General Rules and Info for ProQA (Both
EMD & EFD)
The 4 Priority
Symptoms
* Abnormal breathing
* Chest Pain
* Decreased Level of Consciousness
* Serious Hemorrhage
Pre Question Qualifier / Pre Instruction Qualifier
*Word in parentheses at the beginning of a question.
*Should only be read if the condition has been met.
*Eg. (Snakebite) Where is the snake now? -- If the caller wasn't bitten by a snake the condition
hasn't been met.
Clarifier
*Should only be used when the caller does not understand the word or phrase.
*The words should never be used together.
*Eg. Is she completely alert (responding appropriately)?
Alternatives
*Words or phrases separated by a forward slash (/).
*Alternatives allow you to select the word or phrase that best fits the situation.
*In many cases using both of the words or phrases may be appropriate.
Eg. s/he - if you know the caller is male or female you can use the appropriate pronoun.
Eg. How many other people are hurt/sick?
If the caller is reporting an injury - use hurt
If the caller is reporting an illness - use sick
If it's unclear use the phrase "hurt or sick"
Circumstantial or Optional Text
*Elements of questions or instructions that may be optional or appropriate only in specific
circumstances.
*Marked in parentheses or brackets.
, *Eg. (If it's too dangerous to stay where you are, and you think you can leave safely,) get away
and call us from somewhere safe.
ABCs
Brief scripted instructions directly applicable to the mission of the first responder -- verify,
maintain, and monitor the Airway, Breathing, and Circulation of all patients if possible and
appropriate.
BLUE TEXT - Critical EMD Information
Vital reminders to the EMD regarding hazard warnings, non-scripted advise for callers, special
notifications and directions for when to stay on the line with callers.
Indicates the information is for the dispatcher and not to be read to the caller. (Blue is for you)
Pre Arrival Instructions (PAIs)
Scripted advanced-level instructions given in time-critical situations where correct evaluation,
verification, and advice is essential. These are medically approved, written instructions given by
trained EMDs to callers that help provide necessary assistance to the patient and control of the
situation prior to the arrival of EMS personnel. PAIs are read word-for-word by the EMD.
Until help takes over
Post Dispatch Instructions (PDIs)
Important basic-level instructions that are always given when possible and appropriate.
Realistically, they may be possible but not appropriate, or appropriate but not physically
possible. These constitute caller directions that are relevant to the Chief Complaint, but not
necessarily to this particular patient or situation.
Instructions before disconnecting
Dispatch Life Support (DLS)
The known art and science of giving nonvisual, verbal assistance and leadership via the
telephone. It consists of the knowledge, procedures, and skills used by trained EMDs in
providing care.
Consists of: ABCs, PDIs, Critical EMD Information, and PAIs.
EMD & EFD)
The 4 Priority
Symptoms
* Abnormal breathing
* Chest Pain
* Decreased Level of Consciousness
* Serious Hemorrhage
Pre Question Qualifier / Pre Instruction Qualifier
*Word in parentheses at the beginning of a question.
*Should only be read if the condition has been met.
*Eg. (Snakebite) Where is the snake now? -- If the caller wasn't bitten by a snake the condition
hasn't been met.
Clarifier
*Should only be used when the caller does not understand the word or phrase.
*The words should never be used together.
*Eg. Is she completely alert (responding appropriately)?
Alternatives
*Words or phrases separated by a forward slash (/).
*Alternatives allow you to select the word or phrase that best fits the situation.
*In many cases using both of the words or phrases may be appropriate.
Eg. s/he - if you know the caller is male or female you can use the appropriate pronoun.
Eg. How many other people are hurt/sick?
If the caller is reporting an injury - use hurt
If the caller is reporting an illness - use sick
If it's unclear use the phrase "hurt or sick"
Circumstantial or Optional Text
*Elements of questions or instructions that may be optional or appropriate only in specific
circumstances.
*Marked in parentheses or brackets.
, *Eg. (If it's too dangerous to stay where you are, and you think you can leave safely,) get away
and call us from somewhere safe.
ABCs
Brief scripted instructions directly applicable to the mission of the first responder -- verify,
maintain, and monitor the Airway, Breathing, and Circulation of all patients if possible and
appropriate.
BLUE TEXT - Critical EMD Information
Vital reminders to the EMD regarding hazard warnings, non-scripted advise for callers, special
notifications and directions for when to stay on the line with callers.
Indicates the information is for the dispatcher and not to be read to the caller. (Blue is for you)
Pre Arrival Instructions (PAIs)
Scripted advanced-level instructions given in time-critical situations where correct evaluation,
verification, and advice is essential. These are medically approved, written instructions given by
trained EMDs to callers that help provide necessary assistance to the patient and control of the
situation prior to the arrival of EMS personnel. PAIs are read word-for-word by the EMD.
Until help takes over
Post Dispatch Instructions (PDIs)
Important basic-level instructions that are always given when possible and appropriate.
Realistically, they may be possible but not appropriate, or appropriate but not physically
possible. These constitute caller directions that are relevant to the Chief Complaint, but not
necessarily to this particular patient or situation.
Instructions before disconnecting
Dispatch Life Support (DLS)
The known art and science of giving nonvisual, verbal assistance and leadership via the
telephone. It consists of the knowledge, procedures, and skills used by trained EMDs in
providing care.
Consists of: ABCs, PDIs, Critical EMD Information, and PAIs.
