Medical Direction Policy

City of Pittsburgh

Emergency Medical Services

Policy No.

1

Title: Return to patient care after absence

Overview: Procedure for obtaining command status after an absence of 6 months


1.0 Paramedics, crew chiefs and supervisors returning to patient care activities after an absence of six months or longer will be required to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Medical Director or his designee, the following:

1.1 Adequate knowledge of City of Pittsburgh patient care protocols

1.2 Demonstrate the ability to perform the following skills:

Airway management skills including intubation and bag valve mask use, IV insertion, defibrillation, cardioversion, external cardiac pacing, cardiac monitoring and rhythm strip interpretation, cervical spine immobilization, splinting of fractures and other skills as included in the Department of Transportation Paramedic Training Program or as designated by the Medical Director.

1.3 Demonstrate patient assessment skills

1.4 Demonstrate the ability to properly document patient assessment and patient care activities, including the use of computer generated trip sheets.

2.0 Meet with the Medical Director or designee and successfully complete an oral and written exam based on patient care scenarios and Pittsburgh EMS protocols.

3.0 Personnel unable to demonstrate adequate knowledge or performance will be required to undergo remediation and successfully pass retesting prior to returning to patient care activities.

Date of Approval: 3/23/97 Approved by: Medical Direction Committee
Modified Date: Page 1.1