BLS protocols: The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania utilizes common Basic Life Support protocols for all regions of Pennsylvania. This ensures consistency and limits confusion for personnel who may work in multiple EMS regions. BLS protocols are applicable to ALL levels of EMS personnel. All First Responders, EMTs, Paramedics and PHRNs as well as medical command physicians and service medical directors should be well versed in the BLS protocols. Personnel should also be familiar with the scope of practice of EMS personnel at not just their level but all levels.

The Commonwealth of Pa ALS protocols may be adopted by regional councils or may serve as a template for regional protocols. The EMMCO West Regional Medical Advisory Committee and Board of Directors has chosen to elaborate on the Commonwealth template to better guide the ALS practitioner with medications and procedures which may be optional at the state level but may have been or not been adopted at the regional level. The EMMCO West ALS protocols include some additional protocols and procedural guidelines.

The EMMCO West ALS Interfacility treatment protocols provide direction on the administration of approved infusions which may not be covered in the general ALS protocols.

The EMMCO West Regional ALS medication list includes those medications from the Commonwealth ALS medication list which are included in the Regional ALS protocols.

The Commonwealth ALS medication list includes all of the medications which may be administered by ALS personnel if those medications are included in regional protocol or if the medication is used in an interfacility transfer and the ALS service medical director has approved the use of the medication for an interfacility transfer and has trained the ALS personnel in the use of the medication.

Out of hospital DNR orders allow EMS personnel to honor the wishes of terminally ill patients.