Chief Complaint Rules

Question 1

1.

Answer 1

If the complaint description includes SCENE SAFETY issues, choose the Chief Complaint Protocol that best addresses those SAFETY issues

Question 2

2.

Answer 2

If the complaint description involves TRAUMA, choose the Chief Complaint Protocol that best addresses the MECHANISM of INJURY

Question 3

3.

Answer 3

If the complaint description appears to be MEDICAL in nature, choose the Chief Complaint Protocol that best fits the patient’s FOREMOST symptom, with PRIORITY SYMPTOMS taking precedence

Question 4

4.

Answer 4

Spider, insect or snake bites should be handled on Protocol 2

Question 5

5.

Answer 5

Back Pain should only be selected as the Chief Complaint when it is initially clear on Case Entry that the cause is NON-RECENT traumatic or NON-TRAUMATIC back pain. If unclear, select Protocol 30

Question 6

6.

Answer 6

When the complaint description is breathing-related TRACHEOSTOMY (trach or stoma) problems in the conscious patient, go to Protocol 6

Question 7

7.

Answer 7

SEVERE THERMAL BURNS to the EYE almost always affect the face or head and should be handled on Protocol 7

Question 8

8.

Answer 8

If the complain description involves HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (toxic substances) that pose a threat to bystanders or responders go to Protocol 8 to address scene SAFETY

Question 9

9.

Answer 9

Heart attack symptoms should be handled on Protocol 10

Question 10

10.

Answer 10

(≥16) When the complaint description involves both NON-TRAUMATIC chest pain and breathing problems, go to Protocol 10 to facilitate the use of the Aspirin Diagnostic and Instruction Tool

Question 11

11.

Answer 11

When the complaint description is SEIZURE, go to Protocol 12 regardless of consciousness and breathing status

Question 12

12.

Answer 12

For a patient with a NON-CATEGORIZABLE complaint who does not have an identifiable priority symptom, use Protocol 26

Question 13

13.

Answer 13

Protocol 26 should be used for patients with an “UNKNOWN PROBLEM” who are with or near the caller (2nd party)

Question 14

14.

Answer 14

Pregnant patient who have “illness” as the primary complaint should be handled on Protocol 26, UNLESS the problem concerns VAGINAL BLEEDING, LABOR, MISCARRIAGE, or WATERS BROKEN

Question 15

15.

Answer 15

The complaint of SICKLE CELL ANEMIA or THALASSEMIA should be handled on Protocol 26

Question 16

16.

Answer 16

Protocol 27 should not be used for INSIGNIFICANT or PERIPHERAL PUNCTURE WOUNDS such as household pins, needles, tacks, or stepping on nails. Use Protocol 21 or 30 as appropriate

Question 17

17.

Answer 17

Select Protocol 28 for the conscious and breathing patient when the caller initially reports “STROKE” or the SUDDEN ONSET of ONE or MORE of the stroke symptoms listed of Protocol 28 AI card

Question 18

18.

Answer 18

Chest pain due to TRAUMA (current or non-recent) should be handled on Protocol 30

Question 19

19.

Answer 19

GROUND-LEVEL FALLS caused by FAINTING or NEAR fainting or DIZZINESS should be handled on Protocol 31

Question 20

20.

Answer 20

If the Chief Complaint and status of consciousness and breathing are unknown initially (3rd party caller), go to Protocol 32