What documentation is required after an EMS call?

The requirement for a patient care report detailing assessments, treatments, and outcomes is critical for several reasons in emergency medical services. This document serves as a comprehensive record of the patient's condition upon arrival, the interventions performed by EMS personnel, and the patient's response to those interventions.

Such documentation ensures continuity of care, allowing receiving healthcare providers at the hospital to understand what has transpired during the pre-hospital phase. It also provides a legal record that can be used in case of litigation or disputes regarding the care provided. Furthermore, accurate and complete documentation is essential for quality assurance and improvement processes within the EMS system, allowing for analysis of outcomes and performance metrics.

In contrast, while verbal reports to hospital staff may be provided, they are not sufficient as a standalone form of documentation, as they do not capture all necessary details required for comprehensive patient care. Similarly, no documentation would undermine the standard of care and could lead to negative consequences for both the patient and EMS professionals. Lastly, a brief note in the medical ledger would also lack the necessary detail and permanence that a full patient care report provides.