West Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services

Protocol Changes

Posted: Thursday, October 15, 2009 9:15 AM

In an effort to continually improve the quality of the care and treatment provided by WV EMS agencies, the WV State Medical Policy and Care Committee (MPCC) is regularly reviewing available treatments, procedures, and protocols. Through regular review of protocols we can ensure prehospital care being delivered across the State is current with the accepted standard of care. Recently, suggested changes were reviewed and, as a result, several additions and changes were adopted. The attached document outlines each of these changes.

Most significant is the decision to not phase out morphine sulfate - but instead retain it for use in pediatric and cardiac patients. Another important addition is the development of an Intraosseous Placement Protocol. This protocol allows for placement in the proximal tibia, distal tibia, and proximal humerus - as well as the administration of Lidocaine 2% for pain management during IO placement in the conscious patient.

Agencies should develop and conduct the necessary training to ensure their personnel are familiar with the changes to the protocols. Copies of these changes will be available on the webpage and reflected in the protocols available.

Questions should be directed to Deron Wilkes. Thank you for your assistance in this implementation of these protocols.

File attachment

protocol_changeset_oct_2009.pdf