WEMS Standard Operating Procedures
Standard Patient Assessment
1. Scene Size-Up and Body Substance Isolation Precautions
2. If Scene Unsafe Allow Public Safety to Correct and Control Hazard(s)
3. If Scene Safe  Conduct Initial Assessment
4. Form a General Impression
5. Assess Mental Status
6. Assess Airway
7. Assess Breathing
8. Assess Circulation
9. Determine Priority for Treatment and Transport to the Hospital
10. Treat with Appropriate Interventions
Patient Priority for Transport
The following patients will be transported to Sturdy Memorial Hospital by Rescue
immediately:
1. Unresponsive or altered mental status
2. Unstable vital signs
3. Any patient over 50 with chest pain
4. Major trauma (punctures, avulsions, amputations, chest injury)
5. Any patient with a suspected C-Spine injury
6. Obvious fractures or dislocations
7. Severe asthma complications
8. Cardiac /respiratory arrest
9. Obstructed airway
10. Seizure
11. Burn
12. Birth
13. Suspected stroke
14. GI bleed
The following patients will be treated by WEMS and are eligible for transport to Sturdy
Memorial Hospital by Rescue:
1. Minor trauma
2. Abdominal pain (unless signs of shock or internal injury)
3. Menstrual cramps
4. UTI
5. Minor asthma complications
6. Headache
7. General psychological problems unless clearly psychotic, suicidal, or homicidal
8. Nausea and vomiting
The patient may sign a Refusal of Care Form and decline an ambulance for transport to
Sturdy Memorial Hospital if:
1. The patient is of legal age or an emancipated minor
2. The patient is mentally competent and Awake and Oriented x 4
3. The patient is fully informed of the risk
4. The patient is willing
5. If there is any doubt regarding the above criteria, summon Norton FD for
assistance
WEMS - Approved Interventions for non-Norton FD calls
Minor Trauma:
1. Assess Patient
2. If the wound is open (abrasion, laceration), clean and cover
3. Use direct pressure by applying a gauze bandage to the wound
4. Elevate the wound as long as there is no suspected musculoskeletal injury
5. Cover with appropriate gauze and/or bandage
6. If bleeding does not diminish, summon Norton FD
Abdominal Pain:
1. Assess Patient
2. Obtain SAMPLE History and OPQRST
3. If female patient, determine birth control use and possible pregnancy (male
EMT/Public Safety Officer can be asked to leave as long as a female Public
Safety Officer, RA, AC, or student remains in the room with the female EMT)
4. Physically examine the abdomen for discoloration, distension, bloating, and
protrusion
5. Monitor vital signs every 5 minutes
6. Encourage ER visit by ambulance or private transportation
Minor Breathing Emergencies:
1. Assess Patient
2. Monitor breath sounds
3. Summon Norton FD if breathing <12 or >20 times/minute
4. Provide Oxygen at 15 LPM in a non-rebreather mask or through the bag-valve
mask if patient cannot breath on his or her own
5. If Anaphylaxis, give one dose of Epinephrine auto-injector (provided EMT has
undergone required in-service training)
6. Monitor vital signs every 5 minutes
7. Encourage ER visit by ambulance or private transportation
Diabetic Emergencies:
1. Assess Patient - look for medical tags
2. Determine if patient is alert enough to swallow oral glucose
3. Administer oral glucose, if possible
4. Monitor vital signs every 5 minutes
5. Encourage ER visit by ambulance or private transportation
Intoxication:
1. Assess Patient
2. If Patient is unconscious or has difficulty breathing, summon Norton FD
3. Ensure airway is clear and patient is breathing normally
4. Suction vomit and provide oxygen if necessary
5. If patient is conscious, determine L.O.C.
6. Monitor vital signs every 5 minutes
7. Patient must be Awake and Oriented x 4 to refuse transport by Norton FD
8. Monitor patient and establish history of intoxication to determine whether the
patient’s condition is presently deteriorating or will likely in the future
9. Contact Public Safety for assistance in patient interventions