What do you hand over the EMTs when they are taking a patient to the hospital?

[Rle09]

Hi everyone, I'm a brand new nurse and just got hired for my first new job. I know I will be in situations where I will be calling the 911 and patients may have to be sent out to the hospital, especially when I'm the only charge LPN in my Assisted Living building. I have never dealt with the EMTs coming in. I just wanted to know what are the appropriate documents I should/could hand over to them? A report sheet? The patients MAR? And any tips I should prepare for them for when they come in?

Thanks everyone!

[CT Pixie, BSN, RN]

I was lucky enough to work in a facility that was fully computerized. all I had to do was click 2 spots and a print out of the W10 as well as copies of the DNR paperwork and a list of current meds (scheduled and PRNs) and the last times taken.

Its best to check with your super to find out exactly what you send with your patient. But the norm is at the very least a W10 (the interfacility document).

Also, be sure to have info ready for report off to the EMS team. Speaking as a former EMT, a brief discription of what is going on, any vitals taken, a quick medical history and any allergies known. Oh, and the patients normal mentation bseline (alert, confused, dementia etc)

[CryssieD]

Best advice I can give--ask your boss! Your facility probably has a protocol for this--if they don't, they should! In general, when sending a patient out, send these things:

history and physical, or diagnosis sheet

latest progress notes--MD and/or nursing, including your assessment and any interventions prior to sending out; MD order to send to hospital

MARs

any living will or DNR papers

next of kin or emergency contact

Medicare/Medicaid/insurance info

any pertinent recent labs, Xrays, etc

Be sure to give report to EMT's about the patient's history (diabetic, hypertensive, has a pacemaker, etc), why you're sending him/her out, and anything you did--meds you gave, VS, blood sugar, etc. I've worked lots of long-term care--I can relate; with the first few patients I had to send out I felt kind of scattered--what do I do?! but now it's second nature! Hope that helps!