NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamEMS OperationsMedium
An EMT is transporting a hemodynamically stable patient who suffered a minor laceration to the arm. The patient requests to be taken to a hospital that is 45 minutes away, rather than the closer community hospital that is 10 minutes away. The receiving hospital is equipped to handle the patient's condition. What is the MOST appropriate action for the EMT?
- ATransport the patient to the closer community hospital as it is more efficient.
- BContact medical control to determine the appropriate destination.
- CTransport the patient to the requested hospital, respecting patient choice.
- DAdvise the patient that EMS policy requires transport to the closest appropriate facility.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Transport the patient to the requested hospital, respecting patient choice.
For stable patients with minor injuries or illnesses, patient choice of hospital should be respected, provided the requested facility is appropriate for their condition and transport time does not pose an undue risk.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While efficiency is a factor, patient choice is paramount for stable patients if the destination is appropriate.
- B. Medical control contact is generally reserved for complex cases, unstable patients, or when doubt exists about facility appropriateness or policy.
- D. Many EMS systems allow for patient choice for stable patients, especially for minor conditions, as long as the facility is appropriate.
Patient Hospital Choice
The right of a stable patient to choose their receiving hospital, provided the facility is appropriate for their condition and transport time does not pose a risk.
- Applies primarily to stable patients with non-life-threatening conditions.
- The requested hospital must be capable of providing appropriate care.
- If the patient is unstable or the requested hospital is inappropriate, EMS typically transports to the closest appropriate facility.
Memory trick: Stable Patients Choose, Unstable Closest Needs