Transport Destination

[Guest guest]

I have aquestion for the medico/legal gurus out there. If a

patient calls 911, an ambualnce arrives and the patient needs transport

to a hospital. The patient is stable however requires definitive care.

The patient requests to be transported, however they request to be

transported to a hospital that is outside the normal service area of

the 911 provider. (Example: EMScity ambulance responds and has a

policy that they can only transport to EMScity hospital) Is there legal

backing that would allow the patient to be trnasported to the further

hospital because that is where the patient firmly requests to be taken.

In short, does a patient have a legal right to choose where they are

transported to?

Or...

Can the EMS service deny transport except to their choice of facility?

Thank you,

Almand

EMT-P

[Guest guest]

;

I don't remember seeing anyone respond to your question. The answer is " NO "

there is not any rule that would deny a patient being transported to the

hospital of thier choice. The patient does have the right to request the

hospital destination.

I would caution though about taking the patient too far from the service

area. The local protocol or policy for a particular service can dictate where

patients are transferred to.

I would definitely document carefully the patients transport wishes as well

as document the service policy; if that is the case.

The supervisor for the service should also be able to answer your question

or be able to find some type of answer for you.

Having been terminated for just such a decision, I can understand the

confusion and need to know.

Almand wrote:

I have aquestion for the medico/legal gurus out there. If a

patient calls 911, an ambualnce arrives and the patient needs transport

to a hospital. The patient is stable however requires definitive care.

The patient requests to be transported, however they request to be

transported to a hospital that is outside the normal service area of

the 911 provider. (Example: EMScity ambulance responds and has a

policy that they can only transport to EMScity hospital) Is there legal

backing that would allow the patient to be trnasported to the further

hospital because that is where the patient firmly requests to be taken.

In short, does a patient have a legal right to choose where they are

transported to?

Or...

Can the EMS service deny transport except to their choice of facility?

Thank you,

Almand

EMT-P

Danny L.

Owner/NREMT-P

PETSAR INC.

(Panhandle Emergency Training Services And Response)

Office

Fax