Essential Emergency Procedures Protocol for Family Medicine Practices

1. Emergency Equipment and Supplies

Required Equipment

• Emergency crash cart
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
• Airway management supplies
• Emergency medications kit
• Portable oxygen tank with delivery devices

Monthly Checklist

• Verify medication expiration dates
• Check oxygen tank levels
• Test AED functionality
• Inspect emergency equipment
• Review emergency kit contents

2. Staff Roles and Responsibilities

Team Leader (Physician)

• Directs emergency response
• Performs primary assessment
• Delegates tasks
• Makes clinical decisions

Primary Nurse

• Assists physician directly
• Administers medications
• Documents interventions
• Monitors vital signs

Secondary Staff

• Calls 911
• Retrieves emergency equipment
• Controls crowd/family members
• Guides EMS to location

3. Emergency Response Protocols

Cardiac Arrest

1. Initiate CPR immediately
2. Activate emergency response system
3. Deploy AED
4. Establish IV access
5. Document time and interventions

Anaphylaxis

1. Assess airway and breathing
2. Administer epinephrine
3. Establish IV access
4. Monitor vital signs
5. Prepare for transport

Acute Respiratory Distress

1. Position patient appropriately
2. Administer oxygen
3. Assess vital signs
4. Prepare nebulizer if needed
5. Consider emergency medications

4. Documentation Requirements

During Emergency

• Time of onset
• Vital signs
• Interventions performed
• Medications administered
• Response to treatment

Post-Emergency

• Complete incident report
• Review team response
• Update patient records
• Contact family members
• Schedule follow-up

5. Training Requirements

Annual Certifications

• BLS certification
• ACLS certification (if applicable)
• Emergency procedure review
• Equipment training
• Mock emergency drills

6. Quality Improvement

Monthly Review

• Emergency response times
• Equipment availability
• Staff performance
• Documentation compliance
• Protocol updates