Protocols vs. Reality: When the Algorithm Doesn't Fit the Patient

You followed the protocol - so why are you still in trouble? While protocols are essential for standardizing care and improving outcomes, they cannot account for every patient or every situation. This session focuses on the critical moments when EMS providers must move beyond the algorithm and rely on clinical judgment. Attendees will explore common scenarios where protocols break down, learn practical strategies for safe and appropriate deviation, and develop documentation techniques that clearly explain and defend their decision-making in high-risk situations.