EMS medical control

EMS medical control

Direction of life support procedures by a physician and carried out by emergency medical technicians (EMT) and paramedics in prehospital care, including online and off-line supervision. Online: The physician provides instruction via radio or telephone to an EMS crew. Off-line: The EMS crews receive direction and supervision via treatment protocols, case review, in-service training, and standing orders for treatment.

Medical control is also divided into prospective, immediate, and retrospective forms. Prospective form: Treatment protocols for EMTs are developed under a license from the medical director or medical advisory committee. Immediate form: Direct medical orders or consultation is given by radio or telephone (defined above as online control). Retrospective form: Call reports are reviewed to determine whether protocols have been followed.

See: medical direction