cheif complaint selection rules

Question 1

rule #1

A sudden, unexplained collapse resulting in unconsciousness, even when reported as a ground level fall,

Answer 1

should be considered a MEDICAL cardiac arrest until proven otherwise

Question 2

rule 2

When cardiac arrest appears to be TRAUMATIC in nature,

Answer 2

chose the Chief Complaint Protocol that best fits the scene safety concerns and the mechanism of injury

Question 3

rule 3

if the complaint description includes scene safety issues,

Answer 3

chose the Chief Complaint Protocol that best addresses those issues

Question 4

rule 4

if the complaint description suggests TRAUMA,

Answer 4

choose the Chief Complaint Protocol that best addresses the mechanism of injury

Question 5

rule 5

if the complaint description appears to be MEDICAL in nature,

Answer 5

choose the Chief Complaint Protocol that best fits the patient’s foremost symptom, with consideration given to priority symptoms

Question 6

rule 6

Abdominal pain/cramping anytime during pregnancy,

Answer 6

should be considered contractions until proven otherwise

Question 7

rule 7

if the complaint is traumatic injury or constriction involving a non-venomous (unquestionable)

Answer 7

snake, go to protocol 3. if unknown or unsure, go to Protocol 2

Question 8

rule 8

Back Pain should only be selected as the Chief Complaint when it is initially clear on Case Entry

Answer 8

that the cause is NON-RECENT traumatic or NON-TRAUMATIC back pain. if unclear, **go to protocol 30.

Question 9

rule 9

for breathing related tracheostomy problems in the conscious person

Answer 9

go to protocol 6.

dont be distracted, ppl with trachs can still have breathing problems

Question 10

rule 10

when the complaint description involves both NON-TRAUMATIC chest pain/HEART ATTACK symptoms and breathing problems,

Answer 10

chose the Chief Complaint Protocol that best fits the patient’s foremost symptoms, with ECHO-level conditions taking precedence. Use the Aspirin Diagnostic & Instruction Tool an either protocol as appropriate

Question 11

rule 11

for severe thermal burns to the eyes, which protocol and why

Answer 11

1. Protocol 7
2. severe thermal burns to the eyes almost always affect the face or head

Question 12

rule 12

go to protocol 8,

scene safety

Answer 12

if the complaint description involved hazardous materials that pose a threat to bystanders or responders

Question 13

both chest pain/heart attack symptoms and stroke symptoms

Answer 13

go to protocol 10 but do not utilize the aspirin diagnostic and instruction tool

Question 14

rule 14

regardless of consciousness or breathing status

Answer 14

go to protocol 12, if the complaint descriptions strongly suggests GENERALIZED seizure

Question 15

rule 15

postpartum hemorrhage only

Answer 15

for this complaint description go to protocol 21 (no complications with baby and placenta has been delivered)

Question 16

rule 16

for DANGEROUS uncontrolled hemorrhage

Answer 16

go to protocol 21, excluding scene safety complaints

DANGEROUS HEMORRHAGE (neck, armpit groin)

Question 17

rule 17

for complaints of coffee ground emesis or black/tarry stool

Answer 17

go to protocol 21 because these are often signs of gasterointestinal bleeding

Question 18

rule 18

if the actual type of sucicide attempt is determined to be overdose, carbon monoxide, stab or gunshot

Answer 18

go to and dispatch from that more specific protocol (instead of 25)

Question 19

rule 19

for recreatation inhalation of toxic substances

Answer 19

go to protocol 23

Question 20

rule 20

when the complain description involves a suicide attempt by jumping from a height

Answer 20

go to protocol 25 (intending suicide, imminent suicide potential, or already jumped)

Question 21

rule 21

if pregnant patients have “illness” as the primary complaint

Answer 21

go to protocol 26 unless the problem concerns vaginal bleeding, labour, miscarriage, or waters broken

pregnant patients can be sick too

Question 22

rule 22

if the complaint involves sickle cell crisis/talessemia, autonomic dysreflexia/hyperreflexia, or acute adrenal insufficency/adrenal crissi/addisonian crisis

Answer 22

go to protocol 26

Question 23

rule 23

medical eviscerations

Answer 23

go to protocol 27 (abdominal/thoracic)

Question 24

rule 24

for insignifficant or peripheral puncture wounds

Answer 24

go to protocol 21 or 30 as appropriate instead of 27

Question 25

rule 25

chest pain due to trauma

Answer 25

go to protocol 30

Question 26

rule 26

for ground level falls caused by fainting, near fainting or dizziness

Answer 26

go to protocl 31

Question 27

rule 27

if chief complaint or status of consciousness and/or breathing are unknown initially

Answer 27

go to protocol 32