----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2003 5:25
AM
Subject: RE: Protocols
Jason,
The
Richmond, VA area has a fairly open system for cease resuscitation in the
field. Depending on the situation, the best choice when considering medical
cease resuscition is contacting on line Medical Control after appropriate ACLS
interventions have occurred. In Trauma circumstances, cease
resuscitation depends on the first arriving units. Often bystanders and
first responders initiate resuscitation and the responding air or ground ALS
units will terminate it in light of criteria like : apneic, pulseless, from
blunt trauma or with obvious mortal wounds. Age of patient or multiple
patients can factor in. We have had situations where first responders
will not stop CPR on obviously dead patients without Medical
Control.
Good
clinical judgement and proper documentation is vital, however, as a general
rule, both the air and ground units try to avoid transporting non-viable
patients.
Mike
Watkins
Lt.
Hanover Fire EMS
VCU LifeEvac
Everyone,
I am looking
for any flight programs that currently have termination of
resuscitation protocols they are using. I am looking for the research,
if any, that was involved in the development of these protocols. Also,
if you are willing, allow me to view a copy of these protocols. Thank
you very much for your time.
Jason Paslean, RN, NREMT-P
Flight Nurse
Memorial Hermann Life Flight
Houston, TX
