What do standing orders or protocols operate under in EMS?

Standing orders or protocols in EMS operate under off-line medical control. Off-line medical control refers to the predetermined guidelines and protocols established by medical directors that EMS personnel can follow without needing to contact a physician for immediate advice on every patient situation. This allows for the efficient and timely delivery of care in emergency situations, enabling EMS providers to assess and treat patients based on their training and established protocols.

These protocols have been developed to ensure consistency in patient care and are based on evidence-based practices and local considerations. By using off-line medical control, EMS personnel can make quick decisions in the field while adhering to medical guidelines that have been vetted and approved by qualified medical professionals. This is crucial in emergencies, where time is often of the essence and rapid response is necessary.