Term
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Definition
| A system for telephone access to report emergencies. A dispatcher takes the information and alerts EMS or the fire or police departments as needed. Enhanced 911 has the additional capability of automatically identifying the caller's phone number and location. |
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Term
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Definition
| A process of continuous self-review with the purpose of identifying and correcting aspects of the system that require improvement. |
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Term
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Definition
| A physician who assumes ultimate responsibility for the patient-care aspects of the EMS system. |
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Term
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Definition
| Oversight of the patient-care aspects of an EMS system by the medical director. |
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Term
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Definition
| Lists of steps, such as assessments and interventions, to be taken in different situations. Protocols are developed by the Medical Director of an EMS system. |
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Term
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Definition
| An EMT or other person authorized by a Medical Director to give medications and provide emergency care. The transfer of such authorization to a designated agent is an extension of the Medical Director's license to practice medicine. |
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Term
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Definition
| A policy or protocol issued by a Medical Director that authorizes EMTs and others to perform particular skills in certain situations. |
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Term
| Off-line medical direction |
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Definition
| Standing orders issued by the Medical Director that allows EMTs to give certain medications or perform certain procedures without speaking to the Medical Director or another physician. |
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Term
| On-line medical direction |
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Definition
| Orders given directly by the on-duty physician to an EMT in the field by radio or telephone. |
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Term
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Definition
| The long-term survival of patients. |
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Term
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Definition
| Description of medical techniques or practices that are supported by scientific evidence of their safety and efficacy, rather than merely on supposition and tradition. |
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