The on scene time should be kept to less than 15 minutes in all cases. Certain unforeseen factors may increase this, but overall this goal should be a consistent top priority. There are important treatments / information that need to be completed prior to departure:
-
Manage threats to airway, breathing and circulation
-
Determine last known well time
-
Obtain history / medications (if applicable)
-
Ensure the patient does not exert themselves (i.e. stair chair removal may be lengthy)
The total time in this EMS protocol is less than 17 minutes, excluding travel time. Diligent effort is required at all steps in this process to keep prehospital time to an absolute minimum (22).
