State changes EMS protocol

By Staff
Melissa Cason
The Alabama Department of Public Health's Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Division has revised the protocol used by emergency medical technicians and paramedics throughout the state.
Paramedic Jeremy Glenn said the new protocol allows emergency personnel to administer more drugs than before.
"The new protocol shows that the state has more confidence in its EMTs and paramedics," Glenn said.
NorthStar Paramedic Services held training sessions last week.
"All EMTs and paramedics in the state have to be trained on this new protocol before Oct. 1," Glenn said.
Glenn said he will be working with other agencies in the county in the coming weeks to make sure other emergency personnel have this training.
Glenn said the new protocol is beneficial to everyone.
"It allows us more room to decide what the patient needs on the scene," Glenn said.
Some of the illnesses that can be treated with drugs approved by the new protocol include but are not limited to vomiting and seizures.