If EMS cannot contact the designated hospital, what action should be taken?

If EMS cannot contact the designated hospital, what action should be taken?

• A. Attempt to contact the next closest Resource/Associate Hospital and document all attempts in the patient care report.
• B. Wait for the hospital to return the call before proceeding.
• C. Proceed to the nearest hospital regardless of medical direction.
• D. File a refusal and terminate the call.

Answer: (A)

When EMS cannot reach the designated hospital, the safest and most policy-aligned move is to reach out to the next closest Resource/Associate Hospital to obtain medical direction and guidance, and to document every contact attempt in the patient care report. This keeps patient care moving under official oversight and provides a clear record of what was tried and decided. Delaying care by waiting for the hospital to call back isn’t appropriate because it stalls treatment at a critical moment. Proceeding to the nearest hospital without medical direction violates protocol and could compromise patient safety. Filing a refusal and terminating the call ends care for the patient without a valid basis. Documentation of attempts ensures accountability and continuity of care.

When EMS cannot reach the designated hospital, the safest and most policy-aligned move is to reach out to the next closest Resource/Associate Hospital to obtain medical direction and guidance, and to document every contact attempt in the patient care report. This keeps patient care moving under official oversight and provides a clear record of what was tried and decided.

Delaying care by waiting for the hospital to call back isn’t appropriate because it stalls treatment at a critical moment. Proceeding to the nearest hospital without medical direction violates protocol and could compromise patient safety. Filing a refusal and terminating the call ends care for the patient without a valid basis. Documentation of attempts ensures accountability and continuity of care.