The 2023 protocols will be in effect March 31, 2024. All providers, Medical Command Physicians, and Agency Medical Directors are required to complete the protocol update courses prior to this date. Once the training is complete, the EMS Agency Medical Director may authorize the use of these protocols prior to March 31, 2024.
2023 Protocols
To assist providers in becoming familiar with the changes to the protocols, a continuing education presentation will be available to regions and agencies. This update will be available for in-person presentations, or the course can be completed on the PA TRAIN website.
EMS Providers are permitted to perform patient care, within their defined scope of practice, when following the appropriate protocol(s) or when following the orders of a medical command physician. Each EMS provider is responsible for being knowledgeable regarding current state-approved protocols so that he/she may provide the safest, highest quality, and most effective care to patients.
The Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medication Act of 2017
EMS Agencies primarily use controlled substances such as opioids and benzodiazepines for advanced life support patient care. However, until 2017, the CSA lacked guidance regarding administration of controlled substances by EMS agencies and EMS personnel. The lack of direction led to confusion in the EMS field and caused several states to create their own EMS related regulations.
