Worcester CMED

About Us FAQs CMED State/National Training News Store/Forms LINKS Home Page

The CMED Operator

Entry Notifications

No emergency patient should arrive by ambulance at a hospital without notification through CMED. Entry notifications should be early and brief, indicating an estimated time of arrival (ETA), the patient's age, sex and chief complaint. Only essential information needed for appropriate patient preparation should be relayed. A full patient report should be given to staff upon transfer of patient care at the hospital.

Medical Direction

On-line Medical Direction refers to direct radio or telephone communication with a medical control physician for patient management consultation. EMTs at all levels may request CMED facilitated medical control when indicated per protocol or when medical advice is needed. Medical control contact must be documented on the patient care report and the physician's signature must be obtained.

Responsibilities of EMS Providers

• • The proper use of communications equipment is essential to effective system operation.

  • EMTs have an obligation to understand the regional EMS system.

  • They are also encouraged to contribute to the success and advancement of the system. Participation in regional committees and suggestions as to how to improve patient care is second only to the delivery of patient care.

  • Once medical control and direction has been established with an appropriate physician, the EMT may request a change in medical control only if technical difficulties prohibit further contact with that physician.

  • Questions about medical control on a specific call should first be discussed privately with the physician involved. EMTs may also wish to consult their own service medical director.

  • Unresolved issues may be directed to the regional medical director.

Responsibilities of Hospital Personnel

Hospital personnel who utilize the CMED system have an obligation to understand the EMS system and the skills and capabilities of the EMTs with whom they are communicating. Medical orders must be given directly by a physician who is identified as the medical control physician. All physicians providing medical direction should receive formal training in radio communications from the hospital, including the importance of concise, confidential transmissions. Medical Control Physicians are expected to have thorough knowledge of the most current Massachusetts Pre-Hospital Treatment Protocols and be willing to participate in case reviews.

Priority Call Guidelines

PRIORITY ONE (Immediate Life Threatening)

PRIORITY THREE (Non-Life Threatening)

• • Stable trauma:

    • • Minor Lacerations and Soft Tissue Injuries

      • Suspected Minor Fracture without Circulatory or Nervous System Compromise

  • Other Non-Acute Medical Complaints

PRIORITY FOUR (Stable)

• • Interagency Transfers

  • Direct Admissions

Tower Map

Region 2 CMED Radio Tower Locations

return to top of page...