Page 10 - EMS Handbook

ASOP

Advanced Operating Procedure for EMS

*AEMT's/ Paramedic's/ and Lead Paramedic's are required to follow these protocols in the field.*

Prior To Going On Duty:
1.​ ​Before starting your shift check that your assigned ambulance is fully stocked with medical
equipment and medication. Go to the Hospital to stock up on needed items.
2.​ ​Check that the ambulance is fully fueled before starting your shift. Head to nearest gas
station if it is not.
3.​ ​Check in with ​Dispatch ​and head to your stationed location, or patrol the area, until you
receive a call.
4.​ ​When you receive a call from ​Dispatch​, confirm with them that you are taking the case.

Arriving To A Call:
1.​ ​When you arrive on scene radio into ​Dispatch​ so they are aware of your location.
2.​ ​Be sure it is safe to approach the scene before pulling up to where the wounded are. Your
safety is as important as theirs. An EMS member cannot help someone when they themselves
are injured.
a.​ ​Shut the ​siren off​ if it was engaged.
b.​ ​Leave the emergency ​lights on​ the entire time you are on scene for safety.

c.​ ​If you have to be on a road or highway put on a ​Reflective Traffic Jacket​ for safety.
i.​ ​You are also required to wear the ​Reflective Vests​ at night.
3.​ ​Upon exiting equip gloves and any other ​BSI (body-substance-isolation) equipment​ for your
protection.
4.​ ​Walking up to the patient assess with your eyes first, how many patients there are, and the
nature of the injury.
5.​ ​In the case of multiple patients those who appear more severely injure are tended to first.
6.​ ​Call out to the patient to be sure they are conscious, ​"Hello my name is (first name). I'm an
(rank), I'm here to help you."
a.​ ​Never​ give your last name, this is part of safety protocol. Give a nickname or first
name only when you are talking with a patient.
b.​ ​Reconfirm the patient's name by repeating it in some way.
c.​ ​Consider​ ​Manual C-Spine Application (using your hands to hold the head and neck
steady)​ if the patient shows signs of a neck, back, or head injury until a ​C-Collar (cervical collar)
can be attached.
7.​ ​If the patient is unresponsive check their ​Pulse​. If they have none begin ​CPR
(cardiopulmonary resuscitation)​ immediately.
a.​ ​Use a​ ​Lucas Machine (a machine that performs cpr for you)​ if applicable.