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Clark County EMS Emergency Medical Care Protocols
Introduction to the Protocols
• The protocols are effective from January 6, 2025, and
replace the previous version from July 1, 2024.
• They are designed to provide standardized emergency
medical care across Clark County, NV.
• The protocols cover both adult and pediatric treatment,
ensuring comprehensive care for all age groups.
• The document is structured to facilitate quick reference in
emergency situations, with a clear table of contents.
• It is essential for EMS personnel to be familiar with these
protocols to ensure effective patient care.
Importance of Emergency Medical Protocols
• Protocols ensure consistency in care, reducing variability in
treatment outcomes.
• They are based on current medical evidence and best
practices, enhancing patient safety.
• Training on these protocols is crucial for EMS personnel to
respond effectively in emergencies.
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• Regular updates to protocols reflect advancements in
medical knowledge and technology.
• Compliance with protocols is often required for
accreditation and legal protection for EMS providers.
Adult Treatment Protocols
General Adult Assessment
• Initial assessment includes checking responsiveness,
airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs).
• Vital signs should be monitored and recorded, including
heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.
• A thorough history should be obtained, including medical
history and any medications taken.
• Physical examination should focus on identifying any life-
threatening conditions.
• Use of standardized assessment tools can aid in evaluating
the patient's condition.
Specific Adult Conditions
• Cardiac Arrest (Non-Traumatic): Immediate CPR and
defibrillation are critical; follow ACLS protocols.
• Chest Pain (Non-Traumatic): Assess for signs of acute
coronary syndrome; administer aspirin and nitroglycerin as
indicated.
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• Altered Mental Status/Syncope: Determine the cause;
check glucose levels and consider stroke protocols if
indicated.
• Sepsis: Early recognition and treatment with fluids and
antibiotics are essential for improving outcomes.
• Shock: Identify the type of shock (hypovolemic,
cardiogenic, etc.) and initiate appropriate fluid
resuscitation.
Specific Treatment Protocols
• Patients with airway emergencies must be transported to
the nearest emergency department if ventilation cannot
be established.
• For trauma patients, the Trauma Field Triage Criteria must
be followed to determine the appropriate facility for
transport.
• Oxygen therapy should be administered to maintain SpO2
levels above 94%.
Pediatric Treatment Protocols
General Pediatric Assessment
• Pediatric assessments differ from adults; use age-
appropriate techniques and tools.
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• Assess the child's responsiveness using the AVPU scale
(Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive).
• Vital signs vary by age; be familiar with normal ranges for
pediatric patients.
• Consider developmental stages when communicating with
children and their caregivers.
• Always involve parents or guardians in the assessment and
treatment process.
Specific Pediatric Conditions
• Cardiac Arrest (Non-Traumatic): Follow pediatric advanced
life support (PALS) guidelines; use appropriate energy
levels for defibrillation.
• Bradycardia: Identify the cause; consider airway
management and medication if necessary.
• Burns: Assess the extent and depth of burns; fluid
resuscitation may be necessary for severe cases.
• Heat Related Illness: Recognize signs of heat exhaustion
and heat stroke; initiate cooling measures promptly.
• Altered Mental Status: Evaluate for hypoglycemia,
seizures, or other causes; treat accordingly.
Medical Conditions and Emergencies
Epistaxis
Clark County EMS Emergency Medical Care Protocols
Introduction to the Protocols
• The protocols are effective from January 6, 2025, and
replace the previous version from July 1, 2024.
• They are designed to provide standardized emergency
medical care across Clark County, NV.
• The protocols cover both adult and pediatric treatment,
ensuring comprehensive care for all age groups.
• The document is structured to facilitate quick reference in
emergency situations, with a clear table of contents.
• It is essential for EMS personnel to be familiar with these
protocols to ensure effective patient care.
Importance of Emergency Medical Protocols
• Protocols ensure consistency in care, reducing variability in
treatment outcomes.
• They are based on current medical evidence and best
practices, enhancing patient safety.
• Training on these protocols is crucial for EMS personnel to
respond effectively in emergencies.
,2|Page
• Regular updates to protocols reflect advancements in
medical knowledge and technology.
• Compliance with protocols is often required for
accreditation and legal protection for EMS providers.
Adult Treatment Protocols
General Adult Assessment
• Initial assessment includes checking responsiveness,
airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs).
• Vital signs should be monitored and recorded, including
heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.
• A thorough history should be obtained, including medical
history and any medications taken.
• Physical examination should focus on identifying any life-
threatening conditions.
• Use of standardized assessment tools can aid in evaluating
the patient's condition.
Specific Adult Conditions
• Cardiac Arrest (Non-Traumatic): Immediate CPR and
defibrillation are critical; follow ACLS protocols.
• Chest Pain (Non-Traumatic): Assess for signs of acute
coronary syndrome; administer aspirin and nitroglycerin as
indicated.
,3|Page
• Altered Mental Status/Syncope: Determine the cause;
check glucose levels and consider stroke protocols if
indicated.
• Sepsis: Early recognition and treatment with fluids and
antibiotics are essential for improving outcomes.
• Shock: Identify the type of shock (hypovolemic,
cardiogenic, etc.) and initiate appropriate fluid
resuscitation.
Specific Treatment Protocols
• Patients with airway emergencies must be transported to
the nearest emergency department if ventilation cannot
be established.
• For trauma patients, the Trauma Field Triage Criteria must
be followed to determine the appropriate facility for
transport.
• Oxygen therapy should be administered to maintain SpO2
levels above 94%.
Pediatric Treatment Protocols
General Pediatric Assessment
• Pediatric assessments differ from adults; use age-
appropriate techniques and tools.
, 4|Page
• Assess the child's responsiveness using the AVPU scale
(Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive).
• Vital signs vary by age; be familiar with normal ranges for
pediatric patients.
• Consider developmental stages when communicating with
children and their caregivers.
• Always involve parents or guardians in the assessment and
treatment process.
Specific Pediatric Conditions
• Cardiac Arrest (Non-Traumatic): Follow pediatric advanced
life support (PALS) guidelines; use appropriate energy
levels for defibrillation.
• Bradycardia: Identify the cause; consider airway
management and medication if necessary.
• Burns: Assess the extent and depth of burns; fluid
resuscitation may be necessary for severe cases.
• Heat Related Illness: Recognize signs of heat exhaustion
and heat stroke; initiate cooling measures promptly.
• Altered Mental Status: Evaluate for hypoglycemia,
seizures, or other causes; treat accordingly.
Medical Conditions and Emergencies
Epistaxis
