspects that any radio problem was due to a situation other than location.
2. Within 24 hours, send a copy of the completed PCR and a written report explaining the reason(s) or suspected reason(s) for communication failure to the Paramedic provider agency QI coordinator. 3. The paramedic provider agency QI coordinator shall evaluate paramedic reports and submit reports on a quarterly basis to the Emergency Medical Services Agency. The paramedic shall be prepared to demonstrate that the treatment delivered was appropriate.
