District of Columbia Adult Pre-Hospital Medical Protocols

The Development Process

During the year 2000, EMS field providers from the DC Fire/EMS Department formed a working group dedicated to the improvement and upgrade of the protocols. These individuals worked for over a year to develop the core of the protocols. After a year of hard work by these individuals, the completed document began undergoing the first of several reviews.

The first review process began in February 2001. The review committee consisted of several members of the original development committee, EMS operations supervisory staff, members of the Continuous Quality Improvement unit, and members of Physician Oversight. It was also during this time that the format of the protocols was decided upon. After six months of work, the committee turned their work over to the second review committee.

The second review process began in August of 2001. The review committee consisted of members of the original development committee, EMS command staff, members of the Continuous Quality Improvement unit, a representative from the Mayor's EMS Advisory staff, local union officials, and the DC Fire/EMS Department’s Medical Director. After five months of work, the draft version of the protocols were ready to be presented to the various agencies operating in the District of Columbia.

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