INTRODUCTION

In order for the Emergency Medical Services System of Grant County to be effective, it is of vital importance that all members of this system work together as a team for the patient's benefit. Without a clear understanding of the team approach to pre-hospital care, optimum patient outcomes will not be realized.

1. Team leader (highest trained medical person) should lead patient care. In multicasulty incidents the first on-scene EMT may be in a better position to direct the EMS response and this needs to be quickly worked out with higher trained responders.

2. Other members of the EMS response component will follow the directions of the team leader.

3. Team should communicate, avoid duplication or overlap, and share information.

4. Members of the EMS response component should anticipate the need of the team leade and be prepared to assist as necessary to insure optimum patient outcome.

5. Ambulance personnel shall be responsible for patient care, and in situations where extrication is necessary or other forms of hazards are present on the scene, the primary responsibility for extrication and resolution of these hazards shall rest with the team leader to assure patient safety. The team leader shall work closely with the Captain, Chief, etc. of the responding Fire/Rescue Service.

6. In all situations, EMS personnel shall work to maintain an open life of communication and cooperation with other agencies involved in the response effort.

7. Every scene will vary and at different times different members of public safety agencies will handle overall scene management. EMT's should focus as much as possible on identifying, triaging, treating, and transporting patients.

1. If a disagreement between responding agencies occurs, they shall only be addressed on scene up to the point of immediate resolution for optimal patient care.
2. If the EMT feels there is an issue that has jeapordized or could have jeapordized patient care, it shall be documented and forwarded to the EMS Service Director as soon as possible.
3. The EMT must be professional, while being the Patient's Advocate.