We made it to 2021! It was pretty touch and go for a while, no? But we did it, and I’m proud of each and every one of you! To commemorate the occasion, here’s the first EMS-PoW email under the new protocol format I warned you all about! Like I said previously, the new version of the protocols will have some actual updates to prehospital care provided, but the most drastic change is to the formatting, so for this week, we’re just going to review how to read through the new protocols with the attached pdf.
The updated layout for the protocols is intended to make them flow more sensibly between levels of prehospital training, rather than having to flip through separate CFR, BLS, and ALS documents. Remember that each level of care is intended to build on the levels of care beneath it, and this new document serves to better show that progression.
In a given protocol, the first portion is found under the RED banner and describes Standing Orders for CFRs and above. Remember that Certified First Responders are FDNY firefighters who have just been trained in very basic interventions – CPR, BVM ventilation, AED application, etc. – which are foundations for EMT and Paramedic skillsets. BLS Standing Orders are under the ORANGE banner and are performed after the EMT has completed the CFR portion, if not already done. And ALS standing orders are found under the BLUE banner, similarly for after CFR and EMT orders have been completed. Medical Control Options, for your reference on OLMC calls, are found after Standing Orders underneath the PURPLE banner, and other Key Points and Considerations are listed under the BLACK banner after that for your information.
Hope this format makes sense because we’re going to be seeing a lot of it! Email with any questions; otherwise we’ll start putting it into practice with a full protocol next week! Until then, keep an eye out for and updated protocol binder, or check out www.nycremsco.org if you want to get ahead of the game!
Dave