District of Columbia Adult Pre-Hospital Medical Protocols The Development Process On December 4, 2001, there was a roll-out of the protocols at Fire Department headquarters. Agencies in attendance included the Metropolitan Police Department, US Park Police, US Park Service, the Medical Control Subcommittee, Children’s Hospital, Providence Hospital, Life-Star Ambulance Service and others. A presentation was provided outlining the proposed changes and how those changes compared to the surrounding jurisdictions. At the end of the roll-out, all of those agencies in attendance, as well as others with an interest in the EMS protocols, were given 30 days to submit comments and suggestions. Those suggestions were then incorporated in the next stage of the review process. The third review process began in January of 2002. This review was conducted by the Medical Control Subcommittee. They also received input from various other agencies, including the DC Hospital Association, private EMS Agencies, the Mayor's EMS Advisory Committee, various law enforcement agencies, and the DC Fire/EMS Department. The process was completed, and on May 1, 2002 the protocols were approved for use in the District of Columbia by the DC Department of Health. The Revision Process The protocols will be reviewed as a whole at least once per year. This will occur during the month of June, with the result reported to the Medical Control Subcommittee. The DC Fire/EMS Department, as the largest EMS agency in the District of Columbia, will take the lead role in the revision process. Any comments, questions or suggestions can be e-mailed to the Continuous Quality Improvement Unit of the DC Fire/EMS Department. Page 2 of 2        1   2