August 09 Protocol Changes
While the information contained in this news article was current and accurate when we posted it, it may not necessarily represent current WVOEMS policy or procedure. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 304-558-3956.
Posted: Monday, August 10, 2009 3:43 PM
At the April 2009 WV State Medical Policy and Care Committee (MPCC) meeting, several proposed changes to the WV EMS System Protocols for prehospital care were reviewed and subsequently adopted. Regular review of protocols, and when necessary changes in protocol, are required to ensure the prehospital care being delivered across the State is current with the accepted standard of care. These most recent changes include the addition of several medications (most significantly fentanyl and lorazepam), as well as the intranasal route of medication administration. It was decided to use this opportunity to also review each of the protocols and make needed corrections and formatting changes. As a result of these additions and changes, new versions of the 3000, 4000, and 5000 series of the WV EMS System protocols have been prepared.
Each agency will receive a CD with a copy of each of the updated protocol series as well as a document titled "2009 Protocol Changes". This document outlines each of the changes made to the protocols. Also included on the CD is an updated "Medication Classification Chart." This chart shows the classifications of the various medications - especially with regard to interfacility transports. Copies of these documents are also available from the Medical Direction section of the WV Office of EMS website (www.wvoems.org).
See attached memo for further information.