Emergency Response (Lights and Siren) for EMS Calls

[Goose 188]

In most cases there is no need to transport an arrest. There is nothing that the hospital can do that the medic hasn't done. In most cases when you transport a code there is just a body in a bed at the ED...sorry folks but thats the ugly truth. If you are able to get some signs of life back then yes, light it up and go.

And Chris, you also pointed out a sad reality, failure of management to properly train. I know atleast one agency that i have transported with that takes EVERYTHING to the ER hot.

To all the future supervisors out there: The guy driving isn't the only one who will be on trial, even if your just a vollie!

Very key point. In the most progressive systems medics work arrests from top to bottom where they find the patient, if they don't get ROSC they field terminate...if they get ROSC they transport. Not only does it make sense from a transport perspective, it also makes sense from a hospital resource perspective.

[Bnechis 3,961]

Very key point. In the most progressive systems medics work arrests from top to bottom where they find the patient, if they don't get ROSC they field terminate...if they get ROSC they transport. Not only does it make sense from a transport perspective, it also makes sense from a hospital resource perspective.

Agreed, but the current rules for billing usually do not allow you to cover your costs unless you transport. Thats why so many places do its to pay for the code.

[Goose 188]

Agreed, but the current rules for billing usually do not allow you to cover your costs unless you transport. Thats why so many places do its to pay for the code.

Very true. Many of the most progressive systems are county based EMS services that are directly funded by the tax rolls - you figure county wide they probably more than make up for not transporting a non-viable arrest on whatever they collect on billable patients.

[Mark Z 18]

Agreed, but the current rules for billing usually do not allow you to cover your costs unless you transport. Thats why so many places do its to pay for the code.

I don't disagree, but that is a silly reason for a RLS transport. The billing for EMS is one of the areas that need serious overhaul and has done much to inhibit advancement of EMS because "Ain't gonna get paid for it" is an easy response to any attempt at change. That you are correct is beyond dispute but do you agree the rules need to be changed for many reasons and not just this one?

[Oswegowind 17]

2nd or 3rd? What about the 1st due? Given the frequency of false alarms, are the risks of RLS outweighed by the potential of an actual incident?

Look at (most) law enforcement agencies. No responding units use RLS. The potential of a legitimate alarm is statistically insignificant (hypothesis here) when compared to sending 2, 3, 4+ units with RLS, creating a risk of accidents/incidents to the general public and to ourselves.

Dude, I used to get killed by older members at our old VAC when I ran night crew and drove to calls without using the RLS! They would always quip about how the call at a certain "Inn" was an emergency and the RLS would get us there faster...at 3am...lolz!

[RWC130 594]

This is an article on the use of EMD and establishing

a "Priority" and "Non-Priority" Response.

http://www.911dispatch.com/info/emd/index.html

EMD consists of three parts: First, triaging the in-coming request for medical service to determine the level of response--no response, non-emergency transport, emergency transport. This feature depends heavily on the area's emergency medical facilities, and the availability of alternate, non-emergency transport methods and treatment facilities. Many jurisdictions do not implement this feature of EMD, but it is an important component in reducing abuse or overcrowding of the local emergency medical system, reducing incidents (which helps conserve available resoures for the fire department, ambulance provider, emergency rooms, etc.), and helping to reduce accidents.

A lot of useful information!

If you limit "Priority" Response to Calls you also limit liability on yourself as

an Emergency Vehicle Operator and the EMS/Fire Agency you Work/Vollie for.

Did I mention limit liability on yourself?

WE ARE ACCOUNTABLE!