Helping EMS clients manage liability is essential to helping prevent legal issues and ensuring that things go smoothly. Given the essential nature of the job and the potential for injuries‒and even death‒the threat of lawsuits and liability claims is never far away.
Helping EMS Clients Manage Liability
But EMS organizations and insurers don’t have to take these threats down. There are ways to minimize liabilities or, at the very least, manage them more effectively. Here are some suggestions that might help:
Improve Documentation
Developing a proper documentation procedure is crucial for avoiding liability. It ensures that written and radio reports are systematic, well organized, and, most importantly, accurate. Include all pertinent details and present all data and findings thoroughly and systematically.
Proper documentation typically develops over a long period of real-world experience. But there are standard practices that can shorten the learning curve.
First, onsite EMS personnel should report all the facts as accurately as possible. If necessary, they should take a minute to compose themselves to accomplish the report without confusion.
Be accurate when creating a report. It entails understanding the situation before calling in to dispatch. Gathering all the necessary information beforehand will help avoid ambiguity and hesitation.
Secondly, EMS personnel should follow the established format consistently. Reports usually adhere to a specific formula, which helps prevent inaccuracies and missed details. Sticking to the same system continuously improves communications and minimizes delays and confusion.
Finally, EMS staff should ensure that their call-in and written reports match. Remember that EMS records call-ins, so they need to correspond to the patient care report they will fill out later.
Stay on Top of Industry Developments
The EMS profession is subject to quick and frequent changes. A large part of avoiding liability involves staying abreast of these developments. Trade journals and publications are essential reading and are always good sources of the latest advancements in the industry and various aspects of EMS care. Supervisors should share relevant information with their staff to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Exercise Caution Before Making Significant Changes
Conversely, not every new report or news item should turn into the latest policy. There are instances where specific clinical findings or procedures may be inappropriate for the particular community or care environment. It is essential to ensure that any new changes receive approval at the state and administrative levels before implementation.
Instill an Engaged and Active Work Environment
The most effective organizations have active and engaged medical directors that stay attuned to the latest developments in the EMS field. They should work closely with the operations department and team leaders to discuss procedures and policies before significant revisions. And as always, any changes concerning protocols, medicine administration, and equipment usage should conform strictly to state laws and regulations.
Even after deliberation, it is essential to ensure that the new policies are consistent with the established standards of the EMS profession. Procedures and policies that do not conform to other systems are more likely to be disputed and questioned.
Perform Periodic Reviews
Treatment procedures and protocols should be reviewed periodically, even after deliberations and approval. There is always a risk of methods and processes becoming outdated or obsolete, and ignorance of their irrelevance won’t spare the organization from liability.
Conclusion
Avoiding liability is a constant challenge in the EMS industry. The first responder assistance program can help EMS workers sort through a multitude of issues. Tightening up the documentation process, remaining abreast of the latest developments, and adhering to established standards of care can help manage liabilities.
About Provident Insurance Programs
With roots dating back to 1902, Provident Insurance Programs is a program administrator that serves paid and volunteer firefighters in addition to emergency medical responders with numerous custom-tailored insurance programs. We’ve also extended our expertise and experience to offer benefit plans and coverages to participant groups as well as Transportation Benefits. We are committed to continuing to provide superior customer service, and would be happy to speak with you to provide further information. Give us a call today at (855) 201-8880 to speak with one of our representatives.