From 11 Mar 2008 meeting between the Vice Commandant and the CPOA.

Short Description: EMT Protocols

QUESTION: There are currently no EMT protocols. Are they in the works and if so, what is the status?

ANSWER:
No. We recently examined the issue and decided not to implement emergency medical technician (EMT) protocols. Our existing emergency response system (ERS) meets mission needs. Additionally, implementing an emergency medical system (EMS), where EMT protocols are typically established, would require significant changes to personnel staffing, equipment and facilities throughout the service, which we do not believe are necessary to meet statutory mission responsibilities.

Seems woefully inadequate. Are we simply relying on our Brady EMT texts and experience? What happens when those two assumptions break down?

I would think that a life saving service might want to better get in lock step with the EMS services that we routinely work with.

Any thoughts?

My .02 is this:
Unless you are an IDHS U/W or on an outlying unit, you should be within minutes of 911 response. In this case, basic first aid/CPR should be adequte to keep someone alive until local EMS gets there. If you are an IDHS, you have a whole different set of protocols that you follow (as you well know). In my mind, it comes down to this. Even if we had EMS protocols set up like local EMS (Medical Advice, standing orders, etc), we wouldn't be using the skills enough to really be proficient and THAT, in my mind, is much more dangerous than having only basic skills from the textbook. Nothing is more dangerous than a Ricky Rescue who thinks he knows what he's doing, but hasn't actually touched a pt in over a year.
Chris

Chris,

Totally understand that in the context of an HS.

I guess KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) is the best way to go.

J