MPDS - EMD Terms/Definitions 100% Correct
Additional Information (AI) An MPDS protocol component that contains information
necessary to process calls as well as general information pertaining to specific chief complaints.
alternative Words or phrases in the protocol separated by a slash (/) that are designed to
give the EMD a choice of wording to account for varying situations.
Axioms Important statements that serve as the basis of many decision-making processes
when using the MPDS. They differ from Rules in that they explain why, rather than how to do
things.
Case Entry Protocol An MPDS protocol that functions as a primary caller interrogation. It
directs EMDs to collect the essential information for initial processing and classifying of the
incident.
Case Exit Protocol An MPDS protocol that standardizes call termination and provides
important instructions for the callers.
Chief Complaint (CC) The primary reason the patent is seeking medical care (in some
cases only the mechanism of injury).
Chief Complaint Protocols Problem-specific MPDS protocols. Chief complaint protocols
function as a secondary interrogation and contain Key Questions, Determinant Descriptors,
Post-Dispatch Instructions, Critical EMD Information, Dispatch Life Support Links, and Additional
Information.
clarifier Words in the protocol contained within parentheses or brackets that are
designed to be used only when the caller does not understand the original wording of a
question or instructions.
, classifications Similar to dispatch definitions, classifications list items that should be
classified in a specific way when using the MPDS.
connectors Colored protocol tabs that aid in MPDS cardset navigation.
Critical EMD Information (CEI) Important information for EMDs that is not designed to be
read to the caller.
De Luca's Law "Emergency dispatchers will follow all protocols per se, avoiding freelance
questioning or information unless it enhances, not replaces, the written protocol questions and
scripts."
Determinant Codes Alphanumeric response codes assigned by combining the Chief
Complaint number, the Determinant Level letter, the Determinant Descriptor number, and the
Determinant Suffix letter.
Determinant Descriptors Brief descriptions of specific situations to which local agencies
can assign specific preplanned response configurations.
Determinant Levels A categorization of Determinant Descriptors for each Chief
Complaint that reflects the general priority of the incident. (OMEGA, ALPHA, BRAVO, CHARLIE,
DELTA, and ECHO).
Determinant Suffix A code letter added at the end of a Determinant Code (when
appropriate) to delineate the type of problem for specific response and safety purposes.
dispatch definitions Statements of the precise meaning of an MPDS term.
Dispatch Life Support (DLS) Knowledge, procedures, and skills used by trained EMDs in
providing care through Post-Dispatch and Pre-Arrival Instructions. Although DLS incorporates
Additional Information (AI) An MPDS protocol component that contains information
necessary to process calls as well as general information pertaining to specific chief complaints.
alternative Words or phrases in the protocol separated by a slash (/) that are designed to
give the EMD a choice of wording to account for varying situations.
Axioms Important statements that serve as the basis of many decision-making processes
when using the MPDS. They differ from Rules in that they explain why, rather than how to do
things.
Case Entry Protocol An MPDS protocol that functions as a primary caller interrogation. It
directs EMDs to collect the essential information for initial processing and classifying of the
incident.
Case Exit Protocol An MPDS protocol that standardizes call termination and provides
important instructions for the callers.
Chief Complaint (CC) The primary reason the patent is seeking medical care (in some
cases only the mechanism of injury).
Chief Complaint Protocols Problem-specific MPDS protocols. Chief complaint protocols
function as a secondary interrogation and contain Key Questions, Determinant Descriptors,
Post-Dispatch Instructions, Critical EMD Information, Dispatch Life Support Links, and Additional
Information.
clarifier Words in the protocol contained within parentheses or brackets that are
designed to be used only when the caller does not understand the original wording of a
question or instructions.
, classifications Similar to dispatch definitions, classifications list items that should be
classified in a specific way when using the MPDS.
connectors Colored protocol tabs that aid in MPDS cardset navigation.
Critical EMD Information (CEI) Important information for EMDs that is not designed to be
read to the caller.
De Luca's Law "Emergency dispatchers will follow all protocols per se, avoiding freelance
questioning or information unless it enhances, not replaces, the written protocol questions and
scripts."
Determinant Codes Alphanumeric response codes assigned by combining the Chief
Complaint number, the Determinant Level letter, the Determinant Descriptor number, and the
Determinant Suffix letter.
Determinant Descriptors Brief descriptions of specific situations to which local agencies
can assign specific preplanned response configurations.
Determinant Levels A categorization of Determinant Descriptors for each Chief
Complaint that reflects the general priority of the incident. (OMEGA, ALPHA, BRAVO, CHARLIE,
DELTA, and ECHO).
Determinant Suffix A code letter added at the end of a Determinant Code (when
appropriate) to delineate the type of problem for specific response and safety purposes.
dispatch definitions Statements of the precise meaning of an MPDS term.
Dispatch Life Support (DLS) Knowledge, procedures, and skills used by trained EMDs in
providing care through Post-Dispatch and Pre-Arrival Instructions. Although DLS incorporates
