What does the Orange County EMS protocol state regarding patient transport?

The protocol emphasizes that patient transport must be determined by the medical necessity of the patient and their condition stability. This approach ensures that those who are critically ill or injured receive the urgent care they need while also efficiently using resources for patients who may not require immediate transport. Assessing medical necessity helps prioritize which patients need to be transported first, thereby enhancing overall patient outcomes and ensuring appropriate usage of EMS services.

In this context, understanding the patient's condition allows EMS personnel to make informed decisions on whether transport is warranted. This protocol aligns with the overarching goal of EMS: to provide timely and appropriate care to individuals in need, based on their specific medical situations. Thus, the correct answer reflects a structured and patient-centered approach to emergency medical transport.