DB 19-20 - Rescue Ambulance Releasing Fire Companies On Scene

Question 1

Fire resources assigned to assist ambulance personnel have been prematurely released on scene or canceled en route, only to be requested back when the patient’s condition suddenly deteriorated.

To ensure this preventable scenario does not jeopardize future patient outcomes, no resources shall be released or canceled until:

Answer 1

-Sufficient assessment is performed to ascertain if the patient meets Sections A or B of the Patient Disposition Policy (PDP).

Question 2

No resources shall be released or canceled until a SUFFICIENT ASSESSMENT is performed to ascertain if the patient meets Sections A or B of the Patient Disposition Policy (PDP).

This assessment shall include:

Answer 2

1. A complete set of vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and pulse oximetry reading.
2. When indicated, a cardiac rhythm strip, 12 lead ECG, and a blood glucose reading.

Question 3

Anytime a patient is determined to meet Sections A or B of the PDP, assisting resources shall not be canceled or accept release until all of the following are completed:

Answer 3

1. The patient is safely moved to the back of the rescue ambulance in preparation for transport.
2. A re-assessment of the patient is completed by a Department paramedic.
3. A hospital destination is confirmed.
4. The need for additional personnel in the back of the ambulance and/or the need for a driver

Question 4

When determining the need to maintain additional assistance en route to the hospital, it is vital for all members to recognize “HIGH-RISK” patients.

High-Risk Patients are:

Answer 4

Patients whose chief complaint, underlying chronic medical condition(s), age, mechanism of injury, substance abuse, or other aspects of the incident places them at INCREASED RISK for SUDDEN DETERIORATION while on scene or during transport.

Question 5

In instances when an ALS rescue ambulance is dispatched alone to an EMS incident, paramedics shall use ________ as to the need for requesting additional staffing support.

Answer 5

good clinical judgment