September 2017 EMS Update: Creating a Scope of Practice Model that Meets the Needs of Today’s EMS Systems

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September 10th, 2017

As the needs of communities, the quality of EMS research, and other key factors change, national, state and local EMS organizations grapple with defining the scopes of practice for EMS practitioners at different certification levels. Many turn to the National EMS Scope of Practice Model, published in 2007, for guidance.

Recognizing the need to update that model, a group of experts has released a draft of revisions to the Practice Model specifically regarding five topics:

Use of opioid antagonists at the BLS level
Therapeutic hypothermia following cardiac arrest
Pharmacological pain management following an acute traumatic event
Hemorrhage control
Use of CPAP/BiPAP at the EMT level