IAED ETC cheat sheet

A protocol system is a standardized, scripted question set that drives consistent call processing; the calltaker reads the written questions in order rather than improvising.

The calltaking sequence is fixed: answer, obtain and verify the address and callback number, determine the nature of the problem, then move to the appropriate protocol.

Address verification requires a full street address plus a cross street or landmark; a callback number is obtained before the calltaker begins problem questioning.

The interrogation phase follows the protocol's Key Questions; the dispatch phase follows the Determinant Codes and the Post-Dispatch Instructions.

Case entry collects incident location, callback number, and the chief complaint that selects the protocol; the Chief Complaint is chosen from the protocol list, not invented.

Axioms of protocol use: the questions asked first are the most important; the protocol is followed exactly; the caller is never asked a question whose answer is already known.

Protocol selection is based on the caller's description of the problem; the calltaker uses the protocol's own wording to confirm the chief complaint.

When information conflicts, the calltaker documents what was said and follows the protocol's instruction for that answer; the calltaker does not choose a lower priority on personal judgment.

The calltaker confirms the incident location before ending the call and reads back the address for verification; an unconfirmed location is a critical failure.

Determinant codes combine the protocol number, a determinant level, and a response mode letter; the level reflects the urgency defined by the protocol's answer set.

Response modes are assigned by the protocol's determinant: an urgent (emergency) mode sends the closest appropriate unit with lights and siren; a non-urgent mode sends a routine response.

Determinant levels run from the highest (often Alpha/Omega style lettering in some systems) to the lowest; the highest level in a protocol is the most urgent response.

The dispatch decision follows the protocol's determinant, not the caller's tone; a calm caller reporting chest pain still receives the chest pain determinant.

Precision requires the correct protocol, the correct determinant level, and the correct response mode; any one wrong produces a wrong dispatch.

A higher-level determinant overrides a lower one when the answers support it; the calltaker does not downgrade a determinant to reduce response.

When the caller cannot answer a key question, the calltaker selects the answer the protocol provides for an unknown and continues; the unknown does not default to the lowest priority.

The dispatch center confirms unit assignment and response mode in the CAD entry; the CAD record must match the protocol determinant that was selected.

Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) is the protocol-based triage and pre-arrival instruction component of the calltaking system for medical calls.

DD-CPR (Dispatcher-Directed CPR) is the protocol-driven instruction of a bystander in chest compressions before EMS arrives; it begins when the patient is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

Agonal breathing (gasping, occasional, or slow irregular breaths) is treated as not breathing normally and triggers DD-CPR instructions.

The compression instruction sequence: confirm unresponsiveness, position the caller at the patient's side, place hands on the center of the chest, and push hard and fast at the protocol's rate.

The protocol's compression rate is typically about 100 to 120 per minute; the calltaker keeps the caller counting aloud to maintain the rate.

Pre-arrival instructions are read from the protocol's approved script; the calltaker does not improvise medical advice outside the script.

The calltaker stays on the line and continues DD-CPR until EMS arrives or the protocol directs otherwise; the call is not released after dispatch.

The EMD protocol's Key Questions determine whether the patient is conscious, breathing, and has a pulse; the answers select the determinant and the instruction path.

Defibrillation instructions (AED) are given only when the protocol's script calls for them and the scene is safe; the calltaker follows the script's safety check first.

Recertification requires completing the required continuing dispatch education (CDE) hours within the certification cycle; the hours are logged and documented.

CDE hours are earned through approved activities such as protocol training, case review, and continuing education courses; unapproved activities do not count.

The recertification cycle and hour requirements are set by the certifying body; the candidate verifies the current cycle's hours before the deadline.

Documentation for recertification includes the CDE log with dates, topics, and hours, plus the certifying body's application and fee.

Protocol updates and system changes require training that is recorded as CDE; the calltaker completes the update training before using the revised protocol.

Case review and quality assurance sessions count as CDE when the certifying body approves them; the calltaker records the session's topic and hours.

Recertification is not automatic; the candidate submits the application and documentation before the expiration date to avoid a lapse.

The certifying body's code of conduct and protocol compliance are part of recertification; violations can affect eligibility.

The calltaker's first action is to answer the call and obtain the address; the address is the most critical piece of information on every call.

Protocol systems use a fixed question order so that every calltaker asks the same questions in the same sequence, producing consistent triage.

The Chief Complaint is selected from the protocol's list based on the caller's description; the calltaker confirms it with the caller before proceeding.

Key Questions are protocol-specific and are asked after case entry; the answers determine the determinant code and the response.

Post-Dispatch Instructions are read after the determinant is assigned; they tell the caller what to do while waiting for the response.

The calltaker does not skip protocol questions; if the caller cannot answer, the calltaker selects the protocol's unknown answer and continues.

The call is not released until the location is confirmed and the post-dispatch instructions are given.

The determinant code is the protocol's output that sets the response mode; the calltaker reads the code from the protocol, not from personal judgment.

Response mode letters distinguish emergency (lights and siren) from routine response; the protocol's determinant defines which applies.

A wrong chief complaint produces a wrong protocol and a wrong determinant; confirming the chief complaint protects dispatch precision.

The CAD entry records the protocol number, determinant level, and response mode; the entry is checked against the protocol before the unit is dispatched.

The calltaker does not change a determinant because the caller sounds calm or because units are busy; the protocol's determinant governs.

Unknown answers are handled by the protocol's unknown option; the calltaker does not default to the lowest priority when information is missing.

DD-CPR begins when the patient is unresponsive and not breathing normally; agonal gasping counts as not breathing normally.

The calltaker instructs the caller to place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest and push hard and fast at the protocol's rate.

The protocol's compression rate is about 100 to 120 per minute; the calltaker keeps the caller counting to maintain the rate.

Pre-arrival instructions are read from the approved script; the calltaker does not give medical advice outside the protocol.

The calltaker stays on the line and continues DD-CPR until EMS arrives or the protocol directs otherwise.

AED instructions are given only when the protocol's script calls for them and the scene is safe.

Recertification requires the certifying body's CDE hours within the cycle; the candidate verifies the current requirement before the deadline.

CDE hours are logged with dates, topics, and hours; only approved activities count toward recertification.

Protocol update training is recorded as CDE and is completed before the revised protocol is used.

Case review and quality assurance sessions count as CDE when approved by the certifying body.

The recertification application and documentation are submitted before the expiration date to avoid a lapse.

Protocol compliance and the certifying body's code of conduct are part of recertification eligibility.