EMS Quality Corner
Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization (FDRHPO), along with the North Country Regional Emergency Medical Advisory Committee (REMAC), conducts studies throughout the year to improve processes and the quality of care across the region.
Acquisition of Vital Signs in Refusal Patients
Vital sign acquisition in patients who refuse transport is critical to providing adequate patient care. A complete assessment of vital signs and GCS is key to providing an informed refusal. Completing an assessment of vital signs and GCS can reveal underlying health concerns that may require further medical attention. Arguably, GCS is the most important vital sign and should be performed on every refusal of transport patient to ensure patients have the mental capacity to refuse further treatment and transport.