What are standing orders in the context of emergency medical services?

Standing orders are written documents that provide specific protocols and guidelines for patient care that emergency medical services (EMS) personnel can follow without having to obtain direct communication from a physician in each instance. These orders outline a set of procedures and interventions that an EMT can perform based on the nature of the call and the condition of the patient.

They are established to ensure that EMTs have clear and standardized approaches to common medical emergencies, allowing them to deliver timely and effective care while also ensuring compliance with medical protocols. For example, standing orders may include medication dosages, specific treatments for conditions like asthma or allergic reactions, and procedures for monitoring vital signs.

Using standing orders allows EMS providers to act quickly in critical situations and ensures that patient care is consistent across different providers and situations. This is vital in emergency care, where every second counts and having predefined actions can save lives.