Eastern Shore EMS

Administrative Policies and Procedures Consensus Document

Background

Prior to 2014, the agencies of Eastern Shore EMS had been represented by a single Operational Medical Director (OMD).  Policies developed by the Council were ratified by that single OMD.  In 2014, due to the pending retirement of Dr. Richard Hatch as the “Shore-Wide” OMD and the inability to elicit a physician willing to assume responsibilities for all of the Eastern Shore agencies as one group, some fragmentation occurred, resulting in the current system, whereas three Operational Medical Directors presently govern EMS operations on the Eastern Shore.  The purpose of this “consensus document” is to attempt to provide consistency Shore-Wide in areas such as training and medical equipment procurement.

EMS OPERATIONS

1. Use of Approved Medical Equipment – It is understood that a variety of equipment suppliers exist providing many options for EMS agencies to select products to assist in delivering patient care.  While it is recognized that some equipment/supplies operate or are used in universal manner, there are significant differences in regards to certain equipment, such as cardiac defibrillators and airway equipment including CPAP devices, and accessories to assist in endotracheal intubation.  The consensus of the medical directors of the Eastern Shore EMS Council shall be that the individual agencies shall select equipment that has been approved for use and has been demonstrated to be beneficial to patient care.  In addition, agencies bare responsibility for initial training and refresher training (as needed) on any new device being placed in service.
2. Required Equipment for EMS Vehicles- In addition to the equipment required for transport and non-transport vehicles by the Virginia Office of EMS, agencies will assure that additional equipment as outlined in Appendix A “Required EMS Equipment Checklist” is available on all licensed EMS vehicles. 

EMS TRAINING/EDUCATION

1. ACLS/PALS Certification – It is recognized that the TEMS Medical Protocols are based heavily on the most current science updates, especially in the areas of cardiac arrest management, management of heart attack and stroke, pediatric respiratory distress and shock, and pediatric cardiac arrest management.  It is the consensus of the medical directors of agencies of the Eastern Shore EMS Council that all Intermediate and Paramedic level providers maintain current certification in the following: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) OR Advanced Cardiac Life Support for the Experienced Provider (ACLS-EP) in addition to Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).  It shall be the responsibilities of the individual agencies to manage compliance of this policy.  Failure to maintain required certifications may result in restrictions being placed on the provider by his or her respective medical director.
2. ALS Skills Proficiency – It is recognized that advanced life support providers (EMT-E, AEMT, Intermediate, Paramedic) have the need to remain proficient in the variety skills for which they are able to perform.  Many skills are “low frequency/high risk” skills such as those involvement airway management.  It is the consensus of the medical directors that all ALS providers will complete an ALS skills proficiency evaluation every 2 years.  This process will mirror the ALS Skill Stations Program previously administered by the Eastern Shore EMS Council and be the responsibility of the individual agencies.  Failure to adhere to this requirement may result in restrictions being placed on the provider by his or her respective medical director.

The agencies shall retain records documenting the completion of the training.