ValleyProtocolBook

The Valley Hospital Emergency Services

4

Standing Orders / Communications Failure Orders

where standing orders are utilized, in accordance with the standards set. Cases that do not follow the standing orders as set forth in this chapter or where contact is never made with medical command shall be forwarded to the medical director for a mandatory review.

Introduction – Pediatric Communications Failure Orders

The Communications Failure Orders contained in this book are for the use of ALS crewmembers in the field when normal means of communication with medical command, as well as secondary means of communication, have failed. As with the standing orders, pediatric patients are defined the period of time beginning with the 29th day following birth up to, but not including, a person's 13th birthday. This section will also apply where appropriate to neonatal patients, defined as the period of time from the moment of birth up to and including the 28th day following birth. The Communications Failure Orders are specific for advanced life support intervention. These orders should not be implemented until all secondary means of communication with medical direction have been attempted and have failed. This shall include attempting to contact the back-up Medical Command Facility (St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center 973-977-8476). Since the primary means of communication with medical direction is the cellular phone, the secondary means of communication with medical direction are via Landline and HEAR Communications. It is understood that if Communications Failure Orders are in use, the crew will have completed all appropriate Standing Orders first. When Communications Failure Orders are in use, the ALS crewmembers will not deviate from them in any manner relating to procedure, drug, dosage, route of administration, or repetition of therapy. The only exception will be that, a treatment may be withheld if the patient or family member reports an allergy to the medication or therapeutic agent. Should the ALS provider deviate from these protocols when they are in use, it will be considered practicing medicine without a license. An EMS Charts Special Report must be completed within the patient’s chart when Communications Failure Orders are utilized. Standing Orders and Communications Failure Protocols are not to be used in the place of medical command. It is imperative that the MICP/MICN establish communications communication with medical command as soon as possible.