New Protocols
The new protocols were implemented on September first.  Thus far they seem to be working well.  There are two sets of protocols.  Only those services with quantitative capnometry may utilize the set which contains the Drug Assisted Airway Management algorithm. 

Med Control Issues
All calls to the medical control phone now go directly to MedCom.  This insures that calls are answered quickly and routed to the appropriate physician.  I have received several verbal complaints that med control phones are not being answered or that medics are being placed on hold for extended periods.  Thus far no one has provided any specifics.  If this happens to you please email me ASAP of the date and time so we can make sure this gets fixed.

Actions taken at the last MDTQA and EMS Advisory Council meetings and which are awaiting final approval from the Board of Health:
High visibility safety garments
This is a new group of regulations that addresses a federal regulation regarding the use of high visibility safety garments by anyone working in a road right-of-way. The new regulations would require all EMS vehicles be equipped with safety garments and that providers wear them when working around roadways or other traffic. 

Air ambulance medical directors
This is a modification to existing regulations that clarifies location and practice requirements for air ambulance medical directors. Air ambulance medical directors would be required to have a primary practice in Mississippi or at a designated Mississippi trauma center.

Community College dual enrollment
This modification would allow for exceptions to First Responder and EMT-Basic training program admission requirements. The current regulations have age and diploma/GED requirements. The proposed changes would allow high school students that are in a community college dual enrollment program to enter First Responder and/or EMT-Basic training.

Refresher training
This modification would remove the requirement for refresher training. This would allow for use of the National Registry’s recertification by refresher, examination, or flexible and core content methods. 

Intraosseous infusions
This modification specifies that paramedics may initiate both pediatric and adult intraosseous infusions.

Routes of medication administration
This modification would allow paramedics to administer medications through National Standard routes

New optional drugs added to drug list:
Fentanyl
Aripiprizole (Abilify)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)

Competency Verification
There is a new link on the web site entitled Competency Verification.  The link leads to a form which must be completed and signed by the Performance Improvement Officer of the ambulance service before the Medical Director will sign the National Registry recertification form.  Please don't ask Dr. Carlton or Anderson to sign a National Registry form if this form has not been completed.

Performance Improvement.  
A good performance improvement program requires active involvement at all levels of an organization.  Managers must expect high quality performance from their paramedics.  PCRs should routinely be reviewed by the QA Officer and/or local manager to insure that all paramedics are consistently performing at a high level.  Paramedics are expected to keep their knowledge and skills current.  This can be accomplished by attending conferences, reading journals, and interacting with other paramedics and paramedic students.  Paramedics who fail to maintain currency may have their medical control suspended or revoked.

BEMS Medications.  The DOH-BEMS recently approved use of a number of additional medications.  That action by BEMS does not change the CMEMSD medical control plan. The CMEMSD policy regarding these newly authorized medications will be:

1.  The medications listed as "optional."  Medications which are not in the current CMEMSD protocol manual will not be added to the protocols at this time.  They may be considered in the upcoming protocol revision.  These medications should not be stocked or administered by paramedics in the CMEMSD.

2.  Medications listed as "transport only."  These medications may be transported by CMEMSD paramedics only under the following circumstances: (a) The ambulance service PI Officer or another qualified person has conducted an education session covering each of the newly authorized medications.  Every paramedic employed by the service must attend one of these sessions.  (b) Written documentation has been sent to the District Director stating exactly what was covered during the CE session and the names of all attendees.  (c)  All paramedics must attend the CE session before any paramedics can begin transporting these medications.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Protocols
New protocols were implemented on September 1, 2009.  So far, they seem to be working well.