Book 35 - EMS Field Manual - LAFD Training

Section 1: Field Procedures 1 Protocols
TASK ORIENTED EMS STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES
EMS Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) are intended as guidelines to establish pre-determined
, tasks for each member of the company. Company Commanders shall assign taskslresponsibilities
based upon the expertise of each team member. Additionally, the tasks designated for each of the
following four positions are not intended to supersede any pre-existing duties assigned to the member.
The medical condition of the patient determines the work flow and sequencing of tasks.
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A-B
Person
c
Person
D
Person
E
Person
The "A-B" (Airway-Breathing) person who assesses the airway; applies oxygen;
determines the respiratory rateltidal volume; and any signs of distress while
checking breath sounds. In cases of cardiac or respiratory arrest, the "A-B" person
inserts the airway and performs bag-valve-mask (BVM) ventilation.
The "C" (Circulation) person is responsible for preserving the circulation by stopping
any overt bleeding, and obtains the pulselrate and blood pressure. For pulseless patients:
applies the automated external defibrillator (AED); attempts defibrillation; and provides
chest compressions for CPR, as necessary.
The "D" (Disability) person is responsible for preventing further patient disability by
assessing the current degree of disability and applies splintslspinal immobilization as
necessary. In cardiac arrest cases: assists with equipment needs (such as oxygen bottles,
backboard, and gurney); assists the paramedics with IV line preparation and equipment
needs. In many situations, the fourth member of the company is unavailable since the
Engineer has apparatus responsibilities. However, the Engineer may assist the rescue
as described above and may be able to assist when the patient is outside of a structure.
The "E" (Executive) person ensures that all of the other team members are properly
performing their tasks. In cardiac arrest cases, the "E" person assists the "C" person
set up the automated external defibrillator (AED) to ensure rapid application. The "E"
person assesses the scene for safety, initiates the F-902M, keeps records of interventions
and their delivery times, interacts with family members to obtainlrecord patient
information which includes: medical history, allergies, a current medications list,
current address (include ZIP code), and (if available) Medi-Cal number.
Even when dispatched simultaneously (with an ALS unit), fire company members
shall perform the above tasks (including defibrillation) as a team.
Suggested personnel for each EMS team assignment and equipment to be carried to the patient:
A-B
c
D
E
FF or FF/PM
Firefighter
Engineer or A0
Captain
Revised: 121200 1 PAGE 1 OF 4
Oxygen, BVM, and airway
managementJsuction bag
AED and medical box
Flashlight, splints, backboard,
gurney as needed
F-902M and Radio
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