HOSPITAL DESTINATION DECISION

Policy:

It is the policy of Iredell County EMS to efficiently transport patients to an appropriate medical facility for definitive care.

Purpose:

· Ensure each stable and competent patient is allowed to determine his or her choice of hospital for definitive medical care.

· Ensure that each patient is delivered to licensed medical institutions located within Iredell County.

· Ensure that unstable patients receive transportation to the closest, appropriate hospital.

Procedure:

1. Field personnel will base each decision regarding a patient’s transport destination upon one of the following guidelines in order of priority:

An unstable patient whose condition requires specialized and/or immediate care. Transport to the closest, appropriate hospital without delay.
A stable, competent patient’s physician requests transport to a specific hospital. Transport to the physician’s in-county hospital of choice after confirming same with said physician or his/her office staff if time allows.
A stable, competent patient requests transport to a specific hospital. Transport to the patient’s in-county hospital of choice.
A relative, caregiver, or healthcare power of attorney requests transport of a stable, incompetent patient to a specific hospital. Transport to the in-county hospital of choice as requested.

Transport of a stable, competent patient from a non-medical facility or private residence to an out-of-county hospital. Contact the on-duty EMS Operations Supervisor and medical control in order to obtain permission to transport out-of-county. The transport decision will be based upon proximity to an in-county hospital and the availability of other ICEMS units to provide coverage in the event permission for out-of-county transport is granted.