Office of Emergency Medical Services

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• Emergency Medical Responder Scope of Practice

Emergency Medical Responder Scope of Practice

The following standards of practice are published as provided for in the Code of West Virginia, Article Four-C, Chapter Sixteen and West Virginia Division of Health Legislative Rules Title 64, Series 48.

The listing of procedures is intended as guidance for EMS personnel affiliated with and/or during operation with ambulance service, first responder, rescue provider or rapid response agency within the West Virginia EMS System.

Procedures listed must be authorized by duly engaged physician medical directors and must be performed according to written and published protocols and/or direct voice communication with a medical command center. Certain procedures may require direct verbal orders from medical command physicians.

Emergency Medical Responder may render rescue, basic first aid, and cardiopulmonary
resuscitation services and:

1. Perform initial, focused, and on-going assessment.
2. Provide respiratory assistance utilizing oral and nasal airways, and oxygen
   delivery system components.
3. Apply suctioning techniques to clear airways.
4. Apply dressings and bandages for wound care.
5. Apply splints and immobilization devices.
6. Apply spinal immobilization devices.
7. Provide care for obstetrical emergencies including assisting in childbirth.
8. Provide ordinary reasonable care for ill and/or injured persons in accordance
   with established regional protocols.
9. Utilize automated defibrillators in accordance with established regional
   protocols.
10. May serve as attendant-in-charge on an EMS Vehicle-Class A.
11. May serve as vehicle operator (with the addition of EVOC training beginning
    September 1, 2002) or assistant to an attendant-in-charge for EMS vehicles
    Classes A, B, C, and D.

Revised 06/06/2005