Who typically provides 'offline medical direction' in EMS?

The term 'offline medical direction' refers to guidance provided by a physician who is not physically present at the scene of an emergency response but plays a crucial role in defining the protocols and treatment guidelines that EMTs and paramedics must follow. This type of medical direction ensures that the pre-established standards of care are adhered to during emergency situations, allowing responders to provide effective and appropriate care while following established medical protocols.

This physician sets the medical protocols that respond to various emergency scenarios and ensures that EMS personnel are prepared to deliver consistent and evidence-based care. They are typically involved in online medical direction when they are contacted during an incident for real-time guidance, but offline medical direction involves the initial development and approval of protocols that EMS teams will utilize.

Others like an EMT during emergencies, a local hospital administrator, or a paramedic directly on the scene do not provide the offline medical direction because they either operate within established protocols rather than establishing them, or they are on the scene and not in a position to define procedures for future use or across the board.